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Today, I’m speaking with Kate Battistelli, a former Broadway actress turned author, speaker and podcaster. She brings a fresh and hopeful message to parents experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the empty nest.
Her newest book, titled “The After Party of the Empty Nest,” is a powerful encouragement to women — and men — to not only survive the transition, but to thrive in the next season of life.
Kate shares how she struggled when her only daughter, Grammy-winning Christian singer Francesca Battistelli, left home, and how God used that painful season to redirect her into a brand-new calling.
Kate’s story is a beautiful example of how God can take what feels like an ending and turn it into a meaningful new beginning.
When her daughter, Francesca, moved away to pursue a music career, Kate was hit hard by the unexpected loneliness and loss of purpose that often accompany an empty nest.
But rather than stay stuck in grief, Kate chose to reframe her season as an “after party” — or a new chapter filled with joy, discovery and divine calling.
Today, Kate finds purpose in writing books, co-hosting the “Mom to Mom” podcast, and speaking to women across the country about their second act. She emphasized that purpose after 50 doesn’t have to be grand or flashy. It just needs to be aligned with obedience to God.
Whether mentoring younger women, volunteering or even starting a new career, Kate encourages others to step into whatever role God has prepared for them even if it’s scary, and even if they feel unqualified.
“The Lord doesn’t call the qualified,” she said. “He qualifies the called.”
Kate’s own life bears witness to that, as someone who never intended to become a writer or speaker. Yet, she has written three books which impacted thousands, and Kate continues to walk in purpose well after her Broadway curtain call.
She believes that many people over 50 are sitting on untapped wisdom and experience that the next generation desperately needs. In fact, she calls out a lack of Titus 2-style mentoring in today’s church and culture, urging seasoned women — and men — to re-engage and pour into younger generations.
Kate also reminded listeners that stepping into purpose doesn’t mean chasing a title or position. It could be as quiet and holy as praying for others, caring for grandchildren, or serving in obscurity.
What matters most is saying “yes” when God calls — even if it’s your third or fourth act in life. As Kate explained, “You have to choose to be chosen.”
For people wondering what’s next for their lives, Kate’s advice is to begin praying now for what the next season might hold. Don’t wait until the house is empty and the silence sets in.
God has a purpose for every stage of life, and the empty nest might just be the open door to your most impactful and rewarding chapter yet.
To learn more about Kate or to order “The After Party of the Empty Nest,” visit her website at www.katebattistelli.com. Her book is also available on Amazon. You can also get a free download of the book’s introduction and first chapter by texting “afterparty” — all one word — to 44144.
And if you’re a younger mom or know someone who is, check out the “Mom to Mom” podcast, where Kate and her co-hosts offer heartfelt wisdom across the generations.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
If you order Kate’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.