Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay

Stephanie Rado Taormina & Jay Schweid

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. JAN 21

    Pickles & Pasta EP25 - Alone Time, Creative Work and When Money Enters the Room

    Episode 25 - Alone Time, Creative Work and When Money Enters the Room Episode 25 opens with Steph and Jay checking in on the wonkiness of the world and the mental load of staying aware without getting consumed. They talk about how people cope differently, from staying plugged in to fully tuning out, and why it feels harder than ever to find calm while still caring. From there, they get into the creative process, especially the role of solitude. Steph shares why working alone is energizing, how deep focus shapes her best work, and why being social doesn’t mean needing people around while creating. Jay reflects on the flip side, how the right city energy can be inspiring, but also distracting when it comes to getting work done. Then the conversation turns practical: when does money enter creativity. They unpack the difference between making art for the sake of making it and building products where margins, materials, and price points have to be considered early. Steph breaks down the real cost of supplies and why art pricing is often misunderstood, and shares her shift toward art based products that require a more business minded structure. They close with rapid fire on future tech, fixing New York, and weird food combos. Topics Covered: Staying aware in a chaotic world without burning outSolitude vs stimulation and how creatives actually work bestThe balance between deep focus and being energized by peopleWhen money enters creativity and why timing mattersThe real cost of making art and why pricing is misunderstoodProduct thinking vs fine art and working backwards from marginRapid fire: tech we want, NYC fixes, and odd food pairingsThis episode is a reminder that creativity needs both space and structure, and learning when to protect your process and when to think like a business is part of the work.

    48 min

  7. JAN 14

    Pickles & Pasta EP24 - Focus, Energy and The Journey

    Episode 24 - Focus, Energy and The Journey This episode captures that strange early January shift after the holiday rush, when the world is technically “back,” but not really moving at full speed yet. Steph and Jay talk about what it feels like to be creatives during a season where other people slow down, while their own momentum keeps building. They explore how conferences, awards season, and trend cycles flood the culture right after the holidays, and why Steph tends to block a lot of that out to protect her originality. From there, the conversation moves into something deeper: the way creatives pick up on energy in rooms and environments, and how that unspoken tension or empathy often gets channeled into the work. The episode lands on a central anchor, focusing on the journey, especially when life feels full of landmines, shifting plans, and constant uncertainty. They wrap with a funny rapid fire and a simple reminder about stress: don’t do it twice. Topics Covered: The strange post holiday pace of JanuaryCreative schedules versus traditional work rhythmsThe flood of conferences, awards, and trend noiseProtecting originality and filtering cultural overloadHow creatives sense and process energy differentlyTurning empathy and frustration into creative fuelStaying focused on the journey amid constant changeRapid fire on time, childhood, and risk takingWhy pre stressing only makes things harderThis episode is your reminder to tune out the noise, stay grounded in your path, and keep your focus on the journey, especially when life tries to pull the rug out from under you.

    51 min

  8. JAN 7

    Pickles & Pasta EP23 - Reset, Reflection and Creative Freedom

    Episode 23 - Reset, Reflection and Creative Freedom The first episode of 2026 opens with Steph and Jay turning a casual new year check in into a thoughtful conversation about how creatives actually reset. They talk about why January 1st feels motivating for some people and completely overrated for others, then dig into the real reset of clearing physical and mental clutter so new ideas can take shape. Steph shares what it looks like to wind down an old way of running a business in order to make room for what’s next, including experimenting with a new product focused direction that blends art and interior design. Jay reflects on how the simple act of organizing can kick the brain back into creative mode and why real adaptation requires space rather than pressure. They also explore what the holiday season leaves behind, from meaningful moments to small dramas, and how those experiences quietly carry into the new year. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire round that is both funny and unexpectedly sincere. Topics Covered: New Year resets: motivation vs “you can start anytime”Clearing clutter and why creatives need space to createThe connection between cleaning, emotional processing, and mental calmAdapting to new plans and building systems for a fresh yearSteph’s new creative direction: art as product + catalog thinkingWhat carries forward from the holidays: gratitude, drama, lessonsRapid fire: new year feelings, holiday traditions, and takeawaysThis episode stays with you as a reminder that clearing space isn’t just housekeeping, it’s how you make room for what’s next.

    43 min
See All (30)

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
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay
  • Show Website
    Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay