Growth In Reverse (Newsletter Growth & Email Marketing)
Chenell Basilio and Dylan Redekop
Growth In Reverse is the must-listen podcast for anyone serious about growing an email list and turning a newsletter into a thriving business. Hosted by Chenell Basilio and Dylan Redekop, two leading voices in the newsletter space, this show pulls back the curtain on how today’s top newsletter operators actually grow and make money.
Episodes include deep-dive teardowns of the strategies behind the most successful newsletters. You’ll hear how creators like Justin Welsh, Codie Sanchez, Sahil Bloom, and other creator founders are building loyal audiences and turning subscribers into revenue. Learn how they attract traffic, increase conversions, boost retention, and scale without burning out.
Whether you're launching your first newsletter or refining your growth engine, Growth In Reverse gives you proven tactics you can use right away. From onboarding systems and referral programs to sponsorships and paid products, this podcast helps you grow faster and smarter. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start applying what works, tune in and learn how the best are building newsletters that last.
Episodes include deep-dive teardowns of the strategies behind the most successful newsletters. You’ll hear how creators like Justin Welsh, Codie Sanchez, Sahil Bloom, and other creator founders are building loyal audiences and turning subscribers into revenue. Learn how they attract traffic, increase conversions, boost retention, and scale without burning out.
Whether you're launching your first newsletter or refining your growth engine, Growth In Reverse gives you proven tactics you can use right away. From onboarding systems and referral programs to sponsorships and paid products, this podcast helps you grow faster and smarter. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start applying what works, tune in and learn how the best are building newsletters that last.
Episodes
Mentioned books
38 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 39min
How Chenell Got 11k Subs in 6 Months
This conversation dives into the journey of building a newsletter that skyrocketed to 11,000 subscribers in just six months. Key strategies include creating valuable content and consistently engaging on Twitter. Chenell emphasizes that authenticity in social media interactions fosters genuine relationships and boosts growth. A 30-day LinkedIn challenge is introduced to enhance visibility and accountability. The discussion also touches on overcoming content creation hurdles and the importance of treating social profiles like landing pages.
64 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
5 Newsletter Growth Lessons From 2.5 Years of Publishing
Darrell Vesterfelt, VP of Growth at Mighty Networks, joins Chenell to share invaluable insights from his newsletter journey. He discusses the underappreciated power of passion in choosing a newsletter topic and highlights how to leverage content-led growth effectively. Their conversation touches on the importance of building strong community connections, treating social profiles as landing pages, and using curiosity-driven teasers. Darrell also shares his experience with sponsorships and emphasizes the balance between high-quality content and marketing strategies.
36 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 54min
How CJ Gustafson Grew Mostly Metrics to 60k+ Subscribers & Multi‑Six‑Figures in Revenue
CJ Gustafson, a former tech CFO turned full-time creator, shares his insightful journey in building Mostly Metrics and Looking For Leverage, both successful newsletters. He discusses how he replaced his CFO salary with revenue from his content, revealing the role of humor and personal anecdotes in making finance more engaging. CJ also dives into strategies for newsletter growth, innovative monetization techniques, and the evolving landscape of podcast guest acquisition. His unique blend of expertise and entertainment keeps subscribers coming back for more!
32 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Turning a Niche Newsletter of 30k Subs Into a Full-Time Business
Matt Johansen, the creative mind behind the Vulnerable U newsletter, shares his journey from cybersecurity expert to content creator, amassing nearly 30,000 subscribers in under two years. He discusses the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences and how he has skillfully turned social media engagement into newsletter subscriptions. Matt emphasizes the importance of strategic sponsorships for revenue growth and reveals his approach to balancing high-quality content with monetization. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in a niche market.
95 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 36min
How to Turn 1 Subscriber into 10: Get More Referrals With These Tactics
Discover how to leverage referrals to turn one subscriber into ten! Learn why the welcome sequence is the perfect moment to request shares and how subtle tweaks can ignite word-of-mouth growth. Explore creative email tactics that simplify sharing and enhance engagement. Delve into the psychology of value exchange to encourage subscribers to promote your newsletter. Plus, uncover innovative strategies for generating sharable content, engaging audiences, and maximizing your reach without heavy tech investments.
36 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 49min
His Paid Newsletter Launch Drove $50k+ (and 500+ paid subs)
Tom Orbach, the mastermind behind MarketingIdeas.com, shares his impressive strategies for launching a successful paid newsletter that generated over $50k and 500+ subscribers in just days. He delves into the importance of waiting to monetize, how his full-time job feeds his content, and the psychology behind an effective launch. Listeners will discover his thoughts on domain selection, the thrill of publishing to a waitlist, and the role of community engagement in fostering growth. Get ready for insights that can elevate any newsletter!
54 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 43min
Newsletter Coaching Session: Scaling Deep Dives Into a Newsletter Growth Engine
Matt Gira, creator of The Quarter, dives into the secrets behind scaling bootstrapped businesses to $250K. He shares how this milestone transforms growth strategies and reveals his approach to building a newsletter with 1,200+ subscribers without chasing virality. Gira discusses the surprising potential of collaboration and live events as growth levers, as well as his innovative strategies like content swaps and data licensing. His insights on leveraging YouTube and networking in the entrepreneurial space offer valuable takeaways for aspiring creators.
66 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 32min
Your Newsletter Is Too Easy to Join — Here’s Why That’s a Problem
Newsletter subscriptions may be too easy, leading to disengaged subscribers. Adding friction in the signup process can actually attract committed readers and enhance engagement. The hosts explore the dangers of a low-friction mindset and the effectiveness of strategies like double opt-in and creative engagement tactics. They also discuss the importance of quality over quantity, personalized interactions, and innovative methods to maintain a healthy email list. Unsubscribe options must remain transparent, ensuring only the most interested subscribers stay.
27 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 47min
9 Big Takeaways For Creators From Craft + Commerce 2025
Dive into the invaluable insights from a recent creator conference in Boise! Discover how in-person connections outshine online interactions. The hosts discuss the fine line between authenticity and AI in content creation. Learn why quality trumps quantity and how to craft engaging self-introductions. Explore the importance of community support and serendipitous moments in building relationships. Plus, get tips on mastering public speaking and newsletter strategies for more effective engagement!
24 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 48min
From Tweets to 70k: How Jesse "Accidentally" Built a Newsletter of 70k Subscribers
Join Jesse J. Anderson, known as ADHD Jesse, as he shares his journey from a full-time job to creating the Extra Focus newsletter with 70,000 subscribers. He reveals the real side of building a brand around ADHD with humor and honesty. Discover how he stumbled into virality, the importance of authenticity over expertise, and what it's like juggling family life while growing an engaged community. Jesse also discusses key lessons from managing paid newsletters and the challenges of content creation, all while prioritizing connection.
