367 - Unsubscribes Aren't Your Problem…List Churn Without Regrowth Is
Sun Feb 01 2026
Episode #367 - Unsubscribes Aren't Your Problem…List Churn Without Regrowth Is
Unsubscribes can feel personal. Like every time someone leaves your list, it's proof you're doing something wrong. But here's the truth: unsubscribes aren't your problem. List churn without regrowth is.
In this episode, I'm breaking down what a healthy unsubscribe reality looks like, why unsubscribes are inevitable (and not a moral failure), and the simple replenishment system that keeps your email list renewing over time — so you can grow without spiraling.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The real reason people unsubscribe (and why it often has nothing to do with you)
What a "healthy" unsubscribe rate looks like — and when it's a real warning sign
The 1% unsubscribe threshold and how to interpret it (spikes vs patterns)
Why "low unsubscribes" can actually be worse if opens are quietly falling
The 3 common founder overreactions that hurt engagement and trust
The simple list replenishment plan that prevents a slow leak in your growth engine:
A clear reason to subscribe (beyond "get 10% off")
A consistent capture moment
A welcome experience that earns the subscription
An ongoing visibility loop that keeps new subscribers flowing in
Key takeaway: Your list isn't a bucket you fill once. It's a river. People will flow out — and the goal is to build a system that brings the right people in consistently.
Dive deeper with the accompanying blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/email-list-churn-obsessing-over-unsubscribes-isn-t-the-key
Work with Joy Joya: https://joyjoya.com
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Episode #367 - Unsubscribes Aren't Your Problem…List Churn Without Regrowth Is Unsubscribes can feel personal. Like every time someone leaves your list, it's proof you're doing something wrong. But here's the truth: unsubscribes aren't your problem. List churn without regrowth is. In this episode, I'm breaking down what a healthy unsubscribe reality looks like, why unsubscribes are inevitable (and not a moral failure), and the simple replenishment system that keeps your email list renewing over time — so you can grow without spiraling. In this episode, you'll learn: The real reason people unsubscribe (and why it often has nothing to do with you) What a "healthy" unsubscribe rate looks like — and when it's a real warning sign The 1% unsubscribe threshold and how to interpret it (spikes vs patterns) Why "low unsubscribes" can actually be worse if opens are quietly falling The 3 common founder overreactions that hurt engagement and trust The simple list replenishment plan that prevents a slow leak in your growth engine: A clear reason to subscribe (beyond "get 10% off") A consistent capture moment A welcome experience that earns the subscription An ongoing visibility loop that keeps new subscribers flowing in Key takeaway: Your list isn't a bucket you fill once. It's a river. People will flow out — and the goal is to build a system that brings the right people in consistently. Dive deeper with the accompanying blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/email-list-churn-obsessing-over-unsubscribes-isn-t-the-key Work with Joy Joya: https://joyjoya.com