What Should I Put in My Contract? How to Build Agreements That Actually Work

What goes into a great contract? It depends—but in the best way possible.

In this episode, Cory Sterling shares a real story about a Pilates studio collaborating with a celebrity guest teacher for a retreat, and how they reverse-engineered the agreement based on what actually made the relationship work.

You’ll learn:

• Why the best contracts start with your business model, not a template
• What “expectations clauses” should include
• How to protect yourself in collaborations, retreats, and joint ventures
• What to ask before you agree to terms

If you’ve ever wondered how to set terms that truly protect your time, energy, and money—this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources:
👉 Book a free legal consult
📚 Download our free legal bundle
📸 Follow Conscious Counsel on Instagram

How to Legally Remove Difficult Clients Without Refund Drama

Yes, you can fire clients—but only if your agreements give you the power to do it.

In this episode, Cory Sterling shares two real stories: one where a retreat leader had to remove a guest for breaking a no-alcohol rule, and another where a studio owner struggled to kick out a disruptive member because they didn’t have a contract in place.

You’ll learn:

• What gives you the legal right to terminate a client relationship
• Why “expectations clauses” matter in your agreements
• How to protect your staff, space, and energy with better contracts

If you’ve ever had a nightmare client—or want to prevent one—this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources:
👉 Book a free legal consult
📚 Download our free legal bundle
📸 Follow Conscious Counsel on Instagram

New FTC laws are changing how you manage subscriptions. Here’s what to update now to stay compliant—and avoid costly refund requests.

In Episode 5, Cory Sterling unpacks the 2024 Click-to-Cancel law and how it affects gyms, studios, and online programs that use recurring billing. You’ll hear two real client stories: one where outdated agreements led to a refund and lost revenue, and one where a proactive legal update protected the business and enforced a fair cancellation fee.

If your business collects recurring payments, this law applies to you. Learn what needs to change in your contracts, systems, and cancellation process so you can stay compliant, protected, and profitable.

👉 Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call
👉 Free legal bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/

Misclassifying your workers can cost you everything. Here’s how to get it right and avoid expensive legal fallout.

In this episode, Cory dives into one of the most misunderstood areas of law for wellness businesses: how to classify the people who work for you. Are they independent contractors or employees? The answer impacts your legal risk, your relationships, and your bottom line.

Cory shares four powerful stories—from six-figure penalties and audits to quick legal wins—to help you understand the rules, risks, and responsibilities that come with worker classification. If you’ve ever hired someone for your studio, retreat, or online business, this is essential listening.

👉 Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call
👉 Free legal bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/

When someone gets hurt at your retreat, gym, or studio—your waiver is your first line of defense. Here's how to make sure it's doing its job.

In this episode, Cory breaks down what makes a waiver of liability effective—and what happens when it’s not. You’ll hear two real-world stories: one where a vague template led to a six-figure problem, and another where a specific waiver stopped a legal issue before it started. Whether you run retreats, yoga studios, or online coaching programs, this episode is packed with practical legal wisdom.

Cory also shares why “don’t get sued” documents like waivers must go beyond the generic and list specific risks, locations, and equipment. If you're not sure your waiver would protect you in a worst-case scenario, now's the time to upgrade.

👉 Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call
👉 Free legal bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/

Protecting your brand isn't optional—it's essential. Learn what to do if someone copies your name, logo, or vibe, and how trademarks can save you time, money, and stress.

In this episode of the Conscious Counsel Podcast, Cory Sterling shares two real client stories—one cautionary tale and one legal win—that explain the power of having your intellectual property protected. From cease-and-desist letters to six-figure branding losses, this episode unpacks what it really means to have a registered trademark.

If you've ever wondered whether you should trademark your business name, logo, or slogan—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make a smart move before it's too late.

👉 Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call
👉 Free legal bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/

Your legal position determines how costly or stressful a problem becomes—learn how to protect your biz from day one.

In this kickoff episode of the Conscious Counsel Podcast, Cory Sterling breaks down the single most important legal concept for heart-led entrepreneurs: your legal position. This foundational idea will shape how your business handles unexpected challenges, from client disputes to refund requests.

You’ll hear real-world examples from Conscious Counsel clients—one who quickly collected payment thanks to a strong agreement, and another who won a refund because of a poorly drafted contract. These stories reveal how your legal documents either protect or expose your business.

Whether you’re a coach, studio owner, or retreat leader, this episode will help you understand how to build legal clarity, avoid conflict, and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

👉 Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call
👉 Free legal bundle: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/

Welcome to The Conscious Counsel Podcast, the ultimate resource for heart-leading health and wellness entrepreneurs. Whether you're a yoga teacher, personal trainer, life coach, or holistic health practitioner, this show is designed to help you grow your business, protect your brand, and scale with confidence—without the legal headaches. Hosted by lawyer and entrepreneur Cory Sterling, this podcast brings clarity, empowerment, and essential strategies to help you thrive.

Each episode dives into legal essentials, business growth strategies, and inspiring case studies, providing actionable guidance tailored specifically to health and wellness professionals. From contracts and liability protection to scaling your wellness brand, you'll gain practical tools and insights that keep you legally secure and free to focus on making an impact.

You're here to change lives and build a meaningful business—let’s make sure legal blind spots don’t hold you back. Tune in for expert insights, industry-specific advice, and real-world lessons that will empower you to step fully into your mission with confidence

We drop episodes weekly.
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