Pebbles of Light

Anne Maxson
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    When Gratitude Doesn't Erase the Hard II Laura Bratton

    Text or voice message the show When Laura Bratton began losing her sight as a teenager, she wasn’t asking, “Why me?” She was asking, “How am I going to get through this?” In this conversation, Laura talks candidly about the grief, anxiety, identity changes, and uncertainty that accompanied her gradual vision loss—and the practices that eventually helped her build a life within a reality she never would have chosen. One of the most important was self-compassion. Instead of demanding that she be positive or telling herself she should be handling things better, Laura began learning to acknowledge a simpler truth: this was hard, and it made sense that it felt hard. Laura and Anne also explore the relationship between grit and gratitude, why gratitude does not require calling the difficult thing a blessing, the role laughter can play after we have had time to grieve, and why moving forward does not mean grief has ended. Laura shares two stories from her time as a hospital chaplain that beautifully illustrate how an experience she would never have chosen still allowed her to connect with people in unexpected ways. The conversation also touches on faith, identity, vulnerability, and one three-minute conversation with a college administrator that gave Laura permission to grieve for the rest of her life. In this episode: Losing sight gradually during adolescenceGrieving not only vision, but ordinary teenage experiencesWhy self-compassion became one of Laura’s most important toolsGrit as acknowledging pain and still moving forwardWhy the difficult thing itself does not have to be a blessingFinding gratitude within circumstances we would still changeThe healing role of humor and laughterMoving beyond shame and becoming comfortable with a “new normal”Faith as a grounding source of identity and worthWhy change does not make us “less than”Giving ourselves permission to grieve again—even years laterThis Episode’s Pebble Is there something you’ve been telling yourself you should already be over? Consider giving yourself permission to acknowledge that it still hurts without treating that grief as evidence that you have failed to move forward. Connect with Laura Laura Bratton: https://LauraBratton.com Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    When Gratitude Doesn't Erase the Hard II Laura Bratton

  2. Sep 29

    When Learning Requires a Different Path II Russell Van Brocklen

    Text or voice message the show What happens when someone who has struggled deeply with reading and writing begins asking whether the problem is not intelligence or effort—but the way the learning process itself has been designed? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne talks with dyslexia researcher Russell Van Brocklin about his own experience navigating education with significant reading and writing difficulties, the academic experience that became a turning point for him, and the work that followed. Russell describes receiving extensive accommodations during a New York State Assembly internship, only to later have his academic grade changed to failing by his university. He shares how that experience helped set the direction for his later work in dyslexia research and education. The conversation explores Russell’s belief that many dyslexic learners function more like specialists than generalists. He explains why he focuses heavily on a learner’s area of intense interest during intervention and describes his approach to writing, reading, vocabulary, word analysis, articulation, and moving from highly specific ideas toward broader understanding. Russell also walks through practical examples involving children he has worked with and shares student outcomes that he attributes to his methods. Anne and Russell also discuss ADHD, the different ways learning struggles can appear in boys and girls, motivation, frustration, self-confidence, and what can happen when a child begins to experience themselves as capable rather than continually behind. And at the end of the episode, Russell reflects on two educators who became “pebbles of light” in his own life—people whose influence helped shape the work he ultimately chose to pursue. In This Episode Russell’s personal experience with dyslexia and higher educationThe academic experience that pushed him toward dyslexia researchWhy he describes dyslexic learners as specialistsWorking from a child’s strongest interestsUsing writing as a measurable way to organize ideasRussell’s approach to word analysis and articulationHelping students recognize grammar through reading aloudVocabulary development through definitions and synonymsLearning differences and motivationADHD and why some girls’ struggles may be easier to missConfidence, identity, and the social side of learning challengesThe educators who profoundly influenced Russell’s pathA Note for Listeners Russell shares his own research, educational framework, and reported student outcomes throughout this conversation. These claims and approaches are presented as his perspective and experience. Families making decisions about dyslexia, ADHD, special education, or learning interventions may wish to consider a range of qualified educational and clinical resources for their individual situation. Connect With Russell Website mentioned in the episode: dyslexicclasses.com Additional resource mentioned by Russell: Skool — search “Dyslexia Classes” [Add any confirmed social media links here] Support Pebbles of Light If these conversations bring something meaningful into your week, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    When Learning Requires a Different Path II Russell Van Brocklen

  3. Sep 22

    Finding Meaning in The Hardest Seasons II Jody Hudson

    Text or voice message the show What does it mean to love someone enough to let them go? In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne sits down with Jody Hudson—author, advocate, and founder of the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation—to reflect on a decade-long journey through her daughter Alex’s illness, the uncertainty of a medical mystery, and the sacred moment that changed everything. This conversation explores grief, faith, resilience, and the quiet ways people we love continue to guide us—even after they’re gone. Jody shares how Alex’s strength and compassion reshaped her understanding of purpose, and how loss can become something that leads us toward deeper connection and service. If you’ve ever faced a long season of uncertainty, or wondered how to move forward after loss, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective. In this episode:  Navigating uncertainty as a parent  The emotional toll of unanswered diagnoses  Faith during prolonged hardship  The meaning of “letting go”  Signs, memory, and ongoing connection  Turning grief into purpose and advocacy Connect with Jody: Website: https://www.alexhudsonlimefoundation.org Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    Finding Meaning in The Hardest Seasons II Jody Hudson

  4. Sep 15

    How a MIT Mathematician Found a Balance of Science and Faith II Doug Ell

    Text or voice message the show Can curiosity deepen faith rather than threaten it? Doug Ell is an MIT-trained mathematician and former atheist who describes spending more than three decades examining questions at the intersection of science and belief. In this conversation, Doug shares the experiences that first led him away from faith, the unexpected moment that caused him to reconsider what he believed, and why he eventually began looking to science itself as part of his search for God. Doug and Anne talk about DNA, the apparent fine-tuning of physical constants, the origins of life, beauty in the natural world, and the questions Doug believes point toward design and a Creator. These ideas represent Doug’s interpretation of the scientific evidence, and throughout the conversation he explains why asking questions became more important to him than winning arguments. But the conversation also reaches beyond science. Doug reflects on raising young people in a culture of comparison, the “counterfeit gods” of money, status, appearance, and power, and why he believes faith can give people a deeper sense of identity and worth. And when Anne asks about the people who have placed Pebbles of Light in his path, Doug remembers a high school math teacher who helped him recognize what he was capable of—a quiet reminder that sometimes one person seeing potential in us can change the direction of a life. In this episode: Doug’s journey from childhood faith to atheism and backWhy becoming a father became an unexpected spiritual turning pointThe questions Doug believes connect science and beliefDNA, biological complexity, and the idea of designFine-tuning and the deeper question of why anything existsApproaching difficult conversations with questions instead of argumentsHelping young people build identity beyond money, status, and comparisonThe teacher who helped Doug recognize his own potentialWhy curiosity does not necessarily have to pull us away from meaningThis Episode’s Pebble Notice something small this week—a pattern, a detail, or something in the natural world you normally overlook—and allow yourself a quiet moment of wonder. Learn more about Doug Ell Counting to God: https://countingtogod.com The God Proofs: https://thegodproofs.com Doug also mentions his MIT presentation, which can be found by searching “Doug Ell MIT” on YouTube. Support Pebbles of Light If these conversations mean something to you and you’d like to help support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    How a MIT Mathematician Found a Balance of Science and Faith II Doug Ell

  5. Sep 8

    You Don't Have to Wait for Joy || Rachael Kennington

    Text or voice message the show When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script Anne Maxson talks with Rachel Kennington about resilience, faith, and the ways a meaningful life can unfold differently than expected. Rachel shares how her understanding of purpose shifted when marriage and motherhood did not happen on the timeline she once imagined, and how serving a mission, pursuing education, and choosing to love others shaped the life she has now. Key topics Rachel introduces herself as a devoted daughter, aunt, loyal employee, and someone who loves quilting, reading, and creating for others.She reflects on the childhood vision she once had - wife, mother, porch, white picket fence - and how that picture changed over time.Rachel shares how growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped her early expectations, but not with the pressure to follow a single path.Serving a mission at 21 became a turning point that broadened her perspective, changed her relationship to education, and helped her see a different kind of impact.She talks about choosing joy in the present instead of waiting for life to become perfect first.Rachel describes how she became “Aunt Rachel” to her nieces and nephews, and how that role expanded into being a trusted, loving presence for friends’ children too.She shares her experience serving in the Young Women Organization, mentoring teens and helping them prepare for unexpected life changes.Her career path evolved from billing work to leadership in member support, showing how education, mentors, and faith opened doors she had not planned for.Rachel names the people who influenced her most, including Charles Dalquist, Zella Dalquist, Troy Bechert, and Scott Slivka.The conversation ends with Rachel offering advice for anyone grieving a life that looks different than expected: reflect honestly, ask God for guidance, and be willing to take action.Timestamps (0:00) Introduction to Rachel and the theme of a life that changes course  (0:36) Rachel introduces herself and the things she loves  (2:29) The life Rachel imagined as a young girl  (3:48) Growing up with family-centered expectations  (5:08) Realizing her original plan may not happen  (6:58) Choosing to serve a mission and seeing her path differently  (10:12) Learning that fulfillment is not tied to external milestones  (11:05) Finding “the adventure” and choosing happiness now  (13:26) Becoming an aunt-like presence to nieces, nephews, and friends’ children  (15:12) Showing up through everyday support, including teaching a niece to drive  (19:03) Mentoring teens in Young Women and preparing them for unexpected futures  (21:00) Watching one young woman grow from quietness to serving a mission in Cambodia  (23:39) Rachel’s education and career path from Utah State to member support leadership  (28:34) The lesson: be the best at the job you have today  (30:27) Looking back and seeing that God was present throughout the journey  (33:26) Learning to let go of total control and trust the path  (35:24) Advice for listeners whose lives are not turning out as planned  (38:39) Pebbles of light from Charles and Zella Dalquist, Troy Bechert, and Scott Slivka  (44:34) Closing Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    You Don't Have to Wait for Joy || Rachael Kennington

  6. Sep 1

    When Service Becomes a Calling II Jackson Calame

    Text or voice message the show In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with H. Jackson Calame for a conversation about service, faith, contrast, and the way life’s difficult or humbling moments can shape a larger sense of purpose. Jackson shares how growing up between very different home environments gave him early exposure to both peace and pain. He reflects on learning to “sell peace” as a child, watching different examples of fatherhood, and deciding what kind of life he wanted to build. He also shares how his mission in Uruguay changed the way he saw poverty, privilege, education, business, and service. A central thread in this conversation is Jackson’s guiding question: how can I serve the person in front of me as best I can? From learning to speak about love on his mission to building businesses and teams with a larger vision, Jackson’s story reminds us that service is not always grand or complicated. Sometimes it looks like planning well, noticing someone in need, giving what we can, or choosing to keep going when the path feels overwhelming. Anne and Jackson also talk about imposter syndrome, faith in the effort rather than the outcome, the lessons missions can teach about business and discipline, and the quiet ripple effects of small acts of kindness. In this episode, we talk about: Learning to communicate love even when words are limitedGrowing up with contrast and choosing a different pathHow poverty and perspective shaped Jackson’s business visionWhy sales, at its best, can be a form of serviceThe difference between goals and standardsImposter syndrome and remembering our divine worthPlanning with faith, even when the plan changesThe small acts of kindness that may matter more than we realizeThe people and teams who become “family” as we build meaningful workThis Episode’s Pebble Take a few minutes this week to notice the person in front of you. It might be someone at home, at work, in a grocery line, or in your community. Ask yourself, “How can I serve this person as best I can?” Then do one small, sincere thing. Guest Information Learn more about Jackson and his work: Vision Pros Live: visionproslive.com First Class Business: firstclassbusiness.io Oportunidades Latinas: oportunidadeslatinas.com Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    When Service Becomes a Calling II Jackson Calame

  7. 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 episode: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BsMFWIg6KKrj6inrlkxai Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pebbles-of-light/id1534389323 Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    Seeing the Unseen, Building Second Chances || Norma Jaeger

  8. 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 Episode with Adam Brownlie - Why Happiness Isn't Just a Choice Episode with Mason Orr who served a mission in Japan - Letting God Shape Your JourneyCalvin Bagley’s Book, “Hiding from the School Bus” - https://amzn.to/4tlEkzX Episode with Calvin Bagley -  Emerging from Hiding and Living a Life that MattersSupport the show Don’t forget to subscribe, 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://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠

    Finding Growth in Life’s Detours || Michele Kehrer
See All (50)

4.8
out of 5
25 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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Anne Maxson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grenzmax LLC
  • Show Website
    Pebbles of Light

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