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   📢 **Connect with Us:** **Instagram:** **Youtube:** Facebook: **To be a guest **