
Growth In Reverse
Hitting 50k newsletter subscribers isn't easy. But the Growth In Reverse podcast reveals how newsletters are doing it. Chenell Basilio has spent the past 2+ years and thousands of hours reverse engineering how the biggest newsletter creators in the world have grown audiences of 50,000 to 1M subscribers—and beyond. Join Chenell and her cohost Dylan Redekop every week to learn the most effective and unique newsletter growth strategies, hear from other newsletter experts, and figure out how to turn your newsletter into a profitable business. Check out the newsletter of the same name at growthinreverse.com →
Latest episodes

24 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 48min
The Cross-Promo Playbook: Strategies That Actually Work (Without Wasting Time)
Get 30 proven strategies to grow and optimize your email list FREE >>We're diving into one of the most underrated growth strategies out there: collaborations and cross-promotions. Whether you're building a newsletter, launching a podcast, or growing a YouTube channel, collabs are one of the most high-leverage plays you can run — and we break down exactly how to do them right.We get into real-life examples, from simple newsletter swaps to co-created content that drives thousands of subscribers (even when you're the smaller creator). We also talk through common mistakes we’ve made, what to watch out for, and how to build a repeatable system that makes these partnerships easy and effective. If you're feeling burned out by social algorithms or just want more control over your growth, this one’s for you.→ Take your newsletter to the next level with GIR Pro >>KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy social platforms aren't cutting it anymore—and why we're bullish on collaborationsThe basic newsletter swap (and why it's still effective)Creative cross-promo formats beyond the typical swap—articles, email courses, and moreThe Alex Garcia x Pat Walls YouTube/article collab that brought in thousands of subscribersWhy adjacent audiences are the sweet spotThe myth of audience size: why alignment > numbersChenell's horror story: zero subscribers from a 4K list cross-promoCo-created content: The powerhouse play that helped Maja Voje go from 3K to 15K subsCJ Gustafson’s “quadruple stack” strategy that gets him paid + subscribersHow to keep collab partners happy (especially if things don’t go as planned)The no-BS guide to tracking your collab resultsTools, systems, and blurb templates that’ll save you time and headaches DEEP DIVES & LINKS MENTIONEDCJ Gustafson's Mostly Metrics Deep DiveMaja Voje websitePat Walls Deep DiveAlex Garcia Deep Dive'Antisocial' Newsletter Growth Course waitlistWant your newsletter roasted? Submit it here. Growth In Reverse PRO CommunityCheck out past Growth In Reverse Deep Dives: https://growthinreverse.com/archive/FOLLOW ON SOCIALChenell: Twitter | LinkedIn | BlueskyDylan: LinkedIn | BlueskyOUR NEWSLETTERSgrowthinreverse.comgrowthcurrency.netSubscribe & Leave a Review:If you found this episode valuable, take a second to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! It helps more newsletter creators find the show. Plus, if you submit a review, you’ll get priority for your own newsletter roast!Thanks to Tim Forkin for editing these episodes.

27 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 5min
30 Proven Ways to Grow Your Newsletter (this episode will self-destruct in 7 days....)
Discover the exciting launch of a unique 30-day pop-up newsletter dedicated to email list growth. Each day, subscribers receive actionable tips to optimize their newsletters from industry experts. Learn about the creative tactics shared by notable creators and get the chance to win prizes while enhancing your email marketing strategy. This fresh approach promises quick wins for anyone looking to expand their reach!

20 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 41min
The #1 Thing These 3 Newsletters Got Wrong (and How to Fix It) — Newsletter Roasts Vol. 2
Get ready for a fiery roast featuring three newsletters! Each one struggles with clarity, audience targeting, and effective onboarding. Discover how a European products newsletter misses the mark on credibility. Dive into the challenges faced by an AI-focused newsletter, where the messaging might be too complex. Lastly, a procrastination-themed newsletter raises questions about engagement and focus. Tune in for valuable lessons on optimizing content, refining audience strategies, and enhancing overall newsletter impact!

46 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 26min
How “IV Content” Fuels the Fastest-Growing Newsletters—to 50k and Beyond (NMS Talk)
Discover the key to skyrocketing newsletter growth: invaluable content. Learn how the 'IV Content' framework can transform your strategy by prioritizing quality over gimmicks. Explore categories of content that drive engagement, featuring insights from successful creators. Creative collaborations and audience involvement emerge as secret weapons in building community and credibility. Get inspired by standout examples and innovative techniques that make newsletters share-worthy and subscription-worthy. Elevate your newsletter approach significantly!

63 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 46min
From 40 Followers to $1m: Dave & Marsden Kline Built a Creator Business in 3.5 Years
Discover how Dave and Marsden Kline transformed their lives, building a million-dollar creator business from scratch. Explore the rise of Marsden's LinkedIn following as she took the lead in strategy and content creation. They share lessons on pivoting from SEO to social media and the power of authentic content amid an influx of AI. Learn about their creative process, the role of community building, and the tech tools that keep their endeavors lean and effective. A captivating journey from 40 followers to a thriving business!

88 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 44min
One man. One newsletter. One Million subscribers: How Lenny Rachitsky did it.
Lenny Rachitsky's journey to one million subscribers reveals the power of quality and exclusive content. His strategic use of guest posts and innovation transformed his newsletter landscape. The podcast discusses how leveraging multiple platforms, like podcasts, enhances reach and engagement. It also highlights the importance of dedication and the puzzle-like nature of content creation. Lenny's focus on broader themes, organic growth tactics, and community connection are inspiring takeaways for aspiring creators.

20 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 35min
Brutally Honest Newsletter Roast: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Fix
Listeners can learn from a live newsletter roast, featuring a deep dive into a subscriber's landing page. The hosts discuss crucial elements for better engagement, including layout improvements and the creation of personalized welcome emails. Insights on audience segmentation are shared, alongside recommendations for enhancing social media profiles. The importance of authentic storytelling in boosting engagement is emphasized, along with best practices for branding and presentation. Don't miss the tips on optimizing newsletters for higher subscription rates!

58 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 42min
The Future For Newsletters: Biggest Lessons from the Newsletter Marketing Summit
The discussion dives into the evolving landscape of newsletters beyond just email. Highlights include how podcasting and video can strengthen audience trust and the importance of deep-dive content. AI's impact on content creation is explored, along with strategies for building community and reducing social media dependency. The value of personal touch and patience in growth strategies is emphasized. Lastly, a new segment invites listeners to submit their newsletters for a fun 'roast' to enhance quality and engagement.

21 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 45min
From 0 to 100K: The Science of Writing, Learning & Experimentation with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
In this engaging conversation, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscience researcher and author of "Tiny Experiments", shares how she skyrocketed her Maker Mind newsletter to over 100,000 subscribers. She reveals the benefits of a 100-day writing challenge, emphasizing how consistent quantity can enhance creativity. Anne-Laure discusses the importance of genuine relationships in audience-building and the psychological power of newsletters as learning tools. She also highlights sustainable growth strategies and the role of curiosity in the creative process.

28 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 24min
This Student Grew a Newsletter & Community to 6-Figure Subscribers & Revenue
Anne-Laure skyrocketed her newsletter from 6,000 to over 100,000 subscribers by publishing 100 articles in 100 days. She reveals powerful strategies for engaging content, like mind mapping and internal linking, to enhance reader interest and SEO. The importance of building a community and maintaining consistent content is emphasized, alongside tips for sustainable growth. Plus, she shares her journey of balancing a successful newsletter with pursuing a PhD and writing a book. Dive into actionable insights for anyone looking to expand their online presence!
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