What happens when a trip to Italy becomes something far more meaningful than a vacation?

In Episode 7 of Twists + Turns: Confessions of Lifelong BFFs, Helena and Anne-Marie unpack their summer journey to Italy—and the unexpected discoveries that followed. From Naples highlights and unforgettable moments with friends to Helena’s deeply personal visit to her dad’s hometown, this trip opened the door to a story that spans generations.

For Helena, stepping into her family’s history meant getting to know her family in a deeper way, hearing pieces of her own story through the eyes of her dad, her aunt, and distant Italian relatives, and discovering a new appreciation for the heritage that helped shape her.

But perhaps the biggest revelation wasn’t about where Helena came from—it was about who she is.

As Helena gained a deeper understanding of her family’s story, she also found herself more firmly grounded in her true identity in Christ, with a renewed appreciation for her Italian heritage in its rightful place.

It’s a story about family, faith, identity, heritage, Italy, and the goodness of God woven through generations. And, naturally, there are plenty of laughs, travel stories, and Twists + Turns along the way.

Come along for the journey—and maybe ask yourself what stories from your own family have shaped the person you are today. 🇮🇹❤️

Twists + Turns: Confessions of Lifelong BFFs is a podcast about lifelong friendship, faith, family, identity, and the unexpected turns that make our stories worth telling.

What happens when you reunite with the friend who helped carry you through one of life's most transformative seasons?

In Episode 6 of Twists + Turns: Confessions of Lifelong BFFs, we're joined by our very first podcast guest—our dear friend Nicole. After reuniting in Italy, we sat down to reflect on the twists and turns that shaped our friendship and the life-changing chapter that connected all three of us.

Together, we talk about navigating difficult seasons, finding beauty in unexpected places, the power of authentic friendship, and how creativity can help us tell the stories that words sometimes can't. Nicole also shares insights into her artwork and the role it has played throughout her journey.

This conversation is full of laughter, vulnerability, unforgettable memories, and the kind of honest storytelling that reminds us we don't have to navigate life's hardest moments alone.

If you've ever experienced the healing power of friendship, walked through a major life transition, or believe that the best stories are the ones shared with people who truly know you, this episode is for you.

In this episode:
• Meeting our very first guest, Nicole
• A best-friend reunion in Italy
• Friendship through life's biggest challenges (including the restaurant jobs that trauma-bonded us 😂)
• Art, creativity, and finding meaning in difficult seasons
• Honest conversations about resilience, growth, and lasting connection

🎙️ Twists + Turns: Confessions of Lifelong BFFs is a podcast celebrating over 20 years of friendship through real conversations about life's unexpected detours, meaningful moments, and everything in between.

#TwistsAndTurnsPodcast #FriendshipPodcast #FemaleFriendship #BestFriends #PersonalGrowth #LifeStories #Healing #Italy #Creativity #Art #Resilience #Storytelling

We’re back from our hiatus—and coming in strong with a story we definitely didn’t plan.

This episode dives into our brief but iconic era as roommates—how it happened (spoiler: not our doing), why it felt so special, and the wild way everything aligned at just the right time. We’re talking friendship, timing, and the kind of provision you only recognize once you look back.

If you’ve ever wondered where you went in the middle of being everything for everyone else… this one’s for you. Your story isn’t over—and it’s not random either.

Come hang out with us beyond the episode—follow along on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page for behind-the-scenes moments, extra clips, and more of the conversations you didn’t hear here. We’d love to hear your story too!

Helena and Anne-Marie take listeners through the defining moments of Anne-Marie's faith journey—from a complicated church upbringing to the turning points that changed her life. This conversation explores how belief can both wound and heal, and how Jesus met them both in the middle of it all.
Listener note: this episode discusses spiritual abuse and may be sensitive for some listeners.

A timely, thoughtful, entertaining conversation about the holidays. Helena and Anne-Marie discuss traditions, swap recipes, and reflect on childhood vs. adulthood around the holidays.

Double Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

1 10oz package mint chocolate chips
1 1/4 c AP flour
3/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 c butter softened
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 white sugar
1/2 t vanilla
1 egg
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)

Melt over hot water (or microwave in short bursts) 3/4 c chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Remove from heat and cool to room temp. In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl combine butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla; beat until creamy. Add melted chocolate chips and egg; beat well. Gradually blend in flour mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes @ 375F; let cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet.
*For best results, refrigerate batter ~1 hour before baking.

Pizzelles (according to Anne-Marie's grandmother)

7 c AP flour
4 sticks Fleischmann's margarine
2 oz Anissette
1 T vanilla
3 1/2 c sugar
1 dozen jumbo eggs
1 oz whiskey

Beat eggs (use electric mixer); add sugar and liquid, continuing to beat. Add flour a little at a time. You will need to experiment to know how much to pour into pizzelle iron.
*For best results, use Fleischmann's margarine and jumbo eggs. A pizzelle iron is required for this recipe. Yield: 12 dozen cookies.

Thanksgiving Dinner in a Slow Cooker: IG @lorafied

Live Christmas Tree Needle Preservation Tip: IG @brunchwithbabs

Advent Blocks: IG @goodkind.co

Helena shares her journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The BFF's reflect from their perspectives on what was lost - and gained - through this journey.

*Trigger Warning*

This episode contains accounts of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of a chronic illness. Listeners who have experienced trauma from their own or another's chronic illness may be sensitive to this content. 

Get to know Helena and Anne-Marie, BFF's for more than half their life. In this episode hear a flyover of their friendship, why they think it's worth a podcast, and what you can expect to hear from them next.