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:

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sheila’s Take

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:

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:

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:

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to Sheila's Take

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:

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:

Episode Timeline:

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:

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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