Newsletter & Email Growth: Growth In Reverse
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
Oct 8, 2025 • 43min
9 Things Beginners Should Ignore When Starting a Newsletter
Kicking off with the essentials for newsletter success, hosts Chenell and Dylan debunk common mistakes beginners make. Forget perfecting the launch—just start publishing! They argue against spending time on intricate tools and automations, highlighting the importance of engaging with initial subscribers personally. Skipping the fancy landing pages and focusing on content over analytics can accelerate growth. Plus, they discuss why chasing virality too soon could backfire, urging creators to prioritize a strong idea and unique delivery over technical setups.
46 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
The #1 Newsletter Metric You Need To Pay More Attention To
Explore why replies should be the top metric for newsletter creators, surpassing opens and clicks. Discover how increased replies enhance deliverability and boost creator mental health. Learn tips for crafting engaging welcome emails and using emotions to inspire responses. Dive into pattern-interrupt strategies that can lead to hundreds of replies overnight. Unpack gamification techniques with riddles and polls to elevate engagement. Plus, hear about personal storytelling as a way to deepen connections and drive reader interaction.
32 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 41min
3 Steps To A Perfect Subscriber Onboarding
Discover the vital elements of effective subscriber onboarding. Learn about the three C's for high-converting landing pages: clear, credible, and compelling. Explore the importance of the Almost-There page in boosting engagement and avoiding dead-ends. Gain insights into using 'sniper links' to drive inbox opens and the critical role of well-crafted welcome emails. Understand why encouraging replies can improve deliverability and how to collect valuable audience data through surveys. Finally, uncover the benefits of a comprehensive 5-step onboarding flow.
35 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
7 Ways To Make a 'Good' Newsletter GREAT
Explore strategies to elevate a newsletter from good to great! Discover how simplifying design can enhance reader focus and engagement. Learn about effective subscription management and the importance of personalized emails. The episode dives into boosting newsletter visuals for better credibility and audience connection. Plus, hear about unique monetization angles and leveraging social media to grow your subscriber base. It's all about making the content resonate and stand out in a crowded niche!
137 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
$9M with 50k subscribers: Sam Vander Wielen's 7-figure newsletter funnel.
Sam Vander Wielen, a lawyer-turned-creator, shares her inspiring journey of generating over $9M in revenue through a well-crafted newsletter with just 50k subscribers. She emphasizes the critical role of email lists as the backbone of her business. Discover how she transformed her approach to content by prioritizing storytelling, customer engagement, and a streamlined email funnel. Sam also discusses her insights on legal protections and the importance of balancing authenticity with audience expectations. Get ready to elevate your email marketing strategies!
37 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
Recapping CEX 2025: Un-hyping AI, Community Moats, and the Future of Newsletters
Dive into the latest insights from the Content Entrepreneur Expo, where speakers unpack the evolving creator economy. Discover why slowing down and letting ideas marinate beats the rush to AI-first content. Explore the rising importance of community as a shield against content sameness, and the shift from discovery platforms to deeper relationship building. Learn how quality interactions in email and social media can outweigh mere numbers, and why a strategic blend of digital and physical content is making a comeback.
35 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h
His private newsletter with 1.5k subs earns $1M ARR
Nathan May, founder of The Feed Media, reveals how he transformed a small newsletter into a $1M ARR powerhouse within a year. He discusses the significance of niche communities in building trust and driving growth, as well as his unique revenue models before attracting sponsors. Nathan shares innovative monetization strategies, including the intriguing 'media mullet' concept, and emphasizes the importance of engaged subscribers over sheer numbers. His insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their newsletter game.
60 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.
71 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.
48 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!
