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Note 2 Self

This is Saskia, and this is Note 2 Self — your weekly dose of everything that’s simply too long to text. Consider this your personal invitation into my inner circle, where I share my thoughts and quiet reflections that usually live inside my notes app. Each week I explore modern life through conversations about relationships, culture, mental health, identity, and the stories that shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Part personal journal, part cultural commentary, Note 2 Self is a space for honest reflection, thoughtful conversation, and the occasional pop culture deep dive.

  1. 54

    Victoria Flexner: Edible History, New York Nostalgia, and Why Trust Beats Hope

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia welcomes her very first guest… and there could be no one better to open the door with. Victoria Flexner is a food historian, the author of A History of the World in 10 Dinners, and the founder of Edible History, a newsletter and supper club that does exactly what it says: tells the story of the world through what we eat. She is also, as Saskia makes very clear, one of the most interesting people she knows.What unfolds is a wide-ranging conversation between two close friends who haven't run out of things to say. Victoria talks about how she built a career by following her curiosity rather than a plan… starting as a hostess at a restaurant in downtown Manhattan and ending up as a food historian publishing her first book, with the goal of teaching through food. The two dive into New York City: its energy, its constant reinvention, the grief of watching neighbourhoods change, and why Victoria, a born-and-raised New Yorker, has decided it might finally be time to leave. They also get into the dinner party as a lost art, the way food creates community in ways that nothing else quite can, and what it means to build a body of work out of pure obsession.The episode closes with Victoria's note to self… and it's one that stays with you. Trust, not hope. Because what is meant for you doesn't need to be held onto quite so tightly.Tune in now.Follow Victoria & find her work:🌐 victoriaflexner.com📸 Instagram: @vflex📖 Buy A History of the World in 10 Dinners

  2. 53

    Summer House, Why I Love Rave Culture, and Feeling Fully Alive

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia is deep in her AI era... obsessed with finding ways to automate and streamline her life so she can protect the time and energy for the things that actually matter. The ones that fill you back up. The ones you cannot plan or optimise. And it's that idea that quietly runs through everything in this episode.From the Summer House betrayal that has consumed reality TV culture and the question of when, if ever, it is acceptable to date a friend's ex, to Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna sharing a stage at Coachella in a moment that made Saskia cry. This episode is full of the kind of pop culture that is really about something deeper. Connection. Loyalty. What it looks like when art gives a room full of people the same feeling at the same time.That leads into the main topic: rave culture, and three reasons Saskia loves it more than almost any other experience. The community, the energy, and the physical world that a great show creates. Because somewhere between the research on social bonding and a story about standing under pillars of fire at Burning Man feeling like she was on another planet, something becomes clear. We are all chasing the same thing. The feeling of being fully alive in a moment. And you cannot get that from a productivity tool. You just have to show up. Tune in now.

  3. 52

    Artemis II, the Meaning of Life, and Ask Me Anything

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia opens with the thing that has completely taken over her brain lately: the Artemis II mission to the moon. The vastness of it all makes her feel both insignificant and strangely grounded. She reflects on sitting with the unknown, the anxiety of what we cannot see or define, and how sometimes it takes only 4 people seeing something to change the way the rest of us understand the world.She shares the words that stopped her from the Artemis crew's first press conference. Astronaut Christina Koch describing Earth as a lifeboat, hanging undisturbedly in the universe, and called every living thing on it a crew: a group of people inescapably, beautifully, and dutifully linked. And astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who said the three human experiences that stuck with them, and resonated with the world, were gratitude, joy, and love.Saskia then moves into her Ask Me Anything advice segment with two listener questions. First, what do you do when you have spent your whole life thinking about a crush and suddenly there is no one to think about and the silence feels both freeing and deeply strange. And second, how do you make your boyfriend's apartment feel like your home too without feeling like you are overstepping. Saskia gets into it, shares her own experience of Jeffrey moving into her apartment, and recommends a book she genuinely thinks every couple should read.Because whether you are staring at Earth from space or figuring out your half of the closet, it all comes back to the same three things: gratitude, joy, and love.

  4. 51

    Feminine Healing, Hard-Won Dating Advice, and Why Real Love Feels Calm

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia opens with the song she hasn't been able to stop thinking about: Click Clack Symphony by Raye, featuring Hans Zimmer. A song about feeling stuck, dancing through the sadness with your friends, and trusting hard moments in life are just a season and will unfold exactly how they are meant to.Connecting back to last week's episode on uncertainty and change, Saskia shares why these lyrics hit differently mid-gym session, and what her therapist said an hour later that made them land even harder. What does it mean to sit with sadness, rather than rush out of it? And why does hope sometimes arrive in the most unexpected places?Then comes the pivot. Saskia reached out to six of her closest friends and asked for dating advice they wish they had. From straddling someone on a third date to treating dating like the stock market, from manufactured proximity to giving yourself full permission to want love, their stories are funny, honest, and deeply real.And really the thread running through all of it... through the album, the dating advice, the life lessons... is the same. You will save yourself. Not the situationship. Not the person you're waiting on. You.

  5. 50

    Grief in Transitions, Evolving Friendships, and the Seasons of Life

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia reflects on the quiet grief that can come with life transitions.As friends begin new chapters, getting engaged, moving cities, and having children, she explores the complicated emotions that can arise when one stage of life begins to close while another slowly opens. Why do we often feel like we cannot share the sadness alongside the excitement during these moments?Saskia reflects on the evolution of friendships, the changing dynamics within families as parents age, and the identity shifts that come with growing older. She also explores the idea that life does not replace one chapter with another, but layers them, and that perhaps these transitions are less about losing something and more about learning how to move through different seasons of life.Because perhaps the grief we are feeling is not just sadness. Maybe it is gratitude for the moments that mattered most.

  6. 49

    Couples Therapy, Emotional Responsibility, and Letting Go of Being Right

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia reflects on a few cultural moments that have been sitting with her this week, from the frustrating experience of trying to discover a new coffee shop in New York in the age of social media, to the nostalgia of pre-internet NYC portrayed in Love Story.She also shares recent pop culture highlights, including the stunning sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, the beloved new Game of Thrones series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and the emotional lessons scattered throughout the latest season of Shrinking. Across all three stories, a common theme emerges: the importance of connection and the people who help us navigate life.That idea leads into the heart of the episode: couples therapy.Saskia shares why she and her partner Jeffrey decided to start couples therapy only one month into their relationship, and the lessons they continue to learn along the way. From nurturing a relationship like a seedling, to taking emotional responsibility during conflict, to the realization that no one actually “wins” by being right, she reflects on the practical tools they are still working to implement.She also shares a new ritual they’ve created together: a “relationship book,” where they write down the commitments they want to keep in their partnership.Because relationships, like people, are always a work in progress.

  7. 48

    The Manosphere, the Red Pill, and the Future of Masculinity

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia dives into the world of the manosphere after watching Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere.The film explores a growing online subculture of influencers promoting hyper-masculinity, red pill ideology, and deeply adversarial views about relationships between men and women. Through Louis Theroux’s signature documentary style, these figures often reveal their own contradictions as they attempt to explain their beliefs about power, dating, and gender roles.Saskia reflects on some of the most unsettling moments in the documentary, from the performative nature of these influencers to the vulnerability and loneliness that often sits beneath the rhetoric.With teenage boys and young men making up a large portion of the audience, Saskia reflects on what this could mean for the future of masculinity, relationships, and the cultural conversations shaping the next generation.Because the manosphere isn’t just internet drama. It may be shaping how an entire generation understands power, identity, and connection. An unsettling topic, but an important one.

  8. 47

    Female Communities, Family Matriarchies, and the Women Who Hold Us

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia reflects on the power of female communities after attending her cousin’s wedding in Miami. A weekend filled with family, celebration, and a reminder of the strong matriarchal lineage that shaped her life.What begins as a reflection on weddings and family traditions turns into a deeper exploration of the women who hold us together. From mothers, sisters, cousins, and grandmothers to the friendships we build throughout life, Saskia examines the role female communities have historically played in supporting, guiding, and sustaining one another.She explores why these spaces once existed so naturally, why they have become harder to maintain in modern life, and why friendships and family relationships between women are just as foundational as romantic partnerships.This episode is a reflection on how female communities evolve over time, the different roles women play in our lives, and why nurturing these relationships with intention matters more than ever. Because sometimes the greatest support system we will ever have is the women who walk beside us.

  9. 46

    Friendship Breakups, Affairs, and Choosing Yourself

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia shares what it’s like to play tourist in your own city while hosting her cousin in New York, reflecting on how easy it is to forget the magic of the place you live when you fall into routine.She also recaps a big week in pop culture, from the Traitors finale and Rob Rausch’s masterful gameplay to Connor Storrie’s breakout hosting moment on SNL.The episode then introduces a new Ask Me Anything advice segment. Saskia answers two listener questions about navigating complicated relationships. First, what do you do when you feel like you’ve outgrown a close friendship even though nothing “bad” has happened? And second, how do you walk away from an affair with someone you feel deeply connected to?Drawing from her own experiences, Saskia reflects on communication, self-worth, attachment, and the importance of choosing yourself, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

  10. 45

    Anxiety, Control, and Learning to Let Go

    In this vulnerable episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia reflects on high-functioning anxiety, control as a coping mechanism, and the childhood experience that shaped her relationship to safety.Growing up in the remote Daintree rainforest, a devastating flood destroyed her family home when she was just four years old. This was a moment she only recently began to understand as formative. What does it mean to learn, so young, that home can be taken away?Saskia shares what therapy has taught her about anxiety as unprocessed trauma, why it doesn’t always stem from one singular event, and why the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety, but rather, accept it.She also reflects on aging parents, anticipatory grief, and the universal reality of loss. Because maybe anxiety isn’t something to outrun. Maybe it’s something to sit beside while choosing presence anyway.

  11. 44

    Wuthering Heights, Maximalism, and Why We Crave Big Feelings

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia returns home to NYC and dives into her latest cultural obsession: Wuthering Heights.From Emerald Fennell’s provocative, maximalist filmmaking to Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of two deeply damaged lovers, Saskia reflects on why this story of obsession and co-dependency hit so hard.What begins as a film review unfolds into something deeper. What if we’re craving art that feels extreme because the world feels heavy right now? Exploring the idea that “micro joys help us overcome macro sadness,” Saskia connects the dots between some of the year’s biggest pop culture moments, from Heated Rivalry to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, and the collective pull toward intensity.Big feelings.Big visuals.Big destruction.And maybe it’s all really about us just wanting to feel fully.

  12. 43

    La Paz Provided, and Why Perfection Is a Myth

    Greetings from Mexico. In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia shares stories from her last ten days in Todos Santos, a small beach town where desert, ocean, and mountains collide.What begins as a travel diary unfolds into something deeper. From a boat day out of La Paz, swimming alongside sea lions, stumbling upon a frigate bird colony connected to her father’s past, and witnessing dolphins and whales appear at exactly the right moment, this trip felt touched by something larger.But being surrounded by dusty roads, sandy hair, and no frills taco spots sparked a bigger question: why are we so obsessed with chasing perfection?Saskia explores the pressure women face around beauty, the conditioning behind cosmetic rituals, how perfectionism has stalled her creative work, and why messy beginnings are often where growth lives. She also shares candid reflections on starting couples therapy one month into her relationship and the myth of the perfect partnership.This episode is an invitation to see your life not as a project to complete, but as a work in progress.

  13. 42

    Ins, Outs, and Redefining “Cool” in 2026

    Recorded from sunny Los Angeles, in this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia shares her 2026 ins and outs. Yes, it’s February, but what’s truly "in" this year is doing things when we want to do them.Saskia reflects on continuing to embrace her party-girl era, choosing ease at home, leaning into maximalism in her personal style, her current obsession with Wuthering Heights, nostalgia in pop culture, and being more intentional about how she spends her time and energy.The episode also unpacks the cultural trope of the “cool girl” and why Saskia is ready to redefine what cool actually looks like in 2026.Ultimately, this episode serves as a personal reset and an invitation to prioritize joy, authenticity, and self-expression without apology.

  14. 41

    Los Angeles, Feeling Grounded, and the Practice of Oracle Cards

    Recorded from sunny Los Angeles and joined by a very special guest, Ziggy the goldendoodle, this episode of Note 2 Self opens with a reflection on the energy of LA compared to New York City. The expansive, nature-connected rhythm of the City of Dreams contrasted with the intensity and density of NYC. Saskia explores what it means to find solitude in major cities, and the ways we often flatten places, and people, into single narratives.The conversation then weaves into pop culture, with a discussion of The Traitors and a current fixation with our Love Island alumnus, Rob Rausch. The episode turns inward as Saskia shares her personal oracle card practice using a deck passed down from her grandmother, reflecting on intuition, ritual, and how symbolic tools can offer insight beyond logic. Whether viewed as spiritual or reflective, the practice becomes a way to slow down, reset, and listen more closely.This episode is all about presence, grounding, and how even reality TV can become a moment to escape and reset.

  15. 40

    Fred Again, Staying Present, and Why You Don’t Need the New Year to Reset

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia reflects on seeing Fred Again live in New York during his residency and why the night felt less like a concert and more like a spiritual experience. She explores how great DJs read and channel energy, why live music creates such deep presence and connection, and what happens when we allow ourselves to fully experience a moment instead of trying to capture it. From there, Saskia dives into the dreaded New Year’s resolutions. The pressure, the overwhelm, and the belief that January 1st is the only time we’re allowed to reset. She unpacks why resolutions can feel so heavy, how easy it is to feel like you’ve already failed, and why meaningful change is often found in listening to your body and making small, tangible daily shifts rather than rigid rules.Touching on health, movement, alcohol, food, and goal-setting, this episode is a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection... and starting over doesn’t need a calendar date. Tune in now!

  16. 39

    Heated Rivalry Making Pop Culture History

    Season 2 of Note 2 Self begins with a new chapter... and a new format. In this opening solo episode, Saskia reflects on the unexpected cultural moment around Heated Rivalry and what it reveals about the rise of romantasy in pop culture. From emotional escapism to collective obsession, this episode explores why stories like these resonate so deeply right now, and what they might be offering us beneath the fantasy. Join us for the conversation.

  17. 38

    Holiday special: childhood traditions, risqué party behaviour, and morals on cheating

    Happy holidays, N2S listeners 🎄 In this special episode, the girls kick things off with a very on-theme chat about childhood holiday traditions over the years. The conversation quickly pivots into tales of risqué holiday party behaviour, both witnessed and reported by friends, before naturally spiralling into a discussion on the morals around cheating.From there, the girls dive into a brief but honest chat about relationships, before wrapping up with an old favourite: Love or Loathe. And as Cat’s final episode with Note 2 Self for the foreseeable future, this one’s equal parts nostalgic, chaotic, and heartfelt.Join us for Cat’s final ride. And we'll see you in the new year for more N2S action ✨

  18. 37

    Moving in NYC, IUD or IUDon’t, and a special announcement

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, the girls kick things off with the absolute chaos that is moving in New York City. From there, the conversation spirals (naturally) into the universal nightmare of dentists asking questions while their hands are literally in your mouth.The episode then takes a turn into women’s health, with an honest, candid chat around IUDs and everything that comes with them. Finally, Cat wraps things up with a special announcement.You don’t wanna miss this one.

  19. 36

    An abundance of community, going full woo-woo, and Thanksgiving travel tales

    In this week's episode of Note 2 Self, the girls recap their travel and Thanksgiving adventures across Argentina, Mexico, California, and Minnesota. They chat about the possibility of one day living in California, the stereotypes that come with it, and the importance of “finding community”. And in a surprise twist, Cat goes a little full woo-woo, proving California rubs off on everyone. It’s wholesome, warm, and the perfect post-holiday catch-up. Join us for the ride.

  20. 35

    AI partners, fantasy worlds, and the future of human connection

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia and Cat kick things off with some much-needed updates on Cat’s new dog, Albert, and an important spotlight on The Sato Project.Then, for the first time in N2S history, the girls don’t spiral. Instead, they deep-dive into one big, slightly terrifying question: What does it mean to date an AI chatbot?After reading "My Couples Retreat With 3 AI Chatbots and the Humans Who Love Them" by Sam Apple, the girls unpack the ethics, the fantasy, the emotional attachment, and what AI companionship could mean for the future of human connection... from loneliness to control to blurring the lines between reality and escapism.It’s thoughtful, chaotic, and honestly… kind of juicy. Join us on the ride!

  21. 34

    Ghost stories, pogo stick guy, and our dearest Paul Rudd

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, the girls kick things off with unexpected follow-ups to not one, but two of Cat’s most niche New York stories: Pogo Stick Guy and, of course, her beloved Paul Rudd. From there, the spiral takes a spooky turn into personal ghost stories, ending in goosebumps, and the question of life after death. Finally, with today being Thanksgiving, the girls unpack the psychology of apologising... why it matters, why it’s hard, and why this season brings it all to the surface. It’s chaotic, heartfelt, and a little haunted. Join us for the ride.

  22. 33

    Zohran Mamdani, Jack Nicholson’s childhood, and to sell eggs or not to sell eggs

    In this week's episode of Note 2 Self, the girls kick things off with a dive into recent "news"... from a class of missing children to the New York mayoral election, featuring the beautiful Zohran Mamdani. From there, the spiral continues into a new instalment of Cat’s Care Corner, which leads the girls into an ethical debate on nature vs. nurture. This naturally unfolds into tales of parents pretending to be siblings to hide teen pregnancies.It’s chaotic, moral, political, and emotional. Join us for the spiral!

  23. 32

    All's not fair, sleep paralysis demons, and when therapy hits wrong

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, the girls kick things off with a solid review of Ryan Murphy’s latest dumpster fire — All’s Fair. With Kim Kardashian leading an all-star cast, Saskia shares her unfiltered review as she and Cat unpack everything that’s wrong (and unintentionally hilarious) about the show. From there, the spiral continues into sleep paralysis demons and a brief chat on all things paranormal, before the girls scare themselves into changing the subject to, you guessed it, therapy. This episode’s got it all. Join us for the ride.

  24. 31

    Cat’s care corner, India pt. 2, and a lesson in gratitude

    On this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, the girls open with a chat about sample sales, vintage stores, and the overwhelm that comes with trying to find gems in a sea of “maybes.” From there, Cat gives an update on her fertility journey in a new segment we’re calling Cat’s Care Corner.Finally, Saskia shares part two of her travels through India. Unpacking the beauty, lessons, and moments of gratitude that came with the experience. A little medicinal, a little spiritual, and a whole lot of Note 2 Self.

  25. 30

    Egg freezing, a trip to India, and famous beavers

    On this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, the girls kick things off with a deep dive into the hard truths of the egg-freezing process. Cat opens up about her experience, from the hormone treatments to the daily hospital visits, and the emotional rollercoaster in between. From there, we pivot into part one of Saskia’s recent trip to India, unpacking her travel tales, takeaways, and unexpected highlights. Join us on a journey that’s medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual... with a few laughs (and famous beavers) along the way.

  26. 29

    Armpit botox, crushing on doctors, and our love for Matthew McConaughey

    This episode of Note 2 Self marks the official halfway point of our first season! In celebration, the girls share their learnings so far. In true N2S style, the conversation spirals into Cat’s experience getting armpit Botox (and developing a minor crush on her doctor). Saskia then shares some reflections after listening to Matthew McConaughey’s episode of The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, and her key takeaways on love and relationships. Equal parts shallow and deep... just how we like it.

  27. 28

    The reply guy, childhood flashbacks, and the concept of celebrity

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia kick things off with the story of how one of them managed to sell copies of her friend’s book… through dating apps. From there, the spiral begins: dating app chaos, encounters with the notorious “reply guy,” and other tales from their single era. The girls also cover embarrassing childhood flashbacks that still haunt them to this day. Juicy, unhinged, and painfully relatable, you don’t want to miss this one.

  28. 27

    Sacred rocks, love languages, and how to love better

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia take us on a deep dive into relationships. Sparked by How to Love Better by Yung Pueblo, the girls get vulnerable about their own relationship challenges, love languages, and the expectations of love shaped by pop culture. It’s raw, honest, and a little therapeutic. Join us in the deep end.

  29. 26

    Possessed furbies, clubbing in 2010, and reddit rabbit holes

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia kick things off with confronting hair salon visits and the toll they can take on self-esteem. From there, the spiral begins: cursed childhood Furbies, the strangely addictive depths of Reddit rabbit holes, and a nostalgic deep dive into 2010 clubbing culture. In the wise words of Ne-Yo and Pitbull: "grab somebody sexy..." and listen to this week's episode of Note 2 Self.

  30. 25

    Tripping in the ER, laundromat speed dating, and the Summer I Turned... gullible

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia kicks us off with a story time of how her Burning Man “goodies” landed her sister, unknowingly, on a mushroom trip in the ER. From there, the spiral continues into bougie laundromats as the ultimate speed-dating venue and the genius of errand dates. Finally, Cat and Saskia wrap up with their thoughts (or lack thereof) on the finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Buckle up — it’s a ride.

  31. 24

    Burning Man recap, crying in the desert, and Albert the puppy

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat introduces us to her new (real!) puppy, Albert, before Saskia takes us on a full breakdown of her unforgettable Burning Man experience. From 17-hour waits at the gate to flooded camps and an unreal sunrise Rufus Du Sol set, Saskia shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a week in the desert. Buckle up — this one’s a wild ride.

  32. 23

    An episode from the archives: Unplugged and unhinged

    This special throwback from Note 2 Self comes straight from the archives—a raw, early trial recording that was never meant to see the light of day… until now. Cat and Saskia cover everything from Cat’s Big Brother audition to the cringeworthy tradition of hard-copy school photos in the 2000s. It’s unfiltered, a little chaotic, and completely Note 2 Self.

  33. 22

    Childhood nostalgia, dating in our 20s, and the strut of success

    In this episode of Note 2 Self we open with Saskia detailing the final stages of Burning Man prep as she leaves to head to the desert. This leads to reminiscing on childhood nostalgia, including the Beanie Baby to Labubu pipeline. Then, Cat and Saskia spill some truly juicy dating stories from their 20s, covering ghosting, awkward encounters, and the strut of success. Join us for the spiral.

  34. 21

    Obnoxious encounters, MRI mishaps, and dissociating at a bush doof

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, we kick things off with a greeting from our unexpected new “host,” Louis the dog, a vintage carafe Saskia fell in love with in France. From there, we dive into everything from the quirks of living in Manhattan vs. Brooklyn, including a gnarly dog bite, to the art of code-switching and even the unexpectedly wholesome pairing of Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson. It’s a whirlwind of chaos, humor, and tangents. Join us for the ride.

  35. 20

    Getting lost in a forest, ice cream cures, and Dianne the suitcase

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, the girls dive into Cat’s recent European adventures, including her new “festy rat” era at Dek Mantel, getting lost in a forest, and a run-in with an interesting Uber driver. Saskia shares her experience “ringing the bell” at Nasdaq and reflects on the highs and lows of corporate girly life.As always, the chat spirals in unexpected directions and wraps up with a Love or Loathe you won’t want to miss. You'll wanna tune in for this one!

  36. 19

    Fair play, relationships, and real talk with Saskia

    In this week’s episode of Note 2 Self, we’re trying something new. While Cat is off gallivanting in Europe, Saskia takes the mic for a solo episode. Building on the book Fair Play by Eve Rodsky (mentioned in a previous episode), Saskia gets candid about her own experience applying Rodsky’s methods for dividing the workload in a long-term relationship. Vulnerable, honest, and a little bit raw — dive in for this mini ep!

  37. 18

    Festy rat era, insomniac purchases, and USPS gripes

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, the girls officially enter their festy rat era—with Cat gearing up for Dekmantel and Saskia’s chaotic Burning Man prep, leaving us with more questions than answers.Naturally, things spiral into everything from insomnia-fueled purchases (hello, air hockey table) to shared frustrations with pharmacy locks and the ever-dysfunctional United States Postal Service.Join us for the spiral.

  38. 17

    Forgotten in a lymphatic suit, daily wine, and adopting Louis the dog

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, we kick things off with Saskia’s recent trip to France. A recap that starts with the health effects of drinking wine like it’s water and ends with Saskia adopting her most prized possession, her dog Louis.Meanwhile, Cat shares the absurd lengths she’s gone to in the name of people-pleasing. The girls also unpack facelifts, the inevitability of aging, and what it feels like to be forgotten inside a lymphatic drainage suit.Come for the chaos, stay for the dog.

  39. 16

    Humidity blues, fertility chat, and the infamous carnage cruise

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia vent about the steamy hellscape that is summer in New York. Then, they take a sharp turn into fertility, as Cat opens up about her experience freezing her eggs and navigating the often-overwhelming healthcare system.Finally, things unravel with the retelling of the now-infamous Carnage Cruise, Saskia’s 30th birthday recovery day that turned into total chaos.Buckle up for heat-induced spirals, real talk on reproductive health, and a boat party gone very, very wrong.

  40. 15

    Gentle rave energy, bolognese brains, and porta potty dreams

    This week, Saskia debuts her new blonde era, and things spiral from there, in the best way. The girls chat about having gentle energy at raves, how ChatGPT might be melting our brains, and why private porta potties at Burning Man are non-negotiable. Cat shares her chaotic moving saga, and we discover Saskia knows absolutely nothing about U.S. geography. Put your headphones on and join us on the spiral.

  41. 14

    Playing dress ups, biting through ice cream, and searching for where people get the audacity

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia kick things off with a flashback to the Lizzie McGuire movie and Hilary Duff’s infamous ass shake. From there, they somehow segue into the exclusivity of Delta status and the wild world of flight crash conspiracies.They also break down a recent Pedro Pascal lookalike competition, reflect on playing dress-ups as part of the moving ritual, unpack dating icks, and take a deep dive into the sheer audacity of people.Plus, this week’s spiral includes a discussion of Fair Play by Eve Rodsky: https://www.fairplaylife.com/the-book

  42. 13

    The origins of Whac-A-Mole, Aussie tuck shop inflation, and stress baking in NYC's rental jungle

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia unpack a classic New York phenomenon: how warm weather somehow leads to a complete breakdown in social etiquette. As always, the conversation spirals — from the surprisingly deep origins of Whac-A-Mole to hot takes on the new season of And Just Like That.Slip, slop, slap on this episode of the poddy as we digress into Aussie jingles, tuck shop inflation, and the emotional toll of navigating NYC’s brutal rental market.

  43. 12

    Cooking it up in the lab, the reality of adult relationships, and opera singing through Washington Square Park

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia get vulnerable and discuss the realities of adult romantic relationships — the good, the bad, and the existentially confusing. But in true Note 2 Self fashion, things spiral into tangents: from decoding word salad culture to childhood performances no one asked for, plus a few chaotic media reviews thrown into the mix.We wrap it all up with another round of Love or Loathe — so come spiral with us.

  44. 11

    Perusing the confectionary aisle, Danish party buses and the crippling embarrassment of public Shazam

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat and Saskia discuss the art of jujitsu and their various Saturday morning routines. The conversation takes a sharp turn to breaking down early drinking experiences, such as European graduation party buses, the Australian experience that is Schoolies, and their first years hitting the clubs at 18. The girls wrap up discussing the things they’ve liked for the sake of a man. Join us on the spiral.

  45. 10

    Are we trad wives now? Questioning Australia’s existence, and what it means to be a West Village girl

    In today’s episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia and Cat explore a few trad wife activities they’re surprisingly open to—think weekend markets and romantic picnics. As always, the conversation spirals into the absurd, including the conspiracy theory that Australia isn’t real, a nostalgic dive into Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and The OC, and a breakdown of The Cut’s recent article, “It Must Be Nice to Be a West Village Girl.”It’s a dense one, packed with pop culture commentary, niche references, and existential musings. Consider this your personal invite to spiral with us.

  46. 9

    Scaring Paul Rudd out of dive bar, Facebook culture in the early 2000s, and the lost art of cursive writing

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Cat sweats through her armpit Botox as she confesses to scaring Paul Rudd out of her local dive bar — a perfect segue into other cringe celebrity encounters and chaotic early-2000s Facebook behavior. The conversation spirals into pop culture commentary, a quick review of Baby Girl, and the age-old debate: were you a Mr. Big or an Aidan girlie? Join us on the spiral.

  47. 8

    Backpacking through Europe with a memory foam pillow, lower back tattoos, and rolling down Parliament Hill

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia and Cat kick things off with a music review featuring Nickelback and Charli XCX (yes, in the same sentence).From there, they spiral into tales of lower back tattoos, belly button rings, backpacking through Europe, and some truly iconic Aussie field trip experiences.Join us as we spiral—or rather, roll—down Parliament Hill.

  48. 7

    Unrealistic pre-work hangouts, feeling sentimental over skinny jeans, and why The Sims 1 soundtrack might be the ultimate productivity hack

    In this week’s episode, we debut our first recurring segment: Love or Loathe — where Saskia presents Cat with an item to declare her love or hatred for.From there, things spiral (as they do) into guilty pleasures: fairy smut, The Sims, and the surprising emotional pull of skinny jeans. Also revealed: Nickelback is to Cat what Charli XCX is to Saskia. Come along for the ride.

  49. 6

    Night time shower supremacy, Barbs on the bourbs, and children on leashes

    In this episode of Note 2 Self, Saskia and Cat spiral into the world of nighttime vs. daytime showers, bizarre beauty routines like salmon sperm facials and beef tallow skincare, and introduce their unfiltered alter egos. With chaotic tangents on dog play, reality TV addictions, and even children on leashes, this is peak millennial podcast chaos. Hit play and spiral with us.

  50. 5

    Oscar the rat, denim aprons, and Lorde summer

    In this introductory episode, Cat and Saskia discuss their last 10 years in New York City, reflecting back on some quintessentially New York experiences. In true Note 2 Self style, the girls spiral into the topics of clogs, various wheeled sports, Lorde summer, and ChatGPT as a breakup tool.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This is Saskia, and this is Note 2 Self — your weekly dose of everything that’s simply too long to text. Consider this your personal invitation into my inner circle, where I share my thoughts and quiet reflections that usually live inside my notes app. Each week I explore modern life through conversations about relationships, culture, mental health, identity, and the stories that shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Part personal journal, part cultural commentary, Note 2 Self is a space for honest reflection, thoughtful conversation, and the occasional pop culture deep dive.

HOSTED BY

Saskia Starck

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Note 2 Self have?

Note 2 Self currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Note 2 Self about?

This is Saskia, and this is Note 2 Self — your weekly dose of everything that’s simply too long to text. Consider this your personal invitation into my inner circle, where I share my thoughts and quiet reflections that usually live inside my notes app. Each week I explore modern life through...

How often does Note 2 Self release new episodes?

Note 2 Self has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Note 2 Self?

You can listen to Note 2 Self on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Note 2 Self?

Note 2 Self is created and hosted by Saskia Starck.
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