Sheila’s Take

She Voiced Sally Brown in Peanuts—Then Survived Trauma, Addiction, and Found God

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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From Trauma to Triumph: The Nicole Gibson Story

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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Five Steps a Day with Dr. Len Lopez: Small Daily Habits for Body, Mind & Spirit |

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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Learning to love yourself one small, faithful step at a time.

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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From Trauma to Triumph: How Alan Lazaros Redefined Success

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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Embracing Singlehood as a Space for Growth with Fanny Tristan

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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From Trauma to Transformation: Neena Perez's Faith-Filled Journey to Purpose

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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Nurturing Young Hearts: Coach Yana's Digital Approach to Children's Emotional Intelligence | Sheila's Take

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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Transforming Fear with Rhonda Britten | Sheila's Take Podcast

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of Sheila's Take, host Sheila Dunbar sits down with Emmy Award-winning life coach Rhonda Britten. Rhonda shares her powerful journey from witnessing the traumatic deaths of her parents to becoming a beacon of hope and transformation for countless individuals. They dive deep into the universal nature of fear, exploring practical tools to overcome it and live fearlessly. Rhonda also discusses her groundbreaking 'Wheel of Fear' and 'Wheel of Freedom' concepts, offering listeners valuable insights into changing their relationship with fear. Whether you're dealing with career challenges, relationship issues, or personal growth struggles, this episode promises wisdom, laughter, and transformative insights. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that could redefine how you see yourself and your place in the world.
00:00 Introduction to Rhonda Britton
02:27 Rhonda's Personal Story of Trauma
02:55 Welcome to Sheila's Take
04:29 Understanding Fear with Rhonda
13:32 Rhonda's Journey and Transformation
28:47 Understanding Core Triggers and Fear Responses
29:46 The Wheel of Fear and Core Negative Feelings
32:29 Interrupting the Wheel of Fear
32:45 Introducing the Wheel of Freedom
33:32 Practical Steps to Embrace Authenticity
36:32 Applying the Wheel of Freedom in Real Life
39:24 The Evolution of the Coaching Industry
40:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Coaching
43:52 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections
49:11 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
In this episode we discuss:
The universal nature of fear and its impact on individuals regardless of status.
Rhonda Britton's personal trauma and its influence on her understanding of fear.
The distinction between physical and emotional fears and their manifestations.
Common fear responses that disguise themselves as negative behaviors (e.g., procrastination, low self-worth).
The importance of reframing negative behaviors as signals of fear rather than personal flaws.
Rhonda's personal journey of overcoming fear and trauma through self-acknowledgment and small victories.
The development and significance of the "Wheel of Fear" and "Wheel of Freedom" frameworks in understanding and managing fear.
Critique of the coaching industry, emphasizing the need for genuine coaching skills over marketing tactics.
Rhonda's ongoing work to expand her coaching offerings and address gaps in coaching education.
The transformative message that fear is a shared human experience and not a reflection of personal inadequacy.
To Connect with Rhonda
Books
"Fearlessly Living": "00:03:46"
"The Artist's Way": "00:46:26"
Notable Mentions
"Oprah Winfrey Show": "00:03:46"
"NBC's Starting Over": "00:03:46"
"VIP Weekends": "00:25:21"
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Self-Care for Caregivers: Hospice Nurse Jenny Lytle Shares The Becoming Method | Sheila's Take

In this uplifting episode of "Sheila's Take," Sheila Dunbar chats with hospice nurse Jenny Lytle about the real-life struggles and joys of self-care for caregivers. Jenny shares heartfelt stories from her decades in nursing, including lessons learned after losing her mom, and introduces her practical "Becoming Method" for stress and self-care. Listeners get simple, doable tips—like creating a "wins file" and a "happy basket"—to make self-care easy and guilt-free. The vibe is warm, encouraging, and packed with wisdom for anyone who gives their all to others.
The Paradox of Caregiving (00:00:00)Sheila introduces the episode’s theme: caregivers often neglect their own well-being and the paradox of sustainable compassion.
The Becoming Method & Self-Care Philosophy (00:01:14)Sheila explains Jenny’s Becoming Method and reframes self-care as essential, not selfish.
Jenny’s Hospice Experience & Lessons on Self-Care (00:02:11)Jenny shares how hospice work taught her the urgency and importance of self-care.
Podcast & Guest Introduction (00:02:39)Sheila formally introduces the podcast, Jenny’s background, and her book.
Personal Crisis and Burnout (00:05:10)Jenny discusses her own burnout, lack of boundaries, and the wake-up call that changed her approach.
Losing Her Mother: A Turning Point (00:08:17)Jenny describes how her mother’s sudden death deepened her understanding of self-neglect among caregivers.
Redefining Self-Care: Beyond Bubble Baths (00:14:05)Sheila and Jenny discuss misconceptions about self-care and introduce the Becoming Method’s personalized approach.
Personalized, Practical Self-Care (00:14:54)Jenny explains that real self-care is individualized, simple, and about small, meaningful practices.
Grounding and Nature as Self-Care (00:19:22)Discussion about grounding, nature, and the benefits of connecting with the environment.
Common Barriers to Self-Care (00:22:17)Jenny lists common objections caregivers have to self-care: guilt, time, money, and not knowing where to start.
Affordable and Accessible Self-Care Ideas (00:24:32)Sheila and Jenny share free and easy self-care practices, emphasizing that self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
Simple Tools and Reminders for Self-Care (00:26:39)Sheila talks about using her Apple Watch for reminders to breathe, stand, and reflect.
Surprisingly Effective Self-Care Strategies (00:28:01)Jenny shares two strategies: keeping a “wins file” and creating a “happy basket” for quick self-care.
Recognizing Burnout Early (00:31:09)Jenny outlines early signs of burnout and the importance of boundaries.
Overcoming Guilt in Self-Care (00:33:26)Advice for those who feel guilty taking time for themselves, emphasizing small, manageable steps.
Lightning Round: Personal Insights (00:34:56)Sheila asks Jenny rapid-fire questions about her habits, preferences, and inspirations.
Gratitude and Closing Reflections (00:36:56)Jenny shares what she’s grateful for; Sheila wraps up with final thoughts on self-care.
Contact Information and Resources (00:37:24)Jenny provides her website and social media handles for listeners to connect and learn more.
Final Encouragement and Farewell (00:39:07)Sheila encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and closes the episode.
In this episode, we discuss:
Importance of self-care for caregivers, including nurses, parents, and teachers.
The paradox of caregivers prioritizing others' needs over their own well-being.
Personal experiences and insights from hospice and end-of-life care.
The impact of personal loss on caregiving perspectives and practices.
Introduction of the "Becoming Method" for managing stress and self-care.
The significance of personalized self-care routines and practices.
Strategies for recognizing and addressing burnout in caregivers.
The role of simple, accessible self-care activities in daily life.
Overcoming feelings of guilt associated with prioritizing self-care.
The interconnectedness of self-care and effective caregiving.
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To Connect with Jenny:
https://www.jennylytle.com/