In this heartfelt episode of My 99 Cousins, Devin Andersen sits down with his cousin Nephi alongside Devin’s wife, Sarah, for a meaningful conversation filled with humor, family stories, faith, and wisdom. Nephi shares the chaotic adventure of traveling to Utah with his wife Melanie and their five children during spring break, including unexpected car trouble that nearly derailed the trip. What begins as lighthearted family banter quickly unfolds into a deeper discussion about resilience, parenting, and personal growth.

Nephi, a pediatrician from Idaho Falls and one of fifteen siblings, reflects on his upbringing in a large and faith-centered family. The conversation explores how his experiences shaped his approach to medicine, fatherhood, and mentoring young people. With warmth and humility, Nephi discusses the pressures kids face today and the importance of allowing children to experience challenges, setbacks, and even public failure so they can develop confidence, perseverance, and emotional resilience.

Throughout the episode, the family dives into the concept of a “growth mindset,” emphasizing the power of the word “yet.” Nephi explains how believing improvement is always possible can transform the way we approach life’s obstacles. Drawing from personal experiences, faith, and lessons learned through parenting and leadership, the discussion highlights how adversity often becomes the foundation for growth and strength. The episode blends practical insights with uplifting spiritual perspectives that resonate far beyond the family circle.

Filled with laughter, sincerity, and genuine admiration for family relationships, this episode is ultimately a celebration of connection and becoming better together. From stories about childhood and family reunions to reflections on faith and human potential, Nephi leaves listeners with an inspiring reminder: every weakness, challenge, and dream is simply a “yet” in progress.

Devin, Sarah, and Tim went to visit the Krzymowski’s to sit down with Amy and hear the story of her life—one shaped by family, faith, music, and enduring love. Amy shares what it was like growing up as the oldest of eleven in a close-knit family, surrounded by cousins, grandparents, and constant connection. From early on, her world was filled with music, especially the violin, which became a defining part of her identity as she learned to play and eventually performed for folk dancers at BYU.

As the conversation unfolds, Amy recounts the unexpected beginnings of her relationship with David. Though they briefly crossed paths as children in Primary, it wasn’t until years later—after he saw her picture and felt inspired to reach out—that their story truly began. Their relationship grew thoughtfully and intentionally, and even as they felt drawn toward marriage, Amy chose to serve a mission. David’s decision to wait, faithfully writing her every day, became a defining chapter in their love story.

After Amy returned home, it didn’t take long for them to recognize what they already knew— they were meant to build a life together. They married and began raising a family of their own, welcoming eleven children into a home centered on love, faith, and intentional connection. Amy and David share insights into family life, the joy found in everyday moments, and the ways they’ve tried to create a home where each person feels valued and supported.

Throughout the episode, a deeper theme emerges: the belief that Christ can bridge the gaps in our lives—between people, within families, and inside our own hearts. Amy and David reflect on their hopes for unity, love, and understanding, emphasizing a quiet but powerful message: to keep hearts open, to choose love consistently, and to trust that even in the spaces where connection feels distant, there is always a way back.

In this episode of My 99 Cousins, Devin and Sarah sit down with Rebecca to talk about her life growing up in the middle of a big, lively family on a farm. As the seventh of thirteen children, she shares stories of hard work, constant adventure, and the kind of mischief that only comes from being surrounded by siblings. Alongside the laughter, Rebecca reflects on the tender and deeply empathetic heart she developed early on—even recalling how she once cried for baby Jesus because He didn’t have a crib.

Rebecca opens up about some of the defining decisions in her life, including learning to follow spiritual promptings even when they didn’t make sense at the time. She shares experiences from her mission, the determination that shaped her there, and the unexpected way she met her future husband through playful debates over scripture. What started as disagreement eventually turned into something much deeper, and after reconnecting following their missions, their relationship quickly grew into a strong and lasting partnership.

They also talk about the life Rebecca and her husband have built together—raising five children in a home centered on faith, love, and purpose. Rebecca shares her decision to focus on motherhood and what that sacrifice has meant to her, while also reflecting on the quiet, meaningful ways her husband leads both at home and in his work as a teacher. Their story isn’t one of worldly success, but of something far more lasting.

Throughout the conversation, Rebecca shares the message she hopes to pass on to her children: to stay close to Jesus Christ, to trust Him in both the small and big decisions, and to build a life that is centered on Him. It’s a conversation full of humor, sincerity, and faith—and a powerful reminder of what matters most.

Devin and Sarah go to the Lewis home in Orem to meet up with Lynette while she's in town. Lynette shares memories of her cousins and family before Devin shares memories he gathered from Lynettes family, beginning with her upbringing in a large family in Springfield, Oregon. Growing up as one of thirteen siblings, she developed a strong sense of connection, faith, and resilience early on. A defining moment came when she felt prompted to serve a mission, which was later confirmed through a dream and the announcement lowering the missionary age.

Lynette was called to serve in Curitiba, Brazil, though her path there wasn’t immediate. She spent several months serving in South Carolina before transitioning to Brazil, where she learned Portuguese and grew significantly through the challenges of missionary life. Her time on the mission helped shape her confidence, leadership, and testimony.

After returning home, Lynette eventually met her husband, Ian—despite an earlier attempt by a mutual connection to introduce them that didn’t work out at the time. Their relationship developed later and led to marriage. Since then, their life has included medical training, moves across different states, and building a family together, all while staying close to their values and maintaining strong relationships along the way.

Whitney and Derek share a warm, thoughtful conversation about family, faith, and the moments that shaped their life together. Whitney reflects on growing up in the Anderson family, remembering cousins, reunions, and the love of a large extended family that gave her a sense of belonging from an early age. She also shares meaningful memories of aunts and uncles whose kindness, service, and simple words of wisdom left a lasting mark on her life.

The episode also tells the story of how Whitney and Derek met. Their first connection came in college at BYU, where they crossed paths through Logan, and their relationship developed later as friendship turned into something deeper. Derek talks about one of his earliest introductions to the Anderson family: attending a big family reunion and stepping into a world full of music, stories, laughter, and deep family connection. That experience gave him a glimpse not only of Whitney’s family, but of the kind of home and heritage that had shaped her.

Whitney and Derek also talk about marriage, medical school, mission experiences, church service, and life as parents raising four boys. They reflect on the joy and chaos of family life, the blessings of serving in the Church, and the ways the gospel has anchored them through different seasons and moves. Their stories paint a picture of a home filled with energy, faith, and a sincere desire to keep Christ at the center.

A central theme of the episode is the counsel they would pass on to their posterity. Whitney speaks powerfully about finding happiness through Jesus Christ, family relationships, and following the prophet. Together, she and Derek share a testimony of prophetic guidance, temple covenants, and building a home centered on faith. This episode is a tender reminder that family is one of God’s greatest gifts, and that lasting joy comes from keeping an eternal perspective.

Devin interviews his sister Charlotte via Zoom. Ironically, though they see each other a few times a year, they decided to try the interview this way instead.

Charlotte talks about her name, memories of cousins, aunts uncles, and our grandparents. Devin shares memories he collected from siblings, as well as his own memories of Charlotte from when they were younger.

Ben brings a unique perspective as he grew up around many of the Andersen families near the farm. He and Charlotte tell the story of how they met and got engaged, as well as Ben's love and appreciation for the Andersen family.

Due to time constraints, there wasn't a final topic, but Ben and Charlotte did share the message they would want their posterity to hear.

Devin visits Uncle Corwin and Aunt Lynette Lewis at their home. They share experiences from their lives, where they grew up, how they met, and the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. Devin shares stories he gathered from their children and asks them questions about them. They share the message they would want their posterity to know.

In this episode of My 99 Cousins, I sit down with Aunt Karen, joined by her son Ammon, to talk about her childhood, her early love of music, and the family experiences that helped shape the woman and mother she would become. She shares memories of growing up in a large family, performing with her sisters, and the special influence of her parents and grandparents.

We also talk about how she met Uncle Don, the life they built together, and what it was like raising fifteen children in a home centered on faith, music, service, and strong family values. Ammon adds his own perspective on what it felt like growing up in that home and the lasting influence both of his parents had on their children.

Throughout the conversation, Aunt Karen reflects on motherhood, discipleship, and the things that matter most in family life. She shares the message she most wants to leave with her posterity: to trust in the Lord, stay close to Him, and remember that His love can guide and sustain us through every season of life.

Devin and Sarah visit Uncle Richard a month before he left on his mission to Chile. This episode is also slightly out of order, Aunt Karen's episode was suppose to be the next one, but because Uncle Richard will be leaving on his mission in a few days, this was released first.

Uncle Richard shares how he met Aunt Kathy, how they dated and got married, raised their 9 children together, serviced together on a mission, and loved and served each other for 50 years before Aunt Kathy's passing.

Uncle Richard shares stories of his youth, Devin asks him about his Big Fish stories. I don't want to spoil it, you'll just have to listen. Uncle Richard is one of the favorites in the family.

Devin, Sarah, and Tim visit the Whites in Vernal while making a trip to also go to the temple and see one of Sarah's co-workers perform in the musical "Annie". Cousin Annaliese and her husband James and their two youngest daughters were wonderful hosts to the Andersen family during their stay.

Annalise shares memories of her cousins, aunts and uncles, and of her grandparents. Annaliese was living with Grandma and Grandpa Andersen the year that Grandpa passed away, and she shared some precious memories of that time.

Devin then shares a few stories and memories that he had gathered from Annalies's family. As the oldest daughter and the third oldest of fifteen children in the Redd family, she had a profound influence on the lives of her younger siblings.

James then tells the story of how he and Annaliese met under the the terrible circumstances of the passing of his first wife just a few months before. Annaliese explained that she had to decide to follow the plan she knew God had laid out for her and that she knew she not only would become James' wife, but also a mother two his two young sons.

Annaliese and James tell the story of her cancer diagnosis while being pregnant with their second youngest daughter, the miracles that came from that, and how she was led to then start a school called the White House Academy.

**Listener Discretion is Advised** - This episode contains very sensitive and mature topics including conversion therapy, suicidal ideation, abuse, alcoholism, and potentially other sensitive topics.

Part 2 of Devin's interview of Cousin Adam, the recently adopted son of Glen Lee and Phyllis Andersen. Adam continues telling his story of how he came to be adopted, his current relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, stories of how he started going back to church. He shares advice that he has for his family, and even advice that he has for others who have same sex attraction in their teen years as well as their parents.

**Listener Discretion is Advised** - This episode contains very sensitive and mature topics including conversion therapy, suicidal ideation, abuse, alcoholism, and potentially other sensitive topics.

This episode is divided into two parts. This episode is Part 1 of 2.

Adam, the newest cousin to join the family, joins Devin for the Podcast when he comes to visit the Glen Lee and Phyllis Andersen family in Utah.

Adam was a big inspiration for Devin to start this podcast, and Devin quickly starts the episode by telling Adam why that was.

Adam begins telling his story by explaining his difficult family situation growing up, how biological family moved around a lot when he was young, that there was abuse at home accompanied with alcohol, and how his family, while they were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, had many problems at home that made Adam feel unsafe.

Adam shares how he met the Glen Lee and Phyllis Andersen family in Elko, Nevada, how they grew very close, and witnessed what a family could be when it followed the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. After only a few years, Adam moved to Florida with his family, and away from the Andersen family.

Adam shares his experience of coming out as gay to his bishop, wanting to serve a mission, and starting the terrible process of conversion therapy that the church still condoned at the time.

Adam talks about the difficulty of his mission in the midst of that, and what happened after returning home from his mission. He talks about confronting his bishop about the plan that was laid out for him that he didn't agree with, and his plan to take his own life, but how deciding to keep the sabbath day holy by not purchasing anything on that day helped preserve his life.

Adam continues his story with how he decided to start his life over by moving away to Atlanta, how he met his husband, Allen, and how they were eventually able to be married many years later when it became legal in the United States.

Part 1 ends with explaining how he re-united with the Andersen family and how he began attending church again.

Devin, Sarah, and Tim visit the Excell family in Cedar City. Celeste and Brian have them over for dinner before their interview.

Buckle up for the exciting Hallmark story of how Celeste and Brian rekindled a long awaited relationship one Thanksgiving Weekend 15 years ago.

Listen in to the hilarious stories of how Celeste's older brothers teased her when she was a little girl. Stories of cousins in Utah, and stories of Brian's mission.

Hear the miraculous and incredible story of how faith and the atonement helped Celeste overcome some difficult health and mental challenges and Celeste's final topic on using the atonement to enact change in our lives.

Devin and Sarah finish up their trip in Texas by visiting the 100th grandchild to be born in the family, Sarah Andersen Kraus and her husband Derien.

Sarah and Derien are new parents because Sarah recently gave birth to two beautiful little girls, and throughout the interview, you can hear them softly in the background. Devin's wife, Sarah, was so happy to be able to hold and help take care of them, so she didn't speak nearly as much in this episode.

Sarah shares memories of her childhood, being the 100th grandchild, and even some funny memories she had of Devin. She shares a memory of Grandma Andersen, growing up in Texas, and some personal health challenges she had as a child. Devin shares a few memories he gathered from Sarah's family, and then Sarah talks about her mission.

Derien and Sarah share the story of how they met and how they both love to quote famous videos, movies, tv shows, and memes.

Sarah shares heartfelt advice and a moment of vulnerability about the importance of staying close with one's family, especially siblings. Derien talks about the importance of being yourself and following Christ's example.

For the final topic, they discuss the benefits of social media, and how, even though it gets a bad wrap sometimes, it's an incredibly useful tool for learning, communicating, and even sharing the gospel.

Devin and Sarah continue their visits in Houston Texas and visit cousin Maryelle and her family. She and Brad have 6 amazing children, and after getting to know them over a delicious dinner, The Andersens sit down with the Rippa's for the episode.

Maryelle reveals the history of her name as well as other nick names she received over the years from her family. She shares memories of aunts and uncles, cousins, and of her youth. Devin shares stories that he heard from Maryelle's family - surgeries that she had in her youth and having to stay in the hospital and miss mother's day. Going on road trips with her family, stories of family reunions, and learning to cook.

Brad tells his story of living in England in his youth, going on a mission to the Dominican Republic, and how he met and proposed to Maryelle.

For the final topic, Maryelle chose "The Gut" and the importance of "The second brain" and how it affects our every day lives.

The interview with Tim continues into part 2. In Part 2 we learn more about Lauren, how she and Tim met, began dating, got engaged, and eventually got married, as well as their 2 children.

Lauren tells how she didn't like Tim at first, but how she was able to see him in a different light after a while. Tim shares how he was humbled in high school after being injured his Sophomore year of High School

Tim talks about the unique dating situation with Lauren because of a rule that Tim's parent's had in place that Tim couldn't go out on a two consecutive dates with the same girl.

After Tim returns from his mission, Tim tells how his mother schemed to keep Tim and Lauren together by having Jeff room with Lauren's brother, and had Lauren come to the airport and Tim's homecoming, reflecting a similar story to what Tim and Devin's Grandma Andersen did to keep Tim's mom and dad together after Tim's father, Dean, came home from his mission.

Devin and Sarah discover that they had unknowingly visited the Andersens on their ten year wedding anniversary, but fittingly are able to talk about their wedding reception, and share a crazy story that happened to them 10 years ago from that very evening after Tim and Lauren's wedding reception.

Tim gives advice on how to become the favorite aunt or uncle in the family, and Tim and Lauren share the advice that they would give their posterity, and then Lauren shares a funny story of Tim giving a talk in church.

They discuss the importance of not judging others before moving onto the final topic - Time Management. They discuss books that they've read on the topic, what and how to prioritize the most important things in life, as well as specific methods in staying focused and on task, as well as methods on completing tasks.

After the song, there's a fun easter egg recording bit as well.

Part 1 of a 2 Part episode. Devin and Sarah visit Houston Texas to complete the interviews of all of the rest of Devin's cousins in Texas.

Devin and Sarah visit Tim and Lauren Andersen for dinner before sitting down for their interview.

Tim shares memories of Grandma Andersen, Aunts and Uncles, and especially their cousins. He shares a crazy story of Ethan Kartchner getting stepped on by a horse and breaking his leg. He shares another story of getting revenge for his sister Sarah who was injured by a neighbor friend, and also a memory of Devin going full ninja and hurting Tim while on the trampoline.

Devin shares his memory of staying at Tim's home while dating Sarah soon after his mission, and then Tim shares the memory of going to Grandma's funeral.

Devin then shares stories he gathered from Tim's family, including Tim's birth in France with "really big feet", almost dying from an end table in Australia, urinating off 8 pounds over the space of several hours, wrestling and injuring his older brother Jeff the day before his wedding, missing a goal in a soccer shoot out, missing a field goal in football, regretting not listening to his father as a high school student in investing 1,000 in the stock market as a learning experience, Moving to a smaller town and smaller high school his senior year, and finally serving his mission in France.

Look Forward to Part 2 where Tim and Lauren talk more about how they met, got engaged, got married, and some incredible stories about the day of their wedding.

Devin and cousin Jacob visit Aaron Lewis and his parents at the Farm. Aaron lives in Texas, but was in Utah visiting and so Devin couldn't pass up the chance to interview him.

Aaron talks about memories with cousins at reunions, as well as visiting the Kartchners in Idaho and other family at the farm.

Devin then shares memories about Aaron he gathered from the Lewis family and asks questions about them. Aaron was the 10th child of 14 children and had great experiences with his siblings growing up in Oregon. He came home in a stocking from the hospital.

Some memories include: fighting with siblings over what to watch on TV on Saturday mornings, attending sporting events with siblings, and fighting over settlers of Zarahemla.

Aaron served his mission in Colorado Springs and sang a lot on his mission. He attended BYU and later Harvard and met his wife, Rachel, while attending an event on the campaign trail of Mitt Romney in 2011.

He and Rachel have 5 rambunctious, wonderful children who were quite a handful when they each were young.

Aaron, Devin, and Jacob then talk about the wonders of Artificial Intelligence and how they each use it in their daily lives and where they see it going and being used in the future.

Aaron and his family are grounded in Jesus Christ and through following the gospel, despite whaat happens with AI in the future, through him, everything will be alright.

In this episode, Devin and his wife Sarah sit down with cousin Taylor Kartchner and his wife, Wendy (“Saint Wendy”), to explore a life full of faith, family, and unforgettable stories. Taylor, the third of nine children, shares memories ranging from winning an “ugliest driver’s license” contest to serving a mission in St. Petersburg, Russia, climbing the pyramids of Egypt, and even saving his sister Kelly from a dangerous fall while mountain climbing. We also hear about his entrepreneurial journey running a window-washing business and his unexpected love for speed golf, which once took him all the way to Europe to represent the United States.

Taylor and Wendy also open up about the love story that began in a Boise State ballroom dance class, a playful Red Riding Hood–style proposal, and the family life they’ve built with their five children. From ukulele bedtime routines to their deeply held belief in trusting Christ’s plan, Taylor and Wendy offer heartfelt advice to future generations: no matter what happens, the Savior already knew and He is okay with it.

Finally, Taylor shares his passion for speed golf, a sport he often plays early in the morning to stay in shape and fit in a full round in just about an hour. He describes what it was like to represent the U.S. in a European tournament while traveling with his family, and answers questions about how speed golf differs from traditional golf. It’s a look into both the discipline and the joy of a game that combines endurance with precision — and why it’s become one of his favorite pursuits.

Another golden episode where the cousin's cousin number matches their episode number. Devin visits Verlan Lewis for dinner at Zupas before going to Verlan's home for the interview.

Verlan shares memories of their grandparents, cousins at reunions, and even a special memory of spending time with Uncle Tim, Devin's father, and some other cousins when they went to the BYU bookstore on BYU's campus when Verlan and Devin were young.

Devin shares some memories and stories he gathered from Verlan's family. Verlan's love of sports and reading as a kid, having a Napolean complex, getting sick on a trip to California, eating alone on Thanksgiving, a skit he performed with his youngest brother, Hunter, in high school, and many more.

Verlan shares stories of his mission in South Africa, and he and Devin discuss the political upheaval that's been going on there for quite some time. Verlan shares the story of how he met his wife Kathryn, where they've lived since their marriage, and their 4 kids.

For the final topic, Verlan talks about UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies and all of the wonderful programs that it offers and how many of the cousins might be interested in it for their children, if not themselves. Devin asks more questions about Verlan and Hyrum's book "The Myth of Left and Right" as well as how we can apply the principles within it to other topics besides politics, like our relationships with our family and friends.

This interview was an incredible one, and Verlan and Devin have agreed to meet again for lunch to talk more soon.