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 si...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 31:01
If you started your business today, would you actually follow your own old advice? I wouldn't. And after over $9 million in sales, I'm telling you exactly why. This isn't the…
Aug 31, 2026 · 12:18
My gap year was supposed to be boring. Instead I've taken 19 flights before summer even ended, and somehow I still feel more rested than I have in years. This episode is part of…
Aug 24, 2026 · 8:39
I got forced to slow down, and it's the lesson I need to learn over and over again. In this episode, I read a personal essay from my Substack about a tennis injury that took me…
Aug 17, 2026 · 9:50
Have you ever had a moment so small (a bird, of all things) crack open something so much bigger about how you're living your life? This week's episode is part of my summer series…
Aug 10, 2026 · 10:14
We've lost the plot when it comes to creating content. In this week's summer read-aloud, I share a personal essay on how my own productivity systems, batching, optimizing, and…
Aug 3, 2026 · 9:19
What happens when you give yourself an entire year off and can't actually take it? That's the question I'm sitting with in this week's essay. I declared 2026 my entrepreneurial…
Jul 27, 2026 · 10:37
I recently stood in a long line for pancakes I wasn't even sure I wanted. And it made me realize how much of what I consume, eat, buy, watch, isn't actually chosen by me anymore.…
Jul 20, 2026 · 11:35
One of the strange gifts of your life completely burning to the ground is the fertile soil it leaves behind for you to begin again. That's where I found myself after losing both…
Jul 13, 2026 · 11:15
Everyone's obsessed with the getting off social media part — deleting the apps, doing the digital detox, bragging about their screen time going down. But almost no one talks…
Jul 6, 2026 · 35:26
I'm taking a little summer break, not just from the podcast, but from working in general. And yes, my friends are already cackling about that one, because as my friend Steve put…
Jun 29, 2026 · 57:38
If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to attend one of the best conferences in the online business space, I'm bringing you along this week. Every June, I pack my bags…
Jun 22, 2026 · 26:05
“Must be nice.” It sounds harmless. Like a throwaway comment, a passing thought, something you mutter when you see someone doing something you wish you could do. But I’ve been…
Jun 15, 2026 · 31:51
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…
Jun 8, 2026 · 47:54
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…
Jun 1, 2026 · 38:54
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…
May 25, 2026 · 22:29
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…
May 18, 2026 · 42:44
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…
May 11, 2026 · 41:50
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…
May 4, 2026 · 48:44
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?…
Apr 27, 2026 · 48:34
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…
Apr 20, 2026 · 38:44
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.…
Apr 13, 2026 · 27:14
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…
Apr 6, 2026 · 30:08
If 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,…
Mar 30, 2026 · 37:09
Q1 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…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:01:10
Sam 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…
Mar 16, 2026 · 42:30
Everyone'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.…
Mar 9, 2026 · 34:32
If you’re trying to grow your audience for your online business, you’ve probably heard advice like “build the audience first” or “you need followers before you can launch.” But…
Mar 2, 2026 · 18:10
Have you ever heard a quote at exactly the moment you needed it? Like it practically reached out and grabbed you by the shoulders? That happened to me recently when I heard this…
Feb 23, 2026 · 40:17
If you’re building a business, doing “all the right things,” and still feel exhausted even after a full night of sleep… this episode is for you. So many entrepreneurs think rest…
Feb 16, 2026 · 37:53
It’s mid-February (or honestly… March… or April… or whenever you’re listening), and if your New Year’s goals already feel like they’ve floated off into the abyss — you’re not…
Feb 9, 2026 · 38:53
There’s this moment in business where you keep thinking, okay… when does it get easier? When does the stress chill out, the money feel steadier, and you finally get to enjoy what…
Feb 9, 2026 · 1:21:33
In this episode, you get to hear my full live training, “How To Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business in 2026.” I’ll give you the five steps every entrepreneur needs to…
Feb 2, 2026 · 18:11
When it gets dark before you’ve even wrapped up work for the day, winter can feel like it shrinks your whole life. Suddenly everything feels harder, heavier, and honestly… a…
Jan 26, 2026 · 32:03
Re-shooting all the videos for a product that’s generated over $8 million sounds like a straightforward business upgrade… until it isn’t. In this episode, I’m taking you behind…
Jan 19, 2026 · 26:53
We all know that moment. It’s Sunday. Your phone buzzes. And suddenly you’re staring down your weekly screen time report wondering… how did THAT happen? For me, those little…
Jan 12, 2026 · 31:05
If you’ve been side-eyeing Substack trying to figure out whether you should start one, what you’d even put on it, or how it’s different from your “regular” newsletter… this…
Jan 5, 2026 · 31:15
Let’s talk about the thing I didn’t even realize was happening until it had already messed with my head: AI was quietly killing my creativity. If you’ve ever opened your laptop,…
Dec 15, 2025 · 16:03
You know that feeling when you come back to your desk in January and everything is a disaster? Your desktop looks like a digital garage sale, your office chair is still wearing…
Dec 8, 2025 · 28:06
It’s that time of year again — when everyone online suddenly becomes a color-coded-notion-board-wielding planning expert. But before you map out your entire 2026 vision board, we…
Dec 1, 2025 · 40:57
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably hit the end of the year and thought: Wait… what actually happened ?! How did we blink and suddenly find ourselves staring down a new…
Nov 24, 2025 · 41:41
If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor while trying to write your weekly newsletter and thought, “What in the whole enchilada am I supposed to say?” — today’s episode is your…
Nov 17, 2025 · 28:58
Let’s be honest — most freebies out there? They’re not working. If you’ve ever spent hours creating a lead magnet only for it to attract people who download and disappear, this…
Nov 10, 2025 · 34:17
You’ve been told that the only way to grow your email list is with freebies, PDFs, and opt-ins galore—but what if there was an easier (and honestly, more effective) way? In Part…
Nov 3, 2025 · 33:20
You’re doing everything to grow your email list — promoting your freebies, sharing your links, posting on social — and yet, that number just won’t budge. You want new subscribers…
Oct 27, 2025 · 48:16
You’ve probably heard me say before that your business only grows as much as you do — and I mean it. Because no matter how many marketing tricks you try, or how well you plan…
Oct 21, 2025 · 1:12:11
Thinking about starting an online business—or finally making your “side hustle” official—but don’t want to get buried in legal confusion? This episode is your crash course on…
Oct 13, 2025 · 45:26
Everyone wants the 7-figure business… until they realize what comes with it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure online business…
Oct 6, 2025 · 33:08
So you love something—cooking, crafting, wellness, design—and you think, this is it, this is going to be my dream business! But then… crickets. No sales, no growth, no happy…
Sep 29, 2025 · 11:30
Most entrepreneurs think Q4 is a “dead zone” for sales—too many ads, too much noise, everyone distracted by holidays. But let me tell you: I’ve grown my multi–seven-figure…
Sep 22, 2025 · 47:47
Grief isn’t something most of us plan for when we map out our businesses, but it will change you, and by default, your business too. In this episode, I open up about losing both…
Sep 15, 2025 · 19:02
Can you actually build a successful online business and keep your personal life private? Spoiler: yes, you can and you don’t have to feel like you’re choosing between being safe…
Sep 8, 2025 · 27:23
Have you ever caught yourself stuck in “plan to plan” mode? You know, where you’re endlessly researching, collecting info, or waiting for the perfect time to finally start that…
Aug 18, 2025 · 27:14
Ever start your workday with the best intentions to finally record that video, write that email, or publish that podcast episode… only to look up at 3 p.m. and realize you’ve…
Aug 11, 2025 · 50:30
This week, I sat down with video marketing coach and content strategist Natasha Pierre to talk about the REAL reason your content isn’t converting into email list growth (or…
Aug 4, 2025 · 46:35
Funnels. The word alone can make your eyes glaze over or send you running for the hills. But what if I told you building a funnel doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or…
Jul 28, 2025 · 59:45
What if you didn’t have to show up on social media every day to grow your business? If you’ve ever felt exhausted by the algorithm or like posting content is just one more thing…
Jul 21, 2025 · 35:06
Ever wonder if your podcast is actually doing anything for your business… or if it’s just another thing on your plate? Whether you’re podcasting already or still dreaming about…
Jul 14, 2025 · 28:58
What happens when your business no longer matches who you’ve become? This is a raw, behind-the-scenes episode where I’m sharing what it feels like to run a successful business…
Jul 7, 2025 · 50:01
Are you staring at the blinking cursor, wondering what the heck to write in your weekly email? You’re not alone. This week, I’m joined by the email whisperer herself—Tarzan…
Jun 30, 2025 · 46:24
If you've ever wondered what really goes down behind the scenes at a big-name business conference like ConvertKit’s Craft + Commerce, I’ve got the juicy details for you—straight…
Jun 23, 2025 · 12:45
Starting an online business is super exciting—you're finally working with customers, launching offers, and maybe even making some money. But what if you’ve unknowingly skipped a…
Jun 16, 2025 · 14:12
So you’ve got the business idea. You might even have the Instagram handle locked down. But now you're stuck staring at your laptop like... “ What legal steps am I supposed to…
Jun 9, 2025 · 55:46
Ever feel like your brain is bloated from binging on too many business tips, tutorials, and trending strategies? Yep, same. It’s like we’ve all been force-fed a buffet of…
Jun 2, 2025 · 14:46
Ever feel like you’re showing up consistently—posting, emailing, sharing—only to be met with… crickets? You’re pouring your heart into your content, but it’s not converting into…
May 26, 2025 · 18:25
Affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn extra income for sharing things you already use and love—but there’s a legal twist that too many online entrepreneurs are…
May 19, 2025 · 15:52
What if your content didn’t just get attention—but actually got results? I’m sharing the turning point that made me ditch the high-speed hamster wheel of content creation and…
May 12, 2025 · 41:08
What if your next big launch didn’t feel like sprinting a marathon in heels? What if, instead, it felt calm, strategic, and (dare I say it?) kind of fun? In this episode, I’m…
May 5, 2025 · 6:47
I’ve been a little quiet here on On Your Terms —but for good reason. In this quick update, I’m sharing where I’ve been (hint: launching a book!) and what’s coming next (some…
Apr 24, 2025 · 29:39
What do you do when a dream podcast opportunity comes knocking… and the universe throws every travel disaster at you to stop it? In this week’s episode of On Your Terms® , I’m…
Apr 14, 2025 · 30:48
When I signed my Big 5 book deal years ago, this moment felt so far away . And now… it’s here. Tomorrow, When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy hits shelves, and honestly? I’m…
Apr 7, 2025 · 18:35
Is your email list growing at a snail’s pace (or not at all)? If so, I can almost guarantee you’re making at least one of these four mistakes. And even worse? These mistakes are…
Mar 31, 2025 · 15:19
Can you believe quarter one is already over? If you’re like me, the first three months of the year flew by in a blur. But before we sprint into Q2, let’s take a moment to pause,…
Mar 24, 2025 · 18:20
If working harder was the secret to success, every burned-out entrepreneur would be rolling in cash. But we both know that’s not how business works. If you feel like you're…
Mar 17, 2025 · 22:18
If you’ve ever thought, “If only I had more followers, then I’d make more sales…” —this one’s for you. Because, spoiler alert: That’s just not how it works. There are people with…
Mar 10, 2025 · 23:39
Have you ever felt like every business "guru" is shouting about one perfect strategy—the magic formula for hitting $10K months? But no matter what you try, nothing seems to…
Mar 3, 2025 · 14:34
Remember when you first started your business? You might have had all these goals, dreams, and ambitions, and thought that once you hit those milestones, you'd be happy and…
Feb 24, 2025 · 14:56
Ever feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share the surprising story of how Saturday Night Live stars Bill…
Feb 17, 2025 · 24:26
It's been a weird couple of months on social media, from content policing to apps disappearing and reappearing, new features and different trends - things have definitely changed…
Feb 10, 2025 · 1:41:40
If you want to start an online business — whether as a coach, course creator, maker, or service provider—you must have your legal foundations in place. The online business space…
Feb 3, 2025 · 23:30
When I met with my stylist, there were things I noticed about each of the clothing items I loved and the ones I hated. I started to realize that there were consistencies in any…
Jan 20, 2025 · 20:36
When you first start a business, much of your day may be spent casually networking or binging all of the free content related to entrepreneurship (that was me! 🙋🏻). It's very…
Jan 14, 2025 · 9:22
The (potential) TikTok ban has been making waves, and as creators and online business owners, we can’t afford to ignore its potential impact. In this episode, I’m diving into the…
Jan 7, 2025 · 36:56
After becoming BFFs with Google, I learned all I could about email lists, freebies, and landing pages; my mind was overflowing! Now I’m eight years and almost 45,000 subscribers…
Dec 16, 2024 · 14:01
Welcome to a new approach to goal setting and personal growth. As we prepare to step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what might be missing from your current…
Dec 9, 2024 · 22:49
Have you ever taken a moment to look back on where you’ve been and how far you’ve come? Lately, I’ve been doing just that, reflecting on my journey throughout 2024. It’s been a…
Oct 28, 2024 · 1:06:24
In this episode, you get to hear my full live training, “5 Steps to Legally Protect Your Online Business Before 2024 Ends.” I’ll give you the five steps every entrepreneur needs…
Jul 29, 2024 · 16:25
Knowing when to take a break is important. I am listening to my own advice and taking a break from the podcast. I need time and mental space to finish my book. In this episode, I…
Jul 22, 2024 · 19:38
The other day I received a comment on social media about how I did not look great in a video. In the past, I would have been reactive. Instead, I just laughed out loud. In…
Jul 15, 2024 · 17:10
In the last episode, I talked some smack about social media: It’s bad for your mental health, your content won’t have great longevity or searchability, etc. So this episode I…
Jul 8, 2024 · 17:22
Social media is designed to be addictive. Summer can be a great time to evaluate your social media usage– both consumption and creation. In this episode, I describe my experience…
Jul 1, 2024 · 11:53
Welcome to the first episode of the Summer School series! This summer I’ll be creating short weekly episodes on the go- while I’m at the gym, on a walk. etc. In each one, I’ll…
Jun 24, 2024 · 1:10:35
Today’s episode is a recording of my new free legal training “Five Steps to Legally Protect and Grow Your Online Business”. I share the step-by-step plan you need to do to set…
Jun 17, 2024 · 24:16
People are often surprised when I tell them they might not own the content they create on Canva. That’s why in today’s episode I give a quick overview of what you should be aware…
Jun 10, 2024 · 14:59
Are you using the free contracts provided by platforms like Thinkific or Kajabi to protect your online business? If so, you might be wondering if they’re really enough to keep…
Jun 3, 2024 · 10:48
This episode comes to you from the M trail in San Luis Obispo, California. I realized I was falling back into a bad habit of mine so I pulled out my phone to make a voice…
May 27, 2024 · 20:09
One of the core startup costs for an online business is business insurance. In today’s episode, I teach you about business insurance and the general cost you can expect. Business…
May 20, 2024 · 35:34
Starting an online business is much cheaper than starting a brick-and-mortar shop, but it still has costs. So how do you navigate those costs before your business starts bringing…
May 13, 2024 · 41:06
Writing a book isn’t just about writing a book. It brings up all kinds of business and personal dynamics, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Today fellow debut author,…
May 6, 2024 · 54:46
This podcast episode is about podcasts. Our team’s podcast aficionado, Michelle Rubinstein, interviews me about how I utilize On Your Terms® to nurture my audience and aid in…
Apr 29, 2024 · 27:31
Right after launches, it’s normal to feel big feelings: Relief it’s over, excitement about success, sadness about failure. Feel your feelings, whichever ones they are, but don’t…
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