New Media
New Media is a podcast for founders and creators building independent media businesses. We explore how to grow and monetize audiences without depending on algorithms, advertising, and platforms you don't control. Each episode shares practical insights on building profitable media and education businesses.
A GrowLetter podcast, hosted by Matt McGarry and Kolby Hatch.
New Media
New Media in 2026: What Actually Works
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Welcome to the first episode of the New Media Podcast with Matt McGarry and Kolby Hatch. In this episode, we break down the business of media—from newsletters and YouTube to events and monetization strategies. We also dive into lessons from New Media Summit, building profitable media companies, and what’s actually working right now. If you’re building in the creator economy, this is the behind-the-scenes conversation you don’t usually hear.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to New Media Podcast
02:19 Inside the New Media Summit
04:08 How Event Businesses Actually Make Money
06:32 Sponsorships & Revenue Streams Explained
08:23 Why Audience Engagement Matters More Than Ever
10:47 The Truth About Growing a Podcast
13:15 Why Most Content Fails (And What Works Instead)
16:01 Where New Media Is Heading
27:25 How Storytelling Shapes Media Success
28:10 Lessons From Past Media Trends
31:44 Gated Content: Smart Strategy or Bad UX?
39:07 Email Growth Hacks & Automation Strategies
44:59 Sponsorships Are Changing—Here’s How
52:42 Is Email Marketing Still Worth It?
55:31 Why Organic Subscribers Are 10x More Valuable
57:40 The Real Business Models Behind Newsletters
58:29 Are Newsletters Dead or Evolving?
01:02:45 Why Conferences Are a Massive Opportunity
01:04:11 IRL > URL: The Power of In-Person Networking
01:06:54 Why Big Events Are Declining
01:12:11 Building Community Through Local Events
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