**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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Devin, Sarah, and their son Tim, head to Bear Lake for the annual Tim and Jana Andersen Family Reunion. The evening before everyone went home, Devin gathered his siblings, their spouses, and their mother together at the dinner table for a good conversation about Their father and husband, Tim. Jana then shared many amusing and interesting stories about Tim.The siblings then share some of the things that they remember about him. The ending song is a poem that Tim had written on his mission. Devin, with the help of AI, created a song out of the words, and also was able to use a software program to re-create Tim's voice to sing the song. While the poem does not have a title, Devin chose to call the song "Reunion" - because not only was this song first heard at the Andersen Family Reunion, but also the song is about reuniting with those we once knew in heaven. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Cousin Ethan Kartchner visits Devin and Sarah in their home in Saratoga Springs for the interview. Ethan, the 8th of 9 children in the Kartchner family, learns his cousin number and then talks about memories of extended family, especially the Andelins, and even a closeness he's felt with Grandpa Andersen as an adult. Devin and Sarah ask Ethan several questions about stories that they'd heard about him from Ethan's siblings and father. From being obsessed with The Price is right, splitting his pants on Prom night, busking in Idaho with his viola, and living on the beach with Jordan on the beaches of Hawaii for a month. Ethan then shares his experiences of being a model, actor, producer, and director and the challenges and rewarding moments that he's had through this unique path. He then talks about the importance of family relationships and keeping those strong. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Devin and Sarah visit the Freeman's at the Jacob home for dinner before the interview. Joanna and her husband Nathan share so many wonderful stories. Joanna tells a story that Devin has been eagerly waiting to hear for several years, ever since he first heard about the famous Girl's Camp Bear Story that Joanna and cousin Kim were responsible for. Joanna shares her feelings of respect and admiration for other cousins, her appreciation for her siblings and her parents, as well as memories of grandparents and aunts and uncles. Joanna talks about living in Mexico and Holland before later serving her mission in Argentina. Nathan talks about how he and Joanna met, and a few funny and embarrassing moments of their early courtship. They talk about their 4 children, raising them in Japan recently, and a few other insights before moving onto the final topic "Faith in Jesus Christ". Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Devin visits cousin Mylinda and her husband Mike when their in town visiting for 2 of their daughters graduations from college. Mylinda talks about the uniqueness of the spelling of her name and the cloesness she had with her father as well as having her middle name after her mother. Mylinda shares memories of their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, and the times that she lived with Devin's family when she was younger. The Stones talk about how they met and got engaged, as well as many of the amazing adventures that they've been on over the past 30 years of marriage. For the final topic they discuss how most people are good and have good desires and intentions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Part 2 of LaDawn and Jim's episode. Jim and LaDawn share their experiences going on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. First sharing their experience of living in Mexico and how that opportunity came about. They spoke about later serving at the same time as 2 of their daughters in different parts of the world. Jim and LaDawn served in Ukraine with LaDawn's brother, Dale, and Jim's sister, Sue, who also were married and part of the Andersen family. Devin shares some of the other funny memories shared by the Jacob's children: Car accidents and driving with their children, the origins of their famous homemade bread, having their children do difficult things at a very young age and that now their children all feel like they are very capable. LaDawn shares her love of celebrating holidays, the history behind them, and the reason behind why we celebrate those days. Devin then shares his own memories and experiences of staying with the Jacobs as a boy. LaDawn shares the importance of learning people's names, and how memorizing scriptures, poems, and promises in modern prophecy has helped her in difficult and troubling times. She speaks on the importance of covenants and how the promised blessings we seek can be found there. Jim shares more of his experiences of being a shepherd and what that taught him. They end by sharing their love and appreciation for their family and the advice that they want to pass on to their family. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

This is a 2 part episode. Devin visits Aunt LaDawn and Uncle Jim at their home in Orem. They tell Devin the story of how they met, how they got engaged, and many wonderful stories of their family. Uncle Jim talks about how he built his house, and they both share stories of Devin's father, Tim. They discuss the importance of music in their home, memories of Grandpa Andersen, and visits down to Arizona to visit their own cousins. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Devin visits his cousin, Nathan, and instead of bringing his wife, Sarah, along. Devin brings along cousin Jacob! Devin, Jacob, and Nathan share stories of their youth, experiences that they had growing up and visiting Nathan on the farm. Devin talks about making bows and arrows with Nathan, going on camping trips, and going on a group date with some of the cousins. Jacob and Nathan talk about playing risk at family reunions and how Nathan first learned to play risk. Nathan shares stories of visiting cousins, aunts and uncles, and their incredible generosity and kindness. From living with the Kartchners to earn money, to receiving a truck from Uncle Dean, to learning to throw an axe from uncle Lee, and not being yelled at for throwing mud at Uncle VJ's house for retribution from the pranks of their fellow cousin, John Paul. Devin then shares several stories from Nathan's siblings that he'd heard. Accidentally killing a turkey, playing pranks on Elise, hearing Nathan's signature cough, and getting his siblings to get Nathan's missed basketball shots. For the final topic they discuss current events, integrity in journalism, and how to go about researching and learning about controversial topics with differing opinions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations

Devin and Sarah travel down to the farm once again for another interview. Hunter and Courtney are in town from Alabama for a month and living with Hunter's parents, Corwin and Lynette. Hunter talks about being the youngest of 14 children, and Devin shares memories and stories he'd collected from Hunters family. Hunter shares an experience from his mission in Peru, and Courtney talks about meeting Hunter and how he proposed at a fake bonfire in Idaho. Courtney shares her experiences in following in Devin's footsteps by creating her own podcast with a similar format called "The 13 Beginnings" where she and Hunter interview all of her mom's side of the family. For the final topic, they discuss their challenges with infertility and what their journey has been in having children. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations