

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

Jun 26, 2023 • 49min
131. How to Grow a Podcast + YouTube Channel [ft. Creator, Katie Steckly]
Many entrepreneurs dream of that “going viral” moment, but no one ever seems to talk about what comes next: Things start to go back to normal. That's why creating consistent, perennial content is key to sustainable success. Katie Steckly, an authority in the sphere of perennial content and social media, joins us to share why evergreen content is so important to your business. We delve into selecting the most suitable platform for your needs, devising a content strategy, essentials for getting started, and much more.In this episode, you’ll hear…The starting point for content creationSelection process for the most fitting platformsOvercoming inhibitions that hinder progressGenerating content themesHow your chosen platform can guide your contentA trifecta of advice for launching a YouTube channel or podcastNecessary equipment for your content journeyBuilding a content scheduleIf 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:www.creatorlymedia.comFind info on Creatorly Media’s services at creatorlymedia.com/services.Katie Steckly - YouTubeFollow Katie on Instagram: @katiestecklyFollow Creatorly Media on Instagram: @creatorlymediaHow to Start a Podcast From ScratchKatie’s recommended content creation starter kitCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by Nova Media

Jun 22, 2023 • 5min
130. How Long Can You Get Away Without Legal Coverage?
When it comes to business registration, that only applies to “real” business, not your online business – right? In this episode, I'm here to answer a question listener Cara asked: "My online coaching business isn't registered, and apparently it doesn't need to be, but is there some kind of public liability or protection policy I can add?"In this episode, you’ll hear…Whether your online business needs to be registeredThe importance of business insuranceHow proper contracts protect your 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:5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business [free workshop]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

Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 6min
129. How to Write a Book (with a small platform!) [ft. Book Coach, Richelle Fredson]
Writing a book is a wild ride, but one that can be worth the trip for many entrepreneurs – if you go into it for the right reasons. In this Summer School episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with book coach Richelle Fredson, who has been invaluable in my own book writing journey (if you want to hear how that’s going, listen to my latest update in Episode 115). She shares practical tips about how to go into this process with the right mindset, what options you have when it comes to publishing, and how to start preparing now for the book you want to write someday.In this episode, you’ll hear…What kinds of books see long-term success and salesWhat a book consultant or coach is – and if working with one is right for youThe three publishing options and how to know which one to chooseIf 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:Visit Richelle’s websiteFollow Richelle on Instagram: @richellefredsonListen to the Bound + Determined PodcastApply for Richelle’s group program: Book Proposal BlueprintEpisode 5: What to Do When a Client is a PainEpisode 115: My Book Update!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

Jun 15, 2023 • 11min
128. How to Hire (legally!)
In this episode, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of legally hiring employees for your online business.You ask, and I answer! Listener Laura wrote in wondering about the legal steps involved in hiring employees. To tackle her question, I thought we'd kick things off by revisiting the difference between employees and contractors.In this episode, you’ll hear…Getting a legal foundation in place firstHiring help with HRRequired documents and setup for hiring an employeeBecoming a better bossIf 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 64: Hiring Contractors 101 [Everything Business Owners Need to Know]Episode 66. Hiring, Leadership & Team Building 101 [Interview w/ Kira La Forgia of Paradigm Consulting]Paradigm Consulting’s Set to Scale program (affiliate link)ADP Payroll (affiliate link)Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity 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

Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 20min
127. How to Give Great Talks [ft. Speaker Coach, Mike Pacchione]
Public speaking is such an important skill to learn, and it can be a huge advantage in your business if you do it well. In this Summer School episode, we’re revisiting an interview with the great Mike Pacchione. We talk about why speaking well is important, what makes a speaker good or bad, and whether it’s possible for a bad speaker to become great. We also talked about the areas most speakers need to improve upon (and how they can do it), three tangible things to make your speaking more entertaining, and so much more.In this episode, you’ll hear…How Mike got into speakingWhy public speaking is so importantThe qualities that make a good speaker—and a bad oneThree areas that most speakers need to improve uponTips for using your physical presenceHow to get speaking opportunitiesThe “minivan test”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:miketalks.cobestspeech.coAdam Driver’s TED TalkEpisode 54. Everything I Learned at ConvertKit's Craft + Commerce Conference (mind blown!)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

Jun 8, 2023 • 5min
126. What Kind of Legal Stuff Does Your Size of Business Need?
Do you ever worry that your small business doesn't need the same legal protection as the big guys? That's like saying you don't need a seatbelt because you're only driving down the block! Today, I'm answering a question from one of our listeners, Candice, who asked about how legal contracts and business matters differ for small shops compared to larger ones. It's an excellent question, Candice, and one that I think many of us have – so let’s dive in!In this episode, you’ll hear…Getting legally covered no matter your businesses sizeWhy having to scale your legal coverage is a good signHow to be legally legit without the overwhelmIf 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:DIY Affiliate Contract TemplateCollaboration Contract Template5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business [free workshop]Episode 42: Business Insurance Mistakes That Could Cost You BigEpisode 64: Hiring Contractors 101 [Everything Business Owners Need To Know]Episode 89: How To Legally Protect Your Online BusinessGet 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

Jun 5, 2023 • 58min
125. Why You Feel Burnt Out on Social (+ How to Fix It) [ft. Video Marketing Coach, Natasha Samuel]
For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be running what I call Online Marketing Summer School. We’re going to be revisiting some past episodes geared toward helping you level up (or kick-off) your online marketing strategy! We’re kicking things off with one of my favs: an interview with Natasha Samuel of The Shine Online Podcast!Natasha Samuel is the host of The Shine Online Podcast and an Instagram strategist that helps small businesses... well, shine online. Through intensive strategy days, digital resources, and education, Natasha helps you build your brand on the gram with a video strategy that is fulfilling and fun - without the overwhelm.Natasha is a social media genius. She breaks down Instagram in such a refreshing, relatable way. Her whole approach is about finding the social media strategy that's actually sustainable for you, no matter how busy your work or life can get. She also believes social media should reflect your personal values, and doesn't advise compromising any of that for quick growth. We talk about overwhelm, content batching, nailing your Instagram bio, and her three-part follower journey (which is going to blow your mind)!In this episode, you’ll hear…Why Instagram is a great place to market your businessGrowing a community on InstagramStruggling to balance personal and business contentThe various surfaces of Instagram and what to post thereTips for writing captionsUsing Instagram to direct people to other platformsThe 3-step follower journeyTips for batching and consistencyHow to iterate on your strategyTips for people burnt out on social mediaNavigating social media during hard timesIf 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:shinewithnatasha.com/videoNatasha’s LinkTreeShine With Natasha on YouTubeInstagram: @shinewithnatashaEpisode 24. Why You Should Treat Your Clients the Way Olive Garden DoesEpisode 25. Creating Brand Loyalists 8 Future BuyersCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMER

Jun 1, 2023 • 6min
124. Can You Write Your Own Contracts?
Do contracts need to be looked over or written by an attorney to be legally binding? As always, I'm here to demystify the complex legal jargon for you and empower you to grow your business on your own terms.In this episode, you’ll hear…Whether a contract needs to be written by an attorneyWhat makes your contract unenforceableEnsuring your contracts are legally bindingIf 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 about the Ultimate Bundle®Shop my DIY legal contract templatesEpisode 106. How Do You Make Your Contracts Enforceable?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

May 29, 2023 • 38min
123. Real Talk: Your Business Doesn't Have to Light Your Soul on Fire
Has the popular narrative of 'soul-level work' ever made you question whether every aspect of your business is something that should light your soul on fire? If so, let's take some time to unpack this today.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why it’s unrealistic to expect your business to provide unending joyHow the realities of running a business impact your daily lifeMaking room for evolving passions and interestsIf 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:Easy Email List Sign UpEpisode 32. Should We Always Be in Growth Mode in Our Biz?Read the Bustle Article: Is Therapy-Speak Making Us Selfish?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

May 25, 2023 • 8min
122. Can You Use Other Brands' Trademarks & Images?
What are the legal concerns when it comes to using pictures of another company’s branded products in your business? That’s what we’re diving into today!Jill asked,I'm currently creating a PDF to be sold on my website that's something along the lines of a "healthy food swaps" grocery guide. Within that document, I'm including specific pictures of branded food products. Do you happen to know if I'm legally able to sell a document with images like these?In this episode, you’ll hear…Using copyrighted content in your businessHow to claim nominative fair useIf 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:Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms™Learn about The Ultimate Bundle®How To Use Pictures On Your Blog Legally Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by Nova Media


