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