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 StephStephanie 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. This show is hosted by Steph and Jay and Produced by Rainbow Creative  (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) & ephelants (https://ephelantsz.com/)  with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer. For sales and partnerships inquires, please contact Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co

  1. 20H AGO

    Burnout vs. Boredom: How to Spot Misalignment & Reclaim Your Energy

    In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph and Jay, we break down burnout, what it really is and what it’s not. We separate true burnout from boredom, depression, frustration, and plain exhaustion, and talk about why so many entrepreneurs misdiagnose what they’re feeling. Steph opens up about her five-year “slow burn” while building Have Some Fun Today. What started as a creative dream turned into nonstop inventory management, shrinking margins, marketing pressure, and wearing every hat in the business. When COVID shut down her planned QVC launch, the cracks got wider. Jay shares his own story of hitting a wall while running multiple tennis businesses and the hard decision to step away before the burnout consumed him. Together, they explore misalignment as the real root of burnout, why high performers ignore the warning signs, and how to reset before it’s too late. Steph shares how spiritual practice, art workshops, and recommitting to her creative career helped her recover and rebuild with clarity. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader feeling drained, stuck, or disconnected from your work, this episode will help you identify burnout and take practical steps toward recovery. Share your burnout story in the comments and let us know how you handled it. Follow, Watch, & Connect with the Show! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PicklesAndPastaPodcast  Follow ephelants on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ephelants/  This show is hosted by Steph and Jay and Produced by Rainbow Creative  (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) & ephelants (https://ephelantsz.com/)  with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer. For sales and partnerships inquires, please contact Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co  CHAPTERS 00:00 What Burnout Really Means 01:44 Steph’s Slow Burn Story 04:54 Jay’s Wall Hit Burnout 00:00 Burnout vs Being Drained 10:37 Misalignment and Evolving Goals 13:04 Warning Signs and Frustration 16:15 COVID and Momentum Shifts 18:53 How to Heal and Pivot 20:55 Reigniting Creativity Through Art 22:15 Wearing Too Many Hats 24:59 Money Versus Alignment 26:51 Spotting Burnout Signals 32:06 Wisdom From Past Clients 34:11 Overthinking And Burnout 38:11 Avoiding The Spiral 39:34 Share Your Burnout Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  2. APR 1

    Pickles & Pasta EP35 - Mindset, Momentum & Mental Loops

    Pickles & Pasta EP35 - Momentum, Pauses & Staying the Course In Episode 35 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph dig into the reality of momentum, how it starts, how it builds, and what happens when life suddenly interrupts it. They talk about the energy that comes with stepping into a new year with fresh ideas, clear goals, and real movement, but also how outside events, delays, illness, and unexpected setbacks can throw even the best plans off course. Steph shares how she has been navigating that in real time across multiple creative projects, and why she has learned not to see every pause as a failure. Sometimes the slowdown is actually useful. Sometimes it gives you space to refine the idea, expand the vision, or see a better path forward. Jay builds on that from the strategy side, exploring the difference between losing momentum and simply being redirected. Together, they reflect on persistence, preparation, and the belief required to keep going when things are not unfolding on your timeline. The conversation becomes a broader look at resilience, faith in your path, and the importance of knowing when a delay is not a dead end. They close with a fun rapid fire on where they would go to eat if they could jump on a plane right now, where creative ideas show up, and what gives them clarity outside of work. Topics Covered: Momentum and why it matters What to do when life interrupts your flow The difference between a pause and a setback Persistence, patience, and staying with the long game How outside events can affect creative and business momentum Why delays can sometimes improve the outcome Trusting your direction even when timing shifts Rapid fire: creativity, travel cravings, and clarity Momentum is powerful, but knowing how to move through the pause is what keeps you in the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  3. MAR 25

    Pickles & Pasta EP34 - Mindset, Momentum & Mental Loops

    Episode 34 - Mindset, Momentum & Mental Loops In Episode 34 of Pickles and Pasta, Jay and Steph begin by reflecting on the close of Steph’s solo show and what it feels like to wrap something meaningful with a sense of peace, pride, and readiness for what comes next. From there, the conversation turns to mindset, how the way we think shapes the way we work, create, and move through daily life. Steph shares a mindfulness idea that reframed things for her in a powerful way: maybe it is not just a negativity problem, maybe it is an algorithm problem in the brain. That sparks a deeper conversation about overthinking, mental loops, gratitude, and the importance of consciously shifting your focus toward thoughts that energize rather than drain you. Jay builds on that by connecting mindset to repetition, prayer, meditation, concentration, and the habits that help people stay grounded. Together, they explore how our inner dialogue affects confidence, creativity, and emotional resilience, especially when life and work feel heavy. They also reflect on manifestation, discipline, the value of practice, and why small mental shifts can change the way we experience everything. The episode closes with a playful rapid fire on AI, adventure, and the things they would and would not want technology to do for them. Topics Covered: Closing a chapter and moving on with peace Why mindset matters in work and life Overthinking, mental loops, and “algorithm” thinking Mindfulness, gratitude, and shifting your focus The connection between repetition, belief, and momentum How inner dialogue affects creativity and resilience Rapid fire: AI, adventure, and personal preferences Your mindset shapes more than your mood, it shapes your energy, your work, and the way you move through the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  4. MAR 18

    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 up Staying committed in uncertain times Patience, timing, and the long game Why some projects move slowly Trusting your path as an entrepreneur Stubbornness vs perseverance The journey, not just the outcome Rapid fire: spring shifts and what they’re looking forward to Keep going, trust the timing, and remember that sometimes the real win is staying with the path long enough to see it open up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. 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 continue Evolving Have Some Fun Today toward artisan art  Creating sustainably without burnout Managing multiple project “buckets” Trusting your gut over outside pressure Team support and delegation Rapid fire: problem solving, follow through, and rest vs next Soft launches still count. Stay grounded, keep your buckets organized, trust your gut, and build in a way you can actually sustain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  6. 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 ideas The closing of cultural institutions and city evolution Why creatives are often asked to work for free Influencer culture and the “free product” mindset Educating clients about professional value How to price art and creative services Balancing confidence with market reality The importance of paying people fairly Rapid fire: shopping habits, minimalism, and food decisions If 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  7. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  8. 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 relationships Closure, ego, and “future FOMO” Mixed signals, reading energy, and social tension Identity/politics shaping community dynamics Choosing self-respect and focusing on real support Building new community through creativity (art workshops) Rapid fire: Fashion Week edition If someone disappears, let them, and put your energy into the people who show up, support you, and make your world bigger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
See All (36)

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 StephStephanie 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. This show is hosted by Steph and Jay and Produced by Rainbow Creative  (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) & ephelants (https://ephelantsz.com/)  with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer. For sales and partnerships inquires, please contact Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Rado Taormina & Jay Schweid
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay