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. 2D AGO

    Pickles & Pasta EP33 - Patience, Perspective & Playing the Long Game

    Episode 33 - Patience, Perspective & Playing the Long Game In Episode 33 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph ease in with playful back and forth about their intros, getting ready to go out, and the little rhythms that make up life together before shifting into a much deeper conversation about persistence, creativity, and what it really means to stay with something. The heart of the episode is about the strategy of not giving up. Steph reflects on building projects in an uncertain world, explaining how she approaches new ideas, slower momentum, and the patience it takes to keep going when things are not moving as quickly as expected. For her, it is never about forcing results overnight. It is about trusting the long game, staying ready, and believing that the alignment will come. Jay expands on that by talking about entrepreneurship, setbacks, delays, curveballs, and the deeper mindset required to keep building. Together, they explore the difference between simple stubbornness and true perseverance, the kind rooted in vision, purpose, and a belief that the path is still worth walking. They also reflect on what it means to live creatively, how ideas keep arriving at all hours, and why the journey itself is often the real reward. The episode closes with a funny and affectionate rapid fire round about seasonal changes, what they do not miss when seasons shift, and what they are most looking forward to this spring. Topics Covered: Creative resilience and not giving upStaying committed in uncertain timesPatience, timing, and the long gameWhy some projects move slowlyTrusting your path as an entrepreneurStubbornness vs perseveranceThe journey, not just the outcomeRapid fire: spring shifts and what they’re looking forward toKeep going, trust the timing, and remember that sometimes the real win is staying with the path long enough to see it open up.

    40 min

  2. MAR 11

    Pickles & Pasta EP32 - Soft Launches, Calm Energy & Juggling the Buckets

    Episode 32 - Soft Launches, Calm Energy & Juggling the Buckets In Episode 32 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph open with a real life teamwork moment in classic New York weather that turns into a reflection on momentum. After finally shipping something they had been organizing for a long time, they talk about the relief of checking things off and how February begins to feel lighter after an endless January. The conversation then explores a question many creatives face: how do you soft launch something new while still building multiple projects behind the scenes? Steph shares why she is evolving Have Some Fun Today toward more artisan, one of a kind offerings like painted bags and original art without making a dramatic announcement, choosing a quieter approach that reflects a more grounded and sustainable way of working. Jay adds the strategy perspective, explaining how clarity, support, and the right team make it easier to balance multiple “buckets” without burning out. Together, they discuss trusting your gut, avoiding pressure from people without skin in the game, and organizing projects by timeline, energy, and readiness. They wrap with a rapid fire round on work styles, from jumping in versus planning to starting versus finishing and how they move from one project to the next. Topics Covered: Soft launching new work while other projects continueEvolving Have Some Fun Today toward artisan art Creating sustainably without burnoutManaging multiple project “buckets”Trusting your gut over outside pressureTeam support and delegationRapid fire: problem solving, follow through, and rest vs nextSoft launches still count. Stay grounded, keep your buckets organized, trust your gut, and build in a way you can actually sustain.

    44 min

  3. MAR 4

    Pickles & Pasta EP31 - Perceived Value, Pricing & Respecting Creative Work

    Pickles & Pasta EP31 - Perceived Value, Pricing & Respecting Creative Work In Episode 31 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph kick things off with playful creative momentum, riffing on a “Cherish” t-shirt concept in real time and reflecting on the closing of iconic New York spaces, what it signals about shifting culture, and how change reshapes creative communities. From there, the conversation moves into something many creatives experience but don’t always talk about openly: being asked to work for free. From influencers requesting original artwork in exchange for “exposure” to people casually asking producers to “just read a script” or weigh in on a project, Jay and Steph unpack the deeper issue beneath those moments, the perceived value of creative work. Why are artists, designers, and producers so often expected to donate their time and expertise when other professions aren’t? And how do you respond without burning bridges or underselling yourself? It’s an honest conversation about boundaries, confidence, and what it really means to respect the work, both your own and other people’s. Topics Covered: The creative spark and staying open to ideasThe closing of cultural institutions and city evolutionWhy creatives are often asked to work for freeInfluencer culture and the “free product” mindsetEducating clients about professional valueHow to price art and creative servicesBalancing confidence with market realityThe importance of paying people fairlyRapid fire: shopping habits, minimalism, and food decisionsIf this conversation resonated, let it be a reminder: Know your value, protect your work, and don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth.

    40 min

  4. FEB 25

    Pickles & Pasta EP30 - Process, Partnership & Turning Sparks into Reality

    Pickles & Pasta EP30 - Process, Partnership & Turning Sparks into Reality  In Episode 30 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph talk about what it actually looks like to take an idea from concept to execution, and how two creatives can approach the same goal in completely different ways.  Steph shares her hands-on process: capturing sparks on Post-its, brainstorming in ChatGPT, experimenting with materials, and letting ideas incubate before shaping them into collections. She also opens up about how her vision for Have Some Fun Today is shifting toward a more art-forward, crafted approach, and how she’s building multiple creative “buckets” at once, including art, design, and a children’s book.  Jay breaks down his process from the other side: seeing the full arc early, asking questions as quiet market research, and architecting the bigger ecosystem around a project. Together, they unpack why collaboration matters, how the right partners fill your gaps, and why translating a visual brain into “computer language” can be the hardest part of bringing ideas to life.  The episode ends with a rapid-fire round on personal habits they want to improve, business priorities they keep pushing, and what they’re determined to do before spring.  Topics Covered:  Types of creatives and why process matters Steph’s idea-capture system: Post-its, notes, incubation Evolving Have Some Fun Today into a more art-led brand Collections, merchandising, and future product spin-offs Jay’s “architect” approach: vision, systems, strategy Working with teams to bring ideas to life Translating design instincts into digital execution Rapid fire: habits, priorities, and before-spring goals If you’ve got ideas but struggle with the “how do I actually make this real” part, this one will help you find your process and your people.

    42 min

  5. FEB 18

    Pickles & Pasta EP29 - Ghosting, Mixed Signals, and People Who Actually Show Up

    Episode 29 – Ghosting, Mixed Signals, and People Who Actually Show Up In Episode 29 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph are back in New York with winter reflections, snow-day observations, and the oddly emotional “will we get one more storm?” debate. Then they get into something they’ve both been running into lately: ghosting, especially in business and creative circles. Jay breaks down why disappearing without a word is frustrating and unnecessary, while Steph explains why we often fixate on people who pull away. Ego, the need for closure, and the urge to win back someone’s attention all play a role. From there, the conversation expands into mixed signals and energy, those moments when someone seems supportive one day and distant the next. They talk about how tension in communities can quietly grow, including the way identity and politics can shape how people categorize each other, and why maturity and mutual respect matter more than ever. They close by flipping the lens toward the positive: the people who consistently show up, and how Steph is embracing a new, evolving community through her art workshops and creative work. The episode wraps with a Fashion Week themed rapid fire on dressing for the weather, where fashion is headed, and the fashion eras they’d love to bring back, including Jay’s hilarious robe and cloak fantasy. Topics Covered: Ghosting in creative/business relationshipsClosure, ego, and “future FOMO”Mixed signals, reading energy, and social tensionIdentity/politics shaping community dynamicsChoosing self-respect and focusing on real supportBuilding new community through creativity (art workshops)Rapid fire: Fashion Week editionIf someone disappears, let them, and put your energy into the people who show up, support you, and make your world bigger.

    46 min

  6. FEB 11

    Pickles & Pasta EP28 - Creative Energy, Client Work, and Finding Your Groove

    Episode 28 – Creative Energy, Client Work, and Finding Your Groove  In this week’s episode of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph start with some classic winter banter, from Miami “cold” to the relief of longer daylight after a never-ending January. Then they shift into a thoughtful conversation about different types of creativity and why creating “from the soul” feels fundamentally different than creating within client constraints, budgets, and practical parameters. They unpack the difference between being an artist versus being a creative-for-hire, and how Steph is navigating a new in-between space: making paintings that still use her artistry but are also product-driven (built to meet a need in the marketplace). Jay reflects on how money, time, and materials quietly change the creative process, and how emotional bandwidth (family stress, world stress, exhaustion) can deeply affect whether the creative mind can “access the work.” They also share a practical takeaway for business owners: choosing the right clients is an art, and protecting peace of mind matters as much as the paycheck. The episode wraps with a light rapid-fire round (seasonal cravings, condiments, and the surprisingly enjoyable doctor visits), plus a warm sign-off to keep you cozy wherever you’re listening. Topics Covered: How and why creatives work differentlyArtist vs designer vs creative entrepreneurProduct-driven work vs personal artHow emotional overload blocks creativityBalancing care for loved ones with creative focusThe importance of choosing the right clientsRapid fire: seasonal favorites, condiments, and favorite doctorsWherever you are, stay warm, enjoy the longer light, and we’ll see you next week. Same bat time, same bat channel.

    44 min

  7. FEB 4

    Pickles & Pasta EP27 - Expression, Identity, & Choosing Care

    Episode 27 - Expression, Identity, & Choosing Care January has felt unusually heavy, and Steph and Jay open up about what it’s like to live and create in a world that feels emotionally maxed out. They talk about how politics has bled into business, art, and personal platforms, creating pressure to speak, stay silent, or choose sides. Steph shares why she’s long avoided political messaging through Have Some Fun Today, and why that boundary is becoming harder to hold. Jay reflects on tone-deaf branding, public backlash, and how quickly discourse turns reactive. The conversation widens into the role of creatives during unstable times, how artists absorb the emotional climate and translate it into work, often without trying to persuade or polarize. They explore authenticity, compassion, curiosity, and the idea that standing for humanity doesn’t require taking a side. They close with a lighthearted rapid-fire snow-day segment covering winter comforts, food, and cozy watch picks. Topics Covered: Why January felt emotionally heavyPolitics and business pressure to choose sidesNeutrality vs speaking up in a “tone-deaf” eraSocial media backlash over mild statementsTrigger culture and heightened reactionsThe role and weight of creatives todaySpiritual grounding amid noise and confusionSupporting artists without preachingRapid Fire: winter ice cream, snow-day comfort food, cozy watch picksWherever you land on the issues, this episode is a reminder: we all deserve to be heard, and it costs nothing to listen.

    45 min

  8. JAN 28

    Pickles & Pasta EP26 - The Reset Episode: If You Needed This Today

    EP26 - The Reset Episode: If You Needed This Today Sometimes you don’t need a new plan, you need a reset. In Episode 26, Steph and Jay bring together the most grounding moments from past episodes into one steady, calming listen. It’s built like a guided emotional “re-center,” moving from overwhelm → regulation → perspective → self-trust → gentle momentum. If your mind feels loud, your nervous system feels fried, or you’ve been spiraling into the future, this episode is a place to land. Topics Covered: Overwhelm and emotional groundingStaying present and reducing future-spiralsAnxiety, fear, and nervous system regulationReframing chaos into usable energyPerspective-taking and not personalizing everythingAuthenticity and self-expressionBoundaries, shrinking, and choosing better environmentsHealing through conversation (not avoidance)Self-trust and forward momentumSlowness, winter energy, and patienceCreative block, clutter, and making spaceStarting before you’re readyKindness as a daily practiceIf you needed a sign to slow down, breathe, and come back to yourself, this is it. Stay here. Just today.

    44 min
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay
  • Show Website
    Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay