In this powerful episode of Sheila’s Take, host Sheila Dunbar sits down with actress, model, and inspirational speaker Hilary Mumberger-Powers, best known as the childhood voice of Sally Brown in Peanuts. Hilary opens up about her journey through childhood trauma, abuse in an alcoholic home, addiction, and mental health struggles—and how she ultimately found recovery, healing, and faith in God.
Hilary shares what it was like growing up in a seemingly “perfect” public image while privately navigating fear, violence, and emotional neglect. She discusses how early trauma shaped her coping mechanisms, including people-pleasing, self-destruction, and substance use, eventually leading her into a cycle of addiction, crime, and suicidal ideation as a teenager.
A turning point came after a near-fatal seizure and an unexpected invitation to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which became the beginning of her recovery journey. Through therapy, sobriety, and spiritual growth, Hilary rebuilt her life from the inside out.
In this episode, we explore:
* Childhood trauma and growing up in an alcoholic household
* Being a child star in Peanuts and the pressure behind the scenes
* Addiction, self-harm, and mental health struggles
* Rock bottom moments and life-changing interventions
* Recovery through AA, therapy, and spiritual healing
* Releasing shame and rebuilding identity
* Faith, forgiveness, and long-term healing
* Hilary’s upcoming memoir, Peanuts to Percocet
Hilary now uses her story to help women break generational cycles, heal trauma wounds, and step into purpose and empowerment through faith and self-awareness.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges, this conversation offers hope and real-life insight into recovery and healing.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, healing, and transformation on Sheila’s Take.

0:00 Stop Numbing the Pain
01:00 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro
03:43 Child Star to Spotlight Pressure
04:51 Family Secrets and Hidden Trauma
08:33 Trauma Roles and Disappearing Acts
10:53 Rock Bottom and Early Self Destruction
13:30 God Wink and Finding AA
16:37 Stabilization Through Recovery Tools
18:31 Unpeeling Lies and Seeing Yourself Right
20:56 Learning to Self Soothe With God
22:33 Belonging Before Service
23:30 Funnel Backwards Lesson
24:38 Inside Out Faith
25:30 Memoir Born From Grief
28:00 Original Hard Drive Gifts
29:40 Not Santa God
30:54 Risen From Depths
32:06 Lightning Round Rituals
35:31 Gratitude And Forgiveness
37:40 Where To Find Hilary
38:35 Final Healing Message
39:38 Closing And Subscribe