Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
After losing her 21-year-old daughter, Emily, to fentanyl poisoning, veteran journalist Angela Kennecke made it her life’s mission to break the silence surrounding substance use disorder and the overdose crisis. Grieving Out Loud is a heartfelt and unflinching podcast where Angela shares stories of devastating loss, hard-earned hope, and the journey toward healing. Through powerful interviews with other grieving families, experts, advocates, and people in recovery, this podcast sheds light on the human side of the epidemic — and how we can all be part of the solution. Whether you're coping with grief, supporting a loved one, or working to end the stigma, you’ll find connection, comfort, and inspiration here.
Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
The Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’t
You may know her as the voice of Sally Brown in Peanuts, but by the time she was just 11 years old, Hilary Momberger-Powers had already appeared in dozens of commercials. Behind that familiar voice, though, was a child quietly struggling — with the voices in her own head and the ones she couldn’t escape at home, where she endured emotional abuse from a mother battling alcohol addiction.
That early trauma set Hilary on a dangerous path marked by substance use, abuse and homelessness at a young age. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, she courageously shares her story, what helped her heal and find recovery, and the advice she offers to others who may be walking a similar road.
Learn more about and purchase Hilary's book here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you may like the following:
- A mother-daughter journey from Hollywood to heroin to healing
- Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up
- A TV Anchor Shares Her Loss to Overdose and Efforts to End Stigma
Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.
They were...
- daughters
- sons
- mothers
- fathers
- friends
- wives
- husbands
- cousins
- boyfriends
- girlfriends.
They were More Than Just A Number.
Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates
For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz
.png)