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.
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Season 2 | Episode 7: Outsourcing for Effortless Entertaining & Bridging Generations Through Food
Season 2 · Episode 7
Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 01:05:11
Summary
In this episode of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa discuss the importance of gracious hospitality during the holiday season. They explore how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests while managing the stress of hosting. The conversation emphasizes the value of involving younger generations in cooking to pass down family traditions and recipes. The hosts also share tips on outsourcing food to make hosting easier and more enjoyable. Throughout the episode, they highlight the significance of gratitude, kindness, and connection during the holidays, encouraging listeners to focus on giving back to others.
Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 7!
06:55 Gracious Hospitality: Costo as Co-Host (Outsourcing for Effortless Entertaining)
29:17 Porch Talk Speed Round
42:08 Heirloom Recipes: Bridging Generations Through Food
53:55 Bless It, We Had to Share It
01:01:23 A Toast to Sentiment: Doing Good to Another
Season 2 | Episode 6: How to Gracefully Say No + The Return of Handmade Decor
Season 2 · Episode 6
Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Duration 01:00:09
Summary
In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the themes of gracious hospitality, the importance of self-care, and the art of saying no during the busy holiday season. They discuss how to navigate invitations, prioritize rest, and maintain boundaries while still fostering connections. The conversation also delves into the sentimental value of handmade decor and the therapeutic benefits of crafting. The episode concludes with a heartfelt toast celebrating the significance of home and family.
Food coloring (omit if painting ornaments with acrylic paint)
Combine dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Cook on medium heat while stirring until it forms a ball. Dump out on wax paper and knead well. Store in an airtight container.
Season 1, Episode 7: The Invisible Invitation & Lovely Letters from Listeners
Season 1 · Episode 7
Thursday, July 31, 2025 • Duration 58:45
Summary
In this episode of the Sentimental Twist Podcast, hosts Brittany and Melissa explore the theme of hospitality and the emotional connections that come with hosting. They discuss the importance of making guests feel welcome through thoughtful gestures, the significance of heirloom kitchen tools, and personal stories that shape our experiences. The conversation also touches on listener submissions, quickfire questions, and the art of puttering as a ritual for joy in everyday life. Melissa shares about her upcoming “Merry Month of Maine” while Brittany shares about The Sentimental Style Starter Kit, launching on August 4. The episode emphasizes the value of meaningful spaces and the stories they tell.
Highlights:
Bless It, We Had to Share: Melissa’s “Merry Month of Maine” – sign up to receive a postcard from her in August!
Bless It, We Had to Share: Brittany’s launch of The Sentimental Style Starter Kit. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it launches. And be sure to use the code TST10 for $10 off the Kit!
Takeaways
Small gestures can set the emotional tone for gatherings.
Making guests feel welcome starts with the invitation.
Hosts should connect guests to foster a welcoming environment.
Heirloom recipes and kitchen items carry sentimental value and family traditions.
Personal connections enhance the hosting experience.
Thoughtful communication can ease guest anxiety.
Creating a cozy atmosphere is essential for hospitality.
Sharing personal stories enriches the experience of hosting.
Season 1 | Episode 6: Personality Decorating and the *Best* Vintage Recipes
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 51:09
Summary
In this episode of Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa explore the concept of sentimental decorating, emphasizing the importance of personal style and authenticity in home decor. They discuss breaking free from trends, incorporating heirlooms and vintage pieces, and the power of color and texture in creating meaningful spaces. The conversation also touches on “church cookbook” vintage recipes and the stories behind them, culminating in a heartfelt toast to the power of preservation and the stories that our homes tell.
Personality decorating AKA “sentimental decorating” is about authenticity and personal style.
Breaking free from trends allows for unique home decor.
Incorporating heirlooms adds character and history to a space.
Color and texture are essential for self-expression in home design.
Creating a personal space involves displaying items that evoke joy and memories.
Heirloom recipes carry stories and traditions worth preserving.
Every space in your home should tell a story about who you are.
Start decorating with what you already have in your home.
Let your decor evolve over time as your tastes change.
If you love it, it belongs in your home.
Contact The Sentimental Twist:
Season 1, Episode 5: Styling Legacy Hutches & Hosting with Calmness
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, July 17, 2025 • Duration 01:00:56
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.
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.
Season 1, Episode 4: The Art of the Mantel, Sentimental Gardening & Taking Dreams Out of the Box
Season 1 · Episode 4
Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 01:06:48
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.
Season 1 | Episode 3: Celebrating July 4th with Memories, Meals & Traditions
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 57:37
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.
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.
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.
Season 1 | Episode 2: Embracing Sentimental Style & Hosting with Intention
Season 1 · Episode 2
Thursday, June 26, 2025 • Duration 59:12
Summary
In this episode of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa explore the themes of sentimental decorating and meaningful spaces. They share personal stories about cherished items in their homes, discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment for guests, and offer tips for hosting with intention rather than perfection. The conversation also touches on seasonal traditions and how to incorporate personal memories into home decor. Through their engaging dialogue, they emphasize the value of family connections and the stories behind the objects we choose to display in our homes.
Highlights:
Bless It, We Had to Share Segment:
Brittany: Print your sentimental photos at picta.com and use code BRITTANY40 for 40% off your order through June 30, 2025 (affiliate code).
Takeaways
The importance of sentimental objects in home decor.
Embracing imperfections in decor adds character.
Creating meaningful spaces can enhance hospitality.
Personal stories tied to decor items enrich their value.
Simple meals can create memorable gatherings.
Decorating with intention rather than perfection is key.
Family photos can serve as art and conversation starters.
Seasonal decor can be minimal yet impactful.
Collecting vintage items can tell a story.
Creating a welcoming environment for guests is essential.
Season | Episode 1: Welcome to The Sentimental Twist
Season 1 · Episode 1
Thursday, June 19, 2025 • Duration 42:20
The podcast aims to explore home decor and hospitality through a sentimental lens.
Brittany and Melissa share a passion for meaningful spaces influenced by their mothers.
The name 'The Sentimental Twist' reflects their shared love for sentimental decor with a modern twist.
Both hosts have a strong connection to their family legacies and how they influence their styles.
Listeners can expect personal stories, how sentimentality influences home decor and style, tips on hosting, and discussions about heirloom recipes.
The podcast will feature segments like Bless It, We Had to Share” and 'Porch Talk' for interactive engagement.
Brittany's sentimental style evolved after inheriting her mother's and grandmother's decor.
Melissa's experiences as a caregiver shaped her approach to hospitality and home hosting.
The hosts encourage listeners to share their own stories and recipes for future episodes.
The podcast will have a seasonal format with breaks for planning and new content.
Summary
In the inaugural episode of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa introduce their podcast, which focuses on home decor, hospitality, and the sentimental stories behind them. They share their backgrounds, the inspiration for the podcast, and what listeners can expect in future episodes. The conversation highlights the importance of meaningful spaces, personal stories, and the influence of family legacies in their lives. The hosts also discuss their new finds and recommendations, and conclude with a toast to friendships and the traditions that enrich their lives.
Highlights:
Bless It, We Had to Share Segment: Melissa: Beau Bottles (www.beaubottles.com/melissa - use code MELISSA at checkout for 10% off your order). Brittany: The Fabric Crush Block Printed Linens (Instagram & Amazon) Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram .Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.Follow the Co-Hosts:Brittany: and .Melissa: and and .
Trailer: Introducing The Sentimental Twist
Season 1
Thursday, June 19, 2025 • Duration 00:56
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.
House Blessings
Takeaways
It's okay to say no to invitations for self-care.
Rest is essential and should be prioritized.
Saying no can be a form of kindness to yourself and others.
Creative activities can serve as a form of therapy.
Handmade ornaments carry sentimental value and memories.
Navigating the holiday season requires setting boundaries.
It's important to assess your commitments and energy levels.
Connections can be maintained through alternative gatherings.
Every home should be a sanctuary filled with love.
Celebrating family traditions can enhance the holiday experience.
00:00 Introduction to The Sentimental Twist Podcast 02:21 The Origins of the Podcast Idea 04:52 Personal Stories and Influences 07:50 The Concept of Sentimental Style 10:52 Melissa's Journey and Caregiving Experience 14:59 Expectations for the Podcast 19:58 Interactive Segments and Audience Engagement 26:46 Bless It, We Had to Share: Creative Gift Idea 29:44 Bless It, We Had to Share: Exploring Indian Handicrafts 33:43 Sentimental Traditions and Friendships 39:43 A Toast to Chosen Sisterhood 45:39 Wrapping Up the Inaugural Episode
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