

On Your Terms®
Sam Vander Wielen
A podcast for online business owners who refuse to choose between revenue and a real life. Most business advice tells you to hustle harder, post more, and "always be on." I'm here to tell you that's BS—and I have the multi-seven-figure business to prove it. I'm Sam Vander Wielen, and I've built a thriving online business while protecting my mornings, unplugging at night, and actually living the life I built my business for.
Every week, I share the marketing strategies, legal foundations, and lifestyle boundaries that keep my business profitable without stealing my peace. Whether you're building your first six figures or scaling past seven, this show will help you grow your revenue without sacrificing your presence, your sleep, or your sanity.
Because success isn't just about how much you make—it's about having the freedom to actually enjoy your life.
New to my world?
I’m a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur who built an 7-figure digital product business helping thousands of founders legally protect and grow their online businesses. These days, I’m here to share not just the legal clarity but the lessons, stories, and strategies that make business and life more fulfilling. I'm the author of the best-selling book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy, and a weekly newsletter called Sam's Sidebar. Originally a proud Philly girl, I now live ON Long Island with my husband, Ryan, and bernedoodle/velcrodog, Hudson.
Every week, I share the marketing strategies, legal foundations, and lifestyle boundaries that keep my business profitable without stealing my peace. Whether you're building your first six figures or scaling past seven, this show will help you grow your revenue without sacrificing your presence, your sleep, or your sanity.
Because success isn't just about how much you make—it's about having the freedom to actually enjoy your life.
New to my world?
I’m a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur who built an 7-figure digital product business helping thousands of founders legally protect and grow their online businesses. These days, I’m here to share not just the legal clarity but the lessons, stories, and strategies that make business and life more fulfilling. I'm the author of the best-selling book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy, and a weekly newsletter called Sam's Sidebar. Originally a proud Philly girl, I now live ON Long Island with my husband, Ryan, and bernedoodle/velcrodog, Hudson.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2023 • 30min
171. My Costliest Mistakes in Business + How to Avoid Them
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daunting mistakes you could be making in your business? I know I've been there. But here's the good news: I've navigated through these choppy waters and I'm here to steer you clear of the common pitfalls that many entrepreneurs, including myself, have faced. From hiring blunders to unnecessary purchases, I'm diving deep into the lessons I've learned the hard way so you don't have to.In this episode, you’ll hear…The significance of careful hiring and management in business growth.The impact of unnecessary purchases on business finances and how to avoid them.Strategies for effective marketing beyond social media, emphasizing email marketing and SEO.The importance of personalizing your legal and business strategies.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:119. 10 Lessons from My Team Break-Ups29. 10 Reasons Why My First Business Was an Epic FailureGet notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Nov 9, 2023 • 7min
170. How to Avoid This Business Expense Mistake
I'm hard at work on my new book. While I put my head down and I focus on writing this month, we'll be revisiting some of your FAQs here about legal and business questions here on On Your Terms throughout November. So whether you miss them the first time around or you just need a refresher because you're like me and you like to hear things a couple of times in order to get it, we've curated a selection that's a must listen for any online business owner.Can you charge business expenses to your personal card... and still have it count? Will that get you in trouble? That’s what I’m answering in today’s FAQ episode!In this episode, you’ll hear…How to set up a business bank accountWhere to charge your business expensesWhat to do if you make a charge to the wrong card or accountIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:136. My Big Secret: REVEALED!158. Book Update (+ a secret excerpt from my book!)Want to learn more about business taxes? Tune into my conversation with CPA Keila Hill-Trawick of Little Fish Accounting in Episode 77Take a deep dive into business expenses in Episode 91Submit your legal question hereShop the Ultimate Bundle®Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 20min
169. Profit Pillars, Business Expenses, and Resourcefulness [ft. Financial Strategist, Parker Stevenson]
Are you an entrepreneur trying to navigate the financial maze of your online business? You're not alone. Many of us jump into the entrepreneurial world, passionate about our products and services, but often find ourselves lost when it comes to understanding the financial aspects. Today, I'm diving deep into the world of business finance, shedding light on areas where many entrepreneurs, even the seasoned ones, often falter.In this episode, you’ll hear…The significance of financial literacy for entrepreneurs and how it can influence business decisionsStrategies for understanding and optimizing business finances, ensuring you're not just running a business, but a profitable oneThe art of being resourceful: how to make the most of available resources and investments to grow your online businessThe shift in online marketing strategies: the declining efficacy of Facebook ads and the resurgence of traditional organic growth methodsInsights from Evolved Finance's journey: the importance of perfecting a core offering before branching out and the value of patience in business growthIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Learn more at EvolvedFinance.comTake the FREE Evolved Finance Audio CourseListen to the Evolved Finance PodcastFollow Parker on Instagram: @evolvedfinanceEpisode 77. Small Business Taxes 101 [Guest Interview with Little Fish Accounting]Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Nov 2, 2023 • 26min
168. What to Do When a Client Doesn't Pay You
Ever had that sinking feeling when a client's payment doesn't go through or when they outright refuse to pay? We've all been there, and it's a situation that's more common than you might think. But the real challenge arises when you're uncertain about the next steps. In today's chat, we'll discuss a structured approach to navigate such situations, ensuring you're equipped to handle them with grace and professionalism.In this episode, you’ll hear…The commonality of client non-payment situations and how not to take them personallyThe paramount importance of contracts in addressing payment disputesStrategies for payment collection: the pros and cons of handling it personally vs. outsourcing to professionalsThe role of dunning emails in fostering effective communication with clients about payment issuesSam's personal experiences and insights into sleep challenges and their potential connections to everyday business stressesIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Guide: What to Do When a Client Doesn't Pay YouFREE video training: How to get your clients to pay you consistently AND on timeGet $25 off Cometeer CoffeeShop my templates in the Template ShopGet notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 30, 2023 • 38min
167. 5 Scary Legal Scenarios That Keep Me Up At Night
Are you haunted by the thought of potential legal ghosts lurking in your business's shadows? Don't let these legal goblins give you sleepless nights. In this eerie episode, I unveil five spine-chilling legal scenarios that might just be lurking around the corner for unsuspecting online business owners and course creators.In this episode, you’ll hear…The significance of well-drafted contracts in avoiding business disputesReal-life scenarios highlighting issues with client cancellations, refunds, and content replicationAn overview of trademarks, copyrights, and patents and their importance in protecting your brand and contentMy personal experiences in the realm of business legalitiesIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:164. When the Worst Case Scenario Actually Happens (and you win! Guest Interview w Jenna Overbaugh)113. How to Legally Protect Your Content [Copyright Registration 101]106. How Do You Make Your Contracts Enforceable?102. Can Legally Protecting My Business Actually Grow It?Scope of Practice Playlist on SpotifyFree Annual Planning GuideGet the Ultimate Bundle®Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 10min
166. Stop Doing What Everyone Else is Doing on Social Media [ft. Instagram Expert, Mya Nichol]
Ever felt overwhelmed by the ever-changing landscape of Instagram? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive deep with Mya Nichol, an Instagram marketing maven, to explore the nuances of Instagram growth, content creation, and the daunting world of online trolls. But it's not just about the challenges – Mya brings to the table actionable insights that are both refreshing and invaluable.In this episode, you’ll hear…Exploring the nuances of Instagram growth and content creationThe importance of genuine connections over mere numbersNavigating the challenges of online trolls on InstagramStrategies for crafting content that resonates with the audienceThe significance of understanding and serving your audience on social platformsIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Learn more at myanichol.comFollow Mya on Instagram: @myanicholJoin Mya’s Instagram Growth Course for Online Business OwnersGet Mya’s new updated 150 Free Hook GuideGet notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 23, 2023 • 31min
165. There's No Going Back (Monday Motivation + Quick Behind the Scenes of My Day!)
In this episode I talk about a new TV show I’m obsessed with, Platonic. I promise it has to do with lawyer stuff and starting your own business. I also give you a sneak peek of what my marketing and branding work has been like lately. And of course I talk about food (Greek orzo… yum) and my dog.In this episode, you’ll hear…What the TV show, Platonic, can teach us about letting go of fear and diving all in on being an entrepreneur.How I deal with being on camera and dealing with negative online comments that are sure to pop up.A behind-the-scenes look into what I am doing in terms of content marketing, including my SEO blog posts, website, and overall branding.If you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Greek Baked Orzo Recipe - Pinch of YumRead my blog posts hereGet notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 19, 2023 • 53min
164. When the Worst Case Scenario Actually Happens (and you win!) [ft. Ultimate Bundle® Member, Jenna Overbaugh]
Licensed Therapist and entrepreneur Jenna Overbaugh experienced the exact thing she had always feared: Frivolous complaints to her professional board and organization. But Jenna had proactively addressed that fear when she first started her business. She had bought the Ultimate Bundle®, making sure everything she created from the start was legally legit. The frivolous complaints were tossed and Jenna felt relief and a renewed sense of confidence. She encourages entrepreneurs, people dealing with OCD and anxiety, and well… every human to take action to address fears rather than wait in worry.In this episode, you’ll hear…A real-life example of how the Ultimate Bundle® worked to protect an entrepreneurHow to navigate being a licensed professional while offering digital products and services that do not fall under your licenseThe process of taking concrete steps to move away from fear and towards confidence in your businessIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Check out Jenna’s OCD and Anxiety Recovery BlueprintFollow Jenna on Instagram: @JennaOverbaughJenna Overbaugh’s podcast: All The Hard ThingsCheck out the Ultimate Bundle® today!Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 16, 2023 • 17min
163. First Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (+ Big News!)
Are you stepping into the entrepreneurial world, but the legal jargon and procedures have you feeling overwhelmed? Trust me, I've been there. When I started my business, I wish I had a guide to walk me through the maze of legal formalities. But you're in luck! In today's discussion, we're diving deep into the foundational steps every business owner needs to take to ensure their venture is legally protected. From business formation to contracts and intellectual property, I've got you covered. So, let's jump in and demystify the legal side of doing business.In this episode, you’ll hear…The foundational steps to legally protect your businessThe significance of choosing the right business entity and the differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLCThe vital role of contracts in setting clear boundaries and expectations in business relationshipsThe importance of safeguarding your intellectual property in the digital ageCommon misconceptions about website policies and the need for compliance with data protection regulationsIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get your business legally legit with the Ultimate Bundle®Get notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

Oct 12, 2023 • 59min
162. Real Business Life Stories: Contract Cancellations, Refunds, and Chargeback Threats with RD, Erin Judge
If you’ve been listening to my advice but you keep thinking, “But that would never happen to me, right?,” this episode is for you. We have Erin Judge on the show to talk to you about a very real legal issue that she went through in her own coaching business. Erin is a registered dietitian nutritionist who is an expert on gut health and IBS issues. You're going to hear how she went through a contract issue with a client that is very real, but very easy to navigate if you have the right pieces in place. It’s something that could very easily happen in your business, so take it from someone who’s been there before!In this episode, you’ll hear…What to do when a client ditches a payment planHow to balance wanting to help clients while also protecting yourselfHandling an underperforming employee and when it’s okay to let them goIf you’d like a shoutout (and a chance to win a $20 gift card), just leave a review on Apple Podcasts and send a screenshot of it to me on Instagram via DMs!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinjudge.rdFollow Erin on TikTok: @erinjudge.rdErin’s LinkTree: gutivate.com/helloJoin Erin’s Free IBS Fundamentals Mini-CourseGet notifiied when each episode of On Your Terms® comes outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER


