

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

Oct 4, 2021 • 1h 9min
11. So You Want to Write a Book? Your First Steps to Being an Author
I am in the early stages of writing my own book, and it is quite an adventure. I have put off writing this for so long because of all the worries I had around what had to be in place before I could write. When I started looking into where to start, I got one piece of advice: “Start by talking to Richelle Fredson.” We made a connection, and now she’s my writing coach and consultant on this project. Richelle’s going to share all the information I wish I had known before. If you have ever wanted to tell your story but you don’t know where to start, we’re going to guide you through the mucky misinformation out there, tell you what a book coach is, what they do, and the three different types of book publishing. She also offers three things that you want to do now if you know you want to write a book someday.In this episode, you'll hear… 09:24 - What Richelle did before book coaching14:23 - What distinguishes a book that has long-term sales18:15 - How Purposeful Platforms was born24:42 - What is a book consultant or book coach?29:13 - The three publishing options and how they are different37:18 - How to know which publishing model is right for you45:00 - Teaching what you’re writing about48:27 - Three things to do now if you want to write a book53:10 - The way the industry has changed, and predictions for the future57:32 - When to start writing your bookRESOURCES:Richelle's Website: purposefulplatforms.comFollow Richelle on Instagram: @richellefredsonListen to: Bound + DeterminedApply for Richelle's group program: Book Proposal BlueprintListen to Episode 5 of On Your Terms®: What to Do When a Client is a Pain in the TushRead: Dying to Be a Good Mother by Heather ChauvinRead: Untamed by Glennon DoyleCONNECT: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

Sep 27, 2021 • 31min
10. What Your Website Needs to Be Legally Protected
Learn why your website needs legal defense and the essential legal protection elements to go pro. Discover the importance of website policies like privacy, disclaimer, and terms. Understand clear terms and conditions for selling digital products online. Don't miss the ultimate bundle sale deadline and engage with the podcast for legal tips.

Sep 20, 2021 • 23min
9. How to Register Your Business to Protect Your Personal Assets
My goal is to make sure that you aren’t personally on the hook for whatever happens in your business – whether that’s getting sued, owing money, or something else entirely. That means you have to register your business properly so that you, yourself, are protected. It’s not as complicated as people make it out to be, so let’s make it easy for you to keep your assets covered!In this episode, you’ll learn:03:46 - Why you need to be personally protected06:55 - Where to start registering your business10:22 - The difference between a sole proprietorship and LLC17:10 - How to properly act like an LLCRESOURCES:Listen to Episode #7 of On Your Terms®: The First 3 Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (Where to Start!)Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT: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

Sep 13, 2021 • 38min
8. What Makes a Good Contract? How to Make Sure You're Protected
Story time: I always knew I wanted to be an attorney, but there was one event that really set off my interest. In college I got involved in a bad housing situation and couldn’t find a way out of my lease. I asked nicely, and I was denied. So I reviewed my lease, did some research, and found a hole in the tenant law that they missed. I brought it to their attention and ended up being let go of my lease and getting my money back. From then on, I knew the importance of a solid contract. I’m going to share what contracts you need, what any good contract should or shouldn’t have, how to sign and send contracts properly, and how they can provide proof in a time of need.In this episode, you'll hear… 07:15 - Why we have to talk about “proper” contracts15:08 - Getting the contract you need for the moment17:19 - What to look for in a good contract22:12 - Protecting your intellectual property23:21 - Using a liability disclaimer26:30 - Sending & signing your contract properlyRESOURCES: Listen to Episode 2 “Scope of Practice”: samvanderwielen.com/episode-2Listen to Episode 7 “3 Steps to Legally Start Your Business”: samvanderwielen.com/episode-7Try HelloSign (send and e-sign contracts): app.hellosign.com/?ref=a30ef418&s=S (affiliate link)Shop my Legal Templates for Coaches: samvanderwielen.com/shop-templatesCheck out THE ULTIMATE BUNDLE®: samvanderwielen.com/the-ultimate-bundleCONNECT: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

Sep 6, 2021 • 31min
7. The First 3 Steps to Legally Protect Your Business (Where to Start!)
Are you super overwhelmed with legal advice? Have you taken in way too much information and can't figure out where to start? I will go over the three steps you need to take to protect and grow your online business if you haven't done much yet. We keep it simple – just exactly what you need to know to get started. If you haven't taken any action to protect yourself and your business legally, start here!In this episode, you'll hear… 05:14 - The legally legit trifecta09:13 - Forming your business15:18 - Getting business insurance21:30 - The importance of a proper contractCONNECT: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 30, 2021 • 33min
6. Staying Nimble as an Entrepreneur
If you approach your business with a fixed mindset, you won’t be able to pivot when you need to. It’s inevitable that you’re going to have to make changes in your business at some point, and if you’re too rigid in your thinking you aren’t going to recognize those opportunities quickly enough. Whether it’s reacting to personal life events or if something in your business is no longer working, you need to be nimble and ready to move. I’m going to share my steps to handling change quickly and with grace.In this episode, you'll hear… 06:20 - Accepting change as part of the process11:22 - How pivoting can help your business17:25 - When the world forces us to change20:11 - Shifting your mindset22:02 - Studying the market28:21 - Taking questions as hints29:09 - Putting on your scientist hatRESOURCES: Visit Jamie Mendell - jamiemendell.comCONNECT: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 23, 2021 • 57min
5. What to Do When a Client is a Pain
Today, we’re talking about issues that are a real PITA (that stands for pain in the…). The worst of these problems can come from your paying clients.Whether you have all of the best legal protections in place or none at all, trouble clients can always find ways to end up causing legal headaches. I’m going to share how to identify warning signs early so that you can see problems coming, when to cut ties with a difficult client, and – ideally – how to avoid them altogether, in the first place. Keep in mind that these types of issues are normal and they’re in no way a reflection of you as a coach. The best thing to do is move through these experiences with grace.In this episode, you'll hear… 06:21 - Why we need to talk about PITA clients09:40 - What to take away from them10:43 - How problem clients present themselves in your business19:45 - Warning signs31:56 - When to run39:39 - How to avoid problem clients altogether52:11 - How to terminate a problem client properlyRESOURCES:“How to Terminate a Contract with a Client” [blog post]“How to Send and Sign Contracts” [blog post]Episode 2. “Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)” [podcast episode)“How To Deal With Difficult Clients” [blog post]CONNECT: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 16, 2021 • 27min
4. The 5 Most Dangerous Legal Myths I See Online
The online world can be a messy place for legal advice. I’m going to discuss some of the biggest and most dangerous legal myths I’ve seen, such as LLCs versus sole proprietorships, using free contracts when starting out, whether it’s true that the online world is a Wild West, and whether you really need an LLC or business insurance – or both.In this episode, you'll hear… 02:21 - The dangers of following anonymous online advice05:20 - Know-it-all Facebook ad comments07:50 - The myth of waiting13:58 - LLCs vs. sole proprietorship16:32 - Copy-pasting someone else’s contract21:36 - The internet is not The Wild West22:53 - The difference between LLCs and business insuranceRESOURCES:Top Legal Mistakes to Avoid for Online Businesses (blog post)Top Legal Mistakes to Avoid for Online Business Guide (PDF downloadable guide)Episode #2: “Scope of Practice for Coaches: What You're Legally Allowed to Do” (podcast episode)7 Legal Myths Keeping You From Being Legally Legit (blog post)Why Free Legal Contracts Wouldn't Cut It for Kristen Zavo (interview recording)CONNECT: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 9, 2021 • 32min
3. Turning Pain & Hard Times Into Rocket Fuel for Your Business
Let’s get personal. I’m sure there are people out there who are going through a lot right now – I’m one of them! In fact, the last three years have been the hardest of my life. Despite that, I’ve managed to grow my business immensely. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve made it happen. So how did I do it? You’re going to hear all about what happened to me when I left being an attorney, how I used that experience as rocket fuel for my own business, what’s happened over the last three years in my personal life while building that business, and all the tips and tricks I’ve used along the way to make it happen.In this episode, you'll hear… 03:22 - What happened when I left my attorney job11:05 - Making a decision during hard times12:56 - Letting go of what doesn’t work in order to grow18:09 - When you subtract, it’s time to add20:15 - Building creative outlets outside of your business22:24 - Getting the support you need25:24 - How to make your business smarter27:32 - Your questions about the topicRESOURCES:Why Adversity Is Actually Good For Your Business (blog post)CONNECT: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 2, 2021 • 27min
2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)
Scope of practice is one of the most requested topics in my community, and in my DMs, so we’re going to get down and dirty, talking about what you are, and are not, legally allowed to do as a coach.First of all, you need to understand exactly what scope of practice is and which scope of practice covers what you do. This is where this episode starts. But there’s so much misinformation out there when it comes to scope of practice legislation that it can be a real minefield, and getting things wrong has the potential to land you in trouble, so I spend a bit of time myth-busting as well.Once that’s out of the way, I get into how you can design your business in a way that’s safe, covered, and will let you sleep tight at night.In this episode, you'll hear… 02:09 - What scope of practice means04:08 - How it affects your business06:17 - The myth of unregulated industries08:17 - Where the confusion comes from16:04 - Do’s and don’ts of your coaching scope of practiceCONNECT: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


