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

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 conference, and the various steps she's taking to improve her well-being, including therapy and fostering kittens. Amanda also hints at an upcoming podcast series featuring stories of incredible women survivors. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion on self-care and life changes.

#SelfCare #MentalHealth #TeacherLife #Podcasting #LifeJourney #NewEpisode #Sabbatical #HealingJourney

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:39 Life Changes and Career Break

02:32 Understanding Sabbatical

04:47 Self-Care and Personal Well-being

12:32 New Beginnings and Future Plans

13:00 Conclusion and Social Media

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

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 acknowledging the importance of rest and community support. She highlights her new perspective on life's trials and her dedication to living fully, ending with a heartfelt tribute to her father and a preview of upcoming projects and charity events.

00:00 Welcome to the Inner Workings

01:48 Life Updates and Personal Struggles

04:19 Reflections on Loss and Traditions

06:30 Embracing Resilience

09:45 Finding Peace and Moving Forward

13:51 Honoring My Father's Legacy

18:32 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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. She candidly discusses the mental preparation and support required to undergo such a process, expressing gratitude to her team at Rising Health Specialty Clinic for their role in her healing journey.

Amanda takes us on a journey of self-discovery as she steps out of her comfort zone to attend the Equality Utah Ally Gala alone. Clad in her grand blue dress, she immerses herself in a vibrant and welcoming community, advocating for LGBTQ rights and celebrating diversity. Through this experience, Amanda reflects on the importance of love, acceptance, and being present in the moment, as she navigates a world that sometimes feels unfamiliar.

Join Amanda as she explores the themes of identity, courage, and community, all while embracing her role as Mrs. Daybreak and supporting a cause close to her heart. From the enchanting theme of the gala to the heartfelt connections made, Amanda's story is a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing the beauty of the human experience.

(00:00) Amanda McCombs finished six rounds of ketamine therapy to improve health

(02:37) I went to the equality Utah ally gala last weekend

(10:38) You should check out equality Utah on Instagram for pictures and video

#Podcast #Courage #Community #LGBTQAlly #SelfDiscovery #KetamineTherapy #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #RideTheWaveMedia

Keywords: Courage, Community, LGBTQ Ally, Self-Discovery, Ketamine Therapy, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Amanda McCombs, Equality Utah, Mrs. Daybreak, Ride The Wave Media, Podcast Episode

Ride the Wave Media: https://ridethewavemedia.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/notsogenius

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 journey she has been through, emphasizing the importance of safety, therapy, and healing. She invites listeners to share their own stories, especially experiences related to pregnancy during COVID-19, as she plans to discuss more personal and communal stories in future episodes.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

01:05 Personal Health Struggles

03:29 Stalker Story: A Dark Past

05:51 Creepy Encounters and Safety Measures

11:07 Healing and Moving Forward

16:02 Conclusion and Future Plans

#Podcast #Healing #Resilience #MentalHealth #Therapy #SelfCare #Inspiration #NotSoGenius #Storytelling #PodcastLife