

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

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 4min
151. How to Navigate + Prevent Burnout [ft. Burnout Expert, Emily Ballesteros]
Dealing with burnout? Trust me, you're not alone. The online business world can be a fast track to exhaustion. Often, it draws in ambitious individuals—go-getters, perfectionists, and visionaries eager to make their mark. Combine the addictive nature of social media, the challenges of recent years, and the inherent complexities of entrepreneurship, and you have a recipe for burnout. Today, Emily Ballesteros and I discuss the red flags, prevention strategies, and crucial steps to ensure you don't reach that breaking point. Even if burnout isn't on your radar right now, this conversation is vital. After all, the objective is not to cope with burnout once it hits, but to avoid it entirely. Emily offers tangible tools to navigate and sidestep burnout.In this episode, you’ll hear…The definition of burnout and how to identify it in your lifeThe five pillars of burnout management and how they helpEmily’s process to publicationEmily’s answers to your questionsMy three biggest takeaways from this conversationIf 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:Find out how to work with Emily herePre-order The Cure for BurnoutFollow Emily on Instagram: @emilybruthFollow Emily on TikTok: @emilybruthEpisode 56. Mindset, Limiting Beliefs & Visualization [with Guest: Jen Diaz]Get notified 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

Aug 31, 2023 • 8min
150. Keep Your Head Down + Focus on Your Own Business
I want to chat about the importance of defining our path and not just following the herd, especially in the digital landscape. Just like seeing someone else break a rule in school won’t hold up when the teacher catches you, the same applies to online business and legal issues.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why basing your decisions on what others are doing online can lead to misguided choices and potential pitfalls.The dangers of not legally forming your business and other shortcuts simply because others appear to be doing so.How justifying your actions by pointing out others’ similar actions won’t save you from consequences—especially in the world of business.The benefits of focusing solely on what's best for your business and brand, rather than getting lost in the noise of popular trends.My experiences and challenges from the last several years and how keeping my head down helpedClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!Get notified 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

Aug 28, 2023 • 55min
149. Navigating Grief [ft. Therapist, Gina Moffa]
Losing someone close, or facing a significant personal loss, is an indescribably painful experience. And keeping a business afloat, creating content, and supporting a community while being immersed in grief is a challenge that’s hard to grasp until you’ve been through it.Gina Moffa, an NYC-based psychotherapist with a rich history in trauma and grief work, including roles at Mount Sinai Hospital and aiding Holocaust survivors, has penned "Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss." This book broadens our perception of grief beyond just death, offering insights and tools for self-reflection on its multifaceted nature. And hang in there if you don’t think you’ve directly experienced grief because it will also help you understand the impact on other people and how you can help.In this episode, you’ll hear…Navigating running a business while going through griefThe physical manifestations of grief and the importance of self-careHow unexpected triggers of grief can catch us off guardThe therapeutic value of finding and participating in a grief-support communityThe unique challenges posed by our constantly connected, always-on societyIf 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 about Gina Moffa: ginamoffa.comFollow Gina on Instagram: @ginamoffalcswRead “Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go”Join the Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go Facebook group to find a community that can help you move through griefGet notified 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

Aug 24, 2023 • 6min
148. This Mindset Shift is KEY to Growing Your Biz (A Quick Lesson from Ted Lasso)
Ah, Ted Lasso, the beloved show that marries the world of football – or soccer – with humor, heart, and hope. But who'd have thought this popular series could provide us salient lessons for business? Today, let's unravel a key takeaway from season three episode seven and understand its significance in the world of business.In this episode, you’ll hear…What this Ted Lasso moment can teach us about businessFocusing on the most important aspects of your businessApplying this new approach to your marketingClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!Get notified 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

Aug 21, 2023 • 31min
147. What Trader Joe's Can Teach Us About Business [foot soldiers, decision fatigue + keeping it quirky]
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re an ardent fan of their cookie butter or just an occasional shopper, there’s no denying that Trader Joe’s has made a mark in the grocery world. But beyond our personal shopping lists, what can we, as business owners, learn from them? This episode marks the beginning of a special series where I dissect the strategies of big corporations and tease out the lessons we can apply in our own businesses, regardless of their size. And, guess what? I’ve boiled down my findings to five major takeaways from Trader Joe’s. So, stick around till the end, and let's learn from the pros!In this episode, you’ll hear…Why online business owners should look at other successful businesses for inspirationWhat Trader Joe’s does to stay competitive in their industryMy top 5 takeaways and how they apply to online 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:Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden DoesCreating Brand Loyalists & Future BuyersGoal Setting, Productivity & Evergreen Content (Guest Episode with Louise Henry)We Need To Talk About Dupe CultureGet notified 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

Aug 17, 2023 • 10min
146. What My Failed Chocolate Cake Teaches Us About Business
Have you ever put too much pressure on yourself — whether in business, in life, or in the kitchen? We all have. In this episode, I share a real-life tale about baking a chocolate cake for a neighborhood gathering. You'll hear about how a seemingly disastrous baking incident turned into a delightful treat, with some insights into self-doubt and perfectionism along the way.In this episode, you’ll hear…My (ruined?) chocolate cake storyPushing through self-doubtThe downside to expertiseIf 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:Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!Get notified 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

Aug 14, 2023 • 29min
145. What Starbucks, Dunkin', Costco & BJ's Can Teach Us About Dealing With Copycats
Ever wonder why Starbucks seems to be the trendsetter in the coffee world and how Dunkin' has rebranded itself to compete? In this episode, I dive into the world of coffee, exploring how giants like Starbucks and Dunkin' define trends and strategies, and what that teaches us about business differentiation and entrepreneurship at any size. I also draw parallels with Costco and BJs, and how they've adopted each other's successful strategies like adding gas stations and upping their organic game. Join me as I share my personal experiences, intriguing observations, and powerful lessons on how businesses can stand out, push something forward, and thrive in a competitive environment.In this episode, you’ll hear…What we can take away from the way large corporations impact trendsSome interesting stats about Starbucks, Dunkin’, Costco, and BJsWhy you shouldn’t worry about copycats and mimicsIf 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:Episode 140: We Need To Talk About Dupe CultureGet notified 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

Aug 10, 2023 • 24min
144. Should We Really Use AI in Our Businesses?
Are you curious about implementing AI, like chatbots and GPT-based systems, in your online business? Or maybe you're already using it? Well, it's not just about the latest technology; there's an intriguing legal dimension to consider. Along with marketing considerations, these are aspects that demand our attention. So buckle up, because we're diving into both the marketing and legal landscapes of incorporating AI into your online strategy.In this episode, you’ll hear…Some potential use cases for AI and ChatGPTWhere it’s important to keep a human touchThe possible legal issues in using AI-generated contentIf 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 notified 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

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 2min
143. Conquer Your To-Do List + Be More Productive [ft. Online Business Strategist, Louise Henry]
Picking a productivity system for my business was an absolute game-changer — and I credit Louise Henry with giving me the tools to take full advantage of it. In our conversation, we deep dive into productivity, goal-setting, and identifying the perfect platform for your content. Believe it or not, you can truly scale your entrepreneurial productivity without putting in extra hours—all you need are systematic processes and clear-cut daily priorities.In this episode, you’ll hear…Unexpected challenges and benefits of starting an online businessTop three pointers for budding entrepreneursShowing up on YouTubeWhy systems are so important — and how to pick the right oneSetting meaningful goals for 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:Join Louise’s free 3-Day Business Makeover challenge hereGet Uplevel with Asana and save $500 off your enrollment: samvanderwielen.com/uplevelUse Sam's favorite email marketing system, ConvertKitGet Your Free 30-day Asana trialGet notified 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

Aug 3, 2023 • 35min
142. Let’s Talk Threads (Twitter Legal Threat, Toilet Content, Where Does it Fit In Our Content Ecosystem?)
We're diving into a new kid on the block in the social media world, Threads, and discussing the exciting (and a little controversial) developments between Twitter and Threads. As an entrepreneur, staying open-minded to the potential uses of new platforms is essential, but so is knowing the ins and outs of some serious legal issues that can come with the territory. So, let's get into it!In this episode, you’ll hear…The legal issue between Twitter and ThreadsKeeping up with the social media hamster wheel (or not)My thoughts on Threads and if/how I plan to use itClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 1. Community Over Competition is BS: Tips to Navigate Your Competition in a Healthier WayEpisode 140. We Need to Talk About Dupe CultureJoin the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today!Get notified 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


