Inner Workings of the Not So Genius Mind

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

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

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

The Wrong Kind Of Crown: Embracing My Smile

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

Breaking Barriers: The Real Pageant Journey w/ Mrs. Utah County

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 connections, and the role of pageantry in self-discovery and personal development. This episode sheds light on the transformative impact these pageants have beyond the glitz and glamour, focusing on authenticity, support systems, and building lasting legacies.  
00:00 Introduction to Amanda McCombs
00:12 Meet Mrs. Utah County
00:29 The Power of Sisterhood
01:26 Amanda's Personal Journey
03:06 The Pageant Experience
04:20 Community and Empowerment
05:56 Finding Genuine Connections
07:56 Overcoming Personal Struggles
10:29 The Pageant System's Impact
14:41 Starting the Pageant Journey
19:17 The First Pageant Experience
25:25 The Importance of Platforms
27:21 Struggles and Changes
28:53 Hiding Pain and Seeking Help
30:55 Legacy and Life Choices
32:29 Pageantry and Personal Growth
35:02 The Importance of Authenticity
47:44 Mentorship and Giving Back
54:31 Reflections and Future Plans

Purposeful Pageantry: More Than Meets the Sash w/ Mrs. Utah America

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 one's voice, and the significance of community.
Chelsi shares her advocacy for sexual abuse prevention and the spiritual journey that has shaped her family and marriage after leaving their religious community. The episode is a testament to the deeper, transformative impact of participating in pageants and the power of authenticity and support.
00:00 Welcome to the Not So Genius Mind
00:47 First Meeting and Pageant Beginnings
03:26 The Power of Community and Support
12:01 From Survivor to Thriver
18:25 Personal Growth and Relationship Challenges
22:59 Redefining Spirituality and Family Values
27:50 Winning State and the Pageant High
28:45 The Journey to Nationals
31:42 The Mental Game of Pageants
34:31 Authenticity and Imposter Syndrome
38:47 Aligning with Personal Values
43:17 Manifesting and Journaling
45:53 Making Life Shifts and Seeking Support
49:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Journey to Mrs. Utah America and Charity Gala Plans

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

Navigating Life's Toughest Moments

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