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.

• 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

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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.

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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

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