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

 

 

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 &mdash; it&rsquo;s about breaking the mould.
It&rsquo;s about: &bull; Reinvention after a major life chapter &bull; Courage in the face of scrutiny &bull; Balancing motherhood and ambition &bull; Trusting your instincts &bull; Leading without apology &bull; 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&rsquo;re navigating change, reclaiming your identity, or stepping into your own power &mdash; this conversation will resonate deeply.
Connect with MEL HISTON:
<ul>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Instagram @melissahiston&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista -</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Website: heysoulsista.com</li>
<li data-start="1952" data-end="2082">Website: gotyourbacksista.com</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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 

After a decade as Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes joins Hey Soul Sista to share a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to break the mould and live on your own terms.

Breaking the Mould:  From Lord Mayor  to Life on Her Own Terms

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

So many women reach midlife and feel like their bodies have suddenly changed the rules.
You&rsquo;re eating the same. Moving the same. Doing what always worked &mdash; and yet the weight won&rsquo;t shift. Or it comes back faster than ever. And too often, the message women receive is that they simply aren&rsquo;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&rsquo;s weight &mdash; and unpack why this is about far more than willpower or discipline.
This episode isn&rsquo;t about shame or quick fixes. It&rsquo;s about understanding, empowerment, and informed choice.
In this conversation we explore:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why weight gain often happens in midlife
</li>
<li>
The role hormones, sleep, stress, and muscle loss play
</li>
<li>
How chronic stress and emotional load impact metabolism
</li>
<li>
Why shame and stigma make weight challenges harder
</li>
<li>
The shift from viewing obesity as willpower to chronic health condition
</li>
<li>
The truth behind common weight loss myths
</li>
<li>
Understanding &ldquo;set point&rdquo; and weight regain
</li>
<li>
Evidence-based support options including:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Lifestyle approaches
</li>
<li>
Medical support
</li>
<li>
GLP-1 medications
</li>
<li>
Bariatric surgery
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
When additional support might be appropriate &mdash; and why that isn&rsquo;t failure
</li>
<li>
What sustainable success actually looks like
</li>
<li>
Compassionate reframing for women navigating body changes
</li>
</ul>
As always on Hey Soul Sista, this conversation centres women&rsquo;s lived experiences, wellbeing, and agency &mdash; because your body is not a problem to fix. It&rsquo;s something to understand, support, and care for.
Connect with DR MARK AND DR MARTIN:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Instagram: @seachangeweightlossclinic</li>
<li>Facebook: facebook.com/seachangeclinic</li>
<li>Website: seachange.com.au</li>
</ul>
Connect with MEL HISTON:
<ul>
<li>Subscribe to make sure you hear the next instalment of Hey Soul Sista!</li>
<li>Instagram @melissahiston</li>
<li>Instagram @heysoulsistapodcast</li>
<li>Watch the podcast video on YouTube: @heysoulsista</li>
<li>Website: heysoulsista.com</li>
</ul>

A compassionate, myth-busting conversation about women’s bodies in midlife — understanding weight changes, reclaiming wellbeing, and exploring supportive options without judgement.

The Truth About Midlife Weight Gain — Hormones, Your Body & Your Options

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.

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 &mdash; 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&rsquo;s learned about mental health, the connection crisis we&rsquo;re all facing, and how returning to the land, animals, and real food can transform our lives.
Whether you&rsquo;re curious about regenerative farming, the power of connection, or how faith and purpose can guide you through life&rsquo;s toughest moments, this conversation is for you.
What You&rsquo;ll Learn in This Episode:
<ul data-start="1112" data-end="1614">
<li data-start="1112" data-end="1230">
How Cloe took over her family ranch at 19 and the lessons she learned about responsibility, faith, and resilience.
</li>
<li data-start="1231" data-end="1357">
The importance of connection &mdash; to the land, animals, food, and each other &mdash; in a world that&rsquo;s more disconnected than ever.
</li>
<li data-start="1358" data-end="1438">
How nutrient-dense, ethically-raised meat can support health and well-being.
</li>
<li data-start="1439" data-end="1503">
Practical ways to find presence and grounding in daily life.
</li>
<li data-start="1504" data-end="1614">
The story behind Cloe&rsquo;s book, Connected Cowgirl, and the life-changing moment that set her on this path.
</li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Links:
Connect with CLOE PARKER:
- Cloe Parker on Instagram:&nbsp;<a data-start="1669" data-end="1744">@ParkerPasturesGrassFed</a>
- Connected Cowgirl on Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Cowgirl-Field-Dinner-Journey/dp/B0F3WG9CHY">https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Cowgirl-Field-Dinner-Journey/dp/B0F3WG9CHY</a>
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.

Cloe Parker shares how faith, food, and connection guided her from grief and responsibility at 19 to running her family ranch and writing Connected Cowgirl.

Faith, Food, and Connection: The Rise of a Girl Boss Rancher

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!

 

Feeling stuck? Even when everything looks &ldquo;fine&rdquo; on the outside? You&rsquo;re not alone. Many women are outwardly successful but inwardly trapped in old stories, patterns, and beliefs that silently hold them back.&nbsp;
In this episode of Hey Soul Sista, I&rsquo;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:
<ul data-start="1337" data-end="1577">
<li data-start="1337" data-end="1392">
How the stories we tell ourselves shape our choices
</li>
<li data-start="1393" data-end="1446">
Why clarity matters more than comfort or security
</li>
<li data-start="1447" data-end="1514">
Practical tools to uncover the unseen patterns holding you back
</li>
<li data-start="1515" data-end="1577">
How to align your actions with your boldest, clearest self
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;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!
&nbsp;

A powerful conversation on getting unstuck by changing the stories you tell yourself — and choosing clarity, courage, and bold thinking, with special guest Suzy Jacobs.

Breaking the Mould: From Lord Mayor to Life on Her Own Terms

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