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
24 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.
82 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!
53 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.
49 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 48min
Should your newsletter have a podcast? (Our take after 6 months of episodes)
The hosts reflect on their six-month journey of podcasting, revealing successes and challenges along the way. They discuss the minimal impact on newsletter growth but emphasize the deep relationships fostered through audio engagement. Insights into audience metrics highlight effective content strategies, while lessons learned provide tips for aspiring podcasters. The importance of authentic promotion and integration with newsletters is explored, encouraging creators to start small and build trust with their audience.
60 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 39min
Creators Are Flocking to Substack—but Should You Join Them?
Creators are flocking to Substack, but is it the right choice? The discussion delves into the platform's shift from a simple newsletter tool to a robust creator ecosystem, highlighting its appealing features and potential pitfalls. With insights on financial incentives like the Creator Fund and Substack's revenue model, the hosts explore the balance between benefits and risks. They address concerns about data control, subscriber quality, and platform dependency, making it essential for creators to weigh their options carefully.
51 snips
May 28, 2025 • 42min
30 Creators. 30 Days. 3,700+ Subscribers: How She Did It
Chenell Basilio shares her whirlwind experience of launching a 30-day pop-up newsletter aimed at boosting subscriber growth. Discover how she deftly coordinated with 30 creators and handled daily challenges while fostering engagement. Learn about innovative giveaway strategies that significantly expanded her reach and the surprising effectiveness of a private podcast feed as a reward. Insights into what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned from this intense growth initiative provide valuable takeaways for aspiring newsletter creators.
