Most brands only use email and SMS to send billing notices or shipping confirmations to subscribers. That’s a huge missed opportunity. In this episode, I share how to: Use campaigns to deepen subscriber loyalty and reduce churn Turn transactional emails into sales and brand-building tools Leverage SMS for subscription management and higher LTV When you treat email and SMS as strategic retention channels, you can increase revenue, strengthen relationships, and keep customers subscribed longer. 📩...
Aug 12, 2025•20 min
In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I sit down with Jenny Frink, founder of Love Me Gluten-Free, to talk about how she transformed her personal health journey into a thriving subscription box business. Jenny shares how she built a community of gluten-free eaters through her blog, Good For You Gluten-Free, and how a frustrating affiliate partnership became the catalyst for launching her own product discovery box. We discuss the challenges of sourcing products, scaling fulfillment, and w...
Aug 05, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Subscription Prescription, we dive into the tactics that actually move the needle on subscription retention. I’m joined by Thomas Lalas, a DTC retention expert who’s worked with brands like Everyday Dose, Obvi, and Livingood Daily. We break down: Why most brands lose customers in the first week (and how to stop it) How to turn your billing reminders into a retention engine The data-backed importance of early engagement and product education Whether you’re running a CPG subscri...
Jul 29, 2025•33 min
Most subscription brands don’t fail because of bad luck — they fail because of three common, fixable mistakes. In this episode, I break down the core reasons subscription businesses hit a wall or collapse altogether. We’ll talk about: ✔ Why product-market fit still isn’t enough ✔ How your offer and creative are dragging down conversions ✔ What most founders get wrong about cash flow and LTV Whether you’re just starting out or scaling past 10,000 subscribers, these are the foundations you need to...
Jul 22, 2025•17 min
In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I sit down live at SubSummit with Lina Tonk, CMO of Recurly, to unpack what’s changing in the subscription economy and why retention is taking center stage. We explore how top brands are shifting their focus from acquisition to delivering real value that keeps subscribers around. We talk about the evolution of cancellation strategies (spoiler: it’s not the end of the road), what personalization actually means today, and how AI and better data are res...
Jul 15, 2025•19 min
Most brands overlook frequency. That’s a huge mistake. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I’m breaking down the unsexy—but massively important—topic of subscription frequency. We cover how to align deliveries with consumption, how to handle products with variable usage (like protein or pet food), and why sometimes a subscription isn’t even the best model at all. You’ll learn: How to choose the right frequency based on product type When to let customers control their cadence Why flexib...
Jul 08, 2025•18 min
Most brands treat subscriptions like a checkout option. The ones that win treat it like a lifestyle. In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Gawley—fractional CMO, venture studio founder, and DTC veteran—to talk about the strategy behind building truly sticky subscriptions. We break down why most churn is caused by bad acquisition, how trial-size offers unlock long-term customers, and why retention really comes down to belonging. If you're building a subscription brand, this is the mindset shif...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min
I hit the floor at SubSummit to ask the smartest operators in the subscription space one question: What tactic is underleveraged—or completely overlooked—by brands today? In this episode, you’ll hear rapid-fire answers from founders, retention pros, and tech leaders who are deep in the day-to-day of subscription. We cover everything from: Fixing failed payments and churn spikes Boosting retention with loyalty and billing reminders The right (and wrong) way to use SMS Why your onboarding probably...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min
Subscriber retention has a soft side… and a sharp edge. In this episode, I talk with Lydia Farmer from DIME Beauty about how they’ve built a retention machine that balances emotional loyalty with operational precision. We cover: – The retention levers DIME actually uses (and skips) – Why retention isn’t just CX—it’s brand, ops, marketing, and more – How DIME turns one-time beauty buyers into long-term subscribers – Lessons learned scaling fast—and sustainably Whether you’re a beauty brand or any...
Jun 17, 2025•25 min
In this episode of Subscription Prescription, we're breaking down the tech stack we actually recommend for DTC subscription brands—no fluff, no affiliate links. From Shopify vs. WooCommerce to subscription platforms like Recharge, Skio, Stay, and Loop, we're sharing what tools we use with clients, what features actually matter, and how to avoid the most common mistakes brands make when choosing tech. Whether you’re re-evaluating your stack or building one from scratch, this episode will help you...
Jun 10, 2025•19 min
Joe Siegel has done retention for some of the biggest names in CPG—including MrBeast’s Feastables—and this week, he’s on the pod. We brought him on to talk about what’s changing in retention, what still works, and what most brands get totally wrong. Joe’s not just a pro—he’s building tools, advising brands, and helping shape the future of how subscription and ecom teams keep customers around. You’ll want to take notes. Learn more at https://www.thesubscriptiondoc.com...
Jun 03, 2025•31 min
Understanding the financial metrics behind your subscription business is crucial for sustainable growth. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, we delve into the core numbers that drive profitability: Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Customer Lifetime Value (LTV). We'll explore: How to accurately calculate CAC and LTV The significance of the LTV:CAC ratio and what it reveals about your business health Common pitfalls in interpreting these metrics Strategies to optimize your customer ac...
May 27, 2025•20 min
Popups are a staple in e-commerce, but are they truly effective? In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I sit down with Shaan Arora, founder of Alia, to discuss how his innovative approach is redefining the traditional popup. Discover how Alia's focus on customer education and zero-party data is helping brands like Nike Strength, Hostage Tape, and Obvi achieve higher engagement and conversion rates. We delve into: The origin story of Alia and its mission to enhance customer engagement. Th...
May 20, 2025•21 min
The best subscription programs don’t feel like add-ons—they’re part of the product itself. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I break down how brands like XEndurance, Battlbox, and Everyday Dose have baked subscription directly into their product experience. From positioning to product strategy, they’ve made recurring revenue feel natural—while boosting retention and long-term LTV. If you’ve ever struggled to make subscription feel like more than just a “reorder button,” this one’s fo...
May 13, 2025•15 min
Chris George is the CEO and co-founder of SubSummit, the biggest conference in the world for subscription-focused brands. Join us in Dallas from May 28th - 30th! If you're looking for a free way to attend, you can use the hosted buyer program. Grab that ticket or any other here: https://subsummit25-registration.personatech.com/
May 08, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I sit down with George Kapernaros—an email marketing specialist with deep experience in the health & wellness space. We talk about what’s working in email today, where most brands go wrong, and how to turn email into a true profit center for your subscription business. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your email performance to the next level, George brings sharp, no-fluff insight on strategy, creative, and results. This one’...
May 06, 2025•29 min
This week's dose is all about stopping churn. The three most impactful and effective tactics come down to how people buy your product, their first experience with your product, and making sure they have the right purchase frequency for their needs. If you're trying to start a new product subscription or wondering how to improve what you're already doing, then this dose is the one for you! 📩 Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly insights and strategy: https://newsletter.thesubscriptiondoc.com...
Apr 29, 2025•20 min
At ChargeX this year, our host Matthew Holman was lucky to team up with three other incredible subscription experts to talk tactics, trends, and what's overrated in subscriptions. Be sure to hear each experts' top tip that's working on subscriptions right now: Andriy Rudnik from Good Subscription Agency - defaulting to the subscription option Bryan Starck from 100 Celsius - lowering the recurring discount you offer subscribers Jordan Narducci from DTCPG Consulting - honing your offer Matt Holman...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min
In this special episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Subscription Prescription. Who I am, how this all started, and why I believe subscription businesses deserve better strategy, better data, and better execution. I’ll share the journey—from working in shipping, to QPilot, and the early consulting days to building a platform, community, and voice for subscription operators who actually care about growing the right way. If you’ve ever wondered what drives Subscription Prescription or who’s be...
Apr 15, 2025•11 min
Most brands follow the same playbook—but Drink Wholesome isn’t most brands. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I’m joined by Jack and Tessa Schrupp, the sibling founders behind Drink Wholesome, to talk about what it takes to grow a subscription brand when your product doesn’t fit the traditional mold. From unconventional marketing tactics to prioritizing product simplicity and customer trust, they’ve taken a different path—and it’s working. We talk about: How they position a clean-lab...
Apr 08, 2025•26 min
Bundles sound simple—until you try to scale them in a subscription business. From fulfillment challenges to poor customer experience, bundles can quietly kill retention if handled incorrectly. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I’m breaking down why bundles are more complicated than they seem—and the proper methods you can use to simplify them. Whether you’re trying to increase AOV, improve flexibility, or reduce churn, this episode will help you rethink how you structure and deliver ...
Apr 01, 2025•14 min
Brand loyalty isn’t built on aesthetics—it’s built on meaning. If your brand lacks purpose, your customers will feel it. In this dose of Subscription Prescription, I sat down with Wes Buckwalter, CEO and Founder of SeaMonster Studios, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that connects. Wes has spent years helping brands move from transactional to transformational, and in this dose, he shares how purpose, design, and strategy come together to create lasting brands. Whether you’re a...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min
The way you acquire subscribers in 2025 will make or break your business. It’s not just about getting sign-ups—it’s about getting the right subscribers who actually stick around. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I’m breaking down why HOW you acquire customers is the most important lever in your business right now. From smarter targeting to better onboarding, the brands that master acquisition strategy will dominate—while those chasing quick wins will struggle with churn. If you’re s...
Mar 18, 2025•19 min
Clear, effective communication is the backbone of a strong subscription business. Whether it's onboarding emails, retention messaging, or customer engagement, how you communicate determines whether subscribers stick around—or leave. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I sit down with Riley Trepanier, a communications specialist who has helped eCommerce and subscription brands refine their messaging for better retention and engagement. 📌 What you'll learn: - The biggest mistakes subscr...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min
Want to keep more subscribers around longer? The best membership and subscription programs aren’t just selling a product—they’re creating long-term value. In this episode of Subscription Prescription, I’m breaking down what the most successful subscription brands get right—and where some of them go wrong. 📌 You’ll learn: The key strategies top membership programs use to increase retention and loyalty Common mistakes that lead to churn—and how to avoid them Three actionable takeaways to make you...
Mar 04, 2025•19 min
Men’s skincare is long overdue for a shake-up, and Pretty Boy is leading the charge. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Feys and Kevin Niehoff, the founders of Yo Pretty Boy, to talk about how they built a brand that’s simplifying skincare for men. 📌 We cover: The gap in the market that inspired Pretty Boy How they launched and scaled their business The power of a simple but effective product offering Their biggest lessons in subscription growth and retention Whether you’re in the skincare sp...
Feb 25, 2025•58 min
Should you remind subscribers about their upcoming billing cycle—or let it go unnoticed? It’s a hot debate in the subscription world, and in this episode, we’re breaking down both sides of the argument. Some brands fear that sending a billing reminder will increase churn, while others see it as a trust-building move that leads to better long-term retention. So what’s the right call? 📌 In this episode, we’ll cover: How refunds and chargebacks hurt your overall processing health Hiding upcoming b...
Feb 18, 2025•15 min
In this solo episode, I address the top three questions I received on social media this week: What separates a $1M, $10M, and $100M subscription brand? How can a single-SKU subscription improve their offer and increase conversions? What are the most effective cancellation reasons and treatments to reduce churn? Gain valuable insights into optimizing your subscription business by tailoring offers for flagship products, understanding customer cancellation behaviors, and implementing strategies to ...
Feb 11, 2025•15 min
What happens when a passionate teacher turns a need for childhood learning into a thriving subscription business? Kelsey Cook, founder of Learning with Kelsey, shares her journey from the classroom to building a fast-growing e-commerce brand. In this episode, we cover: 📌 How Kelsey transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship 📌 The challenges of starting a subscription business from scratch 📌 Key lessons in product development, marketing, and scaling 📌 What she’s learned about engaging par...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min
In this episode, we delve into the critical role your subscription offer plays in driving conversions. Discover why honing in on a compelling offer is essential, and learn actionable strategies to test and improve your subscription model this quarter. Don't miss out on practical tips to elevate your business! Stay updated with the latest insights—subscribe to Matthew's newsletter here: https://www.subscriptionprescription.com/subscribe
Jan 28, 2025•12 min
