The Conscious Counsel Podcast

Top 5 Legal Myths Wellness Entrepreneurs BelieveThese are the myths keeping amazing wellness professionals from legal clarity. Let’s break them down. What People SayCory shares the top limiting beliefs he's heard in 8+ years of working with 1,600+ clients:I'm too smallI'll do it laterI don't need legal until I get suedI can just use ChatGPTLegal costs too muchWhat Actually WorksEach myth gets lovingly debunked with real stories, client examples, and Cory's strategies for building a solid legal foundation.You’ll learn why size doesn’t matter, when "later" is too late, and how real protection gives you the freedom to grow.Key Takeaways:✔️ Legal protection matters at all stages✔️ Friends + free sessions still carry legal risk✔️ Generic templates can create huge vulnerabilities✔️ Clarity gives confidence—and stronger sales✔️ The law applies to you whether you believe it or not🎧 Press play to get legally empowered. 📞 Book a legal call📸 Instagram👥 Join Our Facebook Group

Why I Left Traditional Law (And What Makes Our Firm Different)Cory didn’t plan to be a lawyer. And he definitely didn’t plan to leave Big Law to serve yoga teachers and wellness entrepreneurs. But the system was broken—and so was the experience for clients. What Traditional Law Gets WrongLong hours. Poor communication. Lawyers that clients don’t actually want to work with. Cory saw the flaws first-hand and decided to do things differently. A New Kind of Legal SupportFun. Human. Industry-specific. Conscious Counsel was built for heart-led entrepreneurs who want to feel seen and supported. And it all started with one principle: be the lawyer you’d want to work with. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Big Law didn’t support wellness entrepreneurs ✔️ Most law firms create friction instead of clarity ✔️ Legal should feel fun, light, and aligned ✔️ Clients deserve respect, transparency, and care 🎧 Press play and meet the lawyer behind Conscious Counsel. 📞 Book a legal call📸 Instagram👥 Join Our Facebook Group

Can Signing the Wrong Lease Bankrupt You?When COVID hit, many wellness businesses went under. The #1 reason? Lease agreements they didn’t understand.What Goes WrongFrom outrageous personal guarantees to vague use clauses, most lease documents are written to protect the landlord—not you. Cory unpacks the most common red flags that get studio owners in trouble.What You Can DoYou can negotiate. You should ask questions. And you must understand what you’re signing before locking yourself into thousands of dollars of monthly rent.Key Takeaways: ✔️ Always clarify permitted use for your space ✔️ Ask for a non-compete clause if you're in a shared building or plaza ✔️ Avoid personal guarantees when possible ✔️ Get clarity on all costs (rent, taxes, CAM, insurance) ✔️ Consider early morning/loud use restrictions if needed🎧 Press play to avoid costly lease mistakes.📞 Book a legal call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017810176528069/

Are You Legally Protected from Sexual Harassment Claims? One yoga studio in Florida faced a nightmare situation: a studio manager accused a co-owner of harassment. No procedures, no policy, no clear legal protection.What Went Wrong No employee handbook. No staff policies. No owner agreement. No way to enforce removal of the accused owner. Without the right agreements, the entire business and community was exposed.The Hard Legal Truth When you don’t have written procedures and clear studio rules, you’re not just vulnerable—you’re negligent. Cory walks through exactly what needs to be in place to keep your staff safe, your business compliant, and your legal risk as low as possible.Key Takeaways: ✔️ Include consent clauses in all waivers ✔️ Create clear studio policies for inappropriate conduct ✔️ Ensure contractor and employee agreements outline behavior and consequences ✔️ Add ownership enforcement terms to your shareholder/operating agreement🎧 Strong policies = safer spaces. Press play now.📞 Book a legal call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscounsel/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017810176528069/

They built a seven-figure wellness brand—then lost it all in legal mediation. When partnerships work, they’re magic. But when they fall apart without legal guardrails, the fallout is expensive and emotionally draining. In this episode, Cory shares a cautionary tale about two successful wellness entrepreneurs who triggered each other into a costly legal battle—because they never signed a partnership agreement.You’ll learn what legal protections are essential when co-owning a business, why assumptions can destroy even the strongest partnerships, and how to build agreements that protect both your business and your relationships.Links & CTAs: 🌐 consciouscounsel.ca 📞 Book a free legal consult: Schedule Here 📸 Follow on Instagram: @consciouscounsel 👥 Join our community: Facebook Group

Wondering when to stop being a sole proprietor and start a company? Cory breaks down when it makes sense to incorporate—legally, financially, and practically.In this episode, Cory shares three real-world stories to help wellness entrepreneurs decide when forming a legal entity is the right move. From an Ayurvedic clinic inheritance to a Pilates studio inside a family home, to a heli-skiing adventure business—these cases illustrate how incorporating can protect your assets, reduce taxes, and manage risk.If you're unsure whether to stay a sole proprietor or create a legal entity like an LLC or corporation, this episode offers clarity and guidance in under 15 minutes.Links & CTAs: → Visit: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca → Book a free call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call → Follow: Instagram | Facebook Group

A rash. A yoga mat. A $1 million lawsuit. Here’s why your waiver needs to go beyond the basics—and how to fix yours. In this jaw-dropping episode, Cory shares a real story about a yoga studio that got sued for over $1 million—because of a rash allegedly caused by a shared mat.The lawsuit wasn’t just shocking—it was expensive. And the worst part? The waiver the studio used was a generic template. It didn’t mention specific equipment. It didn’t mention skin reactions. And it didn’t give Cory the legal footing to dismiss the claim outright.If you're using templated waivers or have no idea what yours says, this is a must-listen.You’ll learn:Why “generic” = dangerous when it comes to legal docsWhat most wellness waivers miss (but shouldn’t)How to strengthen your legal position with one simple changeLinks & CTAs: Visit: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca Book a call: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/Schedule-A-Call Follow: Instagram | Facebook Group

What Should I Put in My Contract? How to Build Agreements That Actually WorkWhat 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 templateWhat “expectations clauses” should includeHow to protect yourself in collaborations, retreats, and joint venturesWhat to ask before you agree to termsIf 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 📸 Follow Conscious Counsel on Instagram

How to Legally Remove Difficult Clients Without Refund DramaYes, 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 relationshipWhy “expectations clauses” matter in your agreementsHow to protect your staff, space, and energy with better contractsIf 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 confidenceWe drop episodes weekly.Follow/Subscribe so you never miss an episode.