Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

Grief During the Holidays: Finding Joy and Healing After Loss | Not So Genius Mind Podcast

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and bright—but for those carrying grief, they can feel like an emotional minefield. In this heartfelt episode of Not So Genius Mind Podcast, host Amanda McCombs opens up about her personal experience navigating loss during the holiday season after losing both parents. From empty chairs at the table to traditions that stir bittersweet memories, Amanda shares candid reflections on how grief and love coexist—and why healing doesn’t mean forgetting. You’ll hear practical tips for coping with grief during the holidays: creating new traditions to honor loved ones, giving yourself permission to say “no” to overwhelming expectations, and leaning into community support. Amanda also reminds us that laughter and tears can live side by side, and that carrying love forward is the true meaning of healing. If this season feels heavy, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and hope. Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, you’ll find insights and encouragement to help you navigate the holidays with grace. ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES & MENTIONS * A Christmas Carol (Tim Curry narration on Audible) * The Muppet Christmas Carol (Michael Caine as Scrooge) * Hale Center Theater production of A Christmas Carol * Amanda’s tradition idea: homemade cinnamon rolls to honor loved ones ---------------------------------------- 👉 Subscribe to our channel: YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast [http://YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast] 👍 Like, share, and leave a review to help others find this episode.

Finding Joy in the Mess: Grief, Farm Therapy & Amanda McCombs’ Season 3 Comeback

In the Season 3 kickoff of Not So Genius Mind, host Amanda McCombs returns with a raw, witty, and deeply human update. After losing both parents and navigating long‑term nerve damage from shingles, Amanda reflects on how grief dismantles identity—and how healing rarely looks linear. She shares the unexpected place she rediscovered her voice: volunteering at the Wellness Firm Foundation farm, where belly rubs for Petunia the 700‑lb pig, cuddling peacocks she hatched, and time with goats became anchors in the chaos. Amanda also opens up about pageants (Mrs. Utah America, USOA, Continental Worldwide), returning to Daybreak, and stepping onto the runway at Milan Fashion Week with Robin Towel Designs during her first trip abroad—complete with cobblestones, confidence, and new perspectives in Rome. It’s a grounded, inspiring reset that invites listeners to embrace imperfection, laugh at the pockets of joy (hello, pocket chickens named Harry Styles), and practice resilience in small, everyday ways. Want to be a guest? Amanda’s safe‑space invitation stands: bring the stories we don’t talk about enough. Subscribe to our channel: YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast [http://YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast] Resources & Mentions: Wellness Firm Foundation (grief‑focused farm) Petunia (700‑lb pig), peacocks, goats Pageants: Mrs. Utah America, USOA, Continental Worldwide Milan Fashion Week; Robin Towel Designs; Rome Instagram: @notsogenius Websites: notsogeniusmind.com [http://notsogeniusmind.com], notsogeniuspodcast.com [http://notsogeniuspodcast.com]

Exploring Hearts Knit Together: A Community Tour

From Pageant to Purpose: A Charity Gala Success & Hearts Knit Together Tour In this episode, Amanda McCombs, also known as Mrs. Daybreak, shares her journey preparing for a pageant while engaging in community efforts. Amanda successfully raised $1,400 for the nonprofit organization Hearts Knit Together through a birthday charity gala. She highlights her visit to their new facility in Utah County, the dedication of the staff, and the heartfelt work they do. Amanda also updates on her new title, Mrs. Utah, and introduces the upcoming segments featuring an interview with April, who runs Hearts Knit Together. Listeners are encouraged to support the nonprofit through donations and stay tuned for more exciting content. 00:00 Welcome to the Not So Genius Mind 00:45 Pageant Preparations and Interviews 01:10 Charity Gala Success 02:07 Tour of Hearts Knit Together Facility 21:22 Conclusion and Future Plans

Own Your Crown: Embracing Real Life, Real Beauty w/ Portia Blanchard

Own Your Crown: Embracing Real Life, Real Beauty   In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Amanda McCombs, aka Mrs. Daybreak, joins Mrs. Maple Mountain, Portia Blanchard, to discuss the profound life lessons learned through motherhood, personal struggles, and the unique experiences of participating in beauty pageants. They delve into embracing imperfections, the importance of showing up authentically, and how Portia's traumatic experience with her youngest child, Abigail, led her to publish an inspirational book and take part in pageantry. Amid humorous anecdotes, real-life parenting moments, and reflections on personal growth, they celebrate the transformative power of vulnerability and community support. This episode encourages everyone to own their stories, take pride in their journey, and shine their light unapologetically.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:16 Funny Anecdote About Portia's Name 01:26 Meet Portia Blanchard 02:30 Abigail's Birth Story 03:56 Life Lessons and Reflections 06:54 Family Dynamics and Blended Families 12:02 The Importance of Self-Care 20:04 Pageantry and Personal Growth 31:33 Owning Your Story and Self-Confidence 34:11 Reflecting on Achievements 34:52 Celebrate Yourself 35:20 Living Out Loud 37:39 Taking Up Space 39:17 Pageant Lessons 42:00 The Power of Pageantry 45:29 Community and Support 59:19 From Letters to Book 01:00:31 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Living Intentionally: Dance, Life, and Pageantry with Jaimee Beard

Dance with a Purpose: An Interview with Jaimee Beard   In this episode of 'Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind,' host Amanda McCombs chats with Jaimee Beard, a dance professional and community figure. Jamie, the titleholder of Miss Nebo Valley, discusses her career, including her journey to owning the North Point Academy of Dance and creating the 'Dance with a Purpose' platform. The conversation touches on the challenges and joys of maintaining a dance studio, starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and dealing with a celiac disease diagnosis. Jamie's commitment to living intentionally and giving back to her community, especially through her dance platform, shines through. The episode also delves into the camaraderie and support within the pageant community and personal anecdotes about dating, friendships, and navigating life's uncertainties.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:40 Jamie's Background and Dance Studio 01:35 Living with Purpose 02:31 Starting the Dance Studio 03:40 Personal Challenges and Realizations 06:02 Casual Conversations and Anecdotes 12:43 Dating and Relationships 19:19 Reflecting on Relationships and Personal Growth 19:51 The Exhausting Yet Rewarding World of Pageants 20:29 Journey Through Pageantry: From High School to Miss America 22:50 The Supportive Pageant Community 26:02 Making a Difference: Community Service and Nonprofits 33:10 The Power of Social Media and Personal Expression 39:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans