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The Sentimental Twist

The Sentimental Twist

By: Brittany | The Sentimental Decorator
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About this listen

The Sentimental Twist is a weekly podcast where vintage decor meets heirloom recipes, and every conversation is steeped in Southern charm. Hosted by Brittany Shepard and Melissa Austin-Weeks – two friends from different generations with one shared love for meaningful spaces and gracious hospitality. You’ll hear inspiring stories, home styling tips, easy entertaining ideas, and reflections on creating a life (and home) filled with beauty, tradition, and heart. Whether you’re a sentimental soul, a vintage lover, or a curious hostess, you’re in good company here.

© 2025 The Sentimental Twist
Episodes
  • Season 1, Episode 5: Styling Legacy Hutches & Hosting with Calmness
    Jul 17 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of The Sentimental Twist podcast, hosts Brittany and Melissa explore the themes of heirloom recipes, the significance of family traditions in cooking, and the art of gracious hosting. They share personal anecdotes about their family recipes, discuss how to update sentimental decor, and provide tips for creating a welcoming atmosphere in the home. The episode also features listener submissions, addressing common hosting anxieties and offering practical advice for entertaining on a budget. The hosts conclude with a sentimental toast to honor mothers.


    Highlights:

    • Peach “Cobbler” Recipe
      • Melt a stick of butter in a large casserole dish with a little bit of salt (or use salted butter). Mix ¾ cup flour, 1cup sugar, 1teaspoon baking powder, ¾ cup milk and mix all of that, pour over the butter that's melted in the casserole dish and then two large cans of peaches with the juice, do not mix it, and bake it at 350 until browned.
    • Melissa’s Mrs. Twist’s Pantry Camp – a self-paced digital experience is designed to help you clear the clutter and organize your pantry with ease.
    • Bless It, We Had to Share: @laurelanncollective


    Takeaways

    • Heirloom recipes carry sentimental value and family traditions.
    • Updating family heirlooms can create a personal touch in home decor.
    • Gracious hosting involves preparation and having pantry essentials on hand.
    • Listener stories highlight the importance of community and shared experiences.
    • Creating a welcoming atmosphere is key to successful entertaining.
    • Personal rituals can enhance daily life and provide joy.
    • Food brings people together and creates lasting memories.
    • Potlucks can be a fun and budget-friendly way to gather friends.
    • Embracing imperfections in hosting can lead to more enjoyable experiences.
    • Honoring loved ones through memories and traditions is a beautiful practice.

    Contact The Sentimental Twist:

    Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

    Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.


    Follow the Co-Hosts:

    • Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
    • Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.


    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to the Sentimental Twist - Blooper Reel

    00:41 Welcome to Episode 5!

    03:11 Heirloom Recipes and Kitchen Stories: Peach Recipes

    08:42 Sentimental Decorating and Meaningful Spaces: Legacy Hutches

    16:02 Gracious Hosting and Pantry Essentials for Entertaining

    25:18 Listener Submissions: Hosting with Calmness

    33:13 Bless It, We Had to Share: Lauren Ann Collective

    36:19 Bless It, We Had to Share: The Magic of Readers

    42:26 Morning Rituals and Self-Care

    42:30 Porch Talk Speed Round

    56:45 A Toast to Sentiment: Call Your Mamas If You Still Have Them



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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Season 1, Episode 4: The Art of the Mantel, Sentimental Gardening & Taking Dreams Out of the Box
    Jul 10 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Sentimental Twist Podcast, hosts Brittany Shepard and Melissa discuss the art of decorating mantels, the importance of thoughtful hostess gifts, and their shared love for gardening. They explore how personal style and family traditions influence home decor choices, emphasizing that meaningful spaces can be created without breaking the bank. The conversation highlights the joy of seasonal decorating and the sentimental value of homemade gifts, as well as the significance of gardening as a way to connect with family history. In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore themes of gardening, home organization, and the joys of cooking. They share personal stories about their gardens, the launch of Melissa's innovative Pantry Camp, and their favorite summer salad recipe. The conversation shifts to creating cozy open spaces in homes, followed by a fun rapid-fire question segment that reveals their personalities and experiences. They conclude with sentimental reflections and toasts, celebrating friendship and the importance of sharing stories.

    Highlights:

    • Melissa’s Mrs. Twist’s Pantry Camp – a self-paced digital experience is designed to help you clear the clutter and organize your pantry with ease.
    • Brittany’s Summer Salad
      • Arugula or spring mix
      • Strawberries
      • Blueberries
      • Feta or Goat Cheese
      • Walnuts, Almond, or Pecans
      • Salt, Pepper & Balsamic Vinegar
        • Add protein of your choice to make it a meal!

    Takeaways

    • The mantel can set the tone for a space.
    • Symmetry is a key principle in the hosts’ mantel decorating styles.
    • Hostess gifts should be thoughtful and practical.
    • Homemade gifts can carry sentimental value.
    • Gardening can be a way to connect with family history.
    • Using heirlooms in decor adds personal stories.
    • Decor doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful.
    • Personal style should guide home decor choices.
    • Cleaning out the pantry can be a transformative experience.
    • Creating cozy spaces enhances the home environment.
    • Using lamps instead of overhead lights adds warmth to a room.
    • Never serve a new recipe to guests; stick to what you know.
    • Sentimental phrases from loved ones can have lasting impacts.
    • Gardening can evoke memories of loved ones.
    • Friendship can inspire creativity and courage.
    • Every space in our home tells a unique story.

    Contact The Sentimental Twist:

    Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

    Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.


    Follow the Co-Hosts:

    • Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
    • Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Sentimental Twist

    02:17 The Art of the Mantel

    16:35 Philosophy on Decorating

    19:58 Hostess Gifts and Gracious Hospitality

    30:03 Gardening with Sentiment

    38:22 Bless It, We Had to Share: Pantry Camp

    44:15 Bless It, We Had to Share: Go-To Summer Salad Recipe

    47:27 Whatcha Thinkin' Sugar? Listener-Submitted Questions

    55:41 Porch Talk Speed Round

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Season 1 | Episode 3: Celebrating July 4th with Memories, Meals & Traditions
    Jul 3 2025

    Summary
    In this episode of the Sentimental Twist Podcast, hosts Brittany and Melissa share their cherished memories of July 4th celebrations, discussing family traditions, summer recipes, and favorite movies. They reminisce about their childhood experiences, including beach trips and family gatherings, while also exploring the significance of heirloom recipes and the flavors of summer. The conversation flows into a fun speed round of questions, allowing listeners to get to know the hosts better. The episode concludes with a heartfelt toast to sentiment, family, and the importance of preserving memories through food and traditions.

    Highlights

    • Melissa’s Baked Beans Recipe
    • Brittany’s Beach Shrimp
      • •3 pounds unpeeled, large raw shrimp
      • •1 (16-oz.) bottle Italian dressing
      • •1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground pepper
      • •2 garlic cloves, pressed
      • •2 lemons, halved
      • •1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
      • •1/2 cup butter, cut up
        • 1. Place first 4 ingredients in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish, tossing to coat. Squeeze juice from lemons over shrimp mixture, and stir. Add lemon halves to pan. Sprinkle evenly with parsley; dot with butter.
        • 2. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Serve in pan with crusty bread.
    • Brittany’s FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder from Lowe’s (affiliate link)

    Takeaways

    • The podcast hosts share their experiences and memories related to July 4th celebrations.
    • Brittany recalls her childhood memories of celebrating July 4th at the beach and with family.
    • Melissa shares her experiences of traveling in a motorhome for July 4th celebrations.
    • The hosts discuss their favorite summer recipes and how they connect to family traditions.
    • Brittany talks about her grandmother's cooking and the importance of heirloom recipes.
    • Melissa shares her favorite summer movie, Jaws, and its impact on her childhood.
    • The hosts engage in a speed round of fun questions to learn more about each other.
    • Brittany shares her love for birds and her new bird feeder gadget.
    • Melissa discusses her favorite concert experiences and artists.
    • The episode concludes with a toast to family traditions and summer flavors.


    Contact The Sentimental Twist:
    Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

    Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.


    Follow the Co-Hosts:

    • Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
    • Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Sentimental Twist Podcast

    00:22 Welcome to Episode 3 - Celebrating July 4th!

    03:33 July 4th Memories and Traditions

    11:29 Decorating for July 4th

    19:39 Favorite July 4th & Summer Recipes

    24:15 Bless It, We Had to Share: Birdwatching, A New Passion

    29:16 Bless It, We Had to Share: Celebrity Crush Benson Boone

    34:42 Summer Movies: Iconic Films and Memories

    41:44 Nostalgic Movie Moments

    45:12 Porch Talk Speed Round

    55:21 A Toast to Sentiment: Summer Memories & Flavors

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    58 mins

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.