I made $64,432 in June 2025.

✍️ Newsletter: $33K/mo

🎙️ Podcast: $18K/mo

💼 Sponsors: $12K/mo

🤝 Coaching: $1.4K/mo

📺 YouTube + X: $578

Today begins my build in public era.

So let's take you behind the scenes... here's what's NOT working behind the shiny numbers & how I'm improving.

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1. The Newsletter: $33K/mo

The newsletter is my tentpole, and it continues to do well. But paid subscribers are about flat month over month.

The big problem right now is churn. I need to do a better job of retaining paid subscribers so I don't have such a high bar to clear in terms of new subscribers.

The main strategies I'm pursuing to grow this are:

a. Increasing annual subs by sweetening the package

b. Dialing in my content quality and topics even further

c. Recapturing my viral X & LinkedIn growth of years past

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2. The Podcast: $18K/mo

I've done a nice job growing this to add diversification to my revenue. Specifically, I've been able to secure sponsors.

But I'm still not doing as good a job as I want to in driving loyal consistent listenership.

Three of the top things I'll do to improve this are:

a. Cutting screenshares from audio episodes

b. Restarting short form and investing in clips

c. Focusing on even more sculpted interview guides

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3. Sponsorships: $12K/mo

These continue to come to me, so I pick them up opportunistically when there is brand fit.

I haven't actively tried to grow this. I'm happy with what comes to me.

I'm focused on:

a. Growing my social media followings

b. Learning how other creators promote brands

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4. Coaching: $1.4K/mo

I have been growing this channel again, as I find that the input from coaching calls is really good for my writing.

I do want to improve in my craft and grow it further.

So what I focus on is:

a. Getting better as a coach by reading more about it

b. Offering PPP discounts for people as needed

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5. YouTube & X: $578

These two social media actually pay you, and so I want to continue to grow them both.

My big problem has been stagnant X growth.

So I'm:

a. Building in public

b. Trying to infuse more X-audience-relevant content

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I want to build in public so others can learn and follow.

I've been inspired by guys like Marc Lou, Pieter Levels, Adam Robinson, and Jay Clouse.

I'm not bragging. After California takes its 54%, and living in Los Angeles with two kids, I actually want to grow this.

I just hope the behind the scenes is helpful.

Love 💜,

Aakash

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P.S.1. Did you find this helpful?

P.S.2. Should I do it next month?