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
Mar 13, 2023 • 31min
101. Real Talk: Why Some of the Biggest Online Business Owners Have Quit
Are you curious why so many big names in the industry are announcing sabbaticals or even closing up shop altogether? In this episode, I dive deep into the underlying issues of the online business world, exploring the aspirational marketing techniques that are driving many entrepreneurs to burnout and disillusionment. Join me as I examine what's really behind the trend of successful entrepreneurs stepping back from the limelight and how we can learn from their experiences to build more sustainable businesses.In this episode, you’ll hear…What’s causing so many online business owners to burn outThe dangers of aspirational marketing for business owners and consumersTreating your business like a real 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: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
Mar 9, 2023 • 29min
100. ALL MY BEST PODCAST TIPS (Q&A + MAJOR GIVEAWAY!)
To commemorate my 100th episode, I'll be delving into one of my favorite topics - hosting a podcast! In this episode, I'll provide you with insights into my content planning process, the tools I use, software, editing, and much more.In this episode, you’ll hear…Where to come up with episode ideas and how to stay inspiredWhat tech and tools you need to start a podcastHow I plan out and batch my podcast episodesWhat to do if your topic is already coveredHow to enter my PODCASTING GEAR GIVEAWAY!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:This giveaway has ended but, you can submit your legal question here: samvanderwielen.com/legalquestionClick 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 6, 2023 • 31min
99. Let's Get Personal: Behind the Scenes of Running a 7-Figure Business, Grief + Mindset Work
We're taking a break from legal topics to dive into a grab bag of things that have been on my mind.In this episode, you’ll hear…The mindset shift I’m making to rethink what’s possibleMy home renovation progressThe importance of prioritizing your health as an entrepreneurHow I’m continuing to process my griefMy updated approach to Instagram Stories (+ one quick bonus legal tip!)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:SG23 Design: https://www.sg23design.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
Mar 2, 2023 • 6min
98. When Should You Update Your Contracts?
How often do you need to update your contracts and when do you need a client to sign a new contract? Let’s dive in and find out!In this episode, you’ll hear the 3 key times you need to update your contracts:After learning a lessonIncorporating law changes into your contractsPerforming quarterly checkups to ensure you’re legally legitIf 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 ChecklistJoin 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
Feb 27, 2023 • 23min
97. The Biz Pep Talk You Didn't Know You Needed
When you’re creating content, everyone’s going to have an opinion. In this episode inspired by an episode of Frasier, you’ll hear which opinions truly matter when it comes to creating content, expressing yourself in business, and establishing your brand and vibe.In this episode, you’ll hear…What to pay attention to - and ignore as a business ownerWhy you can’t rely on external validation in your businessDiscovering what it means to build a business on your termsIf 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 81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)Frasier Episode (S3 E23 - The Focus Group)The Ultimate Legal Guide for Online EntrepreneursClick 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
Feb 23, 2023 • 6min
96. Can I Get Blamed for Clients' Results?
In this episode, you'll get legal tips all about how to use a disclaimer as a service provider.In this episode, you’ll hear…Who needs a disclaimerHow a (properly worded) disclaimer can protect youHow to make sure your disclaimer is legally legitIf 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:Pick the legal template that works for your business: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/shop-templates/Join my email list: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/sidebarDownload The Ultimate Legal Guide For Online Entrepreneurs 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
Feb 20, 2023 • 34min
95. "I Can Do It Better Myself" - What to Outsource + Do Yourself
Do you need to be a jack of all trades to run an online business? This episode explores the dilemma of having to wear multiple hats as a business owner. I share my personal experience and how I balanced my passions with the demands of running a business. Listen to learn how you can grow your business without sacrificing your sanity — and still indulge in your favorite business activities.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why some business owners struggle to hand off tasks and delegateThe skills most business owners should take ownership ofThe first things you can outsource or hire out forLeaning into the things you enjoy mostWhen to start handing things off 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:Pre-Qualify Before They Buy: 3 Free Email TemplatesEasy Email Sign-UpEpisode 15. What Used to Work vs. What Works Now in MarketingClick 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
Feb 16, 2023 • 9min
94. Can I Teach What I Learn in My Certification Program?
In this episode, I'm tackling a question about scope of practice in the health and wellness field. But don't tune out just yet, because this applies to all types of coaches, regardless of industry.In this episode, you’ll hear…Understanding scope of practiceWhat dictates what you’re allowed to teach in your businessDoing your homework on what you can legally teach as a coachIf 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®Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Episode 69. What Coaches Can Legally Do (Scope of Practice Part 2)Episode 86. What can coaches legally do?The Ultimate Legal Guide for Online EntrepreneursClick 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
Feb 13, 2023 • 46min
93. Sustainable Scaling [ft. Business & Mindset Coach, Naomi Powell]
Naomi Powell is the owner of The Lifestyle Edit, and she joins me to chat about business, money mindset, and how our childhood and experiences influence us as entrepreneurs. We discussed building a business on our own terms, designing it around our lives instead of the other way around.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to build a successful business while enjoying the processHealing your relationship with moneyBeing adaptable to new trendsBuilding a business geared towards your actual goalsFinding a balance between short-term and long-term visionsIf 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:Naomi’s Website: thelifestyleedit.comFollow Naomi on Instagram: @thelifestyleeditMy podcast interview with Naomi on her podcast, The Lifestyle EditNaomi's Inner Circle All-Access PassClick 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
Feb 9, 2023 • 8min
92. Which Legal Contract Do You Need?
Do you know what contracts you need depending on what you offer? In this week’s “Sam’s Sidebar,” you'll learn about the contracts and policies you need for different business situations.In this episode, you’ll hear…What contracts you need when working with clientsThe different contracts of agreements needed for websites, social media, and other contentHow the Ultimate Bundle® walks you through the process of filling out and using every contract templateClick 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®Visit the online template shopSee me customize a template in real-timeClick 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
