What does it really take to rebuild a life after addiction? For Hilary Phelps, the journey wasn't a linear path to a happy ending — it was a daily practice of peeling back layers, navigating severe depression, and redefining self-care as a single mother. In a world quick to judge and glamorize, she argues that the heart of recovery lies in the messy middle.

In this deeply personal episode of HIT Like A Girl, guest host Dana Trampas, MPH, sits down with Hilary Phelps — speaker, wellness coach, and woman in long-term recovery — recorded live at the Power and Women in Medicine Summit. Hilary pulls back the curtain on what happens after the initial victory, sharing the hard-won wisdom from her 18-year journey.

Hilary reveals:

The myth of the "perfect" recovery: Why the real work begins years after getting sober, and how she faced a diagnosis of severe depression with a recovery toolkit already in hand.
Motherhood in the messy middle: How becoming a single mom forced her to reframe "self-care" as "self-respect" — and why putting her own oxygen mask on first is the only way she can show up for her son.
The stigma that silences women: The unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery, a topic she’s exploring in her upcoming book with Dr. Lipi Roy, which combines raw personal narrative with scientific insight.
Building "The Right Room": How her platform creates a vital space for women navigating life’s transitions, moving beyond "cheerleaders" to find the "mirrors" we truly need.
A simple, powerful grounding practice: The one question she asks herself with her hand on her heart to find calm on the toughest days.

This conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the ongoing courage required to choose recovery every single day. It’s a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt "not good enough," struggled with their mental health, or is supporting a loved one on their own path.

Listen now for a raw and hopeful look at how we heal, one day at a time.

00:00 Introducing Hilary Phelps: From Hopelessness to 18 Years Sober

02:45 The Messy Middle: Why Recovery is a Lifelong Unpacking

04:30 Motherhood, Self-Care, and Breaking Generational Cycles

09:39 The Right Room: Why Women Need Mirrors, Not Just Cheerleaders

12:42 Lightning Round: Treatment Access, Debunking Myths, and Mood-Lifting Songs

15:46 Finding Hope in Humanity and a Call to Listen

Stay Connected:

👉 Learn more about Hilary and her work at HilaryPhelps.com (remember: it's one "L" in Hillary)

👉 Follow her on Instagram for daily insights on recovery and wellness

👉 Explore supportive communities for women at The Right Room (or wherever you listen to her podcast)

👉 Connect with Guest Host, Dana Trampas on Instagram TikTok

🎧 This episode was recorded live at the Power of Women in Medicine Summit and brought to you by Chirpy Bird Health IT. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

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