EP 180: Selling a 7-figure Course with Sam Vander Wielen
The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast
Release Date: 06/25/2025
The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast
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Is private practice dead in 2025—or are there just new rules to succeed? In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Leah Clionsky, founder of a thriving 17-therapist group practice, who shares exactly how her practice just hit its best revenue month ever—up 35% year-over-year—despite widespread uncertainty in the industry. We dig deep into what she's seeing in the market, how she identifies early warning signs before referrals drop, and the bold marketing moves she’s made to stay ahead of the curve. Topics Covered in This Episode: 6:28 - Why “Is private practice is...
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What really goes into building a business that lasts without burning out or selling your soul to social media? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sam Vander Wielen, legal educator, entrepreneur, and author of When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy. We dig into the messy middle of entrepreneurship and what it actually looks like to create a signature offer that sells, build an email list from scratch, and stay legally protected while scaling with integrity. Sam shares how she built a wildly successful business from two simple products, the strategic ways she grows her email list, and the...
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What does showing up online really mean for you as a therapist? In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s rarely discussed but absolutely crucial—your safety as a therapist in the digital age. As the first generation of mental health professionals navigating public visibility through social media, podcasts, and SEO, we face risks that influencers, travel bloggers, and even accountants simply don’t. I’ll share personal stories, cautionary advice, and actionable steps to help you grow your online presence while protecting your well-being, family, and private life. This isn’t...
info_outlineWhat really goes into building a business that lasts without burning out or selling your soul to social media? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sam Vander Wielen, legal educator, entrepreneur, and author of When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy. We dig into the messy middle of entrepreneurship and what it actually looks like to create a signature offer that sells, build an email list from scratch, and stay legally protected while scaling with integrity.
Sam shares how she built a wildly successful business from two simple products, the strategic ways she grows her email list, and the mindset shifts that have kept her grounded through it all. If you’re tired of chasing the algorithm and ready to create something that works long-term, this is the episode for you.
Topics Covered in this Episode:
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3:54 – Why email is your “homework” and social media is just “play”
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14:27 – The easy fix to get people to want your newsletter
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17:37 – The “infinity loop” of attracting, nurturing, and converting
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20:28 – A clever, free playlist strategy Sam uses to grow her list
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23:57 – The surprising post that went viral
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26:18 – The one foundational piece that protects your energy and builds revenue
If you loved this episode, be sure to grab Sam’s book When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Entrepreneurial Therapist podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review if today’s chat gave you clarity or confidence to take your next step.
Resources Mentioned:
AI Free Marketing Guide to Get More Private Pay Clients: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide
Grab a copy of Sam’s Book: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/book/
Check out Sam’s Podcast: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/podcast/
Connect with Same: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/
Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvanderwielen/