

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 4, 2024 • 36min
203. 5 Things to Tell Yourself When You Feel Like Quitting
Feel like quitting? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. Being an entrepreneur can be super lonely, especially when you’re struggling. That’s why in this episode I share 5 things to tell yourself when you feel like quitting. I use them myself and I really hope you find them helpful too. In this episode, you’ll hear…The power of giving yourself permission to quit, or better yet, pauseHow to stop equating yourself with your resultsWhy you should ask yourself, “Am I done or am I disappointed?” The importance to expect things to be hardWhy you need to honestly evaluate your level of consistency, time, and focusClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Send Sam a DM on Instagram: @SamVanderWielenListen to my Kickstart Your Business Series Get my emails! Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now! 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

Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 5min
202. How the Ultimate Bundle®️Safeguarded My Business: 4 Real Life Stories
Sometimes the legal aspect of running a small business can be unclear and overwhelming. That’s why I think stories help. They put a face to legal issues, and more importantly, they show that prevention and protection do work. So if legal to-dos have been hanging over your head, take a listen to these four stories about real business owners who use The Ultimate Bundle®. In this episode, you’ll hear…How much of a mental load was lifted for each of the four business owners when they bought The Ultimate Bundle®Why contracts are such a big help with client expectations and managementHow often payment disputes come up for these business owners and how they deal with itThe benefits of the community aspect of The Ultimate Bundle®Why these business owners feel confident and excited about their protected futureJoin the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Grab The Ultimate Bundle® on sale!Follow Karin Nordin on Instagram: @KarinNordinPhD
Karin: Change Academy PRO membership, a low-cost membership for coaches that teaches evidence-based behavior change techniques: https://bodybrainalliance.com/change-academy/
Follow Mya Nichol on Instagram: @MyaNicholMya: Upgrade Your Instagram Account In Less Than 10 Minutes Checklist https://view.flodesk.com/pages/624c6ad3c2bc0f13bc3c6ee3Follow Athena Concannon on Instagram: @AthenaConcannon
Athena: Free Legit Fit planning Checklist: https://achievewithathena.com/the-legit-fit-planning-checklist/
Follow Chris Castillo on Instagram: @EmpoweredAchievers
Chris: Free Career Training Workshop: https://beempoweredachievers.com/free-workshopClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now! 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

Feb 26, 2024 • 26min
201. The Only Legal Program You Need for Your Online Business
The Ultimate Bundle® is my healthy obsession. I’ve spent years tweaking it to perfectly fit the legal needs of online business owners. In this episode, I take you through the origin story of the Ultimate Bundle®: From me leaving corporate law and health coaching, to figuring out exactly what online business owners need, to scaling up the Ultimate Bundle® so it could help as many people as possible. I hope this episode encourages you to stick with your own project and make it everything you dream it can be.In this episode, you’ll hear…How and why I started my business.How I pursued and integrated feedback for The Ultimate Bundle®.Why being fully committed to your business matters, including investing in legal protection early.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Episode 3. Turning Pain & Hard Times Into Rocket Fuel for Your BusinessEpisode 29. 10 Reasons My First Business Was an Epic FailureThe Ultimate Bundle® Get my emails! Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now! 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

Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 34min
200. How to Legally Protect Your Online Business in 2024
In this unique episode, you get to hear my full webinar, “How to Legally Protect Your Online Business in 2024.” I’ll give you the five steps every entrepreneur needs to take, and take immediately: Shift your mindset, register as the right business entity, protect yourself in case of a lawsuit, get your contracts and policies in place, and stay within your scope of practice. Plus, I give you the “2024 Online Business State of the Union” to let you know about recent changes to the legal and financial landscape for online businesses. Ready to learn? Tune in now!In this episode, you’ll hear…How to proactively protect yourself from lawsuitsWhat a scope of practice is and why it is importantHow contracts and policies will help you attract good customersWhy it is important to pick the right business entity to register as The peace of mind and positive energy you’ll get once your business’ legal and financial foundation is in placeClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:The Ultimate Bundle® is on sale through February 28, 2024. If you buy it before February 23, 2024, you’ll receive a special bonus! Buy The Ultimate Bundle® today.CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Feb 21, 2024 • 27min
BONUS Q&A EPISODE: Listen In As I Coach My Customers
Sometimes the best way to learn is to listen to others’ questions. Tune into this episode to listen to legal questions from small business owners and my answers to them. We touch on topics including staying within your business insurance’s scope of coverage, drawing a line between your coaching business and your professional license, and how to best use DBAs.In this episode, you’ll hear…How to keep your professional license safe while transitioning to coaching.When you need to get a separate LLC and when you can use the same one.The difference between an LLC and a DBA.Join the Free Legal Workshop to learn how to get your business legally protected today!Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Grab the Ultimate Bundle® on sale now! CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Feb 19, 2024 • 14min
199. Yep, THIS Lawyer Doesn't Like What Procrastinators Are Doing
In this episode, I share with you my top 5 reasons to not procrastinate creating your business’s legal foundation. It can be tempting to push legal stuff to the bottom of your to-do list and instead focus on more fun things like branding and social media. So let me show you exactly why you need to get your legal ducks in a row. I hope this short list will give you the motivation you need to get your legal foundation set ASAP.In this episode, you’ll hear…Legal protection is not retroactive. Every day you don’t have your legal foundation set is a day that will be open to liability.Not having contracts can attract the exact type of clients you don’t want.Knowing you’re all legally buttoned-up will give you the confidence you need to fearlessly promote and grow your company.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! 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

Feb 15, 2024 • 15min
198. How to Stop Stunting Your Growth (Quick Motivation!)
Are you feeling stuck in your entrepreneurial journey, constantly waiting for the "right time" to take the next step? Let me share a little secret with you: the right time is now, and the key to unlocking your growth is future-proofing your business. Future-proofing means making decisions today that will set you up for the success you envision tomorrow. It's about acting as if you've already achieved your goals and making moves that align with that future version of yourself.In this episode, you’ll hear…The importance of future-proofing your business by making decisions today that align with your future goals.The concept of cyclical stalling and how waiting for the "right time" can actually hinder your growth.Personal insights on adopting a future-oriented mindset and how it transformed my business.Strategic investments in branding and website updates as essential steps towards manifesting your future success.The critical role of legal protection in laying a solid foundation for your business and ensuring its growth.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! CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Feb 12, 2024 • 23min
197. 4 Things I'd Never Do In My Business (as a lawyer)
Are you navigating the intricate world of online business, trying to avoid the legal pitfalls that could derail your success? Well, you're in luck. As an attorney specializing in helping entrepreneurs like you, I've seen firsthand the common legal missteps that can complicate your business journey. Today, I'm here to guide you through these murky waters with some straightforward advice that could save you from potential legal headaches down the road. Let's dive into the legal essentials you can't afford to ignore, ensuring your online business thrives on solid ground.In this episode, you’ll hear…The importance of establishing a legal entity for your online business.Why separating personal and business finances is crucial for legal and tax purposes.The dangers of DIY legal contracts and the value of professional legal services.Understanding that online businesses are subject to traditional legal standards.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Don't miss your chance to attend my free live legal training! Be sure to sign up here for How to Protect Your Online Business in 2024, happening February 20th and 21st.Episode 2. Scope of Practice for Coaches (What You're Legally Allowed to Do)Learn more about The JAVA Method (Jen Diaz’s Membership)Click here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now! 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

Feb 8, 2024 • 9min
196. 6 super easy ways to legally protect your business (BIG NEWS INSIDE!)
Are you running an online business and feeling a bit lost in the maze of legal requirements? Well, I've got something special for you. I'm hosting a free webinar, 'How to Legally Protect Your Online Business in 2024,' and it's packed with insights and actionable steps. If you're unsure about the legal side of your business, this is your chance to get up to speed with the latest laws and protections. Let's dive into what you'll learn and how it can transform the way you handle your business legally.In this episode, you’ll hear…An introduction to the webinar "How to Legally Protect Your Online Business in 2024," highlighting its importance for online entrepreneurs.New legal changes affecting online businesses, including the beneficial ownership information law and updated federal and email marketing regulations.A discussion on the critical aspects of business structuring, focusing on the differences between LLCs and sole proprietorships, and the role of business insurance.Guidance on the essential contracts needed for online businesses, how to prioritize them, and defining your legal scope of practice.Opportunities for interactive learning and personalized Q&A sessions during the live webinar, with options for live participation or watching a replay.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Don’t miss your chance to attend this free live class! Be sure to sign up here for How to Protect Your Online Business in 2024, happening February 20th and 21st.CONNECT:Sam on InstagramSam on FacebookOn Your Terms® on InstagramDISCLAIMERProduced by NOVA Media

Feb 5, 2024 • 10min
195. Be a Detective In Your Business (Not a Prosecutor)
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of making assumptions in your business, only to realize later that you might have missed out on key insights? I'm here to share a powerful mindset shift that can revolutionize the way you approach your business decisions. Rather than playing the role of a prosecutor, who's often fixated on proving a preconceived notion, let's explore the benefits of adopting a detective's mindset. This approach is all about staying curious, open-minded, and making decisions based on solid evidence and data.In this episode, you’ll hear…The importance of a detective mindset in business: embracing curiosity and open-mindedness.The benefits of analyzing data and evidence for informed decision-making.The pitfalls of a prosecutor mindset: avoiding preconceived notions and bias.How to transform your business approach with a detective mindset.Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.RESOURCES:Get my emails to stay in the know & read listener-submitted legal Q&A, legal news for online biz, marketing tips, and more! samvanderwielen.com/easy-emailsClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally legit right now!Check out the Ultimate Bundle® - my signature program that includes 10 essential DIY legal templates + 35 on demand video trainingsClick here to watch the free workshop so you can get legally protected right now! 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


