How to Start an Email Newsletter for Your Podcast (Without Burning Out)
Email isn’t the first thing most podcasters get excited about. It sounds like dial-up internet, chain letters, and Meg Ryan in a 1990s rom-com. But that’s what makes it kind of perfect.
While platforms shift around you — one week TikTok’s downranking content, the next YouTube Shorts are surging — your email list just... keeps working. It doesn’t spike. It doesn’t tank. It shows up.
That’s why people like Lenny Rachitsky, the creator behind Lenny’s Podcast, call email the most powerful owned channel out there. "You don’t need an audience of millions to make an impact," he said. "With a few thousand subscribers, you can build real traction."
And that’s the real appeal. Newsletters aren’t about going viral. They’re about depth. One good email can build more trust than 10 social posts. It’s a space where you can slow down, write directly to someone, and actually be heard.
So let’s break it down — from different formats to real examples, smart ways to promote, and how to get started. This guide is here to make launching a newsletter for your podcast feel a lot less intimidating.
Different Types of Newsletters for Podcasters
There’s no one right way to write an email newsletter — especially for podcasters. The good news? You already have the content. It’s just about reshaping it for email.
Here are a few common formats that work well:
Episode Recaps – Share a summary, quote, or favorite moment from your latest episode.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes – Let your audience in on what didn’t make the final cut.
Guest Spotlights – Highlight your guest and what made the conversation memorable.
Curated Resources – Share links, books, or tools you mentioned in the episode.
Clips + Commentary – Drop a link to a short moment from the show and a sentence on why it matters.
These can stand alone or be mixed together. The key is to stay consistent with your format so your readers know what to expect.
Newsletter Formats That Don’t Feel Like Homework
Once you’ve picked a type of newsletter, the next step is making it sustainable. This is where most podcasters hesitate — they’re worried it’ll become yet another task on their plate. But it doesn’t have to.
Instead of thinking like a blogger, think like a host. Use the voice you already have, and keep the format light:
Start with the same structure each time (like an intro + episode link + quote).
Keep it short — a few sentences or a short paragraph is more than enough.
Let it feel like a quick note, not a polished essay.
You’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re just showing up. And the more you do, the easier it gets.
CTAs That Actually Convert
If your format is solid and your writing feels natural, the next step is guiding your reader. A good newsletter gently encourages people to take action — whether that’s listening to your latest episode or forwarding the email to a friend.
Some call-to-actions that tend to work well:
"Missed this week’s episode? Catch it here."
"Know someone who’d love this conversation? Forward it their way."
"Want more like this? Subscribe for future episodes and insights."
A clear CTA doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to invite.
Podcasts That Are Doing Newsletters Right
If you’re still unsure what your newsletter could look like, it helps to see what other shows are doing. Some podcasters keep things tight and functional. Others go long and personal. There’s no single model that works — but there are patterns worth noticing.
Huberman Lab keeps it clean and informative, with summaries, visuals, and easy links.
Lenny’s Podcast uses his newsletter as an extension of the show, previewing guests and offering episode insights.
The Tim Ferriss Show shares curated highlights and tools that guests recommend.
SmartLess leans into personality and behind-the-scenes tidbits that don’t always make the episode.
The common thread? They all give their audience something valuable beyond what’s already in the feed.
How to Promote Your Newsletter Without Being Annoying
Once your newsletter is live, the final step is getting it into the hands of the people who care. This isn’t about blasting it everywhere — it’s about finding small, consistent ways to let people know it exists.
Here are a few easy ways to do that:
Mention it mid-episode: “By the way, I write a newsletter that recaps each episode and includes a few extras. Link’s in the notes.”
Include it in every show notes page and YouTube description.
Share the newsletter on LinkedIn or X when a new episode goes live.
Highlight guest quotes or behind-the-scenes moments in social posts to create curiosity.
If your newsletter adds real value, promoting it doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
So, How Do You Start?
Pick a platform. ConvertKit, Beehiiv, Substack — they all make it easy to get set up in under an hour. Go with the one that feels most intuitive.
Choose a cadence. Weekly works great, but biweekly can be just as effective if that’s more sustainable. What matters most is showing up regularly.
And finally — write. One paragraph is enough. You’re not writing a novel. You’re just staying connected. Over time, your voice and rhythm will take shape.
Why This Matters Long-Term
The beauty of an email newsletter is that it grows with you. You don’t have to get it perfect from day one. You just have to start.
And once it’s going, it becomes more than a distribution tool — it becomes a way to reflect on your work, understand your audience better, and build something that lasts far beyond any algorithm.
For a podcast, that’s not just a side project. That’s an edge.
