Sheila’s Take

In this special Juneteenth episode of Sheila’s Take, host Sheila Dunbar reflects on the meaning of freedom—past, present, and personal.
Honoring the historical significance of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free, Sheila explores how that message of freedom still speaks to us today. Through a heartfelt conversation about emotional, mental, and spiritual healing, she encourages listeners to reflect on what may still be keeping them bound: fear, shame, exhaustion, comparison, disappointment, or old beliefs.
This episode is a reminder that our history matters, but it does not define our future.
Sheila speaks especially to those who carry so much for others and reminds listeners that freedom can look like rest, healthy boundaries, forgiveness, courage, healing, and beginning again. Grounded in faith and inspired by Galatians 5:1, this conversation invites everyone to remember where they came from, release what they were never meant to carry, and rebuild with purpose, one brave choice at a time.
Whether you are reflecting on Juneteenth, navigating a difficult season, or simply needing encouragement, this episode is an invitation to step into freedom and move forward with hope.
In this episode:• Why Juneteenth still matters today• Freedom beyond physical chains• Your history is not your identity• What freedom looks like in everyday life• How faith helps us release and rebuild• Choosing courage one day at a time
 
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Sheila’s Take01:11 Why Juneteenth Matters02:21 Freedom Beyond Chains03:29 Your History Is Not Your Identity04:14 What Freedom Looks Like05:55 Begin Right Where You Are06:18 Remember, Release, Rebuild07:41 One Brave Choice Every Day07:53 Purpose for Those Who Feel Behind08:34 Juneteenth Closing Blessing
 
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that freedom is not only something we remember. It is something we live.
Until next time, keep showing up with faith, courage, and authenticity.
 
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In this episode of Sheila’s Take, host Sheila Dunbar welcomes Pastor Phill Tague, founding pastor of Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and author of Jesus Be The Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith Over Airbrushed Christianity.
Pastor Phill shares his journey of discovering the real Jesus beyond religion, rules, and appearances. From growing up in a legalistic environment to wrestling with hypocrisy, rebellion, and ultimately surrendering to Jesus’ lordship, Phill opens up about what it means to move from performance-based faith to a true covenant relationship with Christ.
He also shares the powerful story of how he and his wife, Stephanie, were called to plant Ransom Church with a mission to “set captives free.” Together, they built the church around values of worship, freedom from sin, and serving free of self. Sheila and Pastor Phill discuss Wesleyan roots, holiness, grace, church planting through the Awaken Network, and the spiritual hunger rising in younger generations.
This conversation invites listeners to seek Jesus with their whole heart, embrace grace, and place Christ at the center of everything.
Listen now and be encouraged to stop chasing an airbrushed version of Christianity and discover the real Jesus for yourself.
 
00:00 Welcome and Purpose
00:45 Real Jesus Not Religion
01:28 Hot Take on Christianity
01:58 Show Intro and Guest
04:00 Calling to Plant Ransom
05:11 Set Captives Free Vision
06:59 Growing Up Legalistic
08:59 Running Then Surrender
10:57 Seasons Not Balance
12:58 Wesleyan Roots and Hope
17:01 Why Church Planting Works
18:46 Book Title and Metaphor
20:48 Jesus At The Center
21:17 Called To Write
22:57 Who The Book Is For
24:52 From Searching To Surrender
26:18 Why Grace Feels Hard
27:31 Rhythms That Keep Faith Alive
28:58 Intimacy Fully Known
30:03 Harley The Aussie Doodle
31:19 Lightning Round Favorites
33:05 Lessons From Kids And Ministry
34:17 Grateful For Second Chances
35:04 Where To Find The Book
36:46 Final Charge And Farewell
 
 
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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.
00:00 Rising From Challenges
01:27 Facing Pain Head On
02:57 Meet Hillary Powers
05:17 Child Star Reality Check
06:18 Hidden Trauma At Home
07:54 Trauma Responses And Fear
12:20 Spiraling Into Self Destruction
14:52 God Wink And AA Turning Point
18:04 Recovery Tools And Stabilization
19:59 Unpeeling Lies With God
21:57 Self Care And Staying Thirsty
23:51 God Within You
24:11 Belonging Before Service
24:57 Funnel Backwards Lesson
25:53 Open Mind Surrender
27:09 Memoir Born From Grief
29:48 Original Hard Drive Gifts
31:08 Not A Santa God
32:33 Anthill Ego Reality
33:34 Lightning Round Rituals
36:58 Gratitude And Forgiveness
39:07 Where To Find Hilary
40:05 Final Healing Message
 
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Host Sheila Dunbar interviews Nicole Gibson, a traumatic brain injury survivor, engineer, and Christian author of Shattered Into Grace. Nicole recounts being hit by a car on her university campus in her early 20s, suffering seven skull fractures and memory loss, waking after seven days in the hospital, and returning to classes about two and a half months later, with full recovery expected to take seven to eight years. She describes wrestling with anger toward God and doubts about the Bible, then rebuilding her faith through honesty in prayer and daily spiritual practices alongside physical and mental recovery. Nicole explains that emotional healing and reclaiming self-worth were the hardest parts, discusses toxic relationships and learning to include God in dating decisions, and shares her mission to help young women—especially Black women—set boundaries, walk in purpose, and live from grace rather than striving.
00:00 Brokenness Meets Grace
01:32 Why Trauma Happens
01:59 Show Intro and Guest
04:27 The Accident on Campus
05:35 Recovery and Self Worth
06:23 Faith vs Logic Collision
08:14 Back to School and Healing Timeline
09:03 Writing Shattered Into Grace
11:01 Raw Truths and Dark Moments
12:29 Practical Steps to Move Forward
15:06 Why Supporting Black Women
16:28 Dating After Trauma and Boundaries
19:31 Thriving Without Striving
20:21 Lightning Round Favorites
23:27 Gratitude and Family Support
24:12 Where to Find Nicole
25:10 Final Encouragement and Wrap Up
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Sheila Dunbar welcomes Dr. Len Lopez, a nutritionist, strength and conditioning coach, and chiropractic sports physician with 25+ years of experience, to discuss balance and his simple accountability tool, Five Steps a Day. Dr. Len explains the STEPS acronym—Sleep, Think, Eat, Physical, Spirit—and how daily check-ins and visual tracking can help people build consistent habits without trying to overhaul everything at once. They cover moving from vicious cycles to virtuous cycles, the importance of mindset and faith for resilience, and practical starting points like small improvements in meals and short walks. Dr. Len also shares perspectives on HIIT training, positive self-talk, digestion and absorption, and where listeners can download the Five Steps a Day app or calendar at 5stepsaday.com.
 
00:00 Finding Balance Today
01:20 Stuck in Life Cycles
01:51 Podcast Welcome Intro
02:21 Meet Dr Len Lopez
03:57 Why Five Steps Exists
05:36 Body Mind Spirit Link
07:19 STEPS Acronym Explained
08:40 Sleep and Dream Better
13:35 Spiritual Muscles Matter
15:42 Accountability Feedback Loop
19:46 From Vicious to Virtuous
21:43 Feeding the Right Wolf
23:50 Choosing Focus and Timing
26:04 Change Habits Now
27:52 Faith And Resilience
30:00 Rewiring Negative Thoughts
33:17 Start With Small Steps
35:33 Tracking Progress Visually
37:00 Lightning Round Fun
38:36 Train Smart After 35
42:19 Digestion And Absorption
46:27 Gratitude And Closing
 
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Join Sheila Dunbar in this heartfelt episode of Sheila's Take as she explores the deep and sometimes messy process of learning to love oneself as God made us. Sheila shares personal anecdotes, scriptures including Psalms 139:14 and Philippians 1:6, and encourages listeners to take small, intentional steps towards self-compassion and growth. With reminders to avoid comparison and focus on individual journeys, Sheila emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and leaning on spiritual truths. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that motivates you to embrace your unique path and trust in the slow, steady unfolding of God's good work in you.
 
Episode Highlights:
The theme of self-love from a spiritual and faith-based perspective.
The distinction between superficial self-love and deeper, authentic self-acceptance.
Personal struggles with self-criticism and the journey toward self-kindness.
Embracing the biblical truth of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14).
The importance of seeing oneself through God's eyes rather than societal standards.
Taking small, intentional steps toward self-love and acceptance.
The significance of celebrating small wins and practicing self-kindness.
The impact of comparison and the importance of focusing on one's own journey.
Encouragement to engage in daily acts of self-love and reflection.
The idea that personal growth and healing are unique to each individual and should not be rushed.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Welcome to Sheila's Take
00:52 Introduction to Self-Love
02:23 Personal Journey and Struggles
03:56 Practical Steps for Self-Love
06:04 Encouragement and Weekly Challenge
07:54 Final Thoughts and Blessings
 
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In this powerful episode of Sheila's Take, host Sheila Dunbar sits down with Alan Lazaros, founder and CEO of Next Level University. Alan shares his transformative journey from experiencing profound loss at a young age and surviving a near-fatal car accident to becoming a globally recognized personal development coach and podcaster. They discuss the importance of aligning external success with internal fulfillment, the holistic approach to self-improvement, and how to achieve health, wealth, and love in life. Join Sheila and Alan for an inspiring conversation that explores how life's greatest challenges can become our greatest gifts.
Episode Highlights:
Alan reveals how his near-fatal car accident became the catalyst for complete life transformation
Discover why checking all the boxes of external success left Alan feeling empty inside
Learn the powerful framework for aligning your achievements with your authentic self
Explore the evolution from chasing material wealth to embracing holistic fulfillment
Unpack Alan's three essential pillars: health, wealth, and love as the foundation for true success
Understand how childhood trauma shaped Alan's drive and how he transformed these responses
Get exclusive access to Alan's "Star Diagram" exercise for uncovering your core purpose
Hear Alan's refreshingly honest take on why real personal development isn't always comfortable
Learn the life-changing existential questions Alan uses with clients to create breakthrough clarity
Be inspired by how gratitude practices and service to others completed Alan's journey to fulfillment
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Sheila's Take00:35 Life-Altering Moments and Today's Guest02:28 Alan Lazaros' Early Life and Tragic Loss05:37 The Turning Point: Alan's Car Accident11:25 Redefining Success and Personal Growth15:57 Holistic Self-Improvement: Health, Wealth, and Love17:02 Defining Health, Wealth, and Love17:49 Achieving Top 1% in Health, Wealth, and Love18:08 From Personal Crisis to Global Company18:54 Finding Your Purpose and Potential20:09 Turning Passion into Purpose and Profit20:49 The No BS Approach to Personal Development23:13 Existential Questions and Self-Discovery24:20 Decoding Greatness and Learning from Mentors25:05 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions27:39 Gratitude and Final Thoughts
Connect with Alan:
Next Level University
 
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In this uplifting episode of "Sheila’s Take," Sheila Dunbar chats with Fanny Tristan, a women’s empowerment coach and founder of Her Soul Supply. Together, they challenge the idea that being single is a problem, especially for women of color, and instead celebrate singlehood as a time for growth, self-love, and freedom. Fanny shares her journey, tips for intentional living, and the power of sisterhood. The episode is full of wisdom, laughs, and encouragement to embrace your own path—reminding listeners that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.
Episode Highlights:
Societal narratives and expectations surrounding relationships and singlehood, particularly for women of color.
The perception of singlehood as a temporary or undesirable state versus a sacred space for growth and self-discovery.
The impact of cultural background and identity on women's empowerment and experiences of singlehood.
The biopsychosocial approach in understanding emotional well-being and behaviors in the context of societal systems.
The importance of setting healthy boundaries and having clear standards in relationships.
The unique challenges faced by women of color, including issues of race, colorism, and beauty standards.
The role of community and sisterhood in healing and self-discovery for women.
The significance of intentionality in seeking relationships that align with personal values and identity.
The offerings of Her Soul Supply, including retreats and courses designed for single women of color.
Encouragement for women to embrace singlehood as a valid and empowering experience, fostering self-love and personal growth.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Sheila's Take
00:10 Challenging Narratives Around Singlehood
00:51 Introducing Fanny Tristan
01:41 Diverse Ways of Being a Dad
04:37 Exploring Cultural Backgrounds
07:19 The Bio-Psychosocial Approach
09:31 Creating Her Soul Supply
16:34 Curating for Black and Brown Women
21:24 Understanding Self-Sabotage in Relationships
22:17 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
24:32 Her Soul Supply Retreats and Ethical Travel
26:09 Settle For More: A 12-Week Course
27:04 The Power of Sisterhood in Self-Discovery
28:47 Advice for Women Post-Breakup
29:57 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Fun Facts
34:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
 
To connect with Fanny Tristian:
Her Soul Supply
 
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In this powerful episode of Sheila's Take, host Sheila Dunbar sits down with Neena Perez, a dynamic transformational coach, bestselling author, and sought-after motivational speaker who has turned her painful past into a platform for helping others. Neena courageously shares her remarkable journey of resilience—surviving childhood abuse, navigating teen pregnancy, escaping domestic violence, and overcoming poverty. What makes her story extraordinary isn't just what she endured, but how her unwavering faith became the cornerstone of her healing and ultimate success. Listeners will discover Neena's "Mind-Body-Spirit Alignment" approach that forms the foundation of her coaching practice and her Wisdom to Wealth Program. This conversation goes beyond typical success stories to reveal the profound spiritual practices that sustained Neena through her darkest moments. Whether you're facing personal challenges, seeking to align your business with deeper purpose, or simply in need of inspiration, Neena's practical wisdom and contagious faith will leave you believing that your past pain can become the catalyst for your greatest purpose.
Episode Highlights:
Resilience and personal growth through adversity
The role of faith in overcoming struggles
Transforming pain into purpose and profit
Empowering women to pursue entrepreneurship
The importance of aligning body, mind, and spirit
Strategies for overcoming fear and self-doubt
The significance of gratitude and daily practices in personal development
Sharing personal stories to inspire and uplift others
The impact of mentorship and coaching on personal and professional success
The journey of healing and integrating past experiences into one's identity
Episode Timeline:00:00 - Introduction and episode themes01:05 - The fundamentals of building a purposeful life02:30 - Neena's background and coaching philosophy04:05 - Surviving trauma: Neena's personal testimony06:19 - How faith became the antidote to shame and self-doubt12:17 - Transformative prayer practices and sharing testimonies17:47 - Inside the Wisdom to Wealth Program methodology19:48 - Practical steps for transforming fear into faith-based action20:22 - Specific strategies for women entrepreneurs21:42 - Facing fears head-on: Neena's elimination technique22:41 - Aligning business goals with divine purpose24:03 - Start-up advice for faith-driven entrepreneurs27:28 - The power of strategic pauses and spiritual realignment29:31 - Lightning round: Neena's personal insights and favorites32:16 - Final reflections and information on connecting with Neena
 
To Connect with Neena:
Neena Perez Website
Straight Talk No Sugar Added Podcast
 
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Building Childhood Confidence in the Digital Age with Coach Yana - Sheila's Take In this episode of Sheila's Take, Sheila Dunbar welcomes Coach Yana, a creativity-powered confidence coach for kids. Coach Yana has developed a unique digital ecosystem through her platform, The Laptop Life Coach, designed to help children ages 5-12 build confidence and manage their emotions. Using innovative methods like puppetry, storytelling, and virtual clubs, Coach Yana reaches kids where they are most comfortable – on their screens. They discuss the challenges today's children face, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of being a supportive presence in a child's life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of fresh perspectives and valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone invested in children's emotional development.
00:00 Introduction and Exciting Guest Announcement
01:45 Meet Coach Yana: The Digital Confidence Builder
02:13 Sheila's Take Podcast Overview
05:12 Coach Yana's Personal Journey
08:30 The Big Sister and Cheerleader Approach
12:26 Going Digital: Connecting with Kids Online
15:49 Challenges and Realities of Today's Kids
18:55 Innovative Methods: Puppets, Storytelling, and More
25:42 Handling Children's Emotions with Care
25:54 Distraction Techniques for Calming Kids
27:12 The Impact of Yelling on Children
28:08 Encouraging Open Communication
32:41 Balancing Screen Time and Activities
35:51 Future Goals for The Laptop Life Coach
37:39 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
44:16 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
 
In This Episode We Discuss:
Coach Yana's unique approach as a "big sister cheerleader" and virtual confidence coach for children
How storytelling, puppetry, and interactive digital games create meaningful connections with kids online
The challenges of raising emotionally intelligent children in today's digital landscape
Effective techniques for helping children process and express their emotions
Practical distraction methods to calm children during emotional moments
The negative impact of yelling and how to foster healthier communication
Balancing screen time with other developmental activities
Coach Yana's personal journey and vision for The Laptop Life Coach
Real success stories and transformations from her confidence coaching programs
Ready to empower your child's emotional growth in the digital age? Visit TheLaptopLifeCoach.com to discover Coach Yana's innovative confidence coaching programs. Her platform offers creative classes, interactive resources, and personalized guidance designed to nurture bold, emotionally intelligent, and self-aware young minds. Give your child the gift of confidence and emotional resilience in a format they'll love!
 
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