Note to Self

#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 money isn't just about security, it's a...

#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.

                         &nb...

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://shop.dearmedia.com/collectio...

#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 relationship crossroads, or just feeling...

#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.

                 ...

#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 filling your first apartment or curatin...

#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’s questions. If you’ve ev...

#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, and what reinvention really ...

#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 down the difference between h...

#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 (even with a small audience), ...

#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 out there.

If you’ve ever ...

#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 appreciate you so much– here’s...

#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://amazon.com/shop/paytons...

#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: Advice Column: https://forms.gl...

#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 spiritual journey and connection to...

#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://instagram.com/paytonsartain&nbs...

#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/paytonsartain 

SUBMIT T...

#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. 

                       &nb...

#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. 

              &nb...