Lenny Rachitsky · 2 min read · Growth
How I built a 1M+ subscriber newsletter and top 10 tech podcast | Lenny Rachitsky
Read the original on lennysnewsletter.com →
In this episode, Lenny Rachitsky chats with Michelle Rial about the journey to building a 1M+ subscriber newsletter and a top tech podcast, revealing what sparked the start, how he thinks about quality and iteration, and the toughest moments along the way. They discuss the paywall decision, the weekly publishing grind, and how he keeps the business lean while navigating stress and big milestones.
Key Takeaways
- Launches are often sparked by a specific set of moments or questions that push you to share publicly.
- Introducing a paywall can validate sustainability and signal a viable business model.
- Shipping a weekly newsletter post and podcast episode creates a demanding 'hidden treadmill' that requires disciplined processes.
- Maintaining growth while keeping the business small involves deliberate focus on stress management and consistency.
- The episode includes candid reflections on the scariest moments in business and life, offering resilience-inspired lessons.
Excerpt
People have been asking me to sit on the other side of the mic for a long time. With my wife’s debut children’s book, Charts for Babies , coming out next month, we figured: why not do it together? What followed was one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on this podcast. Michelle asked things no one else would think to ask—and many things I’ve never shared publicly. You’ll hear about the specific moments that pushed me to start the newsletter, how I think about quality and iteration, what most stresses me out, and the scariest moment of my…