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. Stay connected with HIT Like a Girl Pod: HITLikeaGirlPod.com LinkedIn    Instagram    TikTok