The Boost with Greg Rollett

Grommet & Affiliate Summit

The Boost is a new series designed to give publishers and media professionals the vital boost they need to elevate their business through content and commerce.  Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning producer Greg Rollett, The Boost features interviews with top industry leaders—editors, publishers, directors of commerce, and Chief Revenue Officers—sharing how they propel and expand their businesses through innovative strategies in content, community, and commerce.The podcast is brought to you by Grommet, Affiliate Summit and GiddyUp. 

  1. The Anti-DTC Playbook: Why WrapIt Storage Started With Retail (Not Shopify)

    MAY 8

    The Anti-DTC Playbook: Why WrapIt Storage Started With Retail (Not Shopify)

    Most brands today launch with a Shopify store and figure out distribution later. Andrew Broshat and his family took the opposite approach — and built a real, growing business because of it. Andrew joins Greg Rollett live from the Affiliate Summit West showroom floor to talk about how WrapIt Storage (an OG Grommet brand) got its start, why going retail-first made all the sense in the world, and what it actually takes to manage multiple sales channels when you're running a small team with big ambitions. In this episode: How Andrew's dad Jim went from 17 years at Target corporate to launching a storage strap company at the National Hardware Show Why retail was the natural first channel — and what brands with DTC-only instincts are missing The new adhesive hook line competing directly with Command, and how WrapIt is differentiating through design What happens when you try to launch a new product AND manage existing ones with a lean team The "life or death, 48 hours, move 1,000 units" question — and why Andrew's answer had nothing to do with Amazon or retail How WrapIt is using Affiliate Summit to build publisher relationships as a new distribution channel What AI is (and isn't) doing for their business right now Whether you're a brand trying to figure out your channel mix, a publisher looking for unique product partners, or just curious how family businesses actually grow, this one's for you. The Boost is presented by Grommet and Affiliate Summit. Get your tickets to Affiliate Summit here: https://www.affiliatesummit.com Use code BOOST15 to save 15%! Discover 1,000s of new and unique products on Grommet here: https://thegrommet.com Plus, you'll get 20% off all of them when you give them an Upvote.

    17 min
  2. How to Get Readers Begging for Your Newsletter (The Flyover's Playbook)

    APR 17

    How to Get Readers Begging for Your Newsletter (The Flyover's Playbook)

    Season 4 of The Boost continues with Collin Short, President of the Flyover, a daily email news publication delivering to 4 million people across the United States. The Boost is presented by Grommet and Affiliate Summit. In this episode, host Greg Rollett and Collin break down how the Flyover built an obsessive audience in a world of collapsing trust in mainstream media. They discuss why people actually beg for the newsletter (literally emailing the team when it's 20 minutes late), how they've stayed counter-cultural by building loyalty to the brand instead of celebrity hosts, and the philosophy behind their monetization model.  Collin reveals the "flywheel" that powers everything at the Flyover—how content, monetization, and growth have to work together perfectly, and why cutting corners on any one piece breaks the entire system. They also dig into why unbiased, fact-based news fills a massive gap in America, how the Flyover partners only with products they personally test and stand behind (even reimbursing readers when something goes wrong), and how they're expanding beyond email into podcasts, YouTube, and texting to reach more people without diluting the core product. In this episode you'll discover: Why readers literally email asking where their newsletter is (and what that means for trust)How to build a newsletter people actually want vs. one they tolerateThe content-monetization-growth flywheel that powers sustainable mediaWhy being counter-cultural (no celebrity hosts) is actually a competitive advantageHow to monetize without breaking trust with your audienceWhy unbiased, simple news beats sensationalism and algorithmsThe strategy behind only partnering with products you genuinely believe inHow to expand (podcasts, YouTube, texting) without losing what makes you specialWhy 4 million high-quality subscribers beats 10 million low-engagement onesIf you're running a newsletter, building an audience, monetizing content, or trying to figure out how to grow without selling out, this episode is essential. The Boost is presented by Grommet and Affiliate Summit. Get your tickets to Affiliate Summit East here: https://www.affiliatesummit.com/east  And use code BOOST15 to save 15%! Discover 1000's of new and unique products on Grommet here: https://thegrommet.com Plus, you'll get 20% off all of them when you give them an Upvote. Learn more about the Flyover: https://jointheflyover.com

    14 min
  3. The Washington Post's Playbook for Building Trust (Without AI)

    APR 3

    The Washington Post's Playbook for Building Trust (Without AI)

    Season 4 of The Boost kicks off with Dennis Quinn, Head of Creative Strategy at WP Creative Group at The Washington Post. The Boost is presented by Grommet and Affiliate Summit.  Get your tickets to Affiliate Summit East here: https://www.affiliatesummit.com/east And use code BOOST15 to save 15%! In this episode, host Greg Rollett and Dennis break down how publishers and brands can build trust in a world flooded with generic AI content. They talk about why first-person storytelling is winning, why creator-led content works when it is rooted in real expertise, and how The Washington Post is helping brands create content that feels useful instead of promotional. Dennis also shares the thinking behind Postworthy, WP Creative Group’s creator-led video framework, why newsletters and owned platforms still matter, how events and experiences can drive real creative and business value, and why brands need to stop trying to convert on every single piece of content. They also dig into the rise of vodcasts, the power of surrounding a brand story with clips, transcripts, and social content, and what trust actually looks like when content is built for real people instead of algorithms. In this episode: •Why trust is still the foundation of great publishing and marketing •Why generic brand messaging is losing •How first-person storytelling is outperforming bland advice •What makes creator-led content actually credible •Why newsletters, owned channels, and experiences still matter •How vodcasts can become the center of a full content ecosystem •What brands should do differently if they want real thought leadership If you care about content, credibility, audience trust, and where media is headed next, this is a strong way to kick off the season. Discover 1000's of new and unique products on Grommet here: https://thegrommet.com Plus, you'll get 20% off all of them when you give them an Upvote.

    22 min
  4. The New York Post Is Winning In Search, Social & AI In Spite Of The Algorithm Apocalypse

    12/05/2025

    The New York Post Is Winning In Search, Social & AI In Spite Of The Algorithm Apocalypse

    Join us at Affiliate Summit East in New York City and save 15% on your ticket by using the code BOOST15 at https://affiliatesummit.com The New York Post is one of the few major publishers growing in the middle of an algorithm meltdown, AI-driven search changes, declining social clicks, and the most unpredictable traffic landscape the industry has ever seen. In this episode of The Boost, host Greg Rollett from Grommet sits down with Jackie Goldstein, VP of Commerce at the New York Post, to uncover how their team is winning across search, social, and AI—and why the Post remains one of the most resilient media brands in the world. From building a powerhouse commerce operation inside a 200-year-old newsroom to creating headlines that “kick you in the eyeballs” while still driving performance for partners, Jackie breaks down the exact strategies her team is using to stay ahead. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: • How the NY Post is thriving in search despite algorithm volatility and AI disruption • Why leaning into AI (not fighting it) is giving them a competitive edge • The secret behind their punchy, unapologetic headline style—and how it still works for commerce • Commerce inside a legacy newsroom: CPC, CPA, and flat-fee models that power massive revenue • How social listening + rapid content creation turn cultural moments into shoppable wins • The Post’s 2024–2025 playbook for gift guides, distribution, and Q4 domination • How they balance editorial integrity with partner needs in performance-driven content • The systems and cross-team collaboration that eliminate silos between sales, editorial, and partnerships Whether you’re a publisher navigating AI, a brand looking to understand modern commerce strategies, or a marketer trying to survive the “algorithm apocalypse,” this episode is your blueprint for thriving in a shifting landscape. 🎁 The Boost Is Presented by Grommet Grommet is the leading product discovery marketplace, connecting thousands of new and unique products with millions of shoppers. ✨ Explore what’s trending → https://thegrommet.com 💸 Want to promote these products and earn 20% commission on every sale? Email greg@thegrommet.com to join our exclusive publisher program.

    25 min
  5. Why Publishers & Affiliates Are Losing Traffic (And What Forbes Is Doing About It)

    10/03/2025

    Why Publishers & Affiliates Are Losing Traffic (And What Forbes Is Doing About It)

    🎯 Affiliate Summit West is happening January 12-14 in Las Vegas! Network with top publishers, affiliates, and media buyers. Use code "BOOST15" for 15% off tickets: https://www.affiliatesummit.com/west Publishers and affiliates are facing their biggest traffic crisis in years. Organic search is disappearing, AI overviews are stealing clicks, and Reddit is dominating the SERPs. But some media companies are thriving despite these changes. In this episode of The Boost, host Greg Rollett sits down with Emily Jackson, SVP of Commerce at Forbes, to uncover how one of the world's most successful media brands is navigating the traffic apocalypse. Emily shares the hard data on declining search traffic and reveals the specific strategies Forbes is using to build sustainable revenue streams that don't depend on Google. This conversation reveals the playbook that's working right now for publishers who want to survive and thrive in the new media landscape. 🧠 What You'll Learn: The real numbers: How much organic search traffic publishers are actually losing and why it matters Price drop notifications: A simple email capture strategy that turns browsers into buyers The 40% rule: Why Gen Z's video shopping habits are reshaping commerce content strategy Revenue diversification: How to reduce Google dependence without losing affiliate commissions Content evolution: Moving beyond listicles to build audience loyalty and repeat traffic Video commerce: Making YouTube and social content actually profitable for publishers Whether you're a publisher, affiliate marketer, or media professional—this episode shows you how to build traffic and revenue streams that algorithms can't touch. 🎁 The Boost Is Presented by Grommet. Grommet is the leading product discovery marketplace, connecting thousands of new and unique products with millions of shoppers.  ✨ Explore what's trending → https://thegrommet.com.  💸 Want to promote these products and earn 20% commission on every sale? Email greg@thegrommet.com to join our exclusive publisher program.

    24 min
  6. How to Coordinate PR & Affiliate Launches That Drive Real Sales with Jenna Lee Scott

    09/19/2025

    How to Coordinate PR & Affiliate Launches That Drive Real Sales with Jenna Lee Scott

    🎯 Affiliate Summit East is happening January 12-14 in Las Vegas! Use code "BOOST15" for 15% off your ticket and join the biggest affiliate marketing event in the world. Network with top publishers, affiliates, and media buyers at https://www.affiliatesummit.com/east Ready to transform your product launches from simple press releases into revenue-generating machines? This episode reveals exactly how to coordinate PR and affiliate marketing for maximum impact. In this episode of The Boost, host Greg Rollett sits down with Jenna Lee Scott, founder of JLS PR (soon to be Great Scott), to break down her proven strategy for combining traditional earned media with performance-driven affiliate marketing. Jenna shares real case studies from brands like Chill House and Clear Stem, showing exactly how coordinated PR-affiliate campaigns can drive both editorial coverage and measurable sales. You'll discover why the most successful product launches require a synchronized approach between PR teams and affiliate managers, and how to set up the technical infrastructure needed to track and optimize your results across multiple publisher partnerships. 🧠 What You'll Learn: • The 6-week launch timeline that gets editors excited and affiliates ready to convert  • How to host product seeding events that build relationships with key media contacts while setting up affiliate partnerships  • The technical setup brands need before launching (skim links, Impact, commission structures, and attribution)  • Why editorial coverage drives the strongest initial sales compared to other affiliate partners  • How to leverage PR coverage for licensing badges, social proof, and ongoing marketing assets  • The biggest mistakes brands make when entering affiliate marketing and how to avoid them  • Emerging trends in AI and search that are reshaping how publishers discover and promote products Whether you're a publisher, brand, commerce director, or affiliate manager—this episode is your masterclass in building revenue-driving media relationships that benefit both sides of the partnership. 🎁 The Boost Is Presented by Grommet. Grommet is the leading product discovery marketplace, connecting thousands of new and unique products with millions of shoppers.  ✨ Explore what's trending → https://thegrommet.com.  💸 Want to promote these products and earn 20% commission on every sale? Email greg@thegrommet.com to join our exclusive publisher program.

    26 min
  7. The Data-Driven Review Formula That Outperforms AI-Generated Content with Amro Naddy

    09/05/2025

    The Data-Driven Review Formula That Outperforms AI-Generated Content with Amro Naddy

    🚀 Affiliate Summit West is coming January 12-14 to Las Vegas! Join the biggest names in affiliate marketing at Caesars Forum and network with top publishers, traffic buyers, and affiliates.  Use code BOOST15 for 15% off your ticket → https://www.affiliatesummit.com/west While everyone's worried about AI replacing content creators, some publishers are using data-driven methodologies to create review content that AI simply can't match. US News & World Report has cracked the code and their formula is beating both AI-generated reviews and pay-to-play competitors. In this episode of The Boost, host Greg Rollett sits down with Amro Naddy, VP & General Manager of 360 Reviews at US News & World Report, to reveal the exact data-driven formula that's helping them dominate competitive review categories.  From leveraging third-party data and consumer surveys to building methodological transparency that Google's algorithms love, Amro breaks down why their approach consistently outperforms AI-generated content—and how other publishers can adopt similar strategies. This isn't just theory. US News has scaled this formula across 60+ categories, from $2,000 mattress reviews to auto insurance, proving that rigorous methodology beats artificial intelligence when it comes to building trust and driving conversions. 🧠 In this episode you'll discover: • The third-party data sources and consumer survey strategies that create AI-proof content differentiation  • How to build methodology-first review processes that satisfy both Google's E-A-T requirements and user trust  • The 4-persona conversion framework (rational/emotional + fast/slow) for optimizing review pages that actually convert  • Category expansion strategies for scaling data-driven reviews from 1 to 60+ verticals while maintaining quality  • Why "showing your work" with transparent methodologies creates competitive advantages AI can't replicate  • Expert reviewer sourcing and vetting processes that build real authority in any vertical Whether you're a publisher, commerce director, or content creator looking to future-proof your review content against AI disruption, this episode shows you exactly how data-driven methodologies create sustainable competitive advantages that drive real revenue. 🎁 The Boost Is Presented by Grommet.  Grommet is the leading product discovery marketplace, connecting thousands of new and unique products with millions of shoppers.  ✨ Explore what's trending → https://thegrommet.com.  💸 Want to promote these products and earn 20% commission on every sale? Email greg@thegrommet.com to join our exclusive publisher program.

    23 min

About

The Boost is a new series designed to give publishers and media professionals the vital boost they need to elevate their business through content and commerce.  Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning producer Greg Rollett, The Boost features interviews with top industry leaders—editors, publishers, directors of commerce, and Chief Revenue Officers—sharing how they propel and expand their businesses through innovative strategies in content, community, and commerce.The podcast is brought to you by Grommet, Affiliate Summit and GiddyUp.