A Review of Note to Self, a Podcast Hosted by Payton Sartain

Sounds | Mikayla Reitsma

Note to Self by Payton Sartain is the perfect podcast for anyone in their twenties.

Sartain is an influencer, ex-blogger, podcaster, YouTuber, and much more. She is currently living in Los Angeles but has lived all over America, and is originally from Fort Worth, Texas.

Sartain’s podcast is a reflection of her life for the younger version of herself. As Sartain is twenty-nine, this podcast is like an ode to her twenties. Payton’s podcast covers a range of topics, all centered around self-reflection. She talks about manifestation, friendship advice, her changing outlooks on life, and so much more. Oftentimes, I listen to Note to Self for leisure and end up with some valuable advice that is applicable to my life.

There are many things that I enjoy about Sartain and her podcast. She’s level-headed, realistic, self aware, and entertaining. Some episodes are light and fresh. “I’ve Been Diagnosed with Lucky Girl Syndrome” is an easy listen about the importance of putting yourself into positions where you will succeed. Some episodes are juicy, for example, “Growing Up in New York City with the Real Life Blair Waldorf”. Some make you understand the importance of maturity, like when Sartain brought her ex-best friend onto the podcast in “Friendship Breakups with my Ex-Best Friend, Kristen Ritchie”. Some are serious: “Let’s Talk About the Overturn of Roe v Wade”. You never know what to expect from week to week, but you’ll always walk away feeling empowered.

In addition to varying the topic of discussion, Sartain often brings guests on Note to Self from different places in her life. Some episodes are with her now ex-boyfriend, some are with her friends, some are with random acquaintances from her past. Sartain makes a great podcast host, helping her guests reach a concise and strong point in whatever story they’re telling their listeners.

Recently, I turned twenty, and I’ve been vigilant in my efforts to listen to Note to Self every week. I feel that Note to Self was the perfect preparation that I needed going into this new decade, and I plan on continuing to listen, taking any advice that Sartain has to offer. Every week, she says at least one thing that makes me ponder about how I choose to live my life. The vast variation of her podcasts has helped me realize how much possibility lies ahead of me in the next decade and how many stories I will have to tell.

Here are some episodes to look out for (my favorite thus far):

#61: “Quit Doing Sh*t You Hate”
#55: “A Comprehensive Guide to Entering Your Villain Era”
#68: “The 20 Best Things I’ve Done For Myself in My 20s (so far)”
#75: “I’ve Been Diagnosed with Lucky Girl Syndrome”
Any “Ask P” (a good-old “Q and A”)

Note to Self is the perfect podcast for any university student who feels the inevitable anticipation of their future creeping in. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or just a good listen, you can find it every week on Note to Self.

*Note to Self can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and many other podcast platforms.