Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind | Podcast on RSS.com

Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

by Ride The Wave Media

Personal Journals

Season 3

What’s in My Bag Says Everything About My Mind

What happens when you dump out your bag and realize it’s basically a mirror of your brain? In this lighthearted and refreshingly honest episode of Not So Genius Mind Podcast with Amanda McCombs, Amanda does exactly that. After a long day at a pageant workshop, she empties her grab bag on the mic and discovers that the contents tell a much bigger story about busy lives, mental clutter, and the chaos we normalize every day. As hairbrushes, planners, random papers, sentimental items, and misplaced essentials come spilling out, Amanda reflects on pageant life, manifestation tools like her law of attraction planner, and the emotional weight we carry without noticing. What begins as a funny, almost accidental bit turns into a relatable conversation about self-awareness, overcommitment, and embracing imperfection. Amanda’s humor and vulnerability make this episode feel like a chat with a friend who’s laughing right alongside you. The episode also includes a reminder about the upcoming Mrs. Utah America Project, encouraging listeners to show support either virtually or in person. This is a perfect listen for fans of personal growth podcasts, self-discovery, manifestation, pageant journeys, and anyone who’s ever wondered how their outer clutter connects to their inner world. ✨ Subscribe to our channel: 👉 YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast

Decluttering the Past: Family History, Healing, and Letting Go

Life doesn’t always arrive neatly organized, and in this deeply personal episode of Not So Genius Mind Podcast with Amanda McCombs, Amanda invites listeners into a season of emotional clutter, reflection, and unexpected clarity. As pageant commitments, illness, and the process of selling her home converge, Amanda finds herself sorting through not just physical belongings, but memories, identity, and inherited stories that shaped who she is today. While cleaning out her parents’ belongings, Amanda uncovers surprising artifacts that spark reflection and curiosity. A 1943 self-improvement course promising charm and conversation skills opens a conversation about confidence and social conditioning. Handwritten family histories dating back to 1864 Utah reveal generational resilience, forgotten voices, and the emotional weight of legacy. These discoveries lead Amanda to reflect on manifestation, healing, and her long-held dream of creating a therapeutic farm space rooted in peace, purpose, and connection. This episode blends humor, vulnerability, and quiet insight as Amanda explores emotional decluttering, generational trauma, personal growth, pageant life, and the courage it takes to honor the past while stepping into the future. It’s a reminder that growth often begins in the mess, and meaning is sometimes hiding in the boxes we least expect to open. ✨ Subscribe to our channel: 👉 YouTube.com/@notsogeniusmindpodcast Resources & Mentions: Vintage 1943 conversation and charm course Handwritten family histories tracing ancestors to 1864 Utah Reflections on manifestation, emotional healing, and therapeutic farm dreams

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 Carol Amanda’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.

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

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

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

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

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

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