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  • Finding Meaning in The Hardest Seasons II Jody Hudson

    Finding Meaning in The Hardest Seasons II Jody Hudson
    2026/09/22

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    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/pebblesoflight⁠
    • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast
    • Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠
    • Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠
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    Support Pebbles of Light

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

    How a MIT Mathematician Found a Balance of Science and Faith II Doug Ell
    2026/09/15

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    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 back
    • Why becoming a father became an unexpected spiritual turning point
    • The questions Doug believes connect science and belief
    • DNA, biological complexity, and the idea of design
    • Fine-tuning and the deeper question of why anything exists
    • Approaching difficult conversations with questions instead of arguments
    • Helping young people build identity beyond money, status, and comparison
    • The teacher who helped Doug recognize his own potential
    • Why curiosity does not necessarily have to pull us away from meaning

    This 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/pebblesoflight⁠
    • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast
    • Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠
    • Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠
    • Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight

    Support Pebbles of Light

    • Become a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠

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

    You Don't Have to Wait for Joy || Rachael Kennington
    2026/09/08
    Text or voice message the showWhen Life Doesn’t Follow the ScriptAnne 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 topicsRachel 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) ClosingSupport the showDon’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 LightWebsite – ⁠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 LightBecome a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠
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    43 分
  • When Service Becomes a Calling II Jackson Calame

    When Service Becomes a Calling II Jackson Calame
    2026/09/01

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    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 limited
    • Growing up with contrast and choosing a different path
    • How poverty and perspective shaped Jackson’s business vision
    • Why sales, at its best, can be a form of service
    • The difference between goals and standards
    • Imposter syndrome and remembering our divine worth
    • Planning with faith, even when the plan changes
    • The small acts of kindness that may matter more than we realize
    • The people and teams who become “family” as we build meaningful work

    This 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/pebblesoflight⁠
    • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast
    • Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠
    • Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠
    • Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight

    Support Pebbles of Light

    • Become a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠

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    42 分
  • Seeing the Unseen, Building Second Chances || Norma Jaeger

    Seeing the Unseen, Building Second Chances || Norma Jaeger
    2026/04/28

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    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 mercy
    • The realities of reentry for women after incarceration
    • How dignity and belonging shape recovery
    • Simple ways we can slow down and notice others

    At 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/pebblesoflight⁠
    • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast
    • Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠
    • Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠
    • Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight

    Support Pebbles of Light

    • Become a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠

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    38 分
  • Finding Growth in Life’s Detours || Michele Kehrer

    Finding Growth in Life’s Detours || Michele Kehrer
    2026/04/21
    Text or voice message the showWhat 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 connectionMichele’s story reminds us that transformation doesn’t require changing everything at once—sometimes it begins with just one brave shift.Connect with MicheleMichele’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 showDon’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 LightWebsite – ⁠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 LightBecome a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠
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    37 分
  • Why Happiness Isn’t Just a Choice || Adam Brownlie

    Why Happiness Isn’t Just a Choice || Adam Brownlie
    2026/04/11
    Text or voice message the showWhat 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 BrownlieConnect 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 LightSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BsMFWIg6KKrj6inrlkxaiApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pebbles-of-light/id1534389323Support the ShowSupport the podcast through Buzzsprout using the links in the show notes.Support the showDon’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 LightWebsite – ⁠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 LightBecome a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠
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    43 分
  • Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin Bagley

    Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin Bagley
    2026/04/06
    Text or voice message the showEp 41: Emerging From Hiding and Living a Life that Matters || Calvin BagleyWhat 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 GuestCalvin 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 showDon’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 LightWebsite – ⁠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 LightBecome a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠⁠
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    50 分