Between Meetings & Motherhood

Alexa Starks
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Between Meetings & Motherhood is a podcast about power, identity, and leadership in the modern working mother’s life. Hosted by Alexa Starks, maternity leave coach, leadership expert, workplace culture innovator, and mother of two, the show explores what really happens when ambition, responsibility, and caregiving collide. Through solo episodes and in-depth interviews with powerful working mothers - founders, executives, and culture-shapers - this podcast names the conversations women are often having quietly, between calendar invites and carpool lines.

  1. 12H AGO

    Who Designed This Sh*t? (Hint: Not a Mom)

    In this eye-opening episode, Alexa Starks uncovers the origins of the school and work hour mismatches that unfairly burden mothers and caregivers. From the 19th-century factory days to today's rigid 9-to-5 structure, she reveals how these outdated systems continue to accelerate burnout and reinforce gendered inequalities. You'll discover how the true cost of this misalignment harms not only working moms but society as a whole—and why the powerful have little incentive to change it. Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/ Learn more about Executive Moms https://www.executivemoms.co/ Learn more about Mothered Magazine - the only magazine spotlighting powerful working mothers: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/

    17 min

  2. MAR 3

    Motherhood as Empathetic Leadership

    Did motherhood make you softer… or did it make you sharper? In this episode, Alexa challenges the narrative that empathy is a “soft skill” and reframes it for what it actually is: a leadership advantage. After sharing a personal story from her own return to work, Alexa explores how motherhood strengthens attunement, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking — the very skills research links to higher performance, stronger engagement, and better retention. Drawing on data from the Center for Creative Leadership, Catalyst, Harvard Business Review, and neuroscience research on caregiving and empathy, she breaks down why empathetic leaders are rated higher in effectiveness — and why workplaces still undervalue the skill. But this isn’t just theory. Alexa shares three practical ways working moms can use empathy strategically: How to spot early disengagement before it turns into attrition How to diffuse conflict without over-functioning How to pair empathy with standards so you don’t burn out If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming a mother made you less competitive or less ambitious, this episode offers a powerful reframe. Connect with Alexa: On IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/ Learn more about: Mothered Magazine: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/ Executive Moms: https://www.executivemoms.co/https://www.executivemoms.co/ The Maternal Strengths Report https://www.executivemoms.co/the-maternal-strengths-report

    13 min

  3. FEB 17

    Burn the Patriarchy, Not Yourself

    In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, Alexa Starks talks about the quiet anger many working mothers carry — and why it isn’t irrational, dramatic, or misplaced. Modern workplaces were built around assumptions that don’t reflect caregiving realities. Yet when mothers struggle inside those systems, we’re told to optimize, adapt, and manage better — instead of questioning the structure itself. This episode explores how patriarchal systems show up in everyday work culture, why women internalize systemic pressure as personal failure, and what it really means to “burn the patriarchy” without burning yourself out. This isn’t about chaos or quitting.It’s about redirecting anger into clarity, boundaries, and structural awareness. If you’ve ever felt frustrated and then immediately blamed yourself — this one’s for you. If you're interested in being featured in Mothered Magazine's spring issue, applications are open until February 28. Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured Follow @mothered.magazine on Instagram and Alexa Starks on Instagram

    10 min

  4. FEB 10

    The Realities of Working Motherhood: Answering Your Top Asked Questions

    In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks addresses common questions and concerns faced by working mothers. She discusses the challenges of comparing oneself to others, the exhaustion that comes with juggling work and motherhood, and the importance of asking for help. Starks emphasizes that every phase of motherhood is different and that support is crucial for navigating these challenges. She encourages listeners to communicate their needs and reminds them that things will get easier over time. Applications are now open to be interviewed in the upcoming Spring 2026 issue of Mothered magazine. Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured And follow https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/ or connect with Alexa Starks on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

    11 min

  5. FEB 3

    Some Days, It’s Just… A Lot

    In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks discusses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. She addresses common questions from listeners about the overwhelming nature of this dual role, the long-term journey of working motherhood, and the importance of self-compassion during tough times. Follow on Instagram: @alexa.starks @mothered.magazine Interested in being featured and interviewed for the upcoming Spring 2026 issue of Mothered Magazine? Learn more here: https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured

    9 min

  6. JAN 27

    The Unrealistic Expectations of Working Moms

    In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on working mothers and how these norms fail to accommodate their caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for systemic change in workplaces to support mothers, who often feel pressured to be constantly available and productive. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the challenges mothers face and advocating for a more flexible and understanding work environment. If you're an expecting or new mom, please make sure you have a maternity leave & return to work plan and know how to advocate for yourself! View the resources here: https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms Follow on social: https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/ https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

    7 min

  7. JAN 16

    Revolutionizing Parenthood and Big Motherhood Dreams with Amanda DeLuca

    Join Alexa Starks and Amanda DeLuca in this engaging episode of the Reentry Room podcast, where they dive into the realities of working motherhood. Amanda, a pediatric sleep consultant and co-creator of the Riley app, shares her journey through motherhood, balancing career and family, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how the Riley app is revolutionizing parenting with expert-backed insights and personalized support. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, this episode offers valuable takeaways on managing work-life balance, advocating for yourself, and embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood. Don't miss the exclusive offer for listeners to try the Riley app for free! Follow The Riley App on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrileyapp/?hl=en Use code REENTRY for $50 yearly subscription - just enter the code at checkout of the yearly subscription! And follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delucamanda/?hl=en Connect with Alexa: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ https://www.executivemoms.co/

    35 min

  8. JAN 14

    Empowering Working Parents and the Biggest Secret to Balancing It All with Carla Greenan

    Join host Alexa Starks in this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast as she sits down with Carla Greenan, an inspiring executive coach for working parents. Carla opens up about her transition from a demanding career in accounting to empowering parents through coaching. Discover her insights on managing the chaos of motherhood, the pivotal lessons learned from raising three children, and the art of balancing professional ambitions with family life. Whether you're navigating the early days of parenthood or the teenage years, Carla's wisdom offers a guiding light. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical tips, personal stories, and a reminder that thriving is possible for every working parent. Connect with Carla: www.linkedin.com/in/carla-greenan https://www.instagram.com/3becoaching/ If you're pregnant or a working mom and looking for resources about a maternity leave plan, confidently pumping at work, or advocating for yourself please visit ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/for-moms ⁠ Connect with Alexa: ⁠⁠https://www.executivemoms.co/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexastarks/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/

    18 min
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About

Between Meetings & Motherhood is a podcast about power, identity, and leadership in the modern working mother’s life. Hosted by Alexa Starks, maternity leave coach, leadership expert, workplace culture innovator, and mother of two, the show explores what really happens when ambition, responsibility, and caregiving collide. Through solo episodes and in-depth interviews with powerful working mothers - founders, executives, and culture-shapers - this podcast names the conversations women are often having quietly, between calendar invites and carpool lines.

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