Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

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 sha...

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...

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 Coun...

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 auth...

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 conversat...

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...

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...

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...

The Wrong Kind Of Crown: Embracing My Smile The Wrong Kind Of Crown   In this episode of the 'Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind,' host Amanda McCombs shares her journey of self-care and dental health. She discusses her struggles with weak enamel, TMJ pain, and dental procedures, and emphasizes the importance of oral health. Amanda talks about her recent dental visit to Copper Creek Dental a...

Breaking Barriers: The Real Pageant Journey   Join Amanda McCombs and her guest, Mrs. Utah County, as they dive into the intricacies of participating in beauty pageants and the profound personal growth that accompanies the journey. They discuss their individual experiences, the importance of community, empowering sisterhood, and how the challenges they face shape their resilience. Through candid c...

The Healing Journey of Pageantry: Amanda and Chelsi's Transformative Experiences In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs, also known as Mrs. Daybreak, chats with Chelsi Rasmussen, Mrs. Utah America, about their shared journey in the world of pageantry. They discuss their initial fears and the overwhelming support of their 'Sash sisterhood.' Throughout their conversation, they delve into the prof...

Amanda McCombs: Journey to Mrs. Utah America and Charity Gala Plans In this episode, Amanda McCombs, also known as Mrs. Daybreak, shares her experiences and reflections on self-discovery and preparation for the upcoming Mrs. Utah America pageant. Amanda discusses the importance of personal growth through participation in the pageant and how it has helped shape her identity. She expresses her commi...

Navigating Life's Toughest Moments In this candid podcast episode, Amanda McCombs returns after a long hiatus to share personal challenges and introspections. She discusses the recent passing of her father and the earlier loss of her mother, the impact of these events on her mental health, and her diagnosis of ADHD. Amanda reflects on themes of resilience, traditions, and personal growth while ack...

📽️All Episodes: @ridethewavemediapodcast 🎧All Episodes: www.ridethewavemedia.com   From Cards to Chakras: A Practically Magical Episode In this collaborative episode of 'Practically Magick,' host Courtney Pearl joins Amanda McCombs from the Ride The Wave Media Podcast Network. They catch up on life updates since their last interview in February, with a focus on recent events and personal growth....

Finding Courage and Community: Amanda's Solo Adventure at the Equality Utah Ally Gala   In this insightful episode, Amanda McCombs shares her transformative experiences with ketamine therapy and attending the Equality Utah Ally Gala. Amanda opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her journey towards better health, both physically and mentally, as she completes six rounds of ketamine therapy....

Rediscovering Life Through Grief and Healing: Amanda's Journey In this deeply personal episode, Amanda McCombs opens up about her journey through grief, self-care, and healing. After a brief hiatus, Amanda returns to share the heavy toll her grief has taken on her physical and mental health, and how she’s been navigating these challenges. From attending the Mrs. America pageant to finding solace i...

Reconnecting After 20 Years: A Journey of Empowerment and Self-Discovery In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs reunites with her longtime friend Heather to reminisce about their creative adventures and personal growth over the past two decades. From their early days in a model collaborative to navigating life changes, Amanda and Heather share candid reflections on their experiences, including...

Leaving the LDS Church: A Personal Journey of Reflection and Healing In this deeply personal episode, Amanda McCombs opens up about her experiences growing up in the LDS church and the challenges she faced that led to her departure. Amanda shares her heartfelt story, touching on sensitive topics such as religious abuse, the struggle with faith, and the impact of societal expectations on women. She...

Managing Life Changes: Personal Insights and Reflections  In this introspective episode, Amanda McCombs explores the transition from being a full-time teacher to focusing on her own children and personal growth. She shares heartfelt reflections on the challenges and rewards of this new phase, the importance of creating a supportive community both at home and in the classroom, and the struggle to f...

Embracing Self-Care and Sabbaticals: Amanda McCombs' Journey In this episode, Amanda McCombs shares her personal journey of taking a sabbatical from teaching to focus on self-care and healing. Amanda discusses quitting her job, the challenges of dealing with health issues, and the importance of meeting one's own needs. She reflects on the concept of sabbaticals, her experiences at a work conferenc...

Overcoming Trauma and Finding Safety   In this episode of 'Inner Workings Of The Not So Genius Mind,' host Amanda McCombs shares her struggles and experiences with trauma, particularly her ordeal with a stalker during her teenage years. She discusses the subsequent health challenges, including her diagnosis of shingles and how it affected her. Amanda also reflects on the mental and emotional journ...

Surviving Shingles: Amanda McCombs' Journey from Pain to Empowerment In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs, host of the 'Not So Genius' podcast, shares her profound journey of overcoming shingles, a debilitating condition that dramatically impacted her life. Amanda recounts her struggles with misdiagnosis, severe pain, and the intense isolation that followed. Despite the setbacks, she found re...

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 h...