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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng  Insights on the importance of simplicity from Steven Shumway in this talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4mvKO1IUSg  Listen to Pebbles of Light Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BsMFWIg6KKrj6inrlkxai Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pebbles-of-light/id1534389323 Support the Show Support the podcast through Buzzsprout using the links in the show notes. 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 ⁠⁠

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

  6. 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 - https://www.instagram.com/calvinbagley/  Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/calvinbagley  X - https://x.com/calvinbagley  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/calvinbagley/  Other Resources: Look at You Now - https://youtu.be/P_aCPBHhoQk?si=vnO_PAkwC3FTvlT1  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 ⁠⁠

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

  7. 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, 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 ⁠⁠

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

  8. 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, 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 ⁠⁠

    Celebrating Those Who Show Up || Liz Watt
See All (46)

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
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grenzmax LLC
  • Show Website
    Pebbles of Light