Podcast
On Your Terms®
Hosted by Sam Vander Wielen · EN
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.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
289. Why Doing Less Is Actually the Strategy
2w ago00:42:44Tap to summarizeYou're busy. You're building. You're making a thousand decisions a day — what to post, what to buy, what to eat, what to cut. And somewhere along the way, all of that choosing started to feel like its own full-time job.Here's the thing: we've been sold this idea that more optimization equals more freedom. That if you just find the perfect system, the perfect routine, the perfect answer, you'll finally be able to relax. So you keep researching and refining and second-guessing. And the relaxing never actually comes.This episode is about what happens when you stop. It's about de-optimizing your life — and why I think "good enough" isn't a consolation prize. It's the entire point. I'm sharing what's been quietly shifting for me (some of it unexpected, some of it born out of grief), and how I'm starting to let go of the pressure to have, do, and be the best version of everything, all the time. Spoiler: it feels a lot like relief.In this episode, you'll hear…How grief cracked open my relationship with time and completely reorganized my prioritiesWhy I stopped chasing "biggest business ever" and started making my business the least interesting thing about meWhat happens when you spend less time on screens (hint: everything slows down, in the best way)The three unexpected shifts I've noticed from de-optimizing: more confidence, more assuredness, and serious reliefThe "consequences" framework that's helping me stop agonizing and start choosing Three ways this mindset shift is showing up in my business right nowClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Grab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →288. I Pulled Back From Social Media. It Performed Better.
3w ago00:41:50Tap to summarizeWhat if stepping back from social media was actually the thing that made it work better for your business?I'll be honest with you: my relationship with social media has been a lot. It helped me build a multi seven-figure business. Then it became my number one addiction. Then it turned into a coping mechanism I reached for every time life got hard. And then, after losing both of my parents, I basically wanted to throw my phone into the ocean and never look back.In this episode, I'm sharing the full, messy truth of my relationship with social media, including the part that surprised even me: that since pulling way back, my content is performing better than it ever has. But here's what's different about this conversation: it's not just a "hire a team and disappear" story. It's a real mindset shift that I believe anyone can adopt, no matter what size your audience is or what stage your business is atIn this episode, you'll hear…Why my relationship with social media went from exciting opportunity to full-blown addiction (and how grief changed everything)The honest truth about why pulling back actually made my content perform betterThe specific tools and strategies I use to protect my time and attention without disappearing from my businessHow I restructured my content creation process so I spend less time on the app but show up with way more intentionWhy posting less might actually be the smartest move you can make, even if you have a small audienceClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessThe Brick (phone-locking device) [affiliate link]Read Sam's Substack Post About the BrickShine with Natasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinewithnatasha/If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →287. Why Nobody Thinks of You When It's Time to Buy
4w ago00:48:44Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered why people in your audience don't think of you when they're ready to buy — even though you've been showing up, creating content, and putting offers out?Here's the hard truth: it's probably not your audience size. It's not your content. It's not even your offer. The real problem is that nobody knows what to associate your name with. And the good news? That is a very fixable problem.In this episode, I'm diving into why so many online business owners stay invisible — and what it actually takes to become the "McFlurry" of your industry. (Yes, we're going there. McDonald's, Wendy's Frosties, Burger King's unfortunate dessert menu, and what all of it has to do with YOUR business. I told you I always land the plane.)In this episode, you'll hear…Why shiny object syndrome is the #1 reason people can't figure out what you doHow adding too many offers actually dilutes your brand instead of growing your revenueThe "keeping up with the online Joneses" trap that pulls you away from what you actually wantWhy the gurus telling you to pivot, rebrand, or go viral profit from your instabilityThe three things you actually need to do to become known for something in your industryClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Grab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be HappySubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessClay Hebert — follow for messaging and positioning guidanceIf you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →286. I Went to an Invite-Only Mastermind. Here's Everything I Learned
Apr 2700:48:34Tap to summarizeI just got back from three days in Atlanta with some of the most impressive people in the online business space, and I am still processing all of it.We're talking New York Times bestselling authors, YouTubers with millions of subscribers, book agents and editors, SaaS founders, and high-level consultants serving Fortune 100 companies. All 40 of us crammed into rooms, hot seats, and late-night fire pit hangs for what turned into one of the most valuable professional (and personal) experiences I've had in years.I walked away with pages of notes on pricing psychology, LinkedIn strategy, storytelling, community building, and what it really takes to write and sell a book. But honestly? The biggest thing I took away wasn't a tactic at all. It was the realization that even after building a multi-seven-figure business, giving keynotes, and writing a book, I still don't fully believe in myself or what's possible for me.And it turns out? Neither does pretty much everyone else in that room. So I figured I'd bring all of it back to you.In this episode, you'll hear…The pricing psychology tip from a master business consultant that will make you rethink every number on your sales pageWhy the words "fee" and "costs" are quietly working against your sales (and what to say instead)The LinkedIn profile mistakes almost everyone makes and the simple fixes that actually drive traffic to your businessWhat spending three days with NYT bestselling authors taught me about the realities of publishing, book deals, and where authors actually make their moneyWhy the most successful people in the room still felt like they didn't belong there, and what that means for youThe honest truth about AI that nobody in the online space seems willing to say out loudWhy going deep in one community beats trying to be everywhere at onceClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Grab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy and join the Live Book Club Call (purchase book by April 29th to get your invite)Jo Franco's travel showCraft + Commerce ConferenceSam's episode on The Nathan Barry ShowIf you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →285. The Step Everyone Skips Before They Launch
Apr 2000:38:44Tap to summarizeYou've watched other people's launches from the sidelines. The big revenue numbers, the sold-out offers, the "We Hit Our Goal in 24 Hours" Instagram stories. You want that too. And so you try. You do all the launch things. But something's off. The sales trickle in slower than you hoped, or it's just... crickets. And you start wondering if it's your emails, your offer, your timing, or honestly, if it's just you.Here's the truth: it's probably none of those things.The real issue is happening way before launch week ever starts. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what that is and what to build instead, so that your next launch has actual chompers waiting for it. (And yes, I'll explain what chompers means. Stick with me.)In this episode, you'll hear…Why copying someone else's launch strategy, webinar slides, or email subject lines will not get you the results you're looking forWhat "chompers" are, why you need them, and how to build a community full of people who are ready to buyHow to identify where your ideal customer sits on the problem and solution awareness scale, and why it changes everything about your marketingThe three things you need to have in place to actually build an audience full of buyers, not just followersWhy realistic conversion rates matter, and how to set expectations so you can grow your business without burning yourself outClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGrab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy and join the Live Book Club Call (purchase book by April 29th to get your invite)If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →284. My Best Kept Secret That Feeds My Content, Testimonials, and $500k Launches
Apr 1300:27:14Tap to summarizeAutomation is great — until it makes people forget there's a real human behind your business. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the tool I've been quietly using to generate content ideas, boost webinar show-up rates, and collect testimonials, all while making my audience feel personally connected to me. It contributed to a $500K launch, and I'm walking you through exactly how I use it for content, sales, and social proof.In this episode, you'll hear…What VideoAsk actually is and why it's more like FaceTiming your audience than filling out a formHow I'm using it to generate content ideas directly from my audience (in their own words)The exact funnel I built to improve webinar show-up rates and make my workshop better in real timeHow I'm collecting video testimonials that I can use in ads, social content, and moreWhy building in "surprise and delight" moments is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your marketingClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGrab Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy and join the Live Book Club Call (purchase book by April 29th to get your invite)If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Check out VideoAsk (affiliate link)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
Transcribe →283. How I Actually Decide What to Send My Email List (Even When I Have No Idea)
Apr 600:30:08Tap to summarizeIf you've ever opened a blank document to write your newsletter and immediately closed it again, this one's for you.I've been sending my weekly newsletter, Sam's Sidebar, consistently for years, and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I decide what to write every single week. Including the time I scrapped a completely finished email the morning it was supposed to go out, wrote something raw and real in about five minutes, and watched my inbox light up with replies all day long.This is the behind-the-scenes process I use to make email feel less like a chore and more like one of the most powerful, reliable tools in my business.In this episode, you'll hear…Why I always start by zooming out on my business before I write a single wordHow to reverse engineer your email from your call to action so everything you write actually has a pointWhy your call to action doesn't always have to be a sale (and what to do between launches)The one habit that makes finding topics infinitely easier, even when your brain is totally blankHow I turned a frustrated, throw-it-all-out moment into one of my most-responded-to emails everClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGet your copy of Sam's book When I Start My Business, I'll Be HappyIf you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →282: The End-of-Quarter Habit That Will Change How You Run Your Business
Mar 3000:37:09Tap to summarizeQ1 is officially in the books — so before you barrel headfirst into Q2, let's actually stop and take stock of how it went.In this episode, I'm walking you through the end-of-quarter check-in I use in my own business — one that covers both your stats and your vibes — so you can go into the next quarter with one clear focus, a simple plan, and a lot less "why does running this business feel so chaotic?" energy.We'll talk about how to look at your numbers without spiraling into a shame spiral, how to figure out whether you have a leads problem or a sales problem (because the answer totally changes your Q2 plan), and why the things that are draining you in your business are probably directly connected to what's not working in your data.I'm also sharing my personal Q1 gap year update — what's working, what's not, the mastermind I very painfully said no to, and the morning routine that finally helped me get my writing practice off the ground.In this episode, you'll hear…How to review your Q1 stats without spiraling into a shame spiral (the "curious scientist" approach is a game-changer)Why picking one single focus for Q2 will get you further than 16 half-finished goals ever willThe "vibes check" — how to honestly assess how this quarter felt and what that means for Q2Why what's draining you in your business might be directly connected to what's not working in your statsMy personal Q1 gap year update, including the mastermind I painfully said no to, the morning writing routine that finally clicked, and why "gap year" does NOT mean I'm sitting on a beach doing nothingClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarSam's Substack post: Taking a Gap Year as an Entrepreneur: My Year of Letting Go in 2026Sam's Substack post: I called it a gap year—and everyone heard “year off.”Check out The Brick (affiliate link)Kit what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pages (affiliate link)If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.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
Transcribe →281. How I Made $500K in 4 Days (The Real Story)
Mar 2301:01:10Tap to summarizeSam pulls back the curtain on her biggest launch ever — $500K in revenue in just four days. She's sharing the real numbers: 11,000 webinar registrants, a 5% conversion rate, and exactly what she spent on ads to get there. But this isn't just a brag fest — Sam gets honest about what's actually behind a launch like this, why you can't just copy someone else's formula, and what entrepreneurs at every stage can take away and apply to their own business.Whether you're planning your first launch or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical strategy on webinars, email list marketing, buyer objections, and building an online business that actually converts.In this episode, you'll hear…The actual stats from my $500K launch — including webinar registrations, show-up rates, conversion percentages, and ad spend (yes, I'm sharing the numbers)Why I switched from three live webinars down to one — and how it actually increased my resultsThe "show up" email strategy I use to get more people to attend the webinar live (and why it works way better than a basic reminder)How I think about Meta ads as their own social channel — and when you should (and absolutely should not) start running adsThe three main buyer objections I prepare for in every launch — and how I use testimonials to overcome each oneClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarGrab a copy of Sam's Book When I Start My Business, I'll Be HappyRead Sam's Substack post: I called it a gap year—and everyone heard “year off.”If you have a question you’d like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Learn more about VideoAsk (affiliate link)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
Transcribe →280. How I Got My First 1,000 Subscribers on Substack
Mar 1600:42:30Tap to summarizeEveryone's talking about Substack — and maybe you're curious, a little skeptical, and 100% wondering if you actually need to add another platform to your already-full plate. (Spoiler: you don't need to. But you might want to after this.)In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I grew my Substack, Beyond Business, to 1,000 subscribers using only organic strategies — no importing my 60,000+ person email list, no fancy custom design, no team of people building it out for me. Just consistent writing, a growth mindset, and a few simple (but powerful) tactics I wish I'd known earlier.You’ll hear…Why I started a Substack when I already have an email list of 60,000+ people (and why it's absolutely not an either/or decision)The #1 mindset shift you need before you ever publish your first post Why becoming a fan of the platform first is one of the most underrated growth strategies out thereHow I built a consistent writing habit — and what happened to my creativity when I actually stuck with itThe "idea bank" strategy that keeps me showing up even when inspiration goes on vacationWhy you need to bank essays before you let the world respond to your writingHow to use Substack Notes to grow your audience without burning outThe referrals and recommendations strategy I used to accelerate growth (and exactly how to ask for them without being weird about it)Click here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam’s free weekly newsletter, Sam’s SidebarSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessEpisode 271. Why I Started a Substack When I Already Have an Email ListEpisode 279. What to Focus on First If You Want to Build an AudienceSam's episode of Amelia Hruby's podcast, Off the Grid AI All Stars by Gemma Bonham-Carter (custom GPTs for your business) (affiliate link)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
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