38. Why Working Moms Are Set Up to Struggle

What happens when motherhood collides with a system that wasn’t built to support it?In this powerful conversation with Alexa Starks, founder of Executive Moms and Mothered Magazine, we unpacked the reality of modern motherhood, workplace inequities, and the systems that shape women’s lives. From navigating toxic return-to-work experiences to redefining ambition, Alexa shared her journey from corporate leader to outspoken advocate for systemic change. Together, they explored concepts like matrescence, the hidden struggles of postpartum life, and why so many moms feel like they’re failing—when in reality, the system is failing them.00:00 – Introduction & Meet Alexa Starks01:30 – From Corporate Career to Motherhood Reality03:30 – Why Alexa Started Executive Moms05:30 – “Motherhood Made Me Feral”06:45 – The Truth About Resilience in Mothers09:00 – What is Matrescence?11:50 – Identity Shift: Becoming “Mom”13:40 – The Reality of Breastfeeding15:20 – Motherhood Then vs Now17:00 – Patriarchy Explained20:50 – What is Matriarchy (Really)?24:00 – Women, Power & Society28:40 – Dealing with Criticism & Online Hate31:20 – Why Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right33:20 – How to Create Real Change36:40 – Masculinity, Femininity & Balance42:30 – U.S. vs Netherlands: Parenting & Culture45:30 – Final Thoughts: It’s Not You, It’s the System#WorkingMoms #Motherhood #Matrescence #ParentingPodcast #WomenInLeadership #CareerAndMotherhood #Feminism #ModernMotherhood #WorkLifeBalance #TrustMeMom #MomLife #ParentingTruths #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #PostpartumJourney