Note to Self

#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 some of life...

#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 paper, an...

#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 breaks d...

#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 online (eve...

#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 yourself...

#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 appreciat...

#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/paytonsartainhh https:...

#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/paytonsartainhh https://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain   https://pinterest.com/paytonsartain   SUBMIT TO NOTE TO SELF: → Ask P: Advic...

#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 spiritua...

#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://instagr...

#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/paytonsartainhh https://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain   https://pinterest.com/payt...

#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.                     ...

#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.            ...

#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.     ...

#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 dating wi...

#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/paytonsartainhh https://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain   https://pinterest.com/paytonsartain  ...

#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/paytonsartainhh https://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain   https://pinter...

#188. I’m having an identity crisis. Listen to this episode when you need to find some semblance of stability when you feel like your identity is in question. Whether it’s a big life change, or simply a disconnection from self, these times of transition can introduce us to the next version of ourselves if we let them.  FOLLOW PAYTON: https://instagram.com/paytonsartain    https://ww...

#187. Whether it’s due to recent world events, personal struggles, or simple brain chemistry, we all know what it feels like to feel a crashout (ie mental breakdown) coming. Here’s what I do to slow down, reset, and change perspective in order to avoid a spiral.                       &nbsp...

#186. In this month’s installment of ASK P, a segment where I do my best to answer listener Qs, we’re discussing relationships, independence, mental health & breakup aftermath.  FOLLOW PAYTON: https://instagram.com/paytonsartain    https://www.tiktok.com/@paytonsartain   https://youtube.com/c/paytonsartainhh https://amazon.com/shop/paytonsartain   https://pinterest.com...

#185. In a rare turn of events, we are doing a Q&A episode today. You’re being nosey, I’m (happily) oversharing about all things wedding, relationships, mental health, & more. This episode is meant to make you feel a little better about yourself as I share how not-together my life truly is (because NO ONES is… it’s always something).          &n...

#184. Welcome to the Dating 101 series! Dating in today’s world can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a fulfilling (& fun) journey toward finding a life partner. This course is designed for women who are dating with the intention of marriage who want to navigate the process with clarity, confidence and purpose.          &nbsp...

#183. Hannah Chody left her career in finance to pursue a remote role and to commit to growing (& making money off of) her social media channels. In today’s episode, we’re detailing Hannah’s career transition, how to grow on social media nowadays, and a step-by-step to switching career paths successfully.  DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded before the shut down and subsequent restorati...

#182. We’re back with another installment of ASK P, an episode where I answer listener Qs and give, surprisingly, SOLICITED advice. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to handle body talk in relationships, and asking “how important is sexual fulfillment in a relationship?” Listeners write in about lowkey despising their best friend’s partner, approaching mental health-related topics with t...

#181. As a retiring mass-consumer, I’ve been transforming how I practice the art of shopping, collecting, gifting, etc. As “just a girl,” I’m not likely to partake in the no-buy trend I’ve seen around socials, albeit a healthy trend to partake in. That being said, I would like to be more intentional in my consumption, especially when it comes to the things I wear, interact with and see in my space...