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.

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

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

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 and how it alleviated her long-standing dental issues. She reflects on her newfound confidence in her smile, the emotional relief from not needing braces, and advises listeners on the significance of taking care of their teeth. Amanda concludes with light-hearted commentary and a reminder to prioritize self-care.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Current Life Updates

00:51 Dental Health Struggles

01:54 Finding the Right Dentist

02:26 Dental Treatment Plan

06:48 Final Thoughts on Dental Health

08:41 Conclusion and Farewell

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 humor. Our goal is to bring light to the shadows, laughter to the tears, and a sense of community to all those who tune in.

"Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind" is a warm and inviting podcast brought to you by Amanda McCombs, a resilient trauma survivor, nurturing teacher, and the beloved Mrs. Daybreak. Amanda shares her personal journeys with a sprinkle of humor and thoughtful insights, offering listeners a fresh and unique perspective on healing and rediscovering life.

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 commitment to becoming a helper in her community, inspired by Mr. Rogers' famous advice.

Amanda introduces 'Hearts Knit Together', a nonprofit organization supporting victims of domestic violence and conflict, with which she plans to collaborate for her charity efforts. Amanda also recounts personal stories, including childhood traumas and challenges, emphasizing the significance of support and connection. She poignantly details her intent to host a Charity Gala for her birthday, aiming to benefit the nonprofit organization instead of receiving personal gifts.

Amanda updates listeners on her busy schedule, new podcast guests, and elaborates on the upcoming events, including the Charity Gala and the Mrs. Utah America pageant.

Charity Gala: https://www.facebook.com/events/457548960760902

00:00 Introduction to Amanda McCombs

00:41 Journey to Mrs. Utah America

01:52 Finding Purpose Through Charity

02:30 The Impact of Helping Others

03:04 Discovering Hearts Knit Together

06:44 Planning a Charity Gala

09:13 Reflections on Personal Struggles

17:36 Looking Forward: Upcoming Events

19:46 Conclusion and Social Media Links