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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:

• Food
• Sleep
• Movement
• Social connection
• Novelty
• Hope

Together, 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 choice
• The role of brain chemistry in well-being
• How new experiences can spark hope
• Why self-forgiveness is often harder than forgiving others
• The balance between ambition and gratitude

If 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.”

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Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

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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 bus
• How learning to read changed his life
• The turning points that reshaped his faith
• His unconventional path to college and entrepreneurship
• The process of healing from trauma and learning that “the storm is over”
• Why telling his story helped him—and others—stop hiding

This episode is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future, and that transformation often begins the moment we choose honesty and courage.

About the Guest

Calvin Bagley is an entrepreneur in the healthcare and financial services industry and the founder of multiple companies serving Medicare beneficiaries across the United States. He is also the author of the bestselling memoir Hiding from the School Bus, which shares his journey from a childhood without education to building a life of purpose, leadership, and faith.

Connect with Calvin:

Calvin’s Book, Hiding from the School Bus - https://amzn.to/4scqYoQ

Website - https://hidingfromtheschoolbus.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinbagley/

Instagram -

Support the show

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light!

Follow Pebbles of Light

• Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/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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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 responsibility
• The power of vision in recovery and physical therapy
• The difference between faith, belief, and hope
• Why serving others strengthens us during our own trials
• How adversity can refine — not define — us

Jay is the author of The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit, a #1 ranked book on attitude and motivation through physical disability.

Connect with Jay:
Website: https://neverquittrying.com
Jay’s Book: The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit https://amzn.to/4sfg7L3

Resources:

“Tested, Proved & Polished” by Henry B. Eyring - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/51eyring?lang=eng

Episode 23 with Myrna Peterson - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5y7aw8qbGsUj0oca5oAWkC?si=RzAiS5QsQHWlsMVxN1PJQA

Listen to Pebbles of Light:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BsMFWIg6KKrj6inrlkxai
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pebbles-of-light/id1534389323

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Support the show

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light!

Follow Pebbles of Light

• Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/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://www.buzzsprout.com/2593690/support
• Patreon – ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/PebblesofLightPodcast...