Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay

Stephanie Rado Taormina & Jay Schweid
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ARTS

Welcome to Pickles & Pasta—a podcast about living creatively, loving boldly, and staying grounded in a world that often feels anything but. Steph and Jay met(or as Jay says “reconnected”)just before the pandemic and have been building a life—and a creative partnership—ever since. Together, they live, work, and support each other’s ventures while navigating the messy, beautiful chaos of modern life. No agendas. No sides. Just real conversations—sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, always honest.  This is their space to talk about creativity, connection, relationships, and everything in between. Pull up a chair. Let’s dig in. About Steph   Stephanie Rado Taormina is the CEO and founder of Have Some Fun Today, a lifestyle brand inspired by her late father's mantra to live boldly and joyfully. With over 25 years of experience in branding, fashion, interiors, and entrepreneurship, she brings a sharp creative vision to everything she touches. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Stephanie has reignited her fine art career since 2021—creating emotionally driven abstract work and building a growing marketplace for contemporary art. While integrating her artistic voice into the evolution of HSFT, she also maintains an independent studio practice focused on exhibitions, fine art prints, and creative collaborations. As co-host of the podcast Pickles & Pasta with Steph & Jay, she brings thoughtful, unscripted insight to conversations about creativity, culture, and navigating modern life. About Jay Jay Schweid is a native New Yorker, creative entrepreneur, and cultural shapeshifter with a career that’s anything but conventional. From launching JCS, a bespoke racket service trusted by tennis icons like McEnroe and Agassi, to co-founding The Spot—a legendary South Beach lounge with Mickey Rourke—Jay has always lived at the intersection of bold ideas and real-world impact. He went on to create high-touch concierge and event services for celebrity and HNWI clients, and in 2012, launched ephelants, a media company focused on streamlining film and commercial production. Built to challenge industry inefficiencies, ephelants fuses creativity with technology to empower storytellers at every level. Now, Jay is building Village—a visionary entertainment platform that will revolutionize how projects move from concept to distribution. By bringing together creators, fans, and investors,Village is designed to democratize the entire entertainment ecosystem and give everyone a seat at the table. On Pickles & Pasta, Jay brings sharp insight, unapologetic creativity, and a relentless curiosity for what’s next.

  1. 51M AGO

    Pickles & Pasta EP21 - Holidays, Creativity, and Knowing When to Slow Down

    Episode 21 - Holidays, Creativity, and Knowing When to Slow Down In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph and Jay, a simple catch-up turns into a thoughtful look at creativity during the holiday season and the push-pull between momentum and rest. They unpack how December’s packed calendars and cultural expectations can derail focus, while still offering surprising inspiration through new experiences and shared adventures. They also talk about resisting the pressure to constantly sell, promote, or discount creative work, with Steph choosing to focus on making art right now and Jay reflecting on how hard it is when “slowing down” feels imposed instead of chosen, all while touching on consumer culture, originality, and creating with intention. They wrap with humor and a rapid-fire round on winter comforts, music habits, and the annual events that quietly shape their creative lives. Topics Covered: Creating during the holidays and how seasonal energy affects focusThe tension between slowing down and maintaining creative momentumEvents, stimulation, and how new experiences fuel inspirationSelling versus making and owning the value of creative workConsumer culture, trends, and the search for originalityChoosing rest and reflection without losing purposRapid fire on winter favorites, music, and influential annual events A reflective, honest conversation about honoring your creative rhythm during a season that pulls you in every direction. Whether you’re slowing down, speeding up, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that intention matters more than timing.

    57 min

  2. DEC 17

    Pickles & Pasta EP20 - Family, Perception, and Looking Past the Label

    Episode 20 - Family, Perception, and Looking Past the Label In Episode 20 of Pickles and Pasta with Steph and Jay, the conversation kicks off with full moon energy and how heightened sensitivity can shape your mood, reactions, and awareness. From there, they dive into how family dynamics quietly (and sometimes loudly) shape who we become, including confidence, self-image, patterns we inherit, and the narratives relatives create about us that can be hard to shake. They also explore how perception works in everyday life: what we assume when we first look at someone, how stereotypes and appearances distort reality, and how our own fears or insecurities can get projected onto other people. The episode wraps with rapid fire fun covering a brand they fell out of love with, the “no downside” food they’d eat forever, and something they dislike doing but love the payoff of. Topics Covered Full moon energy, sensitivity, and emotional awarenessFamily influence on identity, confidence, and behaviorUnlearning family narratives and projected expectationsBig families, perception, and confidence versus intimidationFirst impressions, stereotypes, and the art of perceptionProjection, social media overload, and the need for quieter mental spaceRapid fire on brand regret, indulgent foods, and the payoff of hard workIf this episode hit home, take it as a reminder to stay curious about your patterns, your people, and what you might be assuming at first glance.

    49 min

  3. DEC 10

    Pickles & Pasta EP19 - Dogs, Seasons, and the Art of Paying Attention

    Episode 19 - Dogs, Seasons, and the Art of Paying Attention In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph and Jay, a simple bagel run spirals into a conversation about city dogs, shared sidewalks, and what it really means to be a considerate pet owner, before widening into a discussion on seasons, creativity, and where inspiration actually comes from. Steph talks about winter as creative hibernation, why New York remains her greatest muse, and how even a 239-million-dollar painting at Sotheby’s didn’t move her, while Jay reflects on how walking the city versus the suburbs shifts what you notice and ultimately create. They close with rapid-fire questions on fear versus respect, favorite seasonal transitions, and whether spending 24 hours with someone you can’t stand is worth it if it genuinely makes the world better. Topics Covered: City dog culture and what “curb your dog” should meanPet ownership as shared-space responsibilityThanksgiving’s complicated meaning and why gratitude still mattersHow seasonal shifts shape mood, energy, and creativityWinter hibernation vs. NYC as an inspiration engineReal artistic inspiration vs. what the market decides is valuableHow walking the city vs. suburbs changes what you noticeRapid fire: respect vs. fear, favorite season shift, 24 hours with someone you can’t standIf you’ve ever side-stepped a leash, wondered where your inspiration really comes from, or felt yourself changing with the seasons, this one will feel familiar. Tune in, walk with them through the city and the suburbs, and see what it sparks in your own life.

    53 min

  4. DEC 3

    Pickles & Pasta EP18 - Friendship, Change, and Coming Home to You

    Episode 18 - Friendship, Change, and Coming Home to You In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph and Jay, the duo opens up about what it means to shrink yourself to fit in across friendships, small towns, social media, and work. Steph shares how moving from New York’s fashion world to a quiet Pennsylvania suburb caused her to dial back parts of who she was without even noticing, and how divorce, grief, and building Have Some Fun Today shifted her relationships over time. Together, they look at how different seasons of life change your circle, why some friendships naturally fade, and why others are worth holding on to. They dig into self-awareness, reconnecting with your creative self, and choosing relationships that support who you are now. Topics Covered: Shrinking to fit in and the subtle ways we make ourselves smallerSocial media self-editing and the pressure to be “just right”Friendship seasons and why some relationships fade or deepenLife transitions like divorce, loss, and reinvention that reshape our circlesReturning to yourself through awareness, inner work, and creativityChoosing better rooms and people who match your full energyRapid-fire fun on favorite times of day, dream business skills, and movie characters they’d befriendA reflective, candid, and ultimately hopeful conversation about outgrowing old versions of yourself — and finding the people who love you as you really are.

    51 min

  5. NOV 26

    Pickles & Pasta EP17 - Vulnerability, Belonging, and Critical Thinking

    Episode 17 - Vulnerability, Belonging, and Critical Thinking  Steph and Jay unpack why so many people get swept up by loud voices, politicians, influencers, even “smooth talkers” and how loneliness, vulnerability, and identity hunger make us easy prey. They explore healthier paths to meaning, slowing down, checking our own compass, rebuilding connection, and practicing real critical thinking. It’s thoughtful, candid, and still playful, complete with rapid-fire confessions at the end.  Topics Covered:  Authority bias: why confidence ≠ truth Loneliness & disconnection in a post-COVID world Belonging vs. self-knowledge: joining for the right reasons Faith & politics: grounding yourself, not getting used Unprocessed trauma: why “back to normal” doesn’t work Antidotes: slow down, question, connect, create together Rapid-fire: best compliments, Elvis, dream stages, NYC café vibes A thoughtful, grounded episode with a touch of New York wit, closing on the reminder that we’re all just trying to make sense of the world together. If this conversation resonated, share it with someone who’d appreciate it, and let us know what you think today’s society is missing. Your rating or review helps others join the dialogue.

    1h 2m

  6. NOV 19

    Pickles & Pasta EP16 - Growth, Living, and Building Community

    Episode 16 - Growth, Living, and Building Community In this week’s episode of Pickles & Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo digs into what it really means to grow - personally, creatively, and professionally - when life and business evolve at different speeds. Steph reflects on building Have Some Fun Today, navigating change, and finding purpose through challenge. Together, they explore how discomfort fuels growth, how creativity builds community, and why persistence and playfulness go hand in hand - ending with a lighthearted rapid-fire on tofu, chocolate, and talking animals. Topics Covered Growth & alignment: when business and personal evolution fall out of syncCreative resilience: bouncing back and staying inspiredWork vs. life: finding purpose in the processSelf-belief: letting instinct and curiosity leadCommunity: connection through shared creativityRapid-fire: food quirks, learning styles, and favorite animalsEvery episode is a reminder that growth, creativity, and connection start with showing up. Thanks for doing that with us.

    58 min

  7. NOV 12

    Pickles & Pasta EP15 - Gratitude, Breathing & Letting Go of Excess

    Episode 15: Gratitude, Breathing & Letting Go of Excess In this episode of Pickles & Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo explores how to stay grounded in uncertain times - balancing change with gratitude, breathwork, and mindfulness. They discuss how post-COVID shifts and economic stress affect creativity and connection, and why empathy and community matter more than ever. The conversation gets personal with reflections on illness, loss, and resilience, before wrapping on a lighter note - redefining the holidays with less materialism and more meaning. Topics Covered: Uncertain times: staying balanced and setting boundariesBreathwork & gratitude:  simple ways to calm stressMindfulness:  daily rituals for peace and focusEmpathy & relationships:  compassion through changeRethinking gifts: stuff, more meaningRapid-fire:  downtime, travel, and favorite burgers    Tune in for an episode that’s equal parts grounding, thought-provoking, and laugh-out-loud real - because sometimes the best way to cope is with conversation, curiosity, and a touch of humor.

    1h 6m

  8. NOV 5

    Pickles & Pasta EP14 - Faith, Fear & the Next Generation

    Episode 14 - Faith, Fear & the Next Generation Steph & Jay unpack why the old “do this, get that” life formula no longer fits—college, careers, and timelines included. They explore how AI, remote work, and real-world skills (grit, connection, EQ) are reshaping opportunity, then dive into the messy overlap of faith, politics, and fear—and how kindness and gratitude cut through the noise. It all wraps with a breezy rapid-fire on first cars, favorite workouts, and, yes, pickles and pasta. Topics Covered Vanishing promise: traditional paths no longer fitCollege vs. skills: redefining successNew essentials: grit, EQ, real connectionWork & mentorship: navigating remote lifeFaith, politics & fear: finding clarityGrounding: gratitude, creativity, communityRapid-fire: cars, workouts, pickles & pastaHonest conversations, unexpected laughs, and a dash of chaos—Pickles & Pasta keeps it real every week. Follow for your next helping.

    1h 7m
See All (21)

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Pickles & Pasta—a podcast about living creatively, loving boldly, and staying grounded in a world that often feels anything but. Steph and Jay met(or as Jay says “reconnected”)just before the pandemic and have been building a life—and a creative partnership—ever since. Together, they live, work, and support each other’s ventures while navigating the messy, beautiful chaos of modern life. No agendas. No sides. Just real conversations—sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, always honest.  This is their space to talk about creativity, connection, relationships, and everything in between. Pull up a chair. Let’s dig in. About Steph   Stephanie Rado Taormina is the CEO and founder of Have Some Fun Today, a lifestyle brand inspired by her late father's mantra to live boldly and joyfully. With over 25 years of experience in branding, fashion, interiors, and entrepreneurship, she brings a sharp creative vision to everything she touches. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Stephanie has reignited her fine art career since 2021—creating emotionally driven abstract work and building a growing marketplace for contemporary art. While integrating her artistic voice into the evolution of HSFT, she also maintains an independent studio practice focused on exhibitions, fine art prints, and creative collaborations. As co-host of the podcast Pickles & Pasta with Steph & Jay, she brings thoughtful, unscripted insight to conversations about creativity, culture, and navigating modern life. About Jay Jay Schweid is a native New Yorker, creative entrepreneur, and cultural shapeshifter with a career that’s anything but conventional. From launching JCS, a bespoke racket service trusted by tennis icons like McEnroe and Agassi, to co-founding The Spot—a legendary South Beach lounge with Mickey Rourke—Jay has always lived at the intersection of bold ideas and real-world impact. He went on to create high-touch concierge and event services for celebrity and HNWI clients, and in 2012, launched ephelants, a media company focused on streamlining film and commercial production. Built to challenge industry inefficiencies, ephelants fuses creativity with technology to empower storytellers at every level. Now, Jay is building Village—a visionary entertainment platform that will revolutionize how projects move from concept to distribution. By bringing together creators, fans, and investors,Village is designed to democratize the entire entertainment ecosystem and give everyone a seat at the table. On Pickles & Pasta, Jay brings sharp insight, unapologetic creativity, and a relentless curiosity for what’s next.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Rado Taormina & Jay Schweid
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay
  • Show Website
    Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay

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