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Episode Summary: In this episode of *Pebbles of Light*, Anne Maxson is joined by therapist and coach Diane McDowell to explore how emotional safety shapes our ability to connect, love, and communicate—especially within our families and closest relationships. Diane shares why “trying harder” and better communication often fall short, how nervous system hijack shows up as reactivity or people-pleasing, and what it means to move from emotional performance to emotional presence. Together, Anne and Diane reflect on parenting, faith, self-worth, and resilience—particularly for women who carry the emotional weight of others. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, listen to the body, and reclaim the truth that we are always lovable, valuable, and worthy. In this episode, we explore: * Why emotional safety—not effort—is the foundation of connection * What nervous system hijack looks like in everyday life * How people-pleasing erodes our relationship with ourselves * Why thinking alone doesn’t heal emotional patterns * How to speak your truth without trying to control outcomes * The power of grounding, breath, and self-trust * Honoring the “Pebbles of Light” that guide us forward Guest Resources: Diane McDowell’s website: https://www.powerfulquestionscoaching.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotionalsafetyco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalsafetyco Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PowerfulQuestionsCoaching  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-mcdowell/  RESOURCES  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 Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠ Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠ Support Pebbles of Light Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast⁠ BetterHelp (affiliate – 10% off first month) – ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/pebbles⁠ Shine Cosmetics – ⁠https://www.shinecosmetics.com/?afmc=AnneM10⁠ (Code: AnneM10)

Curiosity, creativity, and failure are not detours—they’re teachers. In this episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson sits down with engineer, artist, educator, and startup founder Oliver MacDonald to explore how curiosity across disciplines—art, engineering, language, and culture—shapes meaningful lives and resilient careers. Oliver shares how growing up immersed in multiple cultures and languages, studying in the International Baccalaureate program, and pursuing both art and engineering taught him to embrace failure as part of learning. From rock climbing and kinetic sculptures to rejected research papers and startup life, Oliver reframes failure not as an endpoint, but as fuel for growth. This conversation invites listeners to rethink specialization, embrace experimentation, and recognize how creativity—especially art—helps us stay connected to our humanity even in uncertain or demanding seasons of life. Choose one interest you’ve been curious about and commit to exploring it for just one month—without worrying about mastery or outcomes. Pay attention to what draws you back. Topics Covered Why curiosity matters more than early specialization The role of failure in engineering, art, and life How International Baccalaureate education encourages integration Rock climbing as a metaphor for growth Art as proof of humanity Learning through rejection and iteration Language, culture, and how we think Building startups through collaboration The power of relationships as “Pebbles of Light” Guest Oliver MacDonald — Engineer, artist, educator, PhD student, and co-founder of Qtex AI Follow & Connect with Oliver Instagram – ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anomalous_designs/?hl=en⁠ LinkedIn – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivermacd/⁠  Want to be a guest on Pebbles of Light? Send Anne Maxson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/pebblesoflight RESOURCES  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 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight Instagram – https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight Support Pebbles of Light Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast BetterHelp (affiliate – 10% off first month) – https://www.betterhelp.com/pebbles Shine Cosmetics – https://www.shinecosmetics.com/?afmc=AnneM10 (Code: AnneM10)

In this solo episode of Pebbles of Light, Anne Maxson shares her personal journey of giving herself permission to fail—in business, in her PhD pursuit, and in life. She reflects on spiritual impressions, unexpected detours, and the way God uses “failures” as course corrections toward something better. Through honest storytelling, Anne shows how failure can become a powerful teacher, preparing us for future opportunities and strengthening our reliance on divine help. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own imperfect paths and move forward with faith—no matter how many times they feel they’ve fallen short. THIS EPISODE'S PEBBLE: Read or listen to one of the resources shared in the podcast. RESOURCES 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! Mysteries of Cove by J. Scott Savaage - https://amzn.to/3XA7IUO Trust in the Lord by Richard G. Scott - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1995/10/trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng The Law of Increasing Returns by Henry B. Eyring - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/henry-b-eyring/law-increasing-returns/ Bread or Stones: Understanding the God We Pray to by S. Michael Wilcox - https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotional/bread-or-stones Fear Not by Kevin J. Worthen - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/kevin-j-worthen/fear-not-2/ Successfully Failing: Pursuing Our Quest for Perfection by Kevin J. Worthen - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/kevin-j-worthen/fear-not-2/ Wrestling with Comparisons by J.B. Haws - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/j-b-haws/wrestling-with-comparisons/ On Failing and Finishing by Cassy Budd - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/cassy-budd/on-failing-and-finishing/ ABOUT THE SHOW 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. FOLLOW US Website: https://annemaxson.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight Instagram: @PebblesOfLight Youtube: @PebblesofLightPodcast SUPPORT US Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast This is an affiliate link for Betterhelp Counseling Services. I receive a commission when people use this link. Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/pebbles for 10% off your first month of convenient, affordable, and accessible counseling services. Shine Cosmetics: https://www.shinecosmetics.com/?afmc=AnneM10 (Always get 10% off with code AnneM10) CHAPTERS 00:00 Return of the Podcast 03:04 Starting a New Venture 05:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery 07:38 Redefining Failure 09:54 The Role of Faith in Progression 11:42 Navigating Life's Uncertainties 13:30 The Impact of Family Expectations 15:45 Embracing the Unknown 18:42 Finding Heavenly Help 20:01 Lessons from the Past 22:18 The Power of Faith 24:27 Recap and Call to Action 27:09 Closing

Natalie Hobbs shares her story of learning that her new baby, Sam, had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. She talks about how she personally worked through the diagnosis and what it would mean for their family and their new son as well as the joy and happiness that Sam has brought to their family. This episode's Pebble: The pebble for this week is to check out one of the following organizations to learn a bit more about Down Syndrome. National Down Syndrome SocietyNational Down Syndrome CongressDown Syndrome Diagnosis Network - They have a ton of very specific groups to meet your needs ... both for Moms and Dads. Jack's Basket - They are doing an incredible job celebrating babies and changing the narrative of how parents receive their baby's diagnosis. Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota - Super educational and helpful in all areas, across the lifespan! Zion's Army - In memory of their son, they celebrate babies on their 1st birthday by sending gift boxes of therapy/learning toys. Zoe's Toolbox - sends families therapy - OT, PT, Speech - supplies for free. You can find links for them in the full show notes as well as find out how to support the podcast and the See Good Days Shop!

Casting director Beverly Holloway shares insights about what the faith-based film industry is like, the guidance and faith that led her to her vocation, and some behind-the-scenes tidbits about the hit streaming series “The Chosen.”THIS EPISODE’S PEBBLE: Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” What are ways you can more fully live the principles found in that scripture?

Aside from my husband and my dad, Lars Peterson and Drake Self have been some of the most influential men in my life. I’m so grateful for the chance to talk with them a bit about how they met while at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Get in touch - whether in person, a phone call, a text, just something - with someone who has been a Pebble of Light in your life.Be sure to check the full show notes for quotes, resources, and information about the podcast sponsors.

Have you ever wondered how to help your kids, or other youth in your life, recognize how amazing they are? Anne talks with Darla Trendler from the Spiritually Minded Women podcast about how to help others, especially youth, recognize their divine potential. The PEBBLE for the week: Share an encouraging, sincere compliment with a teen - or anyone - that you know. Do your best to brighten someone else’s day with the power of your words!Be sure to check the full show notes for references, including links to Darla’s podcast, and the quotes shared.

Deb & Kambree Austin talk about Kambree’s ability to overcome obstacles she has faced. With hemiplegic cerebral palsy, not many physical things come easy for Kambree but her grit and determination help her to move forward and have faith in the effort. Be sure to see the full show notes for references and resources.PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Consider a previous pursuit or goal when you did not achieve the expected outcome. Write down some of the things you learned through the effort that you put into that goal.

In this episode, Anne talks to her friends, Erin Gurney and Jessa Sebastian, about how to find the friends you need as well as the importance of effort and vulnerability in friendship. Be sure to check the full show notes for resources from the episode and links to find this week's guests!PEBBLE FOR THE WEEK: Try to go a little bit out of your comfort zone to reach out to a new (or old) friend sometime this week. For some, “going a little bit out of your comfort zone” may consist of sending a “want to get some tacos on Thursday?” text. For others, it may include singing Vanilla Ice while dropping off a pack of gum. You do you!

Myrna Peterson is a quadriplegic living in rural Northern Minnesota who is a proactive advocate for differently abled persons. She has done a TEDx Talk, broke a Guinness World Record and is a recipient of the very prestigious Andrus Award for Community Service. She says that she only has one thumb that moved but she has a mouth that doesn’t stop. And she uses her voice to do all the good that she can. PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Do your best to really see people and understand their story. This can be as simple as looking the store clerk in the eye while (sincerely) telling them thank you and to have a wonderful day. Or it could be taking time to talk to someone while in line at the store or even reaching out on social media to an acquaintance and learning more about their story. Brené Brown has said that “people are hard to hate close up.” Do your best to get know someone and understand their perspective – especially if it is different from yours.

Tessa and Jamis Buck share their story of doing their best to follow an inspired path even when it took them in an unexpected direction.PEBBLE FOR THIS WEEK: Be a first responder sometime this week. When you feel inspired to do something – whether for yourself or for someone else, just do it.

Emily Jones shares how the program that she developed with her husband David has blessed their lives through the development of an internal filter for their family’s use of technology. We also discuss this amazing generation of kids and the importance of inspiration in knowing how to parent and guide them.2 PEBBLES OF THE WEEK: Take some time to assess your personal use of technology. Maybe try that activity we mentioned of going to a park and watching the role technology plays in others. If you are a parent, I have an additional pebble for you. Take some time this week to think about what you are grateful for in your kids. Is it the way they make you laugh? Their determination that sometimes manifests itself as stubbornness? Is it their kindness, their go-getter attitude? Is it the way they give you a sweet hug each morning? For me, focusing on gratitude in regards to parenting has helped me to feel inspired as to how to help and support that particular child.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Kristen Coltrin had experiences working with and learning from the LGBTQ community. This helped to prepare her for when her professional life and her personal life would intersect. Check the full show notes for references, resources and ways to support the podcast.PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Check out that list of Kristen’s favorite resources, pick one and learn more. Seek to listen and learn to understand a perspective that may be different from yours.

SHOWNOTESKelly McMurry, founder of the nonprofit The Closet in Meridian Idaho, shares Pebbles of Light with countless youth by not only providing clothes for them but also helping them recognize their own light. See full show notes for links to references and ways to support Pebbles of Light.PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: Help someone to recognize the love that God has for them - whether that is asking them something specific you can include in your prayers, dropping by to visit, or just sending them a text. When I was growing up, my friends and I would say, "God loves you and so do I." We even would make it an acronym - GLY&SDI. Maybe just text that to a friend and see their response.

Melinda Clayville documents her family adventures in American Samoa under the handle AmSamFam on Social Media and YouTube. In this interview, she shares a few of the things they learned as they moved their family of 5 across the ocean.PEBBLE OF THE WEEK: In one of my favorite talks, “Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord” by Julie B. Beck, she states, “I was taught years ago that when our priorities are out of order, we lose power. If we need power and influence to carry out our mission, then our priorities have to be straight. Years ago I began using a system that works for me, and maybe it will work for you. There was a time when I needed to prioritize, and in one of those sacred meetings between me and the Lord, He gave me three categories that I have worked from, and they have been a guide in my life. The categories are the essential things, the necessary things, and the nice-to-do things. I started writing those things down.” Take some time to think about your schedule pre-pandemic vs mid-pandemic. Are there things that you are comfortable not adding back into your schedule as we re-enter normalcy? In what ways can you make your life a bit more simple?