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 [https://www.instagram.com/twistsandturnspretzelpodcast/]and subscribe to our YouTube page [https://youtube.com/@twistsandturnspodcast?si=nr5tBvpmaOLFhf6b] 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!

Episode 5: Roommates

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.

Episode 4: Anne-Marie's Turn

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 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRCz0rqiT5u/?igsh=NjY2a241bDZtNWJ0]: IG @lorafied

Live Christmas Tree Needle Preservation Tip [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR40filjfk5/?igsh=MTh2M29pdGJpMjd6ZQ==]: IG @brunchwithbabs

Advent Blocks [https://goodkind.shop/products/advent-blocks-traditions-mode]: IG @goodkind.co

Episode 3: A Cheery Holiday Special

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. 

Episode 2: Helena's Cancer Journey

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.

Episode 1: An Introduction

Twists + Turns: Confessions of Lifelong BFFs is a deep dive into the messy, magical, and meaningful journey of a 20+ year friendship that’s survived just about everything life can throw at it.

High school bonded them, but it’s the years after — love and loss, moves and makeups, detours and destiny — that truly defined their connection. Helena's one way, the Anne-Marie's the total opposite, yet somehow they’ve remained each other’s constant through every twist and turn.

Each episode, these two lifelong best friends swap stories, secrets, and confessions about growing up (and still figuring it out), reflecting on what it really takes to stay close when life keeps changing. Honest, funny, and sometimes a little raw — it’s a love letter to friendship that refuses to fade.

The Twists + Turns Team

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