Pickles & Pasta EP20 - Family, Perception, and Looking Past the Label

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 the narratives relatives create about us that can be hard to shake. They also explore how perception works in everyday life: what we assume when we first look at someone, how stereotypes and appearances distort reality, and how our own fears or insecurities can get projected onto other people. The episode wraps with rapid fire fun covering a brand they fell out of love with, the “no downside” food they’d eat forever, and something they dislike doing but love the payoff of.

Topics Covered

• Full moon energy, sensitivity, and emotional awareness
• Family influence on identity, confidence, and behavior
• Unlearning family narratives and projected expectations
• Big families, perception, and confidence versus intimidation
• First impressions, stereotypes, and the art of perception
• Projection, social media overload, and the need for quieter mental space
• Rapid fire on brand regret, indulgent foods, and the payoff of hard work

If this episode hit home, take it as a reminder to stay curious about your patterns, your people, and what you might be assuming at first glance.