Pickles & Pasta with Steph and Jay

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 tre...

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 sh...

Episode 22 - Closure, Hope and End of Year Clarity Episode 22 is a reflective end of year conversation about perspective, growth, and entering a new chapter with intention. Steph and Jay move from light talk about winter in New York into gratitude, the emotional weight of the holidays, and Jay’s experience navigating a Christmas centered culture as a Jewish person. At the heart of the episode, Ste...

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 ex...

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...

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 hiberna...

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 div...

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...

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...

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 person...

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 wra...

Episode 13 — Comfort, Growth & Reciprocity Steph & Jay sift the fall-event frenzy to focus on what matters, arguing that “comfort is the enemy of growth” in work, health, and relationships. They weigh second-guessing as a safeguard vs. a stall, and dig into support—give because it’s right, not for payback—plus a reflection on resilience from a former hostage’s talk. Wrap-up: rapid-fire on fame vs....

Episode 12: - Culture, Creativity & Leaving Your Bubble  Steph and Jay unpack “cultural capital”—what we consume vs. what truly shapes us—spanning NYC art walks, immigrant-run cafés, small-town festivals, and family traditions. They dive into stepping outside your bubble (imposter syndrome included), how discomfort builds empathy, and how fresh perspectives fuel creativity and relationships. Quick...

Episode 11: Fear, Truth & Advice to Our Younger Selves  In this episode, Steph & Jay tackle three big themes: fear—how it protects us, when it holds us back, and how to move anyway (from Steph’s workshop launch to Jay’s entrepreneurial lens); truth—why algorithms and social media erode trust and how to practice real verification; and advice to our younger selves—choose respectful relationships, bu...

Pickles & Pasta EP10 - Evolving, Connecting, & Dating  A candid, fast-moving conversation about why evolution isn’t optional—whether you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or navigating modern dating. Steph & Jay trade stories on adapting to new tech, being authentic on (and off) social, and finding connection in a swipe-first world—plus a light, laugh-y rapid-fire to close.  Topics...

Pickles & Pasta EP09 - Chaos, Hacks & Creative Fuel In this episode of Pickles & Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo unpacks how everyday chaos can spark creativity, the morning rituals and productivity hacks that keep them grounded, and the mindset shift of not taking things personally—showing how reframing assumptions can transform relationships—before wrapping with reflections on therapy, self-awar...

Pickles & Pasta EP08 - Protein, Gaslighting & Streaming This week on Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo digs into the protein craze (helpful habit or marketing hype?), unpacks gaslighting and self-awareness in relationships, and swaps streaming notes—from Mr. Robot to the long-awaited Yellowstone finale. It’s equal parts practical, personal, and playful. Topics Covered Protein: labels, ta...

Episode 7: Summer Memories, Small Wins & Showing Up In this week’s episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo riffs on how food ties us to memory (hello, Mr. Softee)—then pivots to celebrating personal wins without bragging, and the real work of showing up for the people you love. It’s a warm, grounded convo about tradition, gratitude, and being present when it counts. Topics Covered:...

Episode 6: Rituals, Care & Craft  In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo gets practical about staying grounded when life is full. From daily self-care rituals to navigating a parent’s health scare, and why “apprenticeship” might be the missing link between school and real work, they share honest stories, useful takeaways, and the habits that keep them steady for the long ha...

Episode 5: Family, Festivals & Politics  In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo looks at how family, culture, and politics shape creativity and connection—from generational patterns and post-COVID events to candid thoughts on the NYC mayoral race. Topics Covered:  • Family lessons, conflicts, and healing generational patterns • Why events, festivals, and networking feel mor...

Episode 4: War, Fear & Cashmere Sweaters In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, things get personal. From global unrest to private fears, they explore how external chaos impacts creativity, relationships, and mental health. It’s a heartfelt conversation about using art as therapy, breaking generational cycles, and staying grounded when everything feels uncertain.  Recorded in Steph...

Episode 3: Fathers, Leaders, & Calgon Dreams  In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo reflects on the power of father figures, the qualities that define true leadership, and how current world events are quietly shaping our emotional lives. From Steph’s deeply personal tribute to her dad to open talk about anxiety, therapy, and relationship tension, this one dives deep—but al...

Episode 1: Whatever We’re Going to Call  This In the first episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo kicks things off with a candid, unscripted conversation about why they’re launching a podcast in the first place. No roadmap, no expectations—just two creatives navigating life, love, work, and everything in between.  They explore what it means to live outside the lines of the traditio...

Episode 2: Weather, Breakups & Vibes  In this episode of Pickles and Pasta with Steph & Jay, the duo dives into how everyday life—both global and deeply personal—shapes their creative process and emotional outlook. From the chaotic energy of New York’s Tribeca Festival to unpredictable weather, family changes, and political tension, Steph and Jay explore what it means to stay grounded in a world t...