Payton Sartain and Joe Ross have been in a relationship for several years, yet it hasn't been a smooth ride. In a December 1 appearance on Allison Kuch's Sunday Sports Club podcast, the 30-year-old Note to Self podcast host shared about her brief breakup with the 31-year-old Milwaukee Brewers pitcher in late 2022. Ross had injured himself and told her he "can't support the life" she wanted, leading to their initial split.

Benefits of No Contact During Separation

She explained that they initially didn't speak for about 9 months. Sartain believed it was beneficial as it allowed her to get serious about what she wanted in a relationship. "I considered what I really wanted out of this life we had created together. Your brain might tell you to go back, but it might not be the right thing. No contact really allowed me to get in touch with myself without any external noise. I needed time to realize I'll be happy either way," she said.

Getting Back Together

After that time apart, they got back together in November 2023. Sartain then moved from Los Angeles to Milwaukee in 2024 to support his career. "For me, it's worth it to be a part of the whole experience. Watching someone you love be uniquely good at something is rare and inspiring. This is a special journey we're on," she added.

Choosing to Stay Committed

Sartain previously opened up about her breakup and getting back together in a February TikTok. She emphasized that "no contact is essential" during such times. "Relationships are a choice. Choosing someone every day, regardless of how you feel or your life situation, is the most romantic thing. You can have all the love but still not be a great partner in tough times. The choice to stay committed makes a relationship great," she explained.