Grandma's Silver

As fall brings busy routines, Allie Kochinsky sits down with interior designer Lindsey Herod of Lindsey Herod Interiors to explore turning utilitarian spaces into functional and stylish areas.

From mudrooms and entryways to laundry rooms and kitchens, Lindsey shares practical tips for streamlining your home while adding timeless charm. With insights drawn from real-life routines and expert design experience, this episode offers advice on balancing elegance with everyday functionality.

Perfect for homeowners, design enthusiasts, and busy families, this conversation blends heritage-inspired style with modern practicality.

Key Topics Discussed
• Transforming utilitarian spaces—mudrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, kitchens, and garages
• Timeless design paired with practical solutions for busy households
• Common design oversights and how to address them
• Adding personal touches while maintaining style and functionality
• Lindsey’s approach combining Texas roots with New York design experience

RESOURCES

• Visit Lindsey's website.
• Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this heartfelt episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Amanda Wilbanks, owner of Southern Baked Pie Co. and author of Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie.

Amanda shares the family traditions, recipes, and stories that inspired her love for baking and hospitality. The conversation explores how pies and home baking can serve as a form of cultural expression, connecting family, friends, and community.

Perfect for food lovers, home bakers, and fans of Southern traditions, this episode blends culinary heritage, storytelling, and the art of making people feel welcome.

Key Topics Discussed
• Amanda’s journey into baking and Southern hospitality
• Family recipes and the stories behind them
• Creating connections and traditions through food
• Insights from her cookbook, Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie
• The role of baking in preserving culture and community

Resources:

• Purchase her cookbook.
• Visit her website.

Follow Amanda:

• Instagram: @southernbakedpie
• Facebook: @Southernbakedpie
• Youtube: @southernbakedpiecompany2620

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this special episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kristina and Sam von Trapp, descendants of the legendary von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame.

The conversation explores their family legacy, the evolution of the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, and their exciting ventures in craft brewing, maple tapping, and sustainable farming. Kristina and Sam share how they balance heritage with innovation, ensuring the lodge remains a cherished destination while honoring their roots.

Perfect for history buffs, heritage enthusiasts, and travelers, this episode blends family tradition, American history, and the charm of New England, especially as autumn paints Vermont in vibrant colors.

Key Topics Discussed
• Growing up in the iconic von Trapp family
• Evolution of the Trapp Family Lodge and its role in tourism
• Ventures in craft beer, maple tapping, and sustainable agriculture
• Preserving family legacy while innovating for the future
• New England fall traditions and the lodge’s seasonal charm


Resources

• Visit the lodge.
• Follow the lodge on Instagram and Facebook.
• Check out the von Trapp's world-famous beer (listeners 21+)

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

As we step into the back-to-school season, we're diving deep into one of America's most iconic academic institutions: Princeton University. In this episode, I'm joined by W. Barksdale Maynard, an architectural historian and author, to explore Princeton's storied architecture and the rich history that has shaped its unique aesthetic.

From the stunning Gothic Revival buildings to the meticulously planned quadrangles and gardens, we'll uncover the architectural marvels that define Princeton's campus. Barksdale will share insights into the evolution of the university's design and the ongoing challenges and decisions that impact the preservation of this historic campus.

Join us as we celebrate the institution's legacy and its influence on American architecture and academia. Whether you're a history buff, design enthusiast, or simply curious about the beauty of one of the nation's oldest universities, this conversation promises to offer a fascinating look into Princeton's architectural heritage.

Resources:

• Book: Princeton: America's Campus
• Book: Woodrow Wilson: Princeton to Presidency
• University of Delaware's W. Barksdale Maynard Photographs of Delaware Collection
• Book: Artists of Wyeth Country: Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, and Andrew Wyeth
• Book: The Brandywine: An Intimate Portrait

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Mustipher, a celebrated mixologist, spirits educator, and author, to dive deep into the world of Tiki cocktails. Shannon has become a leading voice in the industry, known for her innovative approach and deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of Tiki drinks.

Join us as we explore the history and evolution of Tiki culture, from its origins to its modern resurgence. Shannon shares her insights into the foundational elements of Tiki cocktails, the stories behind the iconic drinks, and how the Tiki movement has transformed over the years.

We also delve into Shannon's favorite Tiki spots today, uncovering hidden gems and must-visit locales that continue to celebrate and innovate within the Tiki and tropical cocktail tradition. 

Resources:

• Visit Shannon's website for information about her, her services/classes, etc.
• Take a peek at her book, Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails.
• Follow Shannon on Instagram.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Candacy Taylor, award-winning author, photographer, and cultural documentarian, to uncover the hidden stories of Route 66.

Often called the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is steeped in Americana, but Candacy shines a light on the experiences of Black travelers, the communities that thrived along the route, and the vital role of the Green Book in shaping travel and culture.

Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the highway’s history, its preservation, and the cultural legacy that continues to influence generations of travelers today.

Key Topics Discussed
• History and evolution of Route 66
• The experiences of Black travelers navigating the route
• Cultural significance of the Green Book
• Communities and landmarks that shaped Route 66’s vibrancy
• Preservation efforts and the ongoing legacy of this iconic highway

Resources:

• Visit Candacy's website here.
• Follow her on social media here.
• Purchase her Overground Railroad book.
• Check out the Smithsonian exhibit.
• Learn more about Route 66.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky chats with Elizabeth Heiskell, renowned chef, author, and Southern culinary expert, about the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of the South.

Elizabeth shares stories from her Mississippi roots, discussing how family, community, and Southern customs have influenced her approach to cooking and entertaining. Listeners will also hear practical tips for utilizing seasonal ingredients and bringing people together around the table.

Perfect for food enthusiasts, home cooks, and lovers of Southern hospitality, this episode blends heritage, storytelling, and culinary inspiration.

Key Topics Discussed
• Elizabeth’s Southern roots and how they shaped her culinary style
• The importance of seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes
• Stories of hospitality and entertaining in the South
• Career journey from early beginnings to TV appearances and cookbook success
• Tips for creating memorable meals and experiences at home

CONNECT:

• Visit Elizabeth's website here.
• Follow her on Instagram.

SHOP:

• Come on Over!: Southern Delicious for Every Day and Occasion
• What Can I Bring?: Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up
• The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

Step into the world of Southern elegance and timeless interiors with acclaimed designer Eric Ross on this episode of Grandma’s Silver. Eric shares his design philosophy, blending classic sophistication with modern touches, and reflects on the experiences and influences that shaped his creative vision.

Beyond design, Eric discusses his dedication to mentorship, sharing insights from the workshops he and his wife host to cultivate the next generation of designers and foster collaboration within the creative community.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, aspiring decorator, or lover of Southern style, this episode offers inspiration, professional insight, and a look at how tradition, creativity, and mentorship intersect in the world of interior design.

Listen in for:

• Eric’s journey and early influences in interior design
• The hallmarks of sophisticated Southern style and blending tradition with modern sensibilities
• Insights on mentorship and nurturing emerging talent in design
• Highlighted projects and signature design philosophies
• Reflections on creativity, collaboration, and evolving design trends

CONNECT:

• Visit Eric's website here.
• Purchase his book here.
• Follow him on Instagram.
• Eric came on as a guest again in 2025 to discuss his second book... listen here!

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

Sink your teeth into the rich history of American barbecue with culinary historians John Reed and Jim Auchmutey on this episode of Grandma’s Silver. From family-owned joints to regional specialties, they share the stories, techniques, and traditions that have shaped this beloved culinary art over the decades.

Discover how barbecue reflects culture, community, and heritage, and hear personal anecdotes that bring the flavors and history to life. Perfect for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about America’s culinary roots.

Listen in for:

• The origins and evolution of barbecue across the United States
• Stories from family-owned barbecue restaurants and regional traditions
• Historical and cultural influences that shaped American barbecue
• How flavors, techniques, and presentation have transformed over time
• Personal insights and anecdotes from John Reed & Jim Auchmutey

Warning: May cause sudden cravings for smoky ribs and pulled pork!

BOOKS:

• Smokelore: A Short History of Barbecue in America
• On Barbecue 
• Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue

Visit John's website here.

Visit Jim's website here.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

In this episode, I sit down with interior designer Kara Cox to explore her journey into the world of interior design and her distinctive approach to creating timeless, elegant spaces. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Kara's work beautifully blends Southern charm with modern sophistication.

We delve into her philosophy on creating warm, inviting homes that reflect personal stories and heritage. Kara shares insights from her background in the world of furniture, discussing how it has influenced her overall approach to interiors.

Kara also offers tips on summer entertaining, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and fun. 

Join us for this inspiring conversation filled with insights on design, entertaining, and the enduring appeal of a classic aesthetic. 

Visit Kara's website here.

Follow her on Instagram.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.