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 fit
• College vs. skills: redefining success
• New essentials: grit, EQ, real connection
• Work & mentorship: navigating remote life
• Faith, politics & fear: finding clarity
• Grounding: gratitude, creativity, community
• Rapid-fire: cars, workouts, pickles & pasta

Honest conversations, unexpected laughs, and a dash of chaos—Pickles & Pasta keeps it real every week. Follow for your next helping.

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. freedom, friendship deal-breakers, and the advice we wish we’d taken.

Topics Covered

• Seasons & events: showing up without burning out
• Comfort vs. growth: how stillness stalls progress
• Survival mode: pressure brings clarity and focus
• Second-guessing: when to trust vs. when to check
• Support & reciprocity: give freely, manage expectations
• Creative momentum: turning inspiration into action
• Rapid-fire: fame or freedom, friendship red flags, ignored advice

Another honest chat about the messy balance of comfort, growth, and support. Thanks for hanging out with us — same time next week for more life, love, and a little bit of chaos on Pickles & Pasta.

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 rapid-fire to close.

Topics Covered:

• Culture in motion: art, fashion, food, and travel shaping daily life
• City vs. small town: blending energy, ideas, and traditions
• Openness: individuals over group “cultures”
• Stepping out: discomfort, curiosity, creative growth
• Imposter syndrome: turning intimidation into output
• Empathy & creativity: how new views shape better work

From art and travel to stepping outside your comfort zone, this one’s all about letting culture feed your creativity. Thanks for listening—and remember, the best inspiration usually lives just outside your bubble.

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, build confidence and authenticity, and prioritize health. They wrap with a playful rapid-fire on packing quirks, over hyped trends, and NYC’s questionable sunglasses.

Topics Covered

• Fear & failure: growth vs. paralysis
• Anxiety today: cortisol, social media, “what if” spiral
• Steph’s workshops: feeling fear, doing it anyway
• Truth: why verification matters
• Misinformation: trust, algorithms, credibility gaps
• Advice to younger selves: relationships, authenticity, health
• Rapid-fire: style choices, packing quirks, protein trends, and NYC sunglasses

A thoughtful, candid episode about fear, truth, and growth—served with the humor and honesty you expect from Pickles & Pasta.

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 Covered

• Evolving in business & life: ditch “always done it” thinking.
• Marketing reality: ad spend, stock fails, real service.
• Social media shift: photo → video, founder-as-face.
• Putting yourself out there: balance IRL + online.
• Modern dating: apps, city vs. small-town, friend-first.
• Personal growth: therapy, routines, action drives outcome.

If you’re into honest takes on creativity, business, and real-life connection—with a few laughs along the way—this one’s for you.

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-awareness, and a playful rapid-fire round on books, skills, and the eternal call vs. text debate.

Topics Covered

• Chaos → creativity: channeling life’s messiness into art and ideas.
• Morning rituals: coffee habits, quiet time, stickies + lists, and prayer.
• Productivity hacks: small systems that keep big lives moving.
• Reframing assumptions: not taking things personally, pulling back the lens.
• Therapy & perspective: how objectivity reshapes relationships.
• Rapid-fire: books that shaped, skills we wish we had, and call vs. text.

Join Steph & Jay as they turn everyday chaos into wisdom, laughter, and a little inspiration to carry into your own week.

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, targets, women’s needs, shakes vs. food
• Self-care: routines, timing, coffee, balance
• Gaslighting: impact, awareness, boundaries
• Showing up: respect, listen, support family
• Streaming: Mr. Robot, Yellowstone, Eddie Murphy, Wednesday, Landman
• Rapid-fire: fave rewatch, rom-com vs. action, first jobs

Want a mix of real talk and good laughs? This one serves both—no protein powder required.

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:

· Summer nostalgia: Mr. Softee + the famed “Georgia Cup.”

· Family traditions: food memories (and lima beans).

· Wins & gratitude: Steph’s biggest sale and why small wins matter.

· Showing up: listen first, tailor support, drop the ego.

· Parenting in practice: saying yes when it counts.

· Rapid-fire: Scooby-Doo vs. Foghorn, teleportation, sleep vs. grind on planes.

A sweet-and-substantial episode about roots, resilience, and the joy of cheering yourself—and others—on.