After twenty years spent searching for her biological parents, 52-year-old Susan Francis, unexpectedly met the great love of her life - a goldminer named Wayne Francis: a gentle giant of a man, who promises Susan the world.Two years later, they throw in their jobs, marry and sell everything they own, embarking on an incredible adventure, to start a new life in the romantic city of Granada, where they learn Spanish and enjoy too much tapas. In love, and enthralled by the splendour of a European springtime, the pair treasure every moment together.Until a shocking series of events alters everything. Everyone has a story, but not all of us the courage or willingness to share their story and life learnings with the world. 

+ Follow Mel at @melissahiston

+ Follow Hey Soul Sista at @sistacode

+ Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista Podcast

+ www.thesistacode.com

+ melissa@thesistacode.com

+ Produced by Newcastle Podcast Station

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After twenty years spent searching for her biological parents, 52-year-old Susan Francis, unexpectedly met the great love of her life - a goldminer named Wayne Francis: a gentle giant of a man, who promises Susan the world.Two years later, they throw in their jobs, marry and sell everything they own, embarking on an incredible adventure, to start a new life in the romantic city of Granada, where they learn Spanish and enjoy too much tapas. In love, and enthralled by the splendour of a European springtime, the pair treasure every moment together.Until a shocking series of events alters everything. Everyone has a story, but not all of us the courage or willingness to share their story and life learnings with the world.  + Follow Mel at @melissahiston + Follow Hey Soul Sista at @sistacode + Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista Podcast + <a href="http://www.thesistacode.com/">www.thesistacode.com</a> + <a href="mailto:melissa@thesistacode.com">melissa@thesistacode.com</a> + Produced by N<a href="https://www.newcastlepodcaststation.com.au">ewcastle Podcast Station</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Welcome to Hey Soul Sista—the podcast for women who are ready to live with more joy, purpose, and SOUL! If you’re feeling the pull to re-discover yourself, embrace new possibilities, and create a life that truly lights you up, you’re in the right place.

Each episode, I sit down with incredible women who are sharing their soulful wisdoms and finding deeper meaning in this life. We dive into real stories, honest conversations, and practical wisdom to help you feel inspired, seen, and ready to say YES to yourself.

I’ll also bring on experts in health, wellness, mindset, and spirituality to share their best tips on how to nurture your body, mind, and soul—because thriving in midlife is about feeling good inside and out. Because midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an awakening. 

And Hey Soul Sista is here to remind you that the best is yet to come. So hit that follow button, pour yourself a coffee (or a wine—no judgment here), and let’s navigate this journey together with laughter, courage, and a whole lot of soul.

This is Hey Soul Sista, and you are exactly where you need to be.

With love and soul, Mel Histon - your host xx

Welcome to Hey Soul Sista&mdash;the podcast for women who are ready to live with more joy, purpose, and SOUL!&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re feeling the pull to re-discover yourself, embrace new possibilities, and create a life that truly lights you up, you&rsquo;re in the right place.
Each episode, I sit down with incredible women who are sharing their soulful wisdoms and finding deeper meaning in this life. We dive into real stories, honest conversations, and practical wisdom to help you feel inspired, seen, and ready to say YES to yourself.
I&rsquo;ll also bring on experts in health, wellness, mindset, and spirituality to share their best tips on how to nurture your body, mind, and soul&mdash;because thriving in midlife is about feeling good inside and out. Because midlife isn&rsquo;t a crisis&mdash;it&rsquo;s an awakening.&nbsp;
And Hey Soul Sista is here to remind you that the best is yet to come. So hit that follow button, pour yourself a coffee (or a wine&mdash;no judgment here), and let&rsquo;s navigate this journey together with laughter, courage, and a whole lot of soul.
This is Hey Soul Sista, and you are exactly where you need to be.
With love and soul, Mel Histon - your host xx

Hey Soul Sista is the podcast for women who are ready to live with more joy, purpose, and SOUL! If you’re feeling the pull to re-discover yourself, embrace new possibilities, and create a life that truly lights you up, you’re in the right place.

Hey Soul Sista by Melissa Histon

 

Welcome to Hey Soul Sista—the podcast for women who are ready to live with more joy, purpose, and SOUL! If you’re feeling the pull to re-discover yourself, embrace new possibilities, and create a life that truly lights you up, you’re in the right place.

Each episode, I sit down with incredible women who are sharing their soulful wisdoms and finding deeper meaning in this life. We dive into real stories, honest conversations, and practical wisdom to help you feel inspired, seen, and ready to say YES to yourself.

I’ll also bring on experts in health, wellness, mindset, and spirituality to share their best tips on how to nurture your body, mind, and soul—because thriving in midlife is about feeling good inside and out.

Because midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an awakening. And Hey Soul Sista is here to remind you that the best is yet to come.

So hit that follow button, pour yourself a coffee (or a wine—no judgment here), and let’s navigate this journey together with laughter, courage, and a whole lot of soul.

This is Hey Soul Sista, and you are exactly where you need to be.

With love and soul,

Mel Histon - your host xx

&nbsp;
Welcome to Hey Soul Sista&mdash;the podcast for women who are ready to live with more joy, purpose, and SOUL!&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re feeling the pull to re-discover yourself, embrace new possibilities, and create a life that truly lights you up, you&rsquo;re in the right place.
Each episode, I sit down with incredible women who are sharing their soulful wisdoms and finding deeper meaning in this life. We dive into real stories, honest conversations, and practical wisdom to help you feel inspired, seen, and ready to say YES to yourself.
I&rsquo;ll also bring on experts in health, wellness, mindset, and spirituality to share their best tips on how to nurture your body, mind, and soul&mdash;because thriving in midlife is about feeling good inside and out.
Because midlife isn&rsquo;t a crisis&mdash;it&rsquo;s an awakening. And Hey Soul Sista is here to remind you that the best is yet to come.
So hit that follow button, pour yourself a coffee (or a wine&mdash;no judgment here), and let&rsquo;s navigate this journey together with laughter, courage, and a whole lot of soul.
This is Hey Soul Sista, and you are exactly where you need to be.
With love and soul,
Mel Histon - your host xx

Hey Soul Sista 

Author Susan Francis on ‘The Love that Remains: an extraordinary memoir about secrets, life’s shocking twists and unconditional love.’

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

 

In this empowering episode, host Mel Histon and her guests, dive into why so many women hold back their voices&mdash;and why fear of judgment shouldn&rsquo;t stop you from speaking up. Join Mel, Jamie Abbott and Alex Morris to explore:
<ul data-start="543" data-end="834">
<li data-section-id="1owwl6e" data-start="543" data-end="609">
Real stories of courage, authenticity, and speaking your truth
</li>
<li data-section-id="1uz4j8f" data-start="610" data-end="675">
How societal pressures and &ldquo;middle-age judgment&rdquo; impact women
</li>
<li data-section-id="140ydc7" data-start="676" data-end="746">
Practical advice for overcoming fear and embracing your confidence
</li>
<li data-section-id="5uunxe" data-start="747" data-end="834">
Inspiring examples of women reclaiming their voices&mdash;regardless of age or background
</li>
</ul>
Whether it&rsquo;s speaking on stage, sharing your story online, or standing up in everyday life, this episode is your reminder: you&rsquo;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:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Follow Jaimie on Instagram: @jaimieabbott <a href="https://www.jaimieabbott.com.au">www.jaimieabbott.com.au</a></li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Listen Jaimie's podcast: Pitch Perfect with Jaimie Abbott</li>
</ul>
Connect with ALEX MORRIS:
<ul>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Instagram @alexmorriswrite</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Substack: alexmorriswrite.substack.com</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista</li>
</ul>
Connect with MEL HISTON:
<ul>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Instagram @melissahiston</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Website: heysoulsista.com</li>
<li data-start="1023" data-end="1110">Website: gotyourbacksista.com</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

In this episode, we explore why women fear judgment, share real stories of speaking up, and reveal why embracing your voice is the key to confidence and authenticity.

The Fear of Being Judged (And Why YOU Still  Need to Speak Up)

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.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of&nbsp;Hey Soul Sista, Mel Histon sits down with domestic violence advocate Tabitha Acret.
In 2022, Tabitha&rsquo;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 &mdash; 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:
&bull; Who Mackenzie was as a person &bull; The devastating moment her world changed forever &bull; Navigating the justice system after Mackenzie&rsquo;s murder &bull; The sentencing of Mackenzie&rsquo;s killer &bull; How grief transformed into advocacy &bull; Why she is fighting to change the system for other families
This episode was recorded during the week of International Women&rsquo;s Day and serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing fight to end violence against women.
Mackenzie&rsquo;s story matters. And Tabitha&rsquo;s voice is helping drive change.
⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and homicide. Please take care while listening.

After losing her daughter Mackenzie to domestic violence, Tabitha turns her grief into a powerful fight for justice and change.

Mackenzie was murdered  in an act of domestic violence:  Now Tabitha's fighting  for justice!

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

 

Meet Shelton Wilder &mdash; a powerhouse Los Angeles real estate agent, founder of Wilder Women Networking, and the fearless leader of a thriving all-female team. She&rsquo;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&rsquo;s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She turned every setback into a stepping stone, pivoted into real estate, and became one of LA&rsquo;s most successful agents &mdash; all while supporting women in business and helping communities rebuild after devastating fires.
In this episode, Shelton shares:
<ul data-start="1068" data-end="1299">
<li data-section-id="ovqfws" data-start="1068" data-end="1125">
How she turned failure and loss into fuel for success
</li>
<li data-section-id="1s12rmr" data-start="1126" data-end="1182">
Lessons from building an all-female real estate team
</li>
<li data-section-id="1ytteee" data-start="1183" data-end="1244">
Her vision for the Pacific Palisades&rsquo; recovery and future
</li>
<li data-section-id="1eebbqt" data-start="1245" data-end="1299">
The power of sobriety, resilience, and reinvention
</li>
</ul>
This is a story of courage, reinvention, and rising stronger than ever &mdash; a must-listen for anyone chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, or building their own empire.
Connect with SHELTON WILDER:
<ul>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Instagram @sheltonwilderestates</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Website: sheltonwilder.com</li>
</ul>
Connect with MEL HISTON:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Instagram @melissahiston</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista</li>
<li data-start="1301" data-end="1467">Website: heysoulsista.com</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

From bankruptcy and heartbreak to LA real estate success, Shelton Wilder shares her inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and empowering women.

Author Susan Francis on ‘The Love that Remains: an extraordinary memoir about secrets, life’s shocking twists and unconditional love.’

Hey Soul Sista by Melissa Histon

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