Pebbles of Light

Anne Maxson

Pebbles of Light strives to help you recognize those who have helped light your path and become the person you are. This helps you to have direction and courage in sharing your light with others. We'll cover a variety of topics, including: parenting, mom hacks, faith, home life, relationships, traditions, and more.  Pebbles of Light is all about finding and sharing small moments that bring hope, healing, and connection. Each episode is created with the belief that one story, one insight, or one act of kindness can ripple outward and make a lasting difference.  Host Anne Maxson has taught multiple times at BYU-Idaho's Education Week and has had numerous articles published in Liahona Magazine, LDSLiving.com, and Tiny3DTemples Blog, among others. 

  1. Seeing the Unseen, Building Second Chances | Norma Jaeger

    Apr 28

    Seeing the Unseen, Building Second Chances | Norma Jaeger

    Text or voice message the show What happens when we choose to truly see someone—not for their past, but for their potential? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne sits down with Norma Jaeger, Executive Director of Recovery Idaho, to explore the intersection of justice and mercy, the realities of addiction and incarceration, and the quiet power of dignity. Drawing from decades of experience in substance use treatment, criminal justice reform, and recovery advocacy, Norma shares stories that challenge assumptions and invite deeper understanding. From women leaving incarceration with nothing but the clothes on their backs to moments of profound human connection in treatment courts, this conversation highlights how small acts of recognition can change the trajectory of a life. Together, Anne and Norma reflect on: What it means to “see the unseen”The balance between justice and mercyThe realities of reentry for women after incarcerationHow dignity and belonging shape recoverySimple ways we can slow down and notice othersAt its core, this episode is a reminder: people are more than the worst thing they’ve done—and being seen can be the beginning of something new. Resources & Links: A film that Norma helped produce, “I Married the War” on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4sEEbHD  Justserve - https://www.justserve.org/  Salvation Army - https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer/  St. Vincent de Paul - https://ssvpusa.org/  Boise Rescue Mission - https://boiserm.org/get-involved/  💛 Support the Show: If you’d like to support Pebbles of Light, you can do so through Buzzsprout https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support 🎧 Listen to the full ep Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    38 min
  2. Finding Growth in Life’s Detours || Michele Kehrer

    Apr 21

    Finding Growth in Life’s Detours || Michele Kehrer

    Text or voice message the show What if the hardest moments in life are actually invitations to grow? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with Michele Kehrer, author of Brave Shift. Michele shares how unexpected challenges—including four cancer diagnoses—became catalysts for powerful personal transformation. Through stories of resilience, mindset shifts, and the courage to embrace change, Michele explains how even life’s most difficult detours can help us reconnect with what truly matters. In this conversation, we explore: • Why people often stay in the “unhappy known” • How fear and excitement are often separated by breath • Why expressing emotions is essential for healing • The surprising lessons Michele learned while writing her book • How gratitude and nature can help shift perspective • The importance of genuine conversations and human connection Michele’s story reminds us that transformation doesn’t require changing everything at once—sometimes it begins with just one brave shift. Connect with Michele Michele’s Website - https://michelekehrer.com/Facebook - @michele.kehrerX - @balancemk1 Instagram - @balancemicheleLinkedIn - @michelekehrerResources: Michele’s Book, Brave Shift - https://amzn.to/4vIuWbk Adam Brownlie’s Book, Happypedia - https://amzn.to/4vIuWbk Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    37 min
  3. Why Happiness Isn’t Just a Choice || Adam Brownlie

    Apr 11

    Why Happiness Isn’t Just a Choice || Adam Brownlie

    Text or voice message the show What if happiness isn’t something we choose—but something we cultivate? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with Australian author and philosopher Adam Brownlie to explore the deeper science and psychology behind happiness. Adam shares insights from his book Happypedia, where he outlines six essential pillars of happiness: FoodSleepMovementSocial connectionNoveltyHopeTogether, Anne and Adam discuss how our past experiences shape our decisions, why hope is essential for mental health, and why forgiving ourselves may be one of the most important steps toward peace. You’ll also hear insights on: Why happiness isn’t simply a choiceThe role of brain chemistry in well-beingHow new experiences can spark hopeWhy self-forgiveness is often harder than forgiving othersThe balance between ambition and gratitudeIf you’ve ever wondered why happiness sometimes feels out of reach—or how to let go of past mistakes—this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful perspective. Learn More About Adam Brownlie Connect with Adam: Adam’s Book, Happypedia - https://amzn.to/4uimGhc  Website - https://adambrownlie.com.au/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whistler570/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adam.brownlie.902  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-brownlie-a443031b/ Other Resources: Russell M. Nelson, Joy and Spiritual Survival “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    43 min
  4. Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin Bagley

    Apr 6

    Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin Bagley

    Text or voice message the show Ep 41: Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin Bagley What are you hiding? In this powerful episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with entrepreneur and author Calvin Bagley, whose early life was shaped by isolation, lack of formal education, and deep personal struggle. As a child, Calvin literally hid from the school bus because his parents refused to send their children to school. But that’s only the beginning of his story. From teaching himself to read to earning a GED at 21, attending college, becoming a successful entrepreneur, and eventually writing the bestselling memoir Hiding from the School Bus, Calvin’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. In this conversation, Calvin shares: What it meant to grow up hiding from the school busHow learning to read changed his lifeThe turning points that reshaped his faithHis unconventional path to college and entrepreneurshipThe process of healing from trauma and learning that “the storm is over”Why telling his story helped him—and others—stop hidingThis episode is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future, and that transformation often begins the moment we choose honesty and courage. About the Guest Calvin Bagley is an entrepreneur in the healthcare and financial services industry and the founder of multiple companies serving Medicare beneficiaries across the United States. He is also the author of the bestselling memoir Hiding from the School Bus, which shares his journey from a childhood without education to building a life of purpose, leadership, and faith. Connect with Calvin: Calvin’s Book, Hiding from the School Bus - https://amzn.to/4scqYoQ  Website - https://hidingfromtheschoolbus.com/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinbagley/ Instagram - Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    50 min
  5. It’s Always Too Soon to Quit || Jay Setchell

    Mar 31

    It’s Always Too Soon to Quit || Jay Setchell

    Text or voice message the show Ep 40: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit || Jay Setchell What happens when life knocks you down — not once, but over and over again? In this powerful episode of Pebbles of Light, Jay Setchell shares his extraordinary story of resilience. Jay’s life is a testimony to faith, perseverance, and personal responsibility. His mantra — “If it is to be, it is up to me” — became the foundation that carried him through life-altering injuries, rehabilitation, and rebuilding his life again and again. We discuss: How to shift from victim mindset to personal responsibilityThe power of vision in recovery and physical therapyThe difference between faith, belief, and hopeWhy serving others strengthens us during our own trialsHow adversity can refine — not define — usJay is the author of The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit, a #1 ranked book on attitude and motivation through physical disability. Connect with Jay: Website: https://neverquittrying.com Jay’s Book: The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit  https://amzn.to/4sfg7L3  Resources: “Tested, Proved & Polished” by Henry B. Eyring - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/51eyring?lang=eng Episode 23 with Myrna Peterson - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5y7aw8qbGsUj0oca5oAWkC?si=RzAiS5QsQHWlsMVxN1PJQA  Listen to Pebbles of Light: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BsMFWIg6KKrj6inrlkxai Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pebbles-of-light/id1534389323 ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    43 min
  6. Celebrating Those Who Show Up || Liz Watt

    Mar 24

    Celebrating Those Who Show Up || Liz Watt

    Text or voice message the show Ep 39: Celebrating Those Who Show Up || Liz Watt In this inspiring episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with Liz Watt, author, speaker, and co-founder of Be Healthy Utah, one of the largest natural health conferences in the western United States. Liz shares her deeply personal journey through chronic inflammation, burnout, emotional healing, and what she calls “whole self leadership.” From selling only 147 tickets weeks before her first conference… to welcoming 3,500 attendees years later… Liz reminds us that success isn’t about numbers—it’s about intention, resilience, and serving the one. You’ll learn: Why “Don’t mourn the 1,100” became her leadership mantraHow emotional healing impacts physical healthWhat Whole Self Leadership really meansThe THRIVE framework for sustainable growthHow to persevere when everything feels like it’s falling apart 🔗 Connect with Liz: Website: https://BeHealthyUtah.com Free Book: Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, Healthy Life: A Healthy Approach to the Microbiome Liz’s Book, Becoming Me - A Polygamist Girl’s Journey to New Beginnings: https://amzn.to/4sd4Hr0  Speaking: https://ElizabethAnneWatt.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-watt-22321619a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizwattspeaks  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizwatt  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.watt1  If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep going. Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    42 min
  7. Finding Both Success and Fulfillment || Alan Lazaros

    Mar 17

    Finding Both Success and Fulfillment || Alan Lazaros

    Text or voice message the show Ep 38: Finding Both Success and Fulfillment || Alan Lazaros In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne sits down with Alan Lazaros, founder and CEO of Next Level University, to explore what it truly means to win the “game of life.” After surviving a near-fatal car accident at 26 — echoing the loss of his father at age two — Alan shifted from climbing the corporate ladder to pursuing deeper fulfillment. Today, he leads a global coaching and podcasting organization and shares a powerful framework called the “Four Buckets”: • Unsuccessful & Unfulfilled • Successful & Unfulfilled • Fulfilled but Broke • Fulfilled & Successful Together, Anne and Alan unpack: The difference between transactional and transformational growthWhy success alone often leads to emptinessThe role of regret in awakening purposeLeadership, credibility, and personal responsibilityWhy fulfillment must align with sustainabilityThis episode is for anyone who feels successful on paper but unsettled in spirit. 🔗 Connect with Alan: Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com Instagram: @alanlazaros Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextLevelUniversity Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    34 min
  8. The Power of Intentional Influence || Phil Ransom

    Mar 10

    The Power of Intentional Influence || Phil Ransom

    Text or voice message the show Ep 37: The Power of Intentional Influence || Phil Ransom What if legacy isn’t about what you accumulate — but what you multiply? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne sits down with author Phil Ransom to explore the shift from transactional living to transformational living. Through stories of teachers, mentors, caregiving, scarcity versus abundance, and the powerful concept of the 1440 Tracker, Phil shares how gratitude and intentional influence shape the conversations that happen long after we’re gone. Key topics include: The Parable of the Talents and modern stewardshipScarcity mindset vs. abundance mindsetThe 1440 Tracker and daily self-managementROI vs. ROE vs. “Return on Intentional Influence”Caregiving, communication, and relational legacyWhy you don’t manage time — you manage yourselfResources Mentioned: Phil’s book “Influenced!” on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40eJVLD Connect with PhilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.ransomYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilRansom https://1440tracker.com/ www.vibrance.community Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best” - https://youtu.be/ceadsUPmdMA?si=5yk25sPtZ1ZDhaVM Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...

    38 min
4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Pebbles of Light strives to help you recognize those who have helped light your path and become the person you are. This helps you to have direction and courage in sharing your light with others. We'll cover a variety of topics, including: parenting, mom hacks, faith, home life, relationships, traditions, and more.  Pebbles of Light is all about finding and sharing small moments that bring hope, healing, and connection. Each episode is created with the belief that one story, one insight, or one act of kindness can ripple outward and make a lasting difference.  Host Anne Maxson has taught multiple times at BYU-Idaho's Education Week and has had numerous articles published in Liahona Magazine, LDSLiving.com, and Tiny3DTemples Blog, among others.