The 13 Beginnings

About The 13 Beginnings

The 13 Beginnings is a heartfelt journey into the stories and legacy of the Kriser family. With 13 children born to Ben and Bonnie Kriser—7 boys and 6 girls—our family has grown to include 71 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren . In this podcast, we gather to share cherished memories, listen to one another’s life stories, and learn more about the lives we’ve built. As life takes us in different directions, it’s easy to feel distanced, but this podcast aims to restore that sense of connection and unity. Together, we’ll rekindle the bonds that have shaped our family and provide a meaningful space to record our history. Through stories of the past and present, we strengthen and comfort one another, ensuring that the essence of the Kriser family is preserved for future generations. After all, "Family is not just an important thing, it’s everything" – Michael J. Fox.

Publisher

Courtney Lewis

Category

education · history · kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Oct 2024

Latest episode

28 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Episode 23: Kriser Sibling 13 - Sabrina Arave

   On the 13 Beginnings podcast, hosts interview Aunt Sabrina (13th sibling) and Uncle Jordan. Sabrina recalls growing up on the Bonifay farm, closeness with brothers, and later memories with all siblings; she attended Rick’s College/BYU–Idaho, missed a nursing school acceptance by not confirming, studied at UVU, and finished a family major at BYU. Jordan served a mission in Edmonton, studied at UVU and the University of Utah, later earned a master’s in financial planning at the University of Georgia, and works in private wealth management. They describe meeting through roommates, dating quickly, a hike proposal with a fake ring, and marrying in Salt Lake City with all siblings present; they have five children (Luke, Olivia, Paisley, Eden, Cruz). Sabrina shares farm memories (no central heat/air, parents’ routines, visits to relatives) and receives tributes from siblings highlighting her sweetness, empathy, and a childhood dump-truck accident she survived. Her chosen topic, “enjoying the journey,” reflects learning from hard changes, leaving the church after research and questions, focusing on love over checklists, parenting with grace, gratitude, and prioritizing relationships.

2. 

   5 Apr 2026

   Episode 22: Kriser Sibling - Jane Hall

   On the 13 Beginnings podcast, the host interviews her mother, Jane Hall, with Hunter present. Jane shares being the seventh of 13 children, her education (including making the dean’s list at Wallace), and serving an LDS mission in Toronto after working as a nanny in Connecticut, describing international companions and how travel broadened her perspective and strengthened her faith. She recounts meeting and marrying Joe, who is 18 years older, their Atlanta Temple wedding, and raising five children (including miscarriages and a later two-child spacing). Jane describes Joe’s sales and lumber-brokering work, including a lost-insured wedding ring that helped fund an office. She reflects on childhood in St. George and on the farm, family traditions, and reads tributes from siblings praising her leadership and hosting. The episode then discusses jealousy/comparison, citing Old Testament examples, social media’s impact, and ways to combat it through gratitude, recognizing gifts, giving compliments, and celebrating others.

3. 

   25 Feb 2026

   Episode 21: Kriser Sibling 9 - Paulette Davis

   On the 13 Beginnings Podcast, Courtney interviews Aunt Paulette, the ninth of 13 siblings, as she reflects on growing up in a large, close-knit family and the values that shaped her life. She shares the story of meeting and marrying her husband, Troy—who served a mission in San Diego—and their life together raising four children, now living in Florida and Utah with their growing families. Paulette fondly remembers life on the family farm, describing her mother, Bonnie, as a tireless, loving provider and her father, Ben, as a hardworking preacher who sacrificed for his family. She shares meaningful and humorous childhood memories filled with creativity, hard work, and strong family connection. Sibling tributes highlight Paulette’s tender heart, kindness, and her gift for making others feel seen and loved. The heart of the episode centers on Paulette’s message: choosing not to judge. She teaches that judgment leaves little room for love, encourages compassion over criticism, and emphasizes trusting the Lord to see the full picture. The episode closes with expressions of love for family and gratitude for the relationships that matter most.

Who has been a guest on The 13 Beginnings

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Madison Pike
• Israel Pike
• Karen Kriser
• CALEB KRISER
• LIZ KRISER

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

16

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact The 13 Beginnings

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.