

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 27, 2023 • 21min
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 CopycatsJoin the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally legit™️ today!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by Nova MediaMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

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-91Submit your legal question for an upcoming episode of On Your Terms® Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally legit™️ today!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by Nova Media

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 ContractsCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

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: @myanicholCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMER

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:Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally legit™️ today!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

Mar 9, 2023 • 31min
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/legalquestion CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by Nova Media

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.com5 Steps to A Legally Legit™ Business ChecklistCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

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 listFree legal training: 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online BusinessShop my DIY Legal Templates & Choose the One that Fits Your BusinessCONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMER

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)5 Steps to A Legally Legit™ Business ChecklistClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now!CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERMentioned in this episode:Legal WorkshopDo you feel lost thinking about how to legally protect your online business? Head to mylegalworkshop.com to sign-up for immediate access to my free 1-hour legal workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow your Online Business.Legal Workshop

Feb 23, 2023 • 7min
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 Learn more by taking my free workshop, 5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/oyt-workshop/ CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMER


