“Mom is one of your names… but it’s not your only name.”

In this week's episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am joined by Kate Battistelli ~ a bestselling author, speaker, and former Broadway actress. Known for her powerful journey from the spotlight of New York theater to the sacred calling of motherhood, Kate shares her story of radical faith, transformation, and purpose.

Kate opens up about her brave decision to leave a successful Broadway career — where she starred in over 1,000 performances of The King and I alongside Yul Brynner — to become a full-time homeschooling mom. Now a sought-after mentor, podcaster, and author of titles like The God Dare and The After Party of the Empty Nest, Kate encourages women to embrace the unknown, trust God's leading, and rediscover who they are beyond the title of "Mom."

Together, we explore how the empty nest season isn’t the end — it’s the after party! A time to celebrate your journey, reflect on your accomplishments, and step boldly into the second half of life with renewed purpose.

Whether you're wrestling with identity, seeking God’s direction, or wondering what comes next, this episode is a powerful reminder that the “impossible” is God’s comfort zone—and He’s calling you to dream big.

Don’t miss this uplifting conversation—perfect for midlife women looking for a fresh start, spiritual direction, and renewed courage.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:35 - The Bravehearted Story of Kate Battistelli from Broadway to a small city

5:18 - How to trust God’s plan

15:08 - The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Is Not Your Only Name

17:10 - How Kate rediscovered her identity and calling in midlife

23:24 - Practical tips for facing emptiness

27:28 - #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Sometimes you just have to do it afraid.” – Kate Battistelli

“You have to choose to be chosen to change the world.” – Kate Battistelli

“If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.” – Dawn Damon

“Start now for then — don’t wait until your nest is empty to start dreaming again.” – Kate Battistelli

Resources:

📞 Connect with Kate at katebattistelli.com

📚Get a copy of Kate’s new book: The After the Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name at katebattistelli.com/the-after-party-of-the-empty-nest/

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📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book FOR ONLY $3- [ON SALE] The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: themakingofabraveheartedwoman.com/book-bhw

🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s FREE resources for midlife women: braveheartedwoman.com/resources

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

💞 Email me at: [email protected]

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen