

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

Feb 6, 2023 • 31min
91. Business Expenses 101
Are you unsure about what qualifies as a business expense? Confused about when you can start counting them or what happens to expenses incurred before registering your business? In this episode, we'll be diving into all of that and more. Learn about what business expenses you may be missing out on — and what things you may think are an expense but actually aren't. Let’s make sure you're not missing out on any deductions for your business.In this episode, you’ll hear…What business expenses are and why they are so misunderstoodWhether or not you can deduct expenses incurred before you register your business and which ones countCommon write-offs many online business owners miss (and things you think you can write off but actually can’t)Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:The Ultimate Bundle®Business Expenses | Internal Revenue ServiceQuickbooks // bookkeeping software. Organize and track your business expenses and income with this easy-to-use tool. Get 50% off with my link.Blog Post: Can I Charge Business Expenses to My Personal Card?Episode 77. Small Business Taxes 101 [Guest Interview with Little Fish Accounting]Episode 17. 6 Legal Must Haves for Online BusinessesClick 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 2, 2023 • 8min
90. The Ultimate Bundle® FAQs: Answered!
Let’s dive into your most-asked questions about my signature program, the Ultimate Bundle®. In this episode, you’ll hear…How the Ultimate Bundle® differs from what you get at big box legal storesWhether you should buy the Ultimate Bundle® before getting your first clientWhat it looks like inside the Ultimate Bundle® and how long it takes to useClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get the Ultimate Bundle® right hereEpisode 88. What's in the Ultimate Bundle®?Episode 87. The Ultimate Bundle® IRL: How Real Customers Use it to Legally Protect 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

Jan 30, 2023 • 59min
89. How to Legally Protect Your Online Business
For the first-time ever, you can now access my full-length live legal training via podcast format!You’re busy. There’s a lot going on. At the end of a long work day, the last thing you want to do is sit at your computer for another hour. Even if that hour is spent learning how to legally protect your online business. That’s why I’m offering my newest live training – How to Legally Protect Your Online Business: Five Simple Steps That Every Entrepreneur Must Take (before it's too late) – here. Take me on your commute, walk the dog, cook up an amazing meal – and let’s get to it.In this episode, you’ll hear how to ditch the fear of doing something illegal by…Picking the right business entity so your personal liability is limitedKnowing what you need to form your business so it’s done right the first timeChoosing the right business insurance so your money is protectedUsing legitimate contracts and policies so you’re protected with clear boundariesCreating a scope of practice so you can (hopefully) avoid getting suedClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Click here for a full tour & BTS of the Ultimate Bundle® Get the best financial deal I’ve ever offered on the Ultimate Bundle® right hereClick 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

Jan 26, 2023 • 14min
88. What's in the Ultimate Bundle®?
This week, you’re going to hear all about what’s inside of my signature program, the Ultimate Bundle®! If you’re new to the Bundle - or have been eyeing it for a while - you might be wondering: What exactly is included? How do I use it? Is it a course? That’s why I’m peeling back the curtain to give you the full 411. In this episode, you’ll hear about…The 10 legal templates included in the BundleThe best approach for using the 35+ on-demand video training resourceCommunity support, ongoing updates, and lifetime accessClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Save your seat at my legal training, “How to Legally Protect Your Online Business"Hear Bundle members’ experience: Episode 87. The Ultimate Bundle® IRL: How Real Customers Use it to Legally Protect ThemselvesClick 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

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 6min
87. The Ultimate Bundle® IRL: How Real Customers Use it to Legally Protect Themselves
You’ve heard me describe the Ultimate Bundle®, but nothing gives you a better picture than hearing from people who use it daily in their business.You’ll hear from four members of my Ultimate Bundle® that represent a variety of different businesses, industries, and stages of growth to give you an idea of what you could expect out of the program.In this episode, you’ll hear…What brought everyone to the Ultimate Bundle® in the first placeEarly wins after putting their learnings into placeHow they feel about their business after using what they’ve learnedPractical uses for the Bundle components: templates, training, and communityIf 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 for a full tour & BTS of the Ultimate Bundle®Save your seat at my live legal training, “How to Legally Protect Your Online Business"Karin: Change Academy PRO membershipMya: Upgrade Your Instagram Account In Less Than 10 Minutes ChecklistChris: Free Career Training WorkshopAthena: Free Legit Fit planning ChecklistClick 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

Jan 19, 2023 • 10min
86. What can coaches legally do?
In this episode, I dive into the legal boundaries of what coaches can and cannot do. I explain what scope of practice is and why it is important for coaches and other professionals in the industry to be aware of it. I also offer information on how coaches can better educate, empower, and encourage their clients while staying within the confines of the law.In this episode, you’ll hear…What scope of practice is and why it mattersWhat coaches can legally do for their clientsHow to ensure you stay within your scope of practiceWays to legally grow your coaching business within the confines of your scope 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®Save your seat at my legal training “How to Legally Protect Your Online Business": https://www.samvanderwielen.com/oyt-workshop/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 8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're ProtectedClick 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

Jan 16, 2023 • 40min
85. The Worst Online Business Myths: Busted
Have you ever heard advice that sounded too good to be true? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the real truth behind some of the most common online business myths.I asked people on Instagram what was the biggest myth they believed about starting an online business and the answers were enlightening. From people who believed starting an online business would be easy to those who thought starting a business would be hard, the range of responses was fascinating. I'm also discussing legal myths such as LLCs, business insurance, scope of practice, and contracts. We'll be taking a look at why people believe myths, the truth behind them, and how to protect yourself and your online business.In this episode, you’ll hear…The danger of believing and spreading online business mythsMyth: You don’t need business insurance AND an LLCMyth: You NEED a website for your online business (or you don’t)Myth: It’s best to register your business in another state for tax purposes… and more!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!What's inside the Bundle video walkthrough: https://www.loom.com/embed/ad4bbbb112ec48f49a013e269f565230 Episode 81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)Episode 83. Legally Protect Your Online Biz: The Bare Minimum that Produces ResultsEasy Email List Sign-Up: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/easy-emails/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)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

Jan 12, 2023 • 6min
84. Is business insurance worth it?
In this episode, we’re talking about whether or not business insurance is really worth it — and why.In this episode, you’ll hear…Whether business insurance is worth itThe kinds of business insurance availableHow to pick the type of insurance right for youWhy it’s so worthwhileClick 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

Jan 9, 2023 • 19min
83. Legally Protect Your Online Biz: The Bare Minimum that Produces Results
When we don’t know what we don’t know, we tend to build stuff up in our head. That’s especially true when it comes to legally protecting your online business. Let’s slow down the conversation and stop the overwhelm. Whether you’re concerned you haven’t done enough or you simply don’t know what to do first, I’m going to break things down and share my layered legal approach to getting your basics covered.In this episode, you’ll hear…The three foundations of legal protectionHow to get out of analysis paralysis and start moving forwardLayering on legal protection as your business growsClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Easy Email List Sign-Up: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/easy-emails/What's inside the Bundle video walkthroughEpisode 81. Do You Really Believe In Your Business? (You're Not Alone)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

Jan 5, 2023 • 8min
82. Is my biz legally protected enough?
In this episode, we’re talking all about what you need to do — at least officially — to legally protect your online business so you have the peace of mind you need to move forward. In this episode, you’ll hear…How to know when your business has enough legal protectionThe basic foundations of legit legal protectionAddressing new legal opportunities as they come upClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES: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


