"Media Empires" | The Business of Newsletters, Podcasts, Creators, and Data Acquisition Turpentine

Tyler Denk, co-founder and CEO of Beehiiv, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss how he came to be a part of building two media empires: Morning Brew and Beehiiv, a newsletter publishing platform which just raised a $33 Million Series B. They also discuss the market potential of email newsletters, ad networks, and successful newsletter strategies across industries. Tyler delivers a masterclass in understanding email and newsletter platforms.
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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV
Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.  
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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0epyYBAxLeF0PsNagdDJAJ
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/company-breakdowns/id1743119197
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LINKS:
Beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/
Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/
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X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@denk_tweets (Tyler)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) Morning Brew & Beehiiv
(03:00) Evolution of Morning Brew's business model 
(09:49) The genesis of Beehiiv
(14:30) Sponsor shout out
(16:17) Building a newsletter empire
(21:09) Biggest inflection point
(25:32) Leveraging newsletters for growth
(28:47) Future of Beehive and email monetization
(41:36) Fundraising and navigating venture
(44:40) Success stories in the newsletter industry
(47:47) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

John Yedinak, co-founder and president of Aging Media, joins Erik Torenberg to talk about his journey from the mortgage industry to building a powerful media company focused on the senior care sector. They explore the strategies for building a profitable media company in the B2B sector, the creator economy, and how traditional trade shows are being reimagined to engage audiences more effectively.
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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV

Media Empires is brought to you by Beehiiv. Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.  
—
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
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LINKS:
Aging Media Network: http://www.agingmedia.com
Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/
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X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@jryedinak (John)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:52) John’s journey from Mortgage Industry to Media Mogul
(05:17) Strategies for Growth and Diversification
(10:04) Building Vertical Media from Scratch
(14:46) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(15:56) Team Composition and Investment in Building a Media Empire
(18:21) Evolution of Business Media
(29:37) Investment and Growth Strategies in the Creator Space
(34:41) Data Collection and Monetization
(42:24) Leveraging Creator Partnerships for Event Success
(46:56) Potential of Paid Communities in Niche Markets
(51:10) Podcasting Insights and the Future of Media
(54:52) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Craig Fuller, Founder and CEO of FreightWaves which began as a combination media company and data provider for the logistics industry, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the evolution of FreightWaves, different media models and their scalability, and shares his thoughts on what the future of AI media will look like.
—
SPONSORS: BEEHIIV

Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “EMPIRES” for 20% off your first three months.
—
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
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LINKS:
FreightWaves: https://www.freightwaves.com/
Subscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/
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X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@FreightAlley (Craig)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:15) The Evolution of Freight Waves
(03:01) Breaking Down Media Business Models and Monetization Strategies
(08:42) Complex Landscape of Media and Audience Engagement
(12:35) Sponsor: Turpentine
(13:26) Strategic Synergy Between Media and SaaS Businesses
(17:27) Underrated Potential of Media Businesses
(27:35) Opportunities and Challenges of Niche Media
(29:59) Vertical Media Opportunities Across Industries
(30:54) Dynamics of Media in the Supply Chain Industry
(32:33) Expanding Media Ventures
(33:41) Potential for Vertical Media in AI and Crypto
(35:39) Critique and Future of Tech Journalism
(37:34) Strategies and Challenges of Building a Vertical Media Business
(43:06) Importance of Breaking News and Building Credibility
(48:48) Evaluating Business Models for a New Media Venture
(58:06) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Zawwar Khan, a CPG consultant for creators (Rel Brands), joins Erik Torenberg to talk about his journey from being the youngest brand manager at Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, to advising media creators on building their own commerce brands. He also shares some strategies for creators to expand beyond their audience, the potential of creator-incubated businesses, and the future of the creator economy through innovative financing and business models.
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SPONSOR:
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "EMPIRES" for 20% off your first three months.
--
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
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LINKS:
Zawwar Khan: https://www.hellorel.com/
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X/ TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@zawwarkhan_ (Zawwar)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:49) Zawwar’s journey from Brand Manager to CPG Consultant
(05:51) Evolution of Media and Commerce
(09:13) Strategies for Success
(16:56) Sponsor: Turpentine
(17:44) Rise of B2B Influencers and Creator Opportunities
(26:32) Potential of Creator-Led Ventures
(28:56) Building Brands as a Creator
(34:32) Venture Capital Perspectives on the Creator Economy
(40:09) The Future of Investing: Venture Studios for Creators
(49:25) Wrap

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Danny Crichton, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Head of Editorial at Lux Capital, and former Managing Editor at TechCrunch, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the evolution of TechCrunch+, alternative business models, strategic investments in media, and tips for building a tech media company.
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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LINKS:

Danny Crichton: https://www.dannycrichton.com/


Lux Capital: https://www.luxcapital.com/securities


TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/


TechCrunch+: https://techcrunch.com/techcrunchplus/




X/ TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@DannyCrichton (Danny)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:28) Evolution of TechCrunch+
(01:27) Building a new product, ExtraCrunch
(04:50) Challenges of subscription media
(06:26) Identifying the core audience
(08:57) Exploring alternative business models in media
(15:26) Sponsor: Turpentine
(16:07) History of TechCrunch
(22:00) What worked and what didn't for TechCrunch
(29:20) Building a significant tech media company
(30:12) Strategies for success
(31:03) The need of focus formula
(35:32) Challenges of monetizing journalism
(37:50) Rethinking media products
(51:21) Potential of vertical media
(56:30) Wrap

—
SPONSOR:
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "EMPIRES" for 20% off your first three months.
—
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple

Dave Nemetz, Founder of Bleacher Report and Inverse, joins Erik Torenberg to share his insights on media business models and the future of the creator economy. They also cover the growth of sports, web3, and B2B media. This conversation was recorded in early 2023
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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LINKS:
Dave Nemetz: https://davenemetz.com/
The Inverted Curiousity Pyramid: https://davenemetz.com/inverted-curiosity-pyramid/
Bleacher Report: https://bleacherreport.com/

Inverse: https://www.inverse.com/
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X / TWITTER:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@davenemetz (Dave)
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:13) Insights behind Starting Bleacher Report
(03:21) Pros and Cons of Subscriptions and Ads
(06:12) Funding and Business Models in Media
(14:22) Sponsor: Turpentine
(15:10) Rise of B2B Media and Future Opportunities
(23:03) Strategies for Media Companies
(30:17) Innovative Approaches to Supporting Creators
(48:02) Wrap

—
SPONSOR:
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "EMPIRES" for 20% off your first three months.
—
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple