Brain fog, sudden chin hairs, mood swings, and feeling like you are losing your mind—if you are a woman over 40, it’s not just stress. It’s perimenopause.

In this episode, women’s health specialist Dr Shauna Watts breaks down the wildly fluctuating hormones that cause these unexpected changes. Host, Mel Histon, and Dr Shauna dive deep into the signs doctors frequently miss, how dropping estrogen impacts your brain, and the honest, evidence-based truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) so you can finally get relief.

If you have been feeling uncharacteristic anxiety, fatigue, or just not like yourself lately, this conversation is the validation and medical clarity you have been looking for.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The "Zone of Chaos": What perimenopause actually is and when it starts.
• Brain Fog Explained: How dropping estrogen levels physically impact your brain health, memory, and cognition.
• The Hidden Symptoms: Why changing hormones lead to unexpected changes like body composition shifts and chin hairs.
• Demystifying Hormones and HRT: An honest, evidence-based look at the safety, side effects, and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy.

About Our Guest:Dr Shauna Watts is a respected Australian General Practitioner specializing in women's health, lifestyle medicine, and menopause management. She is passionate about empowering women with evidence-based education to navigate midlife changes with confidence and clarity.

Connect with DR SHAUNA WATTS: 

• Website: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/ 
• Dr Shauna's podcast 'All About You' - https://www.allaboutyoupod.com/
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3YhnZ3pO6zaEOgFvIUo99b
• Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/all-about-you-with-dr-shauna-watts/id1720112408  Facebook  @YOUbyDrShaunaWattsNewcastle 
• Instagram @youbydrshaunawatts

 

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
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6niLZqnSLAdilLmwzgWbgg?si=cfa5ec0db2154cdc
• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hey-soul-sista-with-mel-histon/id1479778469
• Website: heysoulsista.com 
• Website: gotyourbacksista.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the parts of yourself you've spent your whole life hiding are actually your greatest gifts?

In this powerful episode of Hey Soul Sista, Mel Histon sits down with author, speaker and psychic medium Chezzi Denyer to explore the extraordinary story behind her new book, 'The Weird Little Girl Who Talked To Ghosts'.

As a child, Chezzi experienced what she describes as communication with spirits and a deep connection to the unseen world. But after years of feeling different, being labelled "weird" and trying to fit in, she gradually shut that part of herself down.

It wasn't until a profound period of grief, loss and personal transformation that those experiences began to return—leading her on a journey that would change her life forever.

Together, Mel and Chezzi explore:

• Growing up feeling different and learning to hide who you are
• The impact of childhood experiences and being labelled "weird"
• Why so many women dim their light to fit in
• Grief, loss and spiritual awakening
• Intuition, signs and synchronicities
• Messages from loved ones who have passed
• Motherhood, self-doubt and learning to trust yourself
• Whether we all have intuitive abilities
• How to reconnect with your inner knowing
• The inspiration behind The Weird Little Girl Who Talked To Ghosts

Whether you're curious about mediumship, fascinated by spirituality, navigating grief, or simply trying to reconnect with your authentic self, this conversation offers comfort, insight and hope.

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 

Connect with CHEZZI DENYER:

• Website: https://chezzidenyer.com.au/
• Chezzi's book - The Weird Little Girl That Talked To Ghosts
• Facebook @thechezzidiaries
• Instagram @chezzidenyer

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a soul sister who needs to hear it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After spending seven days in a coma with a rare and life-threatening form of bacterial meningitis, renowned neurosurgeon Dr Eben Alexander says he experienced a reality beyond this world—one that challenged everything he thought he knew about life, death and consciousness.

Before his near-death experience, Dr Eben was a respected brain surgeon who believed consciousness was created entirely by the brain. But what happened during those seven days would completely transform his understanding of reality and lead him to write the international bestseller Proof of Heaven.

In this profound and thought-provoking conversation, host - Mel Histon - and Dr Eben explore some of humanity's biggest questions:

✨ What happens when we die?
✨ Does consciousness survive beyond the physical body?
✨ Can we reconnect with loved ones after death?
✨ What is a life review?
✨ Why are so many people reporting near-death experiences?
✨ Is there a deeper purpose behind suffering and grief?
✨ What role does love play in the journey of the soul?

Dr Eben also shares the extraordinary story of meeting a woman during his near-death experience who would later be revealed to be his biological sister—someone he had never met in this lifetime.

Whether you're curious, skeptical, grieving someone you love, or simply searching for deeper meaning, this conversation offers a fascinating exploration of life, death and the possibility that we are far more than our physical bodies.

One message sits at the heart of Dr Eben's story:

"You are deeply loved and cherished forever."

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing these powerful conversations to more women around the world.

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

Connect with DR EBEN ALEXANDER:

• Website: https://ebenalexander.com/
• For Binaural Beats and Meditations - https://www.sacredacoustics.com/
• Dr Eben's books - Proof of Heaven, Living in a Mindful Universe, The Map of Heaven
• Instagram @ebenalex3md

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if healing isn't about becoming someone new, but remembering who you've always been?

In this deeply soulful and thought-provoking conversation, Melissa sits down with psychotherapist, trauma therapist and author Naomi Sirio to explore the connection between healing, spirituality and the journey back to self.

Drawing on more than two decades of therapeutic practice and the insights from her new book Souljourn, Naomi shares why so many of us feel disconnected, how childhood experiences continue to shape our adult lives, and what it really means to do the inner work.

Together they explore attachment styles, trauma, grief, relationships, self-sabotage, journaling, meditation and the parts of ourselves we leave behind along the way. They also dive into the spiritual side of healing, discussing signs from loved ones who have passed, intuition, soul connection and the possibility that there is more to life than what we can see.

This is a conversation about slowing down, listening inwardly, and finding your way home to yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The meaning behind Naomi's book Souljourn
• Why healing is a lifelong journey
• Attachment styles and how they shape our relationships
• Childhood trauma and the impact of emotional attunement
• Why we repeat patterns and self-sabotage
• The power of journaling and self-reflection
• Meditation, somatic healing and reconnecting with the body
• Signs from spirit and connection with loved ones who have passed
• Finding meaning, purpose and connection in everyday life
• The journey back to your authentic self

If you've ever felt lost, disconnected, or curious about the deeper meaning behind your experiences, this episode offers gentle wisdom, hope and practical insights for your own soul journey.

Connect with NAOMI SIRIO:

• Instagram @souljourn_with_naomi
• Website: https://www.souljourn.com.au
• 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.

Do you ever feel like life has become one long to-do list?

In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, host, Mel Histon, sits down with organisation expert, podcast host and founder of Beautifully Organised, Marissa Roberts, for a heartfelt conversation about simplifying life, creating space for yourself and learning to nurture your own wellbeing.

Together they explore why so many women struggle to switch off, the pressure of trying to do it all, and how small changes can create more calm, ease and joy in everyday life.

Marissa shares practical tips for reducing overwhelm, setting healthy boundaries, saying no without guilt, creating simple self-care rituals and letting go of perfectionism.

The conversation also takes some fun and unexpected turns as Marissa shares her experiences working as an extra in movies and television shows, including a memorable moment involving Ryan Gosling!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why so many women feel constantly overwhelmed
• The mental load and invisible pressures women carry
• How organisation can create more peace and freedom
• Practical ways to simplify daily life
• Learning to say no without guilt
• People pleasing, boundaries and protecting your energy
• Creating self-care rituals that actually fit into real life
• The benefits of solo travel and making time for yourself
• Letting go of perfectionism
• Finding more joy, calm and balance in everyday life

If you've been craving a softer, simpler way of living, this episode is a beautiful reminder that you don't need to do more—you may simply need to make space for what matters most.

Connect with Marissa Roberts:
Beautifully Organised
The Simpler Business Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with a woman in your life who could use a little more peace, simplicity and self-care.

** Hey Soul Sista listeners can have FREE access to Marissa’s course The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier:

https://marissaroberts.thrivecart.com/bmgtmle/?coupon=HEYSOULSISTA

** Hey Soul Sista listeners can have FREE access to Marissa’s Business Boundaries toolkit:

https://www.marissaroberts.com/business-boundaries/ 

Connect with MARISSA ROBERTS: 

• Instagram @marissarobertsofficial

• The Simpler Business Podcast https://www.marissaroberts.com/podcast/

• Website: https://www.beautifullyorganised.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.

From foster care and homelessness to becoming a powerful advocate for vulnerable young people — this is an unforgettable conversation about resilience, healing, and turning pain into purpose.

In this deeply moving episode of Hey Soul Sista, host Mel Histon, sits down with physiotherapist, youth advocate, and ultramarathon runner Natalia Hogan to talk about the childhood trauma that shaped her life — including experiences of foster care, homelessness, domestic violence, instability, and growing up without safety or security.

Natalia shares what it was really like navigating childhood in survival mode, couch surfing as a teenager, living in youth accommodation at just 15 years old, and carrying the hidden shame of feeling “different” while trying to appear normal at school.

But this episode is also about hope.

Natalia opens up about the inner work and healing that helped her rebuild her life, the powerful role exercise and endurance played in her recovery, and the extraordinary 175km ultramarathon she completed to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness services.

Together, Mel and Natalia explore:

• Childhood trauma and survival
• Foster care and youth homelessness
• Healing the inner child
• Therapy, resilience, and emotional healing
• The connection between trauma and endurance
• Learning to feel worthy of love and support
• Running 175km for change
• Turning adversity into purpose

This is a raw, emotional, and inspiring conversation that shines a light on what so many young people experience behind closed doors — and the incredible strength it can take to rewrite your story.

Connect with Natalia:

• Instagram: @natalia.s.hogan

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

If this episode resonated with you, please share it, subscribe, and leave a review to help more people discover Hey Soul Sista.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we keep attracting the same relationships… repeating the same patterns… and choosing what feels familiar, even when it hurts?

In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, I sit down with Amy Nobile Messing to explore the hidden patterns that shape how we love, choose, and connect in modern life.

We go far beyond dating and relationships into the deeper layers of human behaviour—why we repeat the same patterns, how our subconscious and emotional wounds influence who we’re drawn to, and what it really means to create conscious, aligned connection.

Amy shares her powerful insight that “you can only meet someone as deeply as you’ve met yourself” and unpacks what that looks like in real life—from dating apps and modern love confusion, to emotional availability, intuition, and the shift from choosing from wounds to choosing from worth.

We also explore:

• Why so many people feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns
• The impact of modern dating culture and social media on connection
• The difference between chemistry and emotional alignment
• How to recognise your own unconscious patterns in love and life
• The role of self-awareness, energy, and intuition in relationships
• Why inner work changes everything about how we show up in love

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered why they keep ending up in the same situations—whether in relationships, friendships, or life choices—and is ready to understand themselves on a deeper level.

If this episode resonates, please subscribe, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and leave a review—it helps more women find these conversations.

Connect with AMY NOBILE MESSING: 

• Instagram @love.amy.nyc 
• Website: loveamy.co 
• 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.

Have you ever had that gut feeling… that quiet inner knowing… that whisper telling you something needs to change—but you ignored it?

What if that wasn’t “just a feeling”… what if it was your soul trying to get your attention?

In this deeply powerful episode of Hey Soul Sista, I sit down with breathwork facilitator, counsellor, educator and soulful guide Nicola Unite for a profound conversation about intuition, spiritual awakening, soul purpose, breathwork, meditation, ego, alignment, synchronicity, and what it truly means to come home to yourself.

After experiencing my own transformational healing journey through conscious connected breathwork with Nicola, I knew I needed to share her wisdom with you.

Together we explore:

✨ What your soul actually is—and why so many of us feel disconnected from it
✨ How to trust your intuition and recognise the signs your inner wisdom is speaking
✨ The difference between ego, fear, and your higher self
✨ Why so many women experience a spiritual awakening in midlife
✨ How breathwork, meditation, and stillness can reconnect you to your authentic self
✨ Understanding synchronicities, angel numbers, and intuitive nudges
✨ How to stop spiralling in fear-based stories and come back into alignment
✨ Why perimenopause, burnout, and major life transitions can be a sacred rite of passage
✨ How to listen when your soul is calling you toward something bigger

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, disconnected, stuck, overwhelmed… or quietly hearing the whisper that there’s more for you—this conversation is for you.

Your intuition is not random.
Your inner knowing is not “woo woo.”
And your soul may already know the next step.

The question is… are you listening?

Connect with Nicola:

• Website: nicolaunite.com
• https://www.instagram.com/the.unite.space/

Connect with Mel & Hey Soul Sista:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really happens in the final moments of life?

In this moving episode of Hey Soul Sista, Mel sits down with death doula, plant medicine practitioner and spiritual guide, Kat Courtney, to explore what she has witnessed after sitting with people as they transition from life to death.

Kat shares extraordinary insights from more than two decades working with dying patients, near-death experiences, spirit communication, and plant medicine journeys including ayahuasca.

Together, we explore:

• What people see in their final moments
• Whether loved ones really appear before death
• What it feels like to leave the body
• How plant medicine reveals the nature of the soul
• The experience of ayahuasca rituals
• Why death may not be an ending, but a transition

This conversation is not about fear—it’s about meaning, presence, and what it really means to live fully while we are here.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when we die, or felt a connection to something beyond this life, this episode will stay with you.

Connect with KAT COURTNEY: 

• Instagram @plantmedicinepeople
• Website: plantmedicinepeople.com 
• Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @PlantMedicinePeople

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.

A tragic event in our hometown of Newcastle has sparked a much bigger conversation about the world we are living in.

In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, host, Mel Histon, is joined by writer and social commentator Alex Morris to explore one of the most complex questions of our time:

Are we becoming safer… or slowly giving away our freedom?

After the devastating loss of a young man on Beaumont Street, calls for increased CCTV surveillance have divided the community — raising deeper questions about safety, control, and how societies respond to fear.

Together, Alex and Mel explore:

• The emotional impact of violence in close-knit communities
• Why fear often drives calls for more surveillance and control
• Whether CCTV actually prevents crime or simply records it
• The “slippery slope” between protection and overreach
• How technology is reshaping privacy and human behaviour
• What books like Nineteen Eighty-Four reveal about surveillance, power, and control
• And whether it’s possible to build a society based on trust rather than fear

This is not a black-and-white conversation.

It’s a human one.

A reflection on how we respond to tragedy, how fear shapes policy, and what it really means to feel free in today’s world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.