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

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

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