Hearts Rise Up Podcast

Ep. 102 - From Hollywood to Healing — Hilary Momberger Powers on Turning Pain into Purpose

Mar 24, 2026
Hilary Momberger Powers, former child actor turned life coach and trauma-healing advocate, shares her path from early fame and survival patterns to recovery. She discusses identity masked by people-pleasing, the overdose that opened a doorway, internal safety practices, reparenting the inner child, forgiveness, community, and service as a way to reclaim power and joy.
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ANECDOTE

Child Acting Was A Bid For Love

  • Hilary became a child actor to get her mother's attention and love, not fame itself.
  • She learned people-pleasing early: performing as “Sally” taught her to mask needs and equate approval with worth.
ANECDOTE

Alcohol Created A Temporary New Spirit

  • Hilary first used alcohol and drugs at 13 to create a new spirit that made life bearable.
  • Substance use masked shame and a fractured inner sense, giving temporary height, confidence, and escape from feeling "not enough."
ANECDOTE

Overdose Was The Crack That Let Light In

  • Hilary hit rock bottom with a near-fatal overdose on a Venice fire escape at 21, which cracked her shell.
  • That event opened a small light leading to sobriety and the start of her healing journey.
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