Note to Self
Influencer-turned-entrepreneur Payton Sartain offers sisterly advice and honest conversations about Q&As, break up tips, and navigating every stage of life. Whether solo or with a friend, Note to Self provides a space to get grounded, explore new perspectives, and empower yourself and others.
Episodes
3 Perspectives Making My Life Significantly Better Right Now
#267. This week, we’re talking about three ideas making my life materially better (none of them are for sale). Satisficing, raising my uncertainty threshold, and creating as a response to over-thinking. BTW– next week’s episode is my last episode before a fall break! &nbs
ASK P: breakups, post-college life, & virginity talk
#266. In this installment of ASK P, we’re hearing from listeners about surprise breakups, pending breakups, adapting to life post-college, and losing your virginity in your 20s. This is the last ASK P of 2026 — be back in 2027! &n
Cozy Fall Favorites (!!!): Style & Trends, Beauty, Rituals, Home, & More
#265. I’m back with a quarterly favorites episode, this time helping you achieve your coziest fall ever. We’re starting with style– think investment pieces, trends, where to shop– moving on to beauty favorites, home decor swaps, what I’m making in the kitchen, fall rituals, and more.SHOP FALL FAVORITES: Style Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/1094536 Beauty, Home, Et
A Life Update: Grad School, LA & What I Learned This Summer
#264. Unfortunately, summer is coming to an end (though I'm not ready to admit it). Nonetheless, we have a lot to catch up on. I'm going through the whole summer — France, Texas, Joe's season, Los Angeles, Georgetown, the National Security Summit — plus what this fall looks like heading into the hardest course of my program. I also have some news about the show.FOLLOW PAYTON:https://insta
The Oxytocin Menu, Explained: What Your Nervous System Actually Wants
#263. Everyone's talking about the oxytocin menu, so this week I'm building mine — with a very honest look at what the research actually supports. Built like the dopamine menu, this episode includes Oxytocin appetizers through specials: the 20-second hug, the long phone call, the standing weekly thing. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonross https:
Beauty Maxxing: the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly, with Caroline Stern
#262. We’re talking about the realities of Beauty Maxxing, the good & the bad, with Caroline Stern. In this episode, we are sharing procedures we’ve undergone, what we regret, and touch on the emotional side of beauty maxxing and the desire to change yourself. How far is too far? What is worth the price? Where does one draw the line? All in this episode of Note to Self. &nb
My Best Friends Host My Podcast: a Life Update with 3 Way (ft. Emon & Kristen)
#261. Kristen went on a date with her task rabbit. Emon can’t stop talking about 4d movies and her nemesis from 2nd grade. Your favorite girls from the now-defunct 3 Way podcast are back on the mic for a few very important life updates.  
ASK P: some tough-love advice from your stand-in big sister
#260. The men are not alright in today’s installment of ASK P. We’re talking about relationships, post-college life, guy friends & beyond this week.  
What I Needed to Give Up in Order to Gain Peace (*somewhat controversial)
#259. A re-release of a favorite, Things I Left Behind to Gain Peace, and some of these may be rather controversial. In every era of my life, whenever I notice I’m a little on-edge, I realize I’m more often in need of releasing what doesn’t suit me rather than adding to my life. What are you releasing in this era? &nbs
How Hard Can It Be? Boys Do It — & Other Musings with MadsMitch
#258. Maddy has been one of my favorite people to follow on socials for years, so when I found out we were crossing paths in Los Angeles, I had to have her on NTS. We’re chatting about her fresh (somewhat traumatizing?) start in LA, the parts of going viral nobody posts about, why we’ve both decided we need significantly more whimsy, our correct opinions, and so much more. &nbs
The Return of the Party Girl
#257. Why is the party girl suddenly everywhere again? This week I trace the shift from clean girl and tradwife aesthetics to a messier, freer moment — the culture, the politics, the history of partying through hard times — plus the party girl commandments and my hoe theory. &n
The Non-Linear Career: How to Build Credibility, Wealth, and a Life You Love, with Kira Mackenzie Jackson
#256. I'm sitting down with brand strategist, angel investor, and Material Interest writer Kira Mackenzie Jackson to talk about building credibility and wealth when your career doesn't follow a straight line. We get into following a "random" interest until it becomes real expertise, the entry-level truth about angel investing, and Kira's rule for balancing consistency with the innovation
Am I Becoming My Mother?: on genetics, inheritance, and what you choose (with Genetics with Natalie)
#255. Am I slowly turning into my mother? I sat down with genetic counselor Natalie Samson to figure out how much of who we are is actually written in our DNA — and how much we get to choose. We get into inheritance, the traits that surprise you, and why your genes are a starting point, not a life sentence.  
ASK P: The Tough Love You Actually Need
#254. This week's ASK P tackles the questions you've been scared to ask out loud — navigating friendship breakups and having no close friends in your 20s, spending your birthday alone, advocating for your needs in the bedroom, walking away from a situationship, and moving to a big city on your own. It's a little tough love, a lot of validation, and a reminder that you're allowed to want m
Finding Out What My Best Friend Actually Does All Day (She’s a Celebrity Stylist), with Kristen Ritchie
#253. My best friend, Kristen Ritchie, has one of those jobs everyone's curious about and nobody really understands: she's a celebrity stylist— and she's annoyingly private about all of it. So I made her explain herself. We get into what a day on set actually looks like, how she built a career by leaning on her friends and saying no to almost everything, and why she'd rather let the work
Outgrowing Yourself on Purpose
#252. I’m mourning the loss of me… but, like, in a good way? In this episode, we are ending over a year of internal personal chaos with realizations about growth, releasing old versions of self, and stepping into a new phase of life. This episode is very much giving *classic* NTS, and for that, we are thankful. &
Summer Favorites: Beauty, Style, Splurge vs. Steals, Substacks & More
#251. Everyone’s favorite seasonal series – summer favorites! I’ve gathered a long list of summertime favorites, from skincare & makeup to most-listened-to podcasts and perspective-changing Substack articles. I’ll link everything linkable on ShopMy, of course. XxShopMy links: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/5876064 &n
ASK P: Resentment & Judgement in Relationships, Stagnant Sex Lives, Glow-Up Tips, and Long-Distance Love
#250. In today’s ASK P, we are discussing mostly relationship-related topics, with a little glow-up note to lighten the mood. Listeners sent in sensitive topics, like “am I dating his potential or supporting him through a period of growth?,” non-existent sex lives, and sacrifices in closing the distance gap in a relationship.The source content: Reality Disruption: https://www.tiktok.
How to Feel Like Yourself in Seasons of Instability
#249. If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself in a season of constant change, this one’s for you. I’m sharing a few things that are actually keeping me grounded right now — from the simplest possible routine to why having a responsibility (even a four-legged one) might be the most stabilizing thing in your life. Consider this your permission slip to stop waiting for things to calm down
The Personal Holiday: On Crafting the Perfect Solo Weekend Away
#248. Solo travel doesn't have to mean a flight, a passport, or a packed itinerary — it just has to be yours. I'm breaking down exactly how to craft the perfect solo weekend “away,” whether that's a staycation, a short drive, or anywhere in between, plus the must-haves that make it worth it on any budget. This is your sign to book a solo weekend sabbatical asap. The source content:&n
What TikTok Taught Me: Life Lessons I’ve Learned Following the Right People
#247. Social media gets a bad reputation — and usually earns it. But this week, I make the case for the other side: what happens when you curate your feed like a curriculum and actually pay attention. Five ideas worth stealing, from the people worth following. The source content: Reality Disruption: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8p8S6oa/Dealing with Uncertainty without Rumination:
The Motherhood Conversation I Didn't Know I Needed, with What We Said (Jaci Marie & Chelsey Jade)
#246. Jaci Marie and Chelsey Jade of What We Said came prepared — and left me feeling like I actually might be too. We covered trimester zero prep, the surprising things motherhood teaches you about productivity and identity, and the parts of yourself that are absolutely worth protecting. The motherhood conversation every woman deserves to have before she needs it.
ASK P: Age Gap Relationships, Moving Out of the US, The Best Part of Getting Older, & Situationship Drama
#245. In this installment of ASK P, listeners are asking questions about age gap relationships, making an international move, the positive side of getting older, and the push and pull of situationships. &nb
3 Way Pod Takeover: Catching Up & Single Girl Luck
#244. 3 Way Pod is taking over Note to Self in this chatty episode for the girls. Kristen is sharing how to manifest abundance and stay lucky (hint: it’s removing men from your life), Emon is asking very Emon questions, and the girls descend into chaos by the end of the episode (probably from the many beverages consumed before and during recording). Happy 3 Way day!  
Going Back to School in my 30s, Getting Out of a Bad Luck Spiral, & Answering Listener Questions
#243. I’m going back to school! In this episode, we are discussing my choice to go back to school in my early 30s– the why, the what, the what happens next, and what to do when you find yourself in an era of bad luck. Consider this a bit of a life update and release of the negative energy I’ve been accidentally absorbing for the last 2 weeks. It’s a spoken evil eye of sorts. Then, we’re a
From the Trenches: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself with Alexa Jay
#242. This week I’m sitting down with my friend Alexa for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to transform your life. Alexa shares how losing her grandfather sent her into one of the darkest periods of her life — and how she came out the other side genuinely the best version of herself.We get into body positivity, manifestation, and what the process of rebuilding really lo
Megan Roup on Pregnancy & Post-Partum Training, Protecting Your Peace, and Balancing It All as a Mother and a Founder
#241. Megan Roup is the founder of The Sculpt Society and one of the most sought-after celebrity trainers in the country. In this episode, we get into training through pregnancy & post-partum, the undeniable link between fitness and mental health, and what it really looks like to build a business while raising children.
The Art of Curation: Build a Life That’s Unmistakably Yours
#240. Curation gets talked about like it's an aesthetic practice — a considered wardrobe, a beautiful home, a feed that looks a certain way. But the version I have been sitting with lately goes deeper than that. In this episode, I make the case that a truly curated life isn't built for presentation; it's built for self-knowledge. The things you keep, the rituals you protect, the choices y
ASK P: On Love, Friendship, and Over-Analyzing vs. Self-Trust
#239. We've been handed every framework imaginable for navigating love — the checklists, the red flags, the attachment style deep dives. And somehow we're still confused. Because the problem was never information. It was nerve. This week on Ask P, we're getting into the questions you actually sent — two crushes in the same friend group, holding your standards after a great relationship en
Spring Favorites: Beauty, Style, Health, Podcasts, & More
#238. My spring favorites are here — beauty, fashion, tech, rituals, TV, people worth following, and a few random things I can't stop talking about. This one's a proper list episode: personal, specific, and full of things that have actually been making my life better lately. Consider this your permission to add to cart.SHOP THE EPISODE: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4429102 
You’re Invited to My Wedding Weekend: Recap, Favorite Things, Regrets, & More
#237. YOU’RE INVITED. Because I’ve documented my love life on NTS since my now-husband and I met– from our early dating days, to moving in together & baseball craziness, to breaking up and not speaking for a year (lol), to getting back together and now tying the knot– it feels right to walk you through our wedding weekend in vivid detail. As usual, I’m getting extremely candid ab
Greta Louise Tomé: Moving in Together, The Baby Timeline, Forgetting Plan B & Being Sexy for Yourself
#236. I’m sitting down with content creator Greta Louise Tomé for a conversation that covers all the things your group chat has been debating. They get into the real rules around moving in together, why your community matters more than you think when it comes to baby timing, and why "what's your Plan B?" is a question worth retiring for good. Plus — Greta shares her philosophy on being se
ASK P: when to leave a relationship, adding more spice into your life, confidence in dating & learning to trust
#235. In this month’s installment of ASK P, we are tackling listener questions on topics like romantic relationships, to friendships, to knowing ourselves. What do I do when my life feels too boring? Should I leave my relationship due to incompatibility? When should I exit the friendship? Listen to ASK P on Note to Self every month, and write in your own Qs (anonymously) via the link belo
Talia Hubble: On Heartbreak, Hosting, and the Healing Effects of a Dinner Party
#234. Talia Hubble has a theory: when life falls apart, you set the table. The content creator and hostess extraordinaire joins Payton for a conversation about her recent home renovation, navigating a breakup in her thirties, and why her answer to heartbreak was to invite everyone she loves over for dinner. Talia talks about building a life split between New York City and her Rhode Island
How to Fall in Love with Yourself
#233:In a season that glorifies romantic love, this episode is your reminder that the most important relationship you’ll ever build is the one you have with yourself. We’re talking about falling in love with yourself in ways that are both romantic and psychologically grounded — from small rituals that make you feel cared for to the science of self-trust and self-compassion. Whether you’re
The Messy, Beautiful Work of Choosing Yourself Again and Again, with Brittany Ball
#232. Brittany Ball joins Payton to unpack what it really looks like to choose yourself over and over again through life’s biggest transitions. They talk about young motherhood, navigating divorce, co-parenting in a non-traditional dynamic, and finding love again without losing yourself in the process. This episode is a reminder that trusting your inner knowing can open doors to a life mo
Caring About the World (Without It Ruining Your Life)
#231. This episode is a candid life update and a values-driven conversation about navigating the current U.S. political climate as a woman who cares deeply but needs to take small moments for herself. We talk about boundaries, nervous system care, and how to stay clear-headed, informed, and aligned. &
ASK P: Staying Motivated in Goal Setting, Maintaining Independence in a Relationship, Tough Family Dynamics & More
#230. In this Ask P episode of Note to Self, Payton answers listener questions about navigating life’s in-between seasons — from fresh breakups and New Year resets to long-term relationship “ebbs,” family dynamics, friendship loss, and early dating red flags. This episode explores how to move through heartbreak while staying hopeful, maintain independence inside committed relationships, a
How to Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body
#229. If you’ve done the work but still don’t feel fully present, this episode is for you. We break down why getting out of your head isn’t a mindset shift but a nervous system one, and how embodiment creates calm, confidence, and connection. Think of this as a gentle invitation back into your body — and back into yourself.
Hot Girl Toolkit for 2026: Going Analog, Health & Wellness, Content Diet & More
#228. Welcome to the 2026 toolkit—a curated collection of what's working, what's worth it, and what creates the infrastructure for an intentional life. This isn't about perfection or having it all figured out; it's about the specific tools, rituals, and systems that help you show up as a better version of yourself. Your good life starts with what you choose to let in. &nb
The Annual Edit 2026: What I’m Keeping, What I’m Leaving & What I’m Creating
#227. January isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about editing what already exists. This week, we’re talking about the art of curation: the rituals worth protecting, the urgency worth releasing, and the one thing you’re building just for you. Welcome to The Annual Edit. &nbs
Diary of Your Dream Year: Journal Prompts to Create Your Best Year Yet
#226. This isn’t about resolutions—it’s about getting clear on the life you’re calling in. We’re walking through journal prompts for work, relationships, wellness, finances, and the aesthetic of your life so you can dream your way into 2026 with intention. &nb
What I’ve Learned on Note to Self This Year: Lessons from NTS Alumni
#225. This year brought some of the most incredible conversations with founders, creators, and women building lives on their own terms - and I’m breaking down the biggest lessons that stuck with me. From building sustainable routines to redefining success, these are the notes from my Note to Self alumni that changed how I think about intentional living.
ASK P: Life Audit Framework, Advice to my 21-Year-Old Self, Staying Grounded & a New Year Check-In with your Partner
#224. In this Ask P episode, I’m answering four of your questions to close out the year: how to audit yourself honestly without self-destruction, what I’d tell my 21-year-old self about timelines and dating, how to stay grounded while building your life in your twenties, and the framework Joe and I use for our annual partnership check-in. We’re talking about growth with grace, trusting yo
The Year That Unmade Me (Reckoning Before the Reset)
#223. This year was simultaneously the best and worst of my life, and I need to talk about it before we close out 2025. I got married and made a home, but I also fell apart—moved twice, worked through emotional exhaustion, developed a bitterness I didn't recognize, and met parts of myself I didn't want to meet. If you're ending this year feeling overwhelmed from the weight of it all, like
A Few Days After “I Do:” Ceremony Scaries, Unexpected Emotions & Favorite/Least Fav Moments (ep 222!)
#222. In a very special 222 episode of NTS, we’re catching up just 48 hours after our wedding day from an airport hotel on the way to our honeymoon destination. A few things about my wedding weekend definitely surprised me, a few terrified me, and a few made me more emotional than I anticipated. Initial marriage thoughts, sprinting down the aisle & some notes from Joe included in this
A Few Days Before I Do (nervous pre-wedding thoughts & feelings)
#221. Wedding week is here! Today we’re chatting candidly about what I’m looking forward to, what I’m opting out of, what’s making me nervous, and more. This is a casual, chatty episode, especially for those of you who have been on the journey to this point with me for years. Love u! xx &n
Your Ultimate Gift Guide for Holidays & Beyond: For Her, For Him, Under $100 & Last-Minute Gifts
#220. Let’s talk about gifts that actually feel good to give and receive. I’m breaking down my ultimate gift guide by category: for her, for him, under $100, and last-minute saves that still feel intentional. Consider this your permission to skip the stress and give gifts that land.
Things I Left Behind to Gain Peace (maybe controversial)
#219. Your early thirties have a way of showing you what’s worth carrying and what you’ve been holding onto out of habit, fear, or someone else’s expectations. In this episode, I’m walking through the things I’ve intentionally left behind to create more peace in my everyday life – from other people’s definitions of success to the exhausting need to have it all together. Consider this your
How to be the Luckiest Woman You Know, with Les Alfred
#218. Are you ready for the universe to start working in your favor? Les Alfred of the She’s So Lucky podcast is sharing how to be the luckiest woman you know in just 3 steps. We’re talking making your own luck, growing & starting over at any age, and much more in today’s episode of Note to Self. Listen to She’s So Lucky wherever you get your podcasts and follow Les at @lesalfred
ASK P: learning to be less reactive, breaking up with a good partner, & do I move on or wait for him to change?
#217. We’re kicking off this episode of ASK P with a few personal anecdotes ranging from luteal phase rage to calmly settling into my new home & routine. The girls were really into relationship chats this week, so we’re talking the ‘to move on or wait for him to realize we’re perfect for eachother’ phase of a breakup, as well as continuing last week’s convo on leaving a good relations
Leaving a Good Relationship for the Right Reasons (a Lesson in Choosing Yourself), with Margot Lee
#216. Margot Lee is an OG YouTube creator and founder of No Particular Order. After moving to London for her longtime boyfriend, she faced one of life’s hardest truths: sometimes two people can love each other deeply and want completely different futures. In this conversation, we talk about how wanting different things isn’t a failure, and why coming home to yourself is the bravest decisi
Building Community, Navigating New Eras, & General Girl Talk with Eli Rallo
#215. I’m sitting down with creator & best-selling author, Eli Rallo, to talk about navigating a new era of life, building community through change, & more. Eli’s new book, Does Anyone Feel This Way?, is out Oct. 14! PROMO LINK: https:
Hot Girl Fall Favorites 2025: Beauty, Style, People to Follow, & My Fall Themes
#214. I’m sharing all my fall favorites for 2025 in this episode. We’re covering beauty products, shopping destinations, tech and apps, must-follow accounts, and my personal fall themes for the season. Everything you need to curate your best hot girl fall yet.  
The Sex Talk You Never Got: Working Through Shame, Sex in Long-Term Relationships, Orgasms, & more with Dr. Tara
#213. Dr. Tara brings her PhD expertise in human sexuality to tackle the conversations most of us are still too uncomfortable to have—from unlearning sexual shame to talking about what you actually want with a long-term partner. She addresses realities like foreplay that no one discusses openly, and offers concrete guidance for women who have never experienced orgasm. With frank expertise
Wedding “Rules” Are Dead, with Jaleigh Friend of The Friend Club
#212. Forget everything you think you know about wedding planning. Jaleigh Friend, founder of The Friend Club and veteran of 1,500+ couple consultations, is here to demolish the outdated rules keeping your wedding from feeling authentic. We’re talking about which traditions you can toss, how to handle family pushback when you go rogue, and why the “rules” might actually be costing you mon
I’m in My Early 30s– Here are a Few Things I’m Still Learning
#211. I'm opening up about five things I'm actively learning rather than pretending to have figured out. From adopting patience as a daily practice to learning that disappointment is a fact of life, we’re discussing what I’m currently working through. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about staying curious, staying human, and finding freedom in the messiness of still figuring i
Rich Girl Rituals: Money as Self-Care, with Ariel LaFond
#210. What if your financial plan received the same amount of care as your skincare routine? In this episode, fractional CFO and "dumb rich" newsletter creator Ariel LaFond joins me to reframe money as wellness. We're breaking down the HENRY trap (High Earner, Not Rich Yet), sharing financial rituals that actually work, and building budgets that include joy—not just survival. Because mone
ASK P: finding peace when you feel out of place, navigating online hate, choosing yourself, & more
#209. Breakups, boundaries, and brutal honesty. In this Ask P, I answer your questions on handling hate comments, moving on from long-term relationships, opening up to friends after heartbreak, navigating toxic family dynamics, and finding peace when you feel out of place. &nbs
Re-Release: Dating Horror Stories, with Emon Abdullah & Kristen Ritchie
Today we are revisiting a classic Note To Self episode: Dating Horror Stories with Emon and Kristen. Hope you enjoy!#132. We are reading & discussing some pretty horrific listener dating stories in this episode of NTS. I have two of my favorite friends, Emon & Kristen, in the studio to weigh in on your experiences and share some of their own.SHOP NOTE TO SELF MERCH: https://s
What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do With Your Life
#208. Feeling stuck, confused, or like your “real life” hasn’t started yet? In this episode, we’re talking about the sneaky ways we postpone joy, progress, and big decisions while waiting for the “perfect” timing. I’ml sharing practical, low-pressure strategies to help you get unstuck, from clarifying your values to taking small, meaningful risks. Whether you’re in a career limbo, a relat
Girl Talk: the perfect roommate formula, dating updates, & building community with TK
#207. I’m catching up with my favorite roommate of my 20s, Taylor King aka TK, while our paths crossed in NYC. We’re talking dating in the modern era, the formula for finding the perfect roommate, and so much more. This ep is best listened to on your hot girl walk, pregaming the bars, or doing an apartment deep-clean, btw. &
A Beginner’s Guide to Building an Art Collection (realistically), with Nuria Madrenas, Founder of Tacit
#206. Only 2% of art sold globally is by women — and today’s guest is working to change that. Nuria Madrenas is the founder of Tacit, an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated exclusively to female artists. In this episode, we talk about how to start your own art collection — even on a budget — and how to choose pieces that feel personal, meaningful, and lasting. Whether you're fill
ASK P: hooking up with exes, outgrowing friendships, finances in a relationship, etc
#205. In this Ask P episode, we’re talking through the messy, beautiful in-betweens of life and love. I’m answering listener questions about hooking up with an ex you’re not over, wanting a dog when you’re not settled down, and moving cities for your partner’s career when you’re still building your own. These aren’t black-and-white situations — there isn’t always a “correct” answer to som
You’re Allowed to Reinvent Yourself, with Violet Witchel
#204. Violet Witchel, aka the Dense Bean Salad Girl (my fav), earned a degree in economics and swam competitively in college—then walked away from it all for culinary school. What began as a single recipe turned into a viral movement and a nationwide pop-up series. In this episode, we talk about the courage it takes to choose a different life, how to follow an idea that makes no sense on
How to Tell if It's a Rough Patch or the Wrong Person, with Relationship Therapist Laura Caruso
#203. Is your relationship just going through a rough patch — or is it time to walk away? This week, I’m joined by relationship therapist and author Laura Caruso (The Empathy Deficit) for a candid conversation about love, conflict, and compatibility. We talk about how she dates as a therapist, what really happens in couples therapy, and how she personally handled a recent breakup. Laura b
Let’s Talk Content Creation: Getting Started, Sustaining Influence, & Making Money at Any Size
#202. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down everything I’ve learned from 10 years of creating content online — from blogging in 2016 to building a six-figure brand today. Whether your goal is to become a full-time influencer or just earn some extra income on the side, this episode is your permission slip to start. We’ll talk pivots, sustainable growth, the real ways people make money on
For the Girls Who Thrive in the Office *AND* at the Afterparty, with Jade Beguelin, Co-founder of 4AM Skin
#201. Jade Beguelin is the co-founder of 4AM Skin — a cheeky skincare brand for girls who work hard, play harder, and sometimes fall asleep in their makeup. In this episode, Jade shares how she went from a high-stress finance job to building a brand that’s redefining what beauty can look like. We talk about career pivots, the power of leaning on your network, and the importance of putting
The One Where I Answer Your Spicy (Sometimes Controversial) Questions *200th Episode!
#200. To celebrate 200 episodes of Note to Self, I’m tackling listener questions ranging from crash outs, to the *benefits* of depression, to my personal regrets, and things I’m not supposed to admit about my finances. I hope this episode can make you feel more normal, more understood, or at the very least, entertained. Thank you for letting me be a little part of your week every week. I
ASK P: should I be single (?), healing through infidelity, & building a life outside of your relationship
#199. In this installment of ASK P, we’re talking about various relationship-related topics like infidelity in long-term partnerships, boredom within your partnership, and what happens when you make your partner the center of your universe. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttp
Spring Favorites: Style & Trends, Skincare, Makeup, Podcasts & More
#199. I’m sharing my spring favorites from styles, to skincare, to hair & makeup and more in today’s chatty episode. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttps://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain https://pinterest.com/paytonsartain SUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF:→ Ask P: Advice C
How to Evolve Without Losing Yourself, with Lindsey Simcik
#197. In this soulful and honest conversation, I sit down with Lindsey Simcik, co-host of the Almost 30 podcast — someone I’ve considered an “older sister” of the internet. We talk about the disorienting experience of becoming a new version of yourself — in love, in identity, in life — and how to stay grounded in your truth through it all.As I prepare for marriage, and Lindsey shares her
It’s Time For a Digital Detox
#196. You don’t need another green juice — you need to clean up your feed. In this episode, we’re going on a digital detox: unfollowing the people who make us spiral, muting the noise, and decluttering our digital lives for more clarity, calm, and confidence. If your phone is frying your brain, this is your sign to unplug and reset — one scroll-free moment at a time.FOLLOW PAYTON:https://
Dating 101: compatibility, chemistry, & attracting the right person
#195. Add this to your to-do list: stop confusing chemistry for compatibility. Also, demand both! Class is in session, and we’re discussing how to attract the “right” partner. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttps://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain https://pinterest.com/payt
How to Tell If You Have High-Functioning Depression & What to Do About It, with Dr. Judith Joseph
#194. Have you heard of high-functioning depression? Because I hadn’t, until I read Dr. Judith Joseph’s book, High-Functioning. In today’s episode, Dr. Judith is on NTS to break down the signs of high-functioning depression, how to notice it in yourself, and what to do about it. &nbs
ASK P: solo sex, setting boundaries, escaping the friend-zone, & “wasting” your 20s
#193. In this installment of ASK P, your favorite monthly advice column, we’re discussing a few new-to-NTS topics. We’re tackling a beginner’s guide to self-pleasure, setting boundaries as a generous person, getting out of the friendzone with a man, feeling socially behind or alone, and giving yourself permission to be COMFORTABLE. &nbs
Little Habits That Make Life So Much Better
#192. In true NTS style, we are discussing little ways to elevate your every day (continued). I, personally, like to test out new habits to see what *actually* makes a difference in my day-to-day in hopes I can pass my findings on to someone who may need them. In today’s episode, we’re running through 10 helpful habits I’ve found have made my life just a little bit better. &nbs
Dating 101: Getting Clear About Your Values, Goals & Deal-breakers
#191. We are finding committed relationships here on NTS! In this installment of the Dating 101 series, we are laying the foundation for intentional dating BEFORE we start dating for commitment. We’re getting clear about our “why,” establishing our value-system, acknowledging our personal & relationship goals, talking about deal-breakers and shifting our mindset from casual dating to
I Moved (Again!): How to Get Settled, Build Community & Create Routines in a New City
#190. I moved to Philadelphia! As I settle in to another new city, I’m sharing my step-by-step list to make the move to a new place as smooth as possible from-jump.FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttps://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain https://pinterest.com/paytonsartain SU
ASK P: talking about kids in a relationship, distancing from toxic friends & exiting the honeymoon phase
#189. In this installment of ASK P, we’re covering listener questions about relationships, talking about kids with your partner, distancing from friends, keeping the spark alive and more. FOLLOW PAYTON:https://instagram.com/paytonsartain https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhhhttps://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain https://pinter
