Hey Soul Sista by Melissa Histon

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Hey Soul Sista, Mel Histon sits down with domestic violence advocate Tabitha Acret.
In 2022, Tabitha’s daughter Mackenzie Anderson was brutally murdered by her former partner in an act of domestic violence. Mackenzie was just 21 years old.
In the aftermath of unimaginable grief, Tabitha has turned her pain into purpose — becoming a powerful voice calling for stronger protections for women and children and reform within the justice system.
In this raw and courageous conversation, Tabitha shares:
• Who Mackenzie was as a person• The devastating moment her world changed forever• Navigating the justice system after Mackenzie’s murder• The sentencing of Mackenzie’s killer• How grief transformed into advocacy• Why she is fighting to change the system for other families
This episode was recorded during the week of International Women’s Day and serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing fight to end violence against women.
Mackenzie’s story matters. And Tabitha’s voice is helping drive change.
⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and homicide. Please take care while listening.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Shelton Wilder — a powerhouse Los Angeles real estate agent, founder of Wilder Women Networking, and the fearless leader of a thriving all-female team. She’s a mum of two boys, proudly sober for over 15 years, and someone who has completely rebuilt her life from the ground up.
From launching a clothing line and appearing on Shark Tank to hitting rock bottom with bankruptcy and rehab, Shelton’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She turned every setback into a stepping stone, pivoted into real estate, and became one of LA’s most successful agents — all while supporting women in business and helping communities rebuild after devastating fires.
In this episode, Shelton shares:
How she turned failure and loss into fuel for success

Lessons from building an all-female real estate team

Her vision for the Pacific Palisades’ recovery and future

The power of sobriety, resilience, and reinvention

This is a story of courage, reinvention, and rising stronger than ever — a must-listen for anyone chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, or building their own empire.
Connect with SHELTON WILDER:
Instagram @sheltonwilderestates
Website: sheltonwilder.com
Connect with MEL HISTON:
Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!
Instagram @melissahiston
Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast
Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista
Website: heysoulsista.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the title goes away? Who are you when the spotlight shifts?
In this deeply honest episode of Hey Soul Sista, host Mel Histon, sits down with Nuatali Nelmes, who served ten years as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, to explore leadership, resilience, and identity beyond public office.
Nuatali shares what it was like leading a city through intense pressure and public scrutiny while raising three children and navigating the constant expectations placed on women in power. She speaks candidly about public criticism, confidence, backing yourself when the noise gets loud, and what it means to stand firm in your values.
But this conversation is about more than politics — it’s about breaking the mould.
It’s about:• Reinvention after a major life chapter• Courage in the face of scrutiny• Balancing motherhood and ambition• Trusting your instincts• Leading without apology• Stepping into life on your own terms
This episode is for women who are redefining success, questioning expectations, and choosing authenticity over approval.
If you’re navigating change, reclaiming your identity, or stepping into your own power — this conversation will resonate deeply.
Connect with MEL HISTON:
Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!
Instagram @melissahiston
Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast
Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista -
Website: heysoulsista.com
Website: gotyourbacksista.com


See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So many women reach midlife and feel like their bodies have suddenly changed the rules.
You’re eating the same. Moving the same. Doing what always worked — and yet the weight won’t shift. Or it comes back faster than ever. And too often, the message women receive is that they simply aren’t trying hard enough.
In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, host Mel Histon, sits down with bariatric surgeons Dr Martin McLeod and Dr Mark Gately from Sea Change Clinic for a compassionate, honest, and myth-busting conversation about weight, health, and wellbeing in midlife.
Together we explore the biological, hormonal, emotional, and societal factors that shape women’s weight — and unpack why this is about far more than willpower or discipline.
This episode isn’t about shame or quick fixes.
It’s about understanding, empowerment, and informed choice.
In this conversation we explore:
Why weight gain often happens in midlife

The role hormones, sleep, stress, and muscle loss play

How chronic stress and emotional load impact metabolism

Why shame and stigma make weight challenges harder

The shift from viewing obesity as willpower to chronic health condition

The truth behind common weight loss myths

Understanding “set point” and weight regain

Evidence-based support options including:
Lifestyle approaches

Medical support

GLP-1 medications

Bariatric surgery


When additional support might be appropriate — and why that isn’t failure

What sustainable success actually looks like

Compassionate reframing for women navigating body changes

As always on Hey Soul Sista, this conversation centres women’s lived experiences, wellbeing, and agency — because your body is not a problem to fix. It’s something to understand, support, and care for.
Connect with DR MARK AND DR MARTIN:
Instagram: @seachangeweightlossclinic
Facebook: facebook.com/seachangeclinic
Website: seachange.com.au
Connect with MEL HISTON:
Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!
Instagram @melissahiston
Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast
Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista
Website: heysoulsista.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take for a 19-year-old to take over her family ranch, navigate grief, and find purpose in a disconnected world? In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, Mel Histon sits down with Cloe Parker — rancher, owner of Parker Pastures, and author of Connected Cowgirl.
Cloe shares her journey from a young woman thrust into responsibility after her mother became ill, to building a thriving farm business grounded in ethical, nutrient-dense food, faith, and connection. Mel and Cloe talk about the lessons she’s learned about mental health, the connection crisis we’re all facing, and how returning to the land, animals, and real food can transform our lives.
Whether you’re curious about regenerative farming, the power of connection, or how faith and purpose can guide you through life’s toughest moments, this conversation is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Cloe took over her family ranch at 19 and the lessons she learned about responsibility, faith, and resilience.

The importance of connection — to the land, animals, food, and each other — in a world that’s more disconnected than ever.

How nutrient-dense, ethically-raised meat can support health and well-being.

Practical ways to find presence and grounding in daily life.

The story behind Cloe’s book, Connected Cowgirl, and the life-changing moment that set her on this path.

Resources & Links:
Connect with CLOE PARKER:
- Cloe Parker on Instagram: @ParkerPasturesGrassFed
- Connected Cowgirl on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Cowgirl-Field-Dinner-Journey/dp/B0F3WG9CHY
Connect with MEL HISTON:
Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!
- Instagram @melissahiston
- Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast
- Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista
- Website: heysoulsista.com
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grief, mental health, and moments of suicidal thoughts. Please take care of yourself while listening, and reach out for support if needed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.