The 13 Beginnings
The 13 Beginnings
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of family legacy, personal growth, faith, and community. Episodes include personal stories like Matthew Kriser discussing his faith journey and influence as a middle child, Cory Kriser reflecting on childhood memories and travel experiences, and Colby Anderson sharing his path towards faith and community leadership, all emphasizing the emotional and transformative power of family bonds.

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.
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.

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