

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

Apr 17, 2023 • 48min
111. Writing a Book, Online Business Changes & Discipline with Amy Porterfield
If you’re in the online business world, you probably know the incredible Amy Porterfield. She’s recently published her first book, “Two Weeks Notice.” I had the privilege of chatting with Amy and picking her brain about everything from how she spends her day to the challenges she faces as a successful entrepreneur. I'll be sharing some of her insights and tips for building a business you love, as well as some exclusive behind-the-scenes information about her new book. So get ready to be inspired, learn some new skills, and take your business to the next level with Amy Porterfield.In case you haven’t heard of her, Amy Porterfield is an ex–corporate girl turned online marketing expert and CEO of a multimillion-dollar business. Today Amy empowers people across the globe to take their futures into their own hands and find professional autonomy, independence, achievement, and success far beyond what a corporate glass ceiling would traditionally allow. Her action-by-action teaching style provides aspiring business owners with the tools they need to bypass the overwhelm and build a business they love.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why Amy decided to write a book, why this book, and what she learned about herself in the processWhether or not starting an online business will bring you happinessThe common qualities of successful online business ownersBehind the scenes of how Amy runs and organizes her business and lifeWhat’s working in the online marketing worldIf 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:Copycats Training Sign Up: Save $25 off with code: Copycat25Record quick videos for your team with LoomAmy Porterfield's website: amyporterfield.comMore info about Amy's book, Two Weeks Notice: twoweeksnoticebook.comClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Apr 13, 2023 • 4min
110. Can I Get Paid If Someone Steals My Content?
Today we get to talk all about copyright infringement — What can you do when you find a content thief, and can you get paid for damages?In this episode, you’ll hear…What happens when someone steals your contentWhy you need to register your content to copyright itHow to take action and protect your 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:● Copycats Training Sign Up: Save $25 off with code: Copycat25● Episode 109. All Your Trademark Questions: Answered● Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Apr 10, 2023 • 14min
109. All Your Trademark Questions: Answered
I'm excited to share with you all the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about trademarks. Whether you're a new business owner or just looking to learn more about trademarks, this episode has something for everyone.In this episode, you’ll hear…What documents and information you need to get a trademarkHow long it takes to get a trademark approvedThe difference between state and federal registrationHow to police your trademarkWhat happens in the case of conflicting trademark requestsHow trademarks operate across different industriesIf 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 43: BTS: When My Website Got Stolen by Another AttorneyWhat To Do if Someone Steals Your ContentClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Apr 6, 2023 • 7min
108. Should You Copyright That?
How do you copyright something? And when should you do it? That’s what we’re discussing in this week’s episode!In this episode, you’ll hear…The difference between copyright and trademarkHow to register a copyrightWhat’s actually worth copyrightingIf 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 the online template shopClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Apr 3, 2023 • 20min
107. What to Do If Someone Steals Your Business' Content
Have you ever found someone stealing your business's content, whether it's on social media, your products, or programs? It's a frustrating and disheartening experience, and it's essential to know what steps to take and how to react appropriately. I've been through this situation multiple times and have learned what works and what doesn't. In this episode, I'm going to break down the exact steps to take if someone steals your content, and share some valuable tips and strategies to protect your business.In this episode, you’ll hear…What to do when you find out someone stole your contentWhat NOT to doHow to proactively protect yourself from content theftIf 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 43. BTS: When My Website Got Stolen by Another AttorneyEpisode 49. How to Legally Protect Your Online CourseEpisode 105. Stealing Content vs. Inspiration: When Does It Become Illegal?The Ultimate Guide To Taking Down CopycatsGet My 5 Steps To a Legally Legit Business ChecklistGet 2x weekly legal tips straight to your inbox by joining my email listClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Mar 30, 2023 • 5min
106. How Do You Make Your Contracts Enforceable?
You might not know this, but it's not good enough to just have a contract. You want to make sure that that contract is enforceable so that it has some teeth and will actually legally protect you.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to make sure a contract is properly writtenHow to send and sign a contract correctlyMaking sure client information is accurateClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're ProtectedSubmit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms®Visit samvanderwielen.com/shop-templates to browse my entire DIY legal template shopClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Mar 27, 2023 • 20min
105. Stealing Content vs. Inspiration: When Does It Become Illegal?
Have you ever found your content being copied or mimicked by others? It can be a frustrating experience to see your hard work being stolen, whether it's through plagiarism or infringement. As an online business owner, it's crucial to understand the difference between stealing content and mimicking others. In this episode, I'll dive into these two concepts and explain how to protect your intellectual property.In this episode, you’ll hear…The difference between mimicking and stealing online contentWhat to do if you find someone stealing your contentHow to protect your intellectual propertyIf 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 19. How to Legally Share Content (Don’t be a Copycat!)Episode 43. BTS: When My Website Got Stolen By Another AttorneyEpisode 107. What to do When Someone Steals Your Business' ContentThe Ultimate Guide to Taking Down CopycatsClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Mar 23, 2023 • 6min
104. Can You Put Business Expenses on Your Personal Card?
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 this episode. Let's dive in!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:Want to learn more about business taxes? Tune into my conversation with CPA Keila Hill-Trawick of Little Fish Accounting in Episode 77: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/episode-77Take a deep dive into business expenses in Episode 91: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/episode-91Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Mar 20, 2023 • 22min
103. 3 Legal Nightmares & How to Avoid Them
Are you tired of losing sleep over legal nightmares in your online business? Well, fear not, because I've got you covered. I'm here to help you avoid those pesky legal scenarios that can keep you up at night. Join me as I walk you through the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your business from three legal nightmare scenarios.In this episode, you’ll hear…The value in imagining the worst-case scenarioKeeping customer relationships from going southWhat to do if someone steals your productHow to legally protect yourself from getting suedGetting all your legal bases covered using my free checklistIf 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:Download my free Pre-Qualify Before They Buy trainingGet my 5 Steps to a Legally Legit Business ChecklistEpisode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 8: What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You’re ProtectedEpisode 69. What Coaches Can Legally Do (Scope of Practice Part 2)Episode 86. What can coaches legally do?Episode 94. My Program Taught Me X – Can I Teach It Now?How to Send and Sign ContractsClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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

Mar 16, 2023 • 6min
102. Can Legally Protecting My Business Actually Grow It?
Can legally protecting my business actually grow it? That’s what we’re tackling in this episode! We’ll discuss three ways legal protection can help your business grow.In this episode, you’ll hear…How legal protection gives you visibilityGaining trust and professionalismRecouping (or protecting) your profit with legal protectionIf 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®Get my 5 Steps to a Legally Legit Business ChecklistEpisode 87. The Ultimate Bundle® IRL: How Real Customers Use it to Legally Protect ThemselvesMya on Instagram: @myanicholClick here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come 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


