Between Meetings & Motherhood
by Alexa Starks
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.
Episodes
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Too Cringe to Post? Watch This Before You Quit
Mom Founders: if you’re ready for real business growth with a community of other mom founders around the world, join the Mothered Founders Club. Waitlist is open, doors open mid-November to waitlist members first! Join us https://www.motheredmedia.com/founders-club Imagine speaking to a room of…
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Stop Planning the Nursery, Plan Your Postpartum
Most pregnant women spend months on the registry, the nursery, and the baby shower, then hit the fourth trimester with no plan for themselves. Nina Spears has spent 15 years changing that. She’s a baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, massage therapist, and author of The Baby Chick Guide to...
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How Mom Founders Do Big, Scary, Audacious Things
When was the last time someone asked you what you want to build — not how you juggle it all, not how you manage it while raising kids, but what you actually want to build? In this solo episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa Starks gets into it: what doing big shit actually means…
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She Built a Postpartum App Days After Giving Birth
She started developing the app just days after giving birth to her third child. Not because she had it all figured out — but because she’d spent years as a massage therapist, prenatal and postpartum doula, and lactation counselor watching new mothers fall through the cracks, and she knew exactly...
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The Woman Fighting to Keep Families Together
She dropped out of high school at 17, got her GED, and flew to South Africa with a group of strangers. While there, she was handed a three-day-old baby boy whose 14-year-old mother had given birth alone in the woods and fled. Everyone’s heart turned to the baby. Charlee’s went straight to the…
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She Became the Mom She Wished She'd Had
She didn’t go back to school for a master’s degree in clinical psychology because she had it all figured out. She went because she was in the thick of early motherhood, things were coming up from her own childhood she couldn’t ignore, and she wanted to break the cycle — for her daughters, and for...
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Actually, Your Kid Is Fine and Here's Why That's Good Enough
What if your kid being “fine” is actually… fine? In a culture obsessed with excellence, enrichment programs, and diagnosing anything that falls short of perfect, clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Katie Davis is making the case that we’ve lost the plot — and that our kids are paying the price for it....
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The Raw, Honest Motherhood Conversations We're Not Having
Samantha Hays was drowning in early motherhood. Her daughter cried constantly, nobody was sleeping, the internet kept serving her five-dollar sleep hacks that didn’t work, and every time she scrolled Instagram she saw perfect moms with perfect babies and wondered what was wrong with her. Then one...
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Adoption as a Path to Motherhood: Myths, Costs & the Real Process
Christine Tangel, LCSW, Senior Director of Post-Adoption Services at Spence-Chapin, breaks down the three paths to adoption, what it really costs, how long it takes, and how matrescence shows up for adoptive moms too. Part of National Working Motherhood Week's expert interview series.Learn more...
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How to Ask Your Employer for What You Need: A 5-Step HR Pitch Framework
Michelle Yu, co-founder and CEO of Josie, walks through a 5-step framework for pitching parental leave, flexibility, and other workplace support as a strategic business case, not a personal favor. Part of National Working Motherhood Week's expert interview series.Learn more about Josie:...
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Making the Mental Load Visible: How One Mom Built a Family Operating System
Teasing a special interview with Briana Succop, founder of Cookie, who is hosting a hands-on workshop at National Working Motherhood Week all about mapping the mental load! Register for it here: https://luma.com/national-working-motherhood-week Briana Succop was executive-functioning all day at…
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Rebuilding Your Identity After Leaving Corporate as a Working Mom
She left her corporate job, looked around, and realized she had no one to talk to. No community of women who got it. No space for the messy middle of leaving a career, redefining ambition, and figuring out who you are on the other side of it all. So she built one — in three days. In this episode…
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The Ultimate Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Center — What Every New Mom Needs
She came to America as an au pair, never intending to stay. She had no business background, had never written a check, never used a computer. She didn’t even know what a leadership style was. But she saw a gap so enormous — new mothers with no village, no support, no community — that she filled…
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How to Build an HR Strategy That Actually Supports Working Moms
Most companies don’t have HR built for working mothers. The policies aren’t there, the flexibility isn’t there, and when women return from maternity leave, the support isn’t there either. Sarah Alaimo has spent two decades inside organizations changing that — and now she’s doing it on her own…
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Postpartum Anxiety in High Achieving Moms
You’re not depressed. You’re not crying all day. You’re actually doing everything — and that’s the problem. For high-achieving, ambitious moms, postpartum anxiety doesn’t look like falling apart. It looks like over-functioning, controlling every nap schedule down to the minute, unable to sit…
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The Unfiltered Truth About Your Pelvic Floor & Vagina
Why are you peeing yourself when you jump? Why do you desperately need to poop the second you drink coffee? What’s that dot in your thong actually telling you? And why has nobody ever talked to you about any of this? In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down…
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The Powerhouse Couple Revolutionizing Breastfeeding Together
Alex had a 56-hour labor, a planned home birth that ended in a hospital transfer, and a son born with an infection in his lungs who was immediately rushed to the NICU. She was at home pumping around the clock, receiving contradictory information from lactation consultants, and ready to quit...
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NICU, Twins & Surviving 18 Months of Postpartum Depression So She Could Build This for Every Mom
Sophie Epton found out at 18 weeks pregnant that her son had a rare heart condition. He had open heart surgery at nine days old and spent 41 days in NICU. And then at 10 months postpartum, when life finally slowed down — the postpartum depression hit like a ton of bricks. For 18 months she held…
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Booking Kids' Activities Is Broken. These Two Moms Are Fixing It
Booking kids’ camps, classes, and after-school activities is a nightmare. You’re deep in Google results, creating accounts just to find out there’s no availability, calling numbers that go nowhere. Meanwhile DoorDash exists. Molly Morse noticed that gap, called her co-founder Amy Kiska, and…
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From the NICU to the Motherhood Penalty to Doing Big Shit
She had a high-flying career in international higher education, a son diagnosed with a rare lung disease at her 20-week scan, 18 months out of the office navigating pregnancy, PTSD, major pediatric surgery, and a return to work so unsupportive it gave her a full-blown motherhood penalty — being...
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How to Actually Do Big Shit — The Strategy Nobody Talks About
Welcome to Doing Big Shit — a brand new series inside Between Meetings & Motherhood where host Alexa Starks sits down with founders, builders, and visionaries who are doing exactly that. First up: Synne Linden, a Norwegian-born, Australia-raised, 13-year entrepreneur and founder of Tidal — a...
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From Educator to Bestselling Author — Here's What She Wants Every Parent to Know
What if the secret to raising confident, emotionally resilient kids isn’t doing more — it’s doing less? In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Sarah Lucas, childhood education expert with over 25 years in the classroom, author of Atomic Parenting, and…
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From McKinsey to Matrescence Coach and Redefining Success and Identity in Motherhood
She had the career most people dream about — McKinsey consultant, Alibaba leadership program, expat life in Shanghai, all the external markers of success. Then she had a baby. And six months later, she was standing in a forest telling her husband she wanted to quit everything. In this episode of...
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Mom of 4, Therapist, Corporate Leader — She's Living Everything She Helps Other Women Through
She had four kids back to back. She’s a maternal mental health therapist, a keynote speaker, a global clinical researcher, and she’s doing it all while raising a seven-year-old, a five-year-old, a two-year-old, and a six-month-old. In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa…
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She Built a Maternal Mental Health Business From the Beach — While Raising a Toddler in the Philippines
She got angry. Really angry. And instead of swallowing it, she built a business out of it. In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Vanessa Rio — cover feature of the July issue of Mothered Magazine, founder of Mothering Minds, and the woman quietly…
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The 8 Secrets to Building a Business While Raising Babies That No One Talks About
Nobody tells you the real truth about building a business while raising small children. Not the highlight reel version — the actual truth. In this solo episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood, host Alexa Starks breaks down the 8 things she wishes someone had told her before she started building...
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The Most Ambitious Woman in the Room Is Also the Most Present Mom — Here's Her Secret | Exclusive Interview with Alex Pensiero, Founder of Wellspring Coaching
What if the skills that make you a great mom are the exact same ones that make you a great leader? In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Alex Pensiero — doctor, school psychologist, leadership coach, and founder of Wellspring Coaching and Consulting...
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She Burned It All Down & Built Something Better — The Origin Story of Made for Mothers | Exclusive Interview with Mariah Stockman
She was the county's number one Girl Scout cookie seller at nine years old, moved to New York City the day after her 18th birthday with zero plan, built a quarter-million-dollar marketing agency during COVID — and then burned it all down three weeks postpartum while being threatened with a…
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The Invisible Work Running Your Home And How One Founder Is Solving It | Exclusive Interview with Ashley Chang Dawson, Founder of Sundays
Two working parents, a baby, and an endless list of mental load no one ever sees — that's the problem Ashley Chang Dawson set out to solve before she even became a mom herself. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Ashley, founder of Sundays...
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Your Pelvic Floor Changes Everything: Exclusive Interview with Anna McMaster, Pelvic Floor PT
Most women don't hear the words "pelvic floor" until they're already pregnant — or already dealing with symptoms they don't know how to name. In this episode, Alexa talks with Anna McMaster, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist, about the muscle group your OB probably never...
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The Hidden Mental Load of Summer: How One Mom Built a Business to Fix It | Exclusive Interview with Kathryn Hatcher, Founder of Camply
Did you know U.S. kids are out of school up to 18 weeks a year — but most working parents only get 4 weeks of PTO? That gap is exactly what Kathryn Hatcher set out to solve. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Kathryn, founder of Camply...
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What Every Ambitious Woman Needs to Know About Money | Exclusive Interview with Danielle Sissons, Founder of Ivey Financial Planning
Most women were never taught how to invest, and that gap is costing them. In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks sits down with Danielle Sissons, independent financial planner and founder of Ivy Financial Planning — a firm built specifically for ambitious women who...
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Matrescence at Work Part 1: Building a Business While Becoming Someone New
Building a business while becoming a mother can feel like everything is shifting at once—and no one really explains why. In this episode, Alexa talks about matrescence—the real, full-body transition into motherhood that affects your mind, your energy, your emotions, and your entire life…
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From Corporate Strategy to Maternal Revolution: Exclusive Interview with Morgane Besins
Most women dismiss the postpartum phase as a “natural” part of motherhood, but the truth is, it’s often poorly supported and profoundly misunderstood — until now. In this eye-opening interview with Morgane Besins, she reveals how her journey from corporate leadership at Netflix to redefining...
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The Myth of the Perfect Mom: Exclusive Interview with Erin Schlozman
Most moms feel like they’re expected to do it all perfectly — but Erin Schlozman’s story and insight reveal why that’s a dangerous myth. In this candid episode, Erin shares how postpartum anxiety tipped her into a mission to dismantle society’s impossible standards for mothers. From her personal...
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From Crisis to Calling: An Exclusive Interview with Crystina Hughes
Most women are navigating a maternal health system that often overlooks Black women and underserved communities—but what if the solutions were rooted in community-led, accessible care? In this exclusive interview with Crystina Hughes, she shares her inspiring journey from nurse to doula…
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What Is a Matriarchy — And Why Don't We Talk About It?
You've heard the word. You've probably dismissed it. Today, we're taking it back. In this episode, Alexa breaks down the word matriarchy to its roots — and what she finds might surprise you. Mater. Origin. Source. Foundation. This word was never about domination. It was about where everything...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Redefining Motherhood Career Breaks and New Identities with Barbara Joyce
Join host Alexa Starks and guest Barbara Joyce ter Horst, founder of Thrive Career Development, as they delve into the transformative journey of motherhood and career reentry. Discover how to embrace new identities, overcome workplace biases, and leverage motherhood skills in professional…
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From NICU Challenges to Joyful Milestones of Motherhood with Shayna Abraham
In this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, host Alexa Starks welcomes Shayna Abraham, a dedicated advocate for families navigating the challenges of the NICU and beyond. Shayna shares her personal journey of becoming a mother to a premature baby and how it inspired her to support…
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The Journey from Postpartum Struggles to Maternal Health Advocacy with Nikki Steele Osborne
Join Alexa Starks as she chats with Nikki Steele Osborne, the Scottish Soul Sister, about her transformative journey from hairdresser to maternal mental health advocate. Discover how Nikki's personal battles with postpartum depression led her to create resources for new parents, and learn about…
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Embracing Imperfection in the Journey Through Motherhood and Grief with Michelle Valiukenas
TW: Grief & Pregnancy Loss In this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Michelle Valiukenas delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood. Michelle shares her poignant journey through loss and how it has shaped her approach to parenting. Together, they discuss…
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A Mother’s Unconditional Support with Diane Moca
TW: Suicide and Mental Health In this deeply moving episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Diane Moca delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood and mental health. Diane shares her personal journey of balancing career ambitions with the challenges of parenting, revealing...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Alexa Starks