We all say it: “I was so triggered.”
But what’s actually happening in our brain, body, and nervous system when that wave hits?

In this deeply honest and practical conversation, host Mel Histon, sits down with psychologist Kaz Amos to unpack the science and the soul of emotional triggers — why they happen, where they come from, and how we can finally heal them.

Mel shares powerful personal stories — from family conflict to cancer surgeries — revealing how past experiences can live quietly in the body for years before suddenly resurfacing. Kaz brings clarity and compassion, explaining the psychology behind reactivity, trauma, nervous system responses, and why our reactions often make sense when we understand our history.

You’ll learn:

• What a trigger really is (and why it’s not “being dramatic”)
• The difference between reacting and responding
• How childhood and family experiences shape our emotional wiring
• Why small moments can feel overwhelming
• The surprising ways trauma lives in the body
• Practical tools to calm yourself in the moment
• How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps reframe thoughts
• What EMDR therapy is and how it helps heal trauma
• A simple SOS technique to regulate your nervous system fast
• Whether true emotional healing is possible

You are not broken. Your nervous system is trying to protect you.
And healing is possible.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward responding — not reacting.

Connect with Kaz:

• Follow Kaz on Instagram: kaz.amos
• Website: kazamos.com.au 
• Through the Hummingbird Centre for psychology sessions, workshops, and speaking engagements. Hummingbird Centre

Connect with Mel:

• Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!
• Follow Hey Soul Sista on Instagram: @heysoulsistapodcast
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melissahiston
• Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista
• Website: heysoulsista.com

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this empowering episode, host Mel Histon and her guests, dive into why so many women hold back their voices—and why fear of judgment shouldn’t stop you from speaking up. Join Mel, Jamie Abbott and Alex Morris to explore:

• Real stories of courage, authenticity, and speaking your truth

• How societal pressures and “middle-age judgment” impact women

• Practical advice for overcoming fear and embracing your confidence

• Inspiring examples of women reclaiming their voices—regardless of age or background

Whether it’s speaking on stage, sharing your story online, or standing up in everyday life, this episode is your reminder: you’ll always be judged, so why not speak your truth anyway?

Listen in to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to show up as your boldest self.

Connect with JAIMIE ABBOTT: 

• Follow Jaimie on Instagram: @jaimieabbott www.jaimieabbott.com.au
• Listen Jaimie's podcast: Pitch Perfect with Jaimie Abbott

Connect with ALEX MORRIS:

• Instagram @alexmorriswrite
• Substack: alexmorriswrite.substack.com
• Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista

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.

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.

Feeling stuck? Even when everything looks “fine” on the outside? You’re not alone. Many women are outwardly successful but inwardly trapped in old stories, patterns, and beliefs that silently hold them back. 

In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, I’m talking with Suzy Jacobs, coach, speaker, and founder of Bold Mind Moves, about how to uncover the stories we inherit, identify the patterns keeping us stuck, and shift your perspective so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and freedom.

Suzy explores the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the impact of stories on decision-making. She shares her journey from feeling stuck to finding a system for life that aligns with her values and authenticity.

We dive into:

• How the stories we tell ourselves shape our choices

• Why clarity matters more than comfort or security

• Practical tools to uncover the unseen patterns holding you back

• How to align your actions with your boldest, clearest self

If you’re ready to get unstuck, trust yourself, and create the life you want, this episode is for you.

Listen, take notes, and start shifting your story today!

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many women grow up believing it’s their job to keep everyone else happy — to be the good girl, the peacekeeper, the one who doesn’t rock the boat. But what if that belief is the very thing keeping you exhausted, resentful, and disconnected from yourself?

In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, host, Mel Histon, is joined by psychologist Kaz Amos for a deep, compassionate conversation about people pleasing — where it comes from, why it’s so hard to stop, and how it quietly shapes our confidence, self-worth, and relationships.

Together, we explore how people pleasing isn’t a personality flaw, but often a learned survival response — rooted in attachment, trauma, conditioning, and hypervigilance. We talk about the good girl conditioning so many women carry into adulthood, why saying no can feel unbearable, and what it really means to stop taking responsibility for other people’s emotions.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone who:

• Feels responsible for other people’s moods or reactions

• Struggles with guilt when saying no

• Notices resentment building after always putting others first

• Is ready to let go of the good girl role — especially in midlife

• Wants to live more authentically, with stronger boundaries and self-trust

In this episode, we cover:

• What people pleasing really is (and what it’s not)

• The psychology behind people pleasing and fawning

• How trauma and hypervigilance shape our behaviour

• Why people pleasing feels “safe” — but keeps us stuck

• The hidden impact on confidence, self-worth, and identity

• Midlife as an invitation to stop pleasing and start choosing yourself

• Practical ways to recognise people pleasing patterns and gently shift them

• What it means to live authentically — without guilt or shame

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not responsible for your happiness” — but still feeling like you are — this episode is for you.

Connect with KAZ AMOS: 

• Instagram: /kaz.amos
• kazamos.com.au 
• Book through the Hummingbird Centre for psychology sessions, workshops, and speaking engagements. 

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 becomes possible when you start trusting your intuition, your inner guidance?

In this powerful episode, Australia’s most sought-after psychic medium Jackie Gillies shares with host, Mel Histon, how intuition, healing, and soul-led transformation can change your life.

Many of you will recognise Jackie from The Real Housewives of Melbourne and The Amazing Race, but this conversation goes far beyond television. Mel and Jackie explore what it truly means to trust your intuition, step into your power, and evolve — even when the world is watching.

Jackie opens up about her psychic awakening, how she learned to own her intuitive gifts publicly, and the courage it takes to live in alignment with your soul. They also dive into her transformative work through TransformU, where she supports women to heal, reconnect with their inner guidance, and create meaningful change in their lives.

This episode is for any woman who feels called to grow, to heal, and to trust herself more deeply — even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• Jackie’s journey as a psychic medium and intuitive guide

• Trusting your intuition and learning to listen to inner guidance

• Spiritual awakening and soul-led transformation

• Healing, energy, and personal evolution

• The intention and impact behind Jackie’s TransformU work

• Stepping into your power while living life in the public eye

Take a breath, settle in, and enjoy this heartfelt conversation with the beautiful Jackie Gillies.

Connect with JACKIE GILLIES:

• https://www.instagram.com/jackiegilliestv/
• https://www.instagram.com/transform_u_/
• www xojackie.com
• www.jackiegillies.com

Connect with MEL HISTON: 

• Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista! https://www.instagram.com/melissahiston/
• https://www.instagram.com/heysoulsistapodcast/
• Watch the podcast video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heysoulsista
• heysoulsista.com
• https://www.gotyourbacksista.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.