On Your Terms®

Hosted by Sam Vander Wielen

Business Entrepreneurship

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300

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 15, 202631 min

293. I've Sold $9M in Digital Products. Here's My Honest Take on the Market Right Now

Everyone keeps coming up to me like they're attending my business's funeral. "How are things?" And I'm standing there like... everything's actually great? My business keeps growing. But I get it. There's no shortage of people online saying digital products are dead, courses are dead, the whole thing is over.Here's the thing: the market has changed. A lot. And if you have a digital product or course, you've probably felt it. Buyers are taking longer to make decisions, coming in with their guard up, asking more questions. But "harder" is not the same as "dead." After 10 years in this industry and $9M in digital product sales, I want to give you my honest take on what's actually happening, what's changed, and exactly what it takes to build and sell a digital product that still works in 2026 and beyond.In this episode, you'll hear…Why buyer skepticism is at an all-time high and what actually caused itHow the 2020-2021 online business boom (and AI) flooded the market with low-quality productsThe real reason information-only products are struggling, and what to do insteadSix things your digital product must do to succeed in today's economyWhy cold-audience funnels are suffering the most right nowWhat "long game trust" actually looks like, and why it's your biggest competitive advantageThe honest truth about how much work building a successful digital product takesClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam's weekly newsletter to be the first to know about the Ultimate Bundle® birthday saleGet 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

June 8, 202647 min

292. How to Actually Make Instagram Reels for Your Business (Without Losing Your Mind)

You know reels are one of the best ways to grow your business on Instagram. You've seen other people crushing it. You've probably even sat down to film one yourself, maybe more than once, and then... you just didn't post it. Or you did, and it flopped, and somewhere along the way, the whole thing started to feel way more complicated than it's worth.Here's what I actually think is happening: you're drowning in advice that was designed for influencers, not for people who run a real business. Hook formulas, trending audio, CapCut tutorials, edit transitions... it is A LOT. And most of it doesn't apply to you.So in today's episode, I'm breaking it all the way down to the actual basics: how to find ideas, how to script a reel, how to film it, and how to batch the whole thing so it doesn't take over your life. No dances. No pressure to go viral. Just what actually works to get you more clients from Instagram.In this episode, you'll hear…Why you shouldn't be getting content inspiration from competitors (and where to look instead)How to write a hook that stops the scroll, even if you hate writingThe one structural shift that's making reels perform better right now (hint: stop giving it all away in the video)Filming best practices that make a real difference, even with just your phoneHow to batch your reel production so you're not starting from scratch every single weekThe four reel formats explained, so you can pick what actually works for your personality and scheduleClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarKit (affiliate link)what I use to build my email list, send emails to my list, and create opt-in forms & pagesEpisode 291. 11 'Bad Habits' That Actually Built My 7-Figure BusinessNatasha's YouTube video on YAP content for InstagramB-roll reel example with Text OverlayB-roll reel example with Audio OverlayScripted reel exampleIf 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

June 1, 202638 min

291. 11 'Bad Habits' That Actually Built My 7-Figure Business

Every entrepreneurship influencer on the internet has an opinion about what you should be doing. Six AM wake-ups. A content calendar mapped out six months in advance. Tracking every metric. Showing up on every platform all at once. But here's the thing — what successful founders say they do and what they actually do behind the scenes? Often very, very different.I know because I'm one of those founders. And when people meet me in real life, the thing they always say is, "Wait, your business is so chill and simple. You don't do any of the stuff people say you're supposed to do."So today I'm pulling back the curtain and giving you the real list: my 11 "bad habits" that I genuinely believe built my seven-figure business. The stuff I do, don't do, and intentionally skip — and why I think it's actually the reason this whole thing has worked at all.In this episode, you'll hear…Why ghosting your Instagram Stories for days (or weeks) at a time might actually be good for your businessHow skipping the perfectly planned content calendar has made Sam a better, more creative writerThe surprising reason oversharing the good, the bad, and the ugly has been one of her biggest trust-buildersWhy saying yes to almost everything early on was one of the smartest moves she madeHow staying resistant to every shiny new platform or trend has kept her business simple and wildly profitableClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Mallory Rowan on Instagram (original carousel that inspired this episode)Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarSubscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessGrab 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

May 25, 202622 min

290. I'm Sorry, But Someone Had to Say It (On Apologizing For Everything)

I recently apologized to my shower handle.No, really. I turned off the water before rinsing out my conditioner, reached back to flip it on again, and instinctively said sorry to a cold, metal, completely inanimate faucet. And that moment stopped me dead in my tracks, because if I'm apologizing to shower handles, what else am I unnecessarily apologizing for in my life and business?This episode is a little different. I'm reading you an essay I originally published on my Substack, Beyond Business, because I genuinely believe so many of you need to hear it, not just read it. It's something I was almost too scared to put out into the world. But here's what I know: the over-apologizing so many of us do, especially as women in business, is costing us. It's costing us deals, visibility, clients, confidence, and the kind of success we've worked incredibly hard for.In this episode, you'll hear…Why so many of us learned to over-apologize long before we ever started a business, and how that pattern is still running the showThe jaw-dropping (and infuriating) moment at a law firm that made me feel like my ambition was something to be ashamed ofWhere over-apologizing shows up in your business, including in your marketing, your pricing conversations, and how you manage your teamA reflection prompt to help you identify where you might be apologizing unnecessarily, and what to do about itClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Subscribe to Sam's Substack, Beyond BusinessGrab a 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

May 18, 202642 min

289. Why Doing Less Is Actually the Strategy

You'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

May 11, 202641 min

288. I Pulled Back From Social Media. It Performed Better.

What 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

May 4, 202648 min

287. Why Nobody Thinks of You When It's Time to Buy

Have 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

April 27, 202648 min

286. I Went to an Invite-Only Mastermind. Here's Everything I Learned

I 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

April 20, 202638 min

285. The Step Everyone Skips Before They Launch

You'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

April 13, 202627 min

284. My Best Kept Secret That Feeds My Content, Testimonials, and $500k Launches

Automation 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