My 99 Cousins

After a 4 month hiatus, Devin finally releases a new episode. Sarah and Devin visit cousin Elizabeth Acuna at American Heritage, the school Liz and Devin's Grandfather started over 50 years ago. Liz is now the Vice Principal at the school and it is there, in Liz's office, where Devin and Sarah sit down to interview Liz.Liz shares incredible stories of her past, growing up on the farm in Orem, memories of cousins, aunts and uncles, and of course the Andersen grandparents she lived next to as a young girl. Liz talks about her 6 children as well as the incredible story of meeting her husband Jim, first through a dream, then through divine guidance.Liz shares the things that she learned after her divorce from her first husband and the important lessons and advice she wants her children to know.

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.