The 13 Beginnings

In this episode of the 13 Beginnings Podcast, host Courtney interviews Morgan and Marcella Strickland. They discuss Morgan's family connections, recounting some personal anecdotes, including how Morgan brilliantly identified his place as cousin number 12 and shared family trivia. Morgan and Marcella recount their relationship journey from meeting on the LDS mutual dating app to their whirlwind proposal and marriage during the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced difficulties, including a 10-month separation and health challenges with their children. The transcript also touches on Morgan's remarkable near-death experience from electrocution and his miraculous recovery. Morgan's family members praise his various admirable qualities, including his generosity, work ethic, empathy, and resilience. The episode concludes with Morgan reflecting on self-worth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's value through understanding God's love.

In this episode of the '13 Beginnings' podcast, host Courtney talks with Ryan Kriser, the eldest of 13 siblings in the Ben and Bonnie Kriser family. Ryan shares his experiences growing up in a large family, detailing his siblings, his own family, and the various stages of his life, including his three marriages and raising children from these marriages. He recounts the challenges and joys of parenting, including the tragic loss of his son Chadd. Ryan reflects on his varied career, from working in auto body shops to building a successful construction business. He also discusses the importance of the Word of Wisdom, a health law of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its impact on his family, emphasizing the dangers of addiction. Ryan concludes by sharing his advice to the younger generation, highlighting the values of forgiveness, resilience, and learning from adversity.

In the 13 Beginnings podcast episode, host Courtney interviews Whitney Feisel, the eldest daughter of Drew and Tamara Kreiser. The conversation covers Whitney's personal history, including her name's origins, her position as the 15th grandchild in the family, and her strong attachment to family. Whitney shares her love story with Mark, whom she met through her sister Heidi while on a mission in Berlin, and discusses their long-distance relationship leading up to their marriage. Whitney also reflects on her mission in the Netherlands and recounts the challenges and memorable experiences she faced there. She talks about her four children and her major in marriage and family studies, expressing her long-standing dedication to family values. The episode highlights specific memories and attributes shared by Whitney’s family members, praising her kindness, creativity, and dedication. Whitney also discusses her passion for homeschooling, particularly the 'Well Educated Heart' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of attachment, arts, and fostering a love for learning. The podcast concludes with Whitney sharing a heartfelt message about the importance of family support and unity through life's ups and downs.

This is the first episode of The 13 Beginnings podcast. Courtney's husband, Hunter, joins her for this episode and assists with the interview portion. Courtney explains the reason for starting this podcast and gives the Kriser family statistics: 71 grandkids, 89 great-grandkids, and 2 great-great grandkids. They then proceed to follow a basic version of the outline for the podcast to give some perspective to the listeners.