Pickles & Pasta EP19 - Dogs, Seasons, and the Art of Paying Attention

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 hibernation, why New York remains her greatest muse, and how even a 239-million-dollar painting at Sotheby’s didn’t move her, while Jay reflects on how walking the city versus the suburbs shifts what you notice and ultimately create. They close with rapid-fire questions on fear versus respect, favorite seasonal transitions, and whether spending 24 hours with someone you can’t stand is worth it if it genuinely makes the world better.

Topics Covered:

• City dog culture and what “curb your dog” should mean
• Pet ownership as shared-space responsibility
• Thanksgiving’s complicated meaning and why gratitude still matters
• How seasonal shifts shape mood, energy, and creativity
• Winter hibernation vs. NYC as an inspiration engine
• Real artistic inspiration vs. what the market decides is valuable
• How walking the city vs. suburbs changes what you notice
• Rapid fire: respect vs. fear, favorite season shift, 24 hours with someone you can’t stand

If you’ve ever side-stepped a leash, wondered where your inspiration really comes from, or felt yourself changing with the seasons, this one will feel familiar. Tune in, walk with them through the city and the suburbs, and see what it sparks in your own life.