Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

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Host: Amanda McCombs Prepare to be inspired, amused, and comforted as we candidly discuss our personal journeys, the highs, the lows, and the comedy that life often presents. No topic is off limits in ”Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind”. Each episode, we’ll dive into personal stories, professional insights, and the many facets of mental health and self care, all wrapped up with a sense of humor. Our goal is to bring light to the shadows, laughter to the tears, and a sense of community to all those who tune in. ”Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind” is a warm and inviting podcast brought to you by Amanda McCombs, a resilient trauma survivor, nurturing teacher, and the beloved Mrs. Daybreak. Amanda shares her personal journeys with a sprinkle of humor and thoughtful insights, offering listeners a fresh and unique perspective on healing and rediscovering life.

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

    12/15/2025

    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 & MentionsA Christmas Carol (Tim Curry narration on Audible)The Muppet Christmas Carol (Michael Caine as Scrooge)Hale Center Theater production of A Christmas CarolAmanda’s tradition idea: homemade cinnamon rolls to honor loved ones👉 Subscribe to our channel: YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast 👍 Like, share, and leave a review to help others find this episode.

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

    12/09/2025

    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 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, notsogeniuspodcast.com

    22 min
  3. Exploring Hearts Knit Together: A Community Tour

    04/30/2025

    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

    24 min
  4. Own Your Crown: Embracing Real Life, Real Beauty w/ Portia Blanchard

    04/25/2025

    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

    1h 4m
  5. Living Intentionally: Dance, Life, and Pageantry with Jaimee Beard

    03/29/2025

    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

    40 min
  6. Empowering Through Resilience: A Conversation with Kimberly Wirfs

    03/14/2025

    Empowering Through Resilience: A Conversation with Kimberly Wirfs

    Empowering Through Resilience: A Conversation with Kimberly Wirfs   Amanda McCombs hosts a conversation with Kimberly Wirfs, a business owner, widow, and mother of three, currently Miss Bountiful for the upcoming Mrs. Utah American Pageant. They discuss pageant experiences, resilience, preparedness, and personal stories, including the impact of life's unexpected events and the creation of Kimberly's 'Life's Essential Binder' to help people organize important documents. They also explore their shared experiences with tattoos and life as military spouses. The episode highlights the importance of living fully and being prepared for life-changing moments.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:40 Pageant Experiences and Expectations 02:12 Pageant Preparations and Challenges 06:59 Life's Essential Binder and Personal Stories 16:27 Tattoos and Their Meanings 21:57 Introduction to Douglas and Oregon Connection 23:11 Tattoo Stories and Personal Meanings 25:16 Military Life and Personal Resilience 29:03 Favorite Places and Future Plans 33:22 Pageant Experiences and Sisterhood 40:13 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

    41 min
  7. From Air Force to Pageantry: Kim's Story

    03/07/2025

    From Air Force to Pageantry: Kim's Story

    Building Authentic Connections: Amanda McCombs and Kim Chatto on Community and Resilience   In this engaging conversation, Amanda McCombs and guest Kim Chatto, Miss Willard Bay, explore themes of authenticity, community, and resilience. Kim shares her rich background, including her military service and transition to civilian life as a defense contractor. They discuss the importance of building and maintaining genuine connections, both in personal and professional spaces, and lifting each other up in a supportive community. Kim talks about her platform, Highly Favored, which emphasizes the importance of sharing stories of resilience to strengthen communities. They also touch on experiences in the pageant world, highlighting the positive energy and supportive environment it fosters. This episode is a deep dive into how real connections and community support can make a significant impact in one's life.     00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:03 Kim's Background and Military Career 03:54 Challenges and Pressures of Life 06:18 Importance of Community and Self-Care 08:34 Dating Experiences and Reflections 14:53 Parenting and Personal Growth 21:45 Podcast and Pageant Experiences 30:52 Reflecting on Missed Friendships 31:04 The Birth of Highly Favored Podcast 32:07 Intentional Connections and Podcasting 34:33 Empathy and Vulnerability in Pageantry 36:10 Overcoming Insecurities and Self-Doubt 43:00 The Power of Authenticity 46:40 Building Community and Support Systems 49:38 Navigating Life After Military Service 59:07 Celebrating Success and Female Empowerment 01:02:59 Finding Your Supportive Circle 01:08:21 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs

    1h 10m
  8. Reclaiming Identity: A Journey Through Purity Culture and Healing

    03/06/2025

    Reclaiming Identity: A Journey Through Purity Culture and Healing

    Reclaiming Identity: A Journey Through Purity Culture and Healing  In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs, known as the Not So Genius, invites her Sash sister Kaylyn Lippert, a former Mrs. Wasatch Front, military spouse, registered nurse, and founder of Reclaimed, to discuss their close friendship and personal journeys. Kaylyn shares her deeply personal struggle with vaginismus, the impacts of purity culture, and her mission to reclaim her identity and help others through her ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of community, healing, and redefining intimacy and sexuality in a healthy, non-shaming way. They also talk about their experiences in pageantry and how it has helped them grow, build a supportive community, and serve others. Kaylyn details her vision for Reclaimed, including donation drives for menstrual products, educational tours, social media outreach, and future aspirations for a marriage retreat. The episode emphasizes the power of vulnerability, mutual support, and breaking free from harmful cultural narratives to achieve lasting healing and transformation.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:54 Kaylyn's Journey with Purity Culture 03:37 The Impact of Vaginismus 09:14 Finding Community and Support 19:28 The Role of Pageantry in Personal Growth 34:29 Personal Reflections on Family and Relationships 36:00 Impact of Purity Culture 36:53 Religious Teachings and Personal Beliefs 39:07 Challenges in Marriage and Family Dynamics 40:27 Navigating Social Media and Authenticity 51:39 Cultural Differences and Personal Growth 54:40 Reclaimed: Mission and Vision 01:00:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Host: Amanda McCombs Prepare to be inspired, amused, and comforted as we candidly discuss our personal journeys, the highs, the lows, and the comedy that life often presents. No topic is off limits in ”Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind”. Each episode, we’ll dive into personal stories, professional insights, and the many facets of mental health and self care, all wrapped up with a sense of humor. Our goal is to bring light to the shadows, laughter to the tears, and a sense of community to all those who tune in. ”Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind” is a warm and inviting podcast brought to you by Amanda McCombs, a resilient trauma survivor, nurturing teacher, and the beloved Mrs. Daybreak. Amanda shares her personal journeys with a sprinkle of humor and thoughtful insights, offering listeners a fresh and unique perspective on healing and rediscovering life.

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