Episodes

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...

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 an...

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, M...

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 ...

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 C...

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 shar...

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 ...

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. Togethe...

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 s...

Breaking Barriers: The Real Pageant Journey Join Amanda McCombs and her guest, Mrs. Utah County, as they dive into the intricacies of participating in beauty pageants and the profound personal growth that accompanies the journey. They discuss their individual experiences, the importance of community, empowering sisterhood, and how the challenges they face shape their resilience. Through candid conversations, they explore topics such as facing personal lows, the significance of genuine connection...

The Healing Journey of Pageantry: Amanda and Chelsi's Transformative Experiences In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs, also known as Mrs. Daybreak, chats with Chelsi Rasmussen, Mrs. Utah America, about their shared journey in the world of pageantry. They discuss their initial fears and the overwhelming support of their 'Sash sisterhood.' Throughout their conversation, they delve into the profound personal growth and healing both have experienced, offering advice on embracing change, finding...

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 introduce...

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'...

📽️All Episodes: @ridethewavemediapodcast 🎧All Episodes: www.ridethewavemedia.com From Cards to Chakras: A Practically Magical Episode In this collaborative episode of 'Practically Magick,' host Courtney Pearl joins Amanda McCombs from the Ride The Wave Media Podcast Network. They catch up on life updates since their last interview in February, with a focus on recent events and personal growth. The conversation includes lighthearted discussions about unplanned outfit coordination, a preview of ta...

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, express...

Rediscovering Life Through Grief and Healing: Amanda's Journey In this deeply personal episode, Amanda McCombs opens up about her journey through grief, self-care, and healing. After a brief hiatus, Amanda returns to share the heavy toll her grief has taken on her physical and mental health, and how she’s been navigating these challenges. From attending the Mrs. America pageant to finding solace in therapy and reconnecting with cherished memories of her late mother, Amanda offers a raw and heart...

Reconnecting After 20 Years: A Journey of Empowerment and Self-Discovery In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs reunites with her longtime friend Heather to reminisce about their creative adventures and personal growth over the past two decades. From their early days in a model collaborative to navigating life changes, Amanda and Heather share candid reflections on their experiences, including their involvement in empowering women through creative projects, overcoming personal traumas, and th...

Reconnecting After 20 Years: A Journey of Empowerment and Self-Discovery In this heartfelt episode, Amanda McCombs reunites with her longtime friend Heather to reminisce about their creative adventures and personal growth over the past two decades. From their early days in a model collaborative to navigating life changes, Amanda and Heather share candid reflections on their experiences, including their involvement in empowering women through creative projects, overcoming personal traumas, and th...

Leaving the LDS Church: A Personal Journey of Reflection and Healing In this deeply personal episode, Amanda McCombs opens up about her experiences growing up in the LDS church and the challenges she faced that led to her departure. Amanda shares her heartfelt story, touching on sensitive topics such as religious abuse, the struggle with faith, and the impact of societal expectations on women. She recounts her journey from being a devoted member to questioning the teachings and ultimately findin...

Leaving the LDS Church: A Personal Journey of Reflection and Healing In this deeply personal episode, Amanda McCombs opens up about her experiences growing up in the LDS church and the challenges she faced that led to her departure. Amanda shares her heartfelt story, touching on sensitive topics such as religious abuse, the struggle with faith, and the impact of societal expectations on women. She recounts her journey from being a devoted member to questioning the teachings and ultimately findin...

Managing Life Changes: Personal Insights and Reflections In this introspective episode, Amanda McCombs explores the transition from being a full-time teacher to focusing on her own children and personal growth. She shares heartfelt reflections on the challenges and rewards of this new phase, the importance of creating a supportive community both at home and in the classroom, and the struggle to find balance in life. Amanda also touches on her personal journey, including past traumas and the impa...

Managing Life Changes: Personal Insights and Reflections In this introspective episode, Amanda McCombs explores the transition from being a full-time teacher to focusing on her own children and personal growth. She shares heartfelt reflections on the challenges and rewards of this new phase, the importance of creating a supportive community both at home and in the classroom, and the struggle to find balance in life. Amanda also touches on her personal journey, including past traumas and the impa...

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 kit...

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 kit...