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

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