340. The After Party Of The Empty Nest: Mom Isn't Your Only Name Today's Heartlift With Janell podcast

340. The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Isn't Your Only Name

6d ago 49:33

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The quiet after the last suitcase leaves can feel like a freefall—or a doorway. We lean into that threshold with Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Isn't Your Only Name, to reframe the empty nest as an after-party —a time to honor the first act of mothering and step into a purposeful, hope-filled second act. Kate shares the heart behind her directive, “Mom is not your only name,” and why your next chapter isn’t smaller—it’s just different, and often deeper.
Together, we explore the three “bird” archetypes that map this transition—the quick-pivot swallow, the grieving mourning dove, and the balanced robin—so you can name where you are and choose what’s next. Kate’s story illustrates how courage grows when we respond to quiet nudges with small, faithful steps. We discuss dreaming with the Father without shrinking your desires, finding an “empty next” that builds the kingdom, and utilizing the margins of your day to prepare for new work, study, service, or creative callings.
If this episode encourages you, please follow, share it with a friend who’s nearing the transition, and leave a quick review so more moms can find the courage to start their after party.

Download the Intro and First Chapter of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Text AFTERPARTY to 44144.

Visit Kate's website: Kate Battistelli

Learn more about Kate's book: The After Party of the Empty Nest

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Chapters

1. Reframing Motherhood’s Second Act (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Kate and The After Party (00:02:00)

3. Mom Is Not Your Only Name (00:03:40)

4. The Shock of the Empty Nest (00:06:40)

5. Freedom, Fulfillment, and the 50s (00:10:45)

6. Three Bird Types of Empty-Nest Moms (00:14:30)

7. God Dares and Unexpected Callings (00:19:10)

8. Dreaming with the Father, Big and Small (00:24:00)

9. Preparing Now for Your Empty Next (00:28:30)

10. Identity, Attachment, and Renewal (00:33:20)

11. Pitfalls, Healing, and Real Talk (00:38:20)

12. A Prayer for Comfort and Courage (00:43:00)

13. Closing, Community, and Support (00:46:30)

341 episodes