
Growth In Reverse (Newsletter Growth & Email Marketing)
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.
Latest episodes

75 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!

140 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.

30 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!

67 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.

31 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!

64 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 53min
Building a $2M Newsletter While Getting Lazier with Katelyn Bourgoin
Katelyn Bourgoin, an entrepreneur and creator of the Why We Buy newsletter, shares her journey from launching her newsletter to approaching $1M in revenue. She reveals how focusing on what works and strategic audience segmentation fueled her subscriber growth. Katelyn discusses the innovative ‘Friyay’ interactive newsletter and elaborates on using AI tools to enhance engagement. She also touches on balancing sponsorship with quality content, offering insights into her marketing strategies that drive sustained success.

48 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 32min
The 7-Figure Newsletter Teaching People “Why We Buy”
Explore the journey of building a successful newsletter that dives deep into buyer psychology. Discover innovative tactics for audience growth, including social media strategies and partnerships. Learn how hyper-shareable content and strong branding can skyrocket follower counts. Uncover strategies for enhancing brand visibility through collaboration and community engagement. Plus, find out the secrets behind monetizing a newsletter effectively through digital products and sponsorships!

57 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 38min
Beyond Sponsorships: The Most Unique Newsletter Revenue Streams
Discover creative revenue streams for newsletters beyond traditional sponsorships. The hosts delve into surprising insights from 66 case studies, revealing the top three and lesser-known options like paid guest posts. Learn how online courses can enhance creator income and explore software tools that serve as powerful lead magnets. They also discuss flipping newsletters for profit and a brilliant paid newsletter model that raked in $50K from a mere 471 subscribers, showcasing the endless possibilities in content monetization.

41 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 47min
How To Revive a Stalled Newsletter — with Ben Collins
Ben Collins, creator of the Google Sheets Tips newsletter with over 55,000 subscribers, discusses the challenges of reviving a stagnant newsletter. He shares insights on overcoming burnout and the importance of evolving business models. Key strategies are explored, including the potential of ChatGPT tools, engaging YouTube content, and tapping into LinkedIn for audience connection. The power of collaboration, a well-crafted referral program, and turning subscribers into community members are also highlighted as essential steps to reignite growth.