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If you have tried gentle parenting and still feel like nothing works with your strong-willed child, this episode is for you. New to the show? Start with our Start Here playlist. Wendy Snyder was three years into motherhood, home with a colicky newborn and a three-year-old who got sent home from preschool on repeat, when she walked past a flyer for a free positive parenting class and took it as a sign. Fifteen years later, that same strong-willed daughter is a Division I beach volleyball player at a top ten school. In this conversation, Wendy and JoAnn get into why the strong will you are fighting is the exact trait that will carry your kid, and what has to shift in you first before any strategy will work. In this episode, you'll learn Why punishment, timeouts and "break their will early" advice backfire hardest on the kids they are aimed at The difference between a kid who is born strong-willed and a mild kid moving through a power surge season What autocratic parenting actually is, and why almost all of us absorbed some of it How releasing control over homework and grades produced a self-motivated straight A kid One tactical swap you can make today: replacing compliance statements with choices Resources mentioned in this episode Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home by Wendy Snyder Fresh Start Family Race to Nowhere, the documentary Wendy recommends for every public school parent The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, source of the subway story The 3 in 30 Podcast with Rachel Nielson, who introduced JoAnn and Wendy The Happy Mom Reset, our free class No Guilt Mom Inner Circle The Best Mom is a Happy Mom by JoAnn Crohn Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/ngm or use code NGM and get 40% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the jury selection for the Tupac Shakur murder trial and a Texas law that bans the sale of halal foods and the wearing of hijabs in public schools. She also shares details about a lawsuit against Gibson’s Steakhouse in […]
Comedian Pat McGann joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the White Sox giveaway dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, if they did anything special with the Pope’s seat at the park, as well as the atmosphere at the sold out stadium. He also shares details about his upcoming shows and what it’s […]
Amy Rynell, executive director of Active Transportation Alliance, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about this year’s Bike the Drive event, the history of the event, and how long the course is. She also discusses the landmarks you will see along the way, how to register, and the discount code you can […]
Blockbuster Blake Stubbs joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss the latest prediction for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and a preview of “The End of Oak Street.” He also shares an update on why Rod Stewart canceled weeks of concert dates and what the WGA thinks about the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
Owner of Deep Roots Native Nursery Jake Hayes, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how he started his business and how he started growing the plants. He also shares a couple of ways to get rid of buckthorn and answers listeners’ questions.
Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Bob Sirott, to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the debut of Ringling Bros. at Soldier Field and the induction of Ernie Banks in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the jury selection for the Tupac Shakur murder trial and a Texas law that bans the sale of halal foods and the wearing of hijabs in public schools. She also shares details about a lawsuit against Gibson’s Steakhouse in […]
Blockbuster Blake Stubbs joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about what Brad Pitt thinks about AI in Hollywood movies and the work that he’s done with AI. He also shares details about the death of Tedde Moore and the “Game of Thrones” play in England.
Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about what you should do first if you win a large sum of money and the latest jobs report numbers. He also explains what the state of the economy was like during the pandemic […]
Consumer technology journalist and host of WGN Radio's Techishly Jenn, Jennifer Jolly, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how she uses ChatGPT to save on school supplies and how you can create your daily schedule with AI. She also shares how much is typically spent on back-to-school gadgets and how you can get the […]
Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Back To School With Block Club: Learn how you can help to provide books to CPS students. Congress Theater Rave Goes Viral — But Alderman Says […]
Emergency medicine physician and associate chief medical officer for Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Jeffrey Bohmer joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about other foods that are linked to the cyclospora outbreak and if this is something that will go away on its own. He also discusses the popularity of protein-rich […]
Brookfield's Galloping Ghost Arcade co-founder Doc Mack joins Wendy Snyder (filling in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how he discovered his passion for video games and building up the largest video game arcade in the world. He also discusses his upcoming appearance at Fan Expo Chicago and what games you’ll be able to play […]
Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: 22 Years Later, Dave Matthews Bus Poop Incident Makes Chicagoans Laugh — And Groan: Dave Matthews' tour bus emptied its 800-pound septic tank on people […]
Blockbuster Blake Stubbs joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about another successful box office weekend for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” as well as how Seth Rogan’s “The Invite” did. He also shares his review of “One Night Only” and update on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
Eli Berk, sports producer, anchor, and producer of Wendy Snyder's Sunday Morning, joins Wendy Snyder for the latest installment of Two Truths and Eli. Wendy and crew have to figure out which news story is the fake one written by Eli.
Stefanie O’Connell, author of The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up — and Then Pushes Them Down, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, on Your Money Matters to discuss the differences in treatment between genders in the workplace over ambition.
Jake Hayes, owner of Deep Roots Native Nursery, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, on Your Money Matters to discuss how he started his business and how he is now growing over 7000 native plants and nearly 30 species available for purchase. They also discuss the importance of habitat restoration and how it has […]
This week on the Business of Good presented by BCU: Drip and Culture. Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, shares how their “socially minded coffee” helps create a warm community feel for the people of Waukegan. To learn more about how BCU can help you with your banking, visit www.bcu.org.
Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, on Your Money Matters to discuss GM shifting their software to a subscription-based model and the efforts Mitsubishi is making to sell cars in America.
Allie Kelly, Economy Reporter at Business Insider, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, on Your Money Matters to discuss people who lived on basic income and whether they had a choice about what to do with their money. They also talk about the major challenges US homeowners and renters face in the current market.
Eli Berk, sports producer, anchor, and producer of Wendy Snyder's Sunday Morning, joins Wendy Snyder for the latest installment of Two Truths and Eli. Wendy and crew have to figure out which news story is the fake one written by Eli.
Executive Director of Share Food Share Love Food Pantry in Brookfield John Dumas joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to spotlight his organization and how it encourages gardeners to donate their surplus produce any day between the hours of 6am and 10pm. After, he explains the history and process that led the food […]
Ilyce Glink, of ThinkGlink.com and the Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss the current national average for gas prices and Americans’ reaction to it. She later addresses why July feels so expensive compared to other months. Price Trends for Chicago
Assistant Collections Manager in the Bird Division at the Field Museum and the Field Museum’s Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program Mary Hennen joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to share the love story of how Josephine, their female peregrine falcon with no mate, was introduced to a new male falcon named after […]
Peter Greenberg, travel expert and host of Peter Greenberg Worldwide on WGN Radio, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to talk about the frequency of airline stopovers, new international airline routes, and share his tips on getting more comfortable during flight.
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including Patti Smith’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Macaulay Culkin stating that he’s in the early stages of a new Home Alone sequel, and Collin, doing his best to fill Mary’s shoes, asks, “what’s with” restaurants’ online menus.
Eli Berk, sports producer, anchor, and producer of Wendy Snyder's Sunday Morning, joins Wendy Snyder for the latest installment of Two Truths and Eli. Wendy and crew have to figure out which news story is the fake one written by Eli.
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Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including Wrigley Field becoming the first MLB ballpark to be a certified autism center, the top 5 grocery stores for gluten-free shoppers, and their thoughts on the World Cup Halftime Show.
State Representative of the 41st District Janet Yang Rohr joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to update listeners on House Bill 45 which allows grocery store customers to receive digital coupons through nondigital and other accessible means. The bill, taking effect on January 1, 2027, is to ensure customers who may be visually […]
Eli Berk, sports producer, anchor, and producer of Wendy Snyder’s Sunday Morning, joins Wendy Snyder for the latest installment of Two Truths and Eli. Wendy has to figure out which news story is the fake one written by Eli.
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including how only a select number of movie theaters will be showing Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm, a new television series based on the Friday the 13th franchise, and Mary asks “what’s with” the coverage of Taylor […]
Eli Berk, sports producer and anchor, joins Wendy Snyder for the latest installment of Two Truths and Eli. Wendy has to figure out which news story is the fake one written by Eli.
Founder of Treetime Christmas Creations Laurie Kane joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to spotlight their Christmas in July Showroom Sale. Not only does she address the discounted prices for their holiday decorations, but also highlights the passion the Treetime team has for making sure their customers have the best time setting up […]
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories. The crew talks about the Jesse White Tumblers’ appearance on America’s Got Talent, movie lengths, and the latest Illinois basketball news.
Chief Meteorologist at WGN-TV, Demetrius Ivory, and WGN-TV weather producer Bill Snyder join Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to talk about the weather. They highlight the four rounds of severe thunderstorms and flooding rain that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend. They also update Wendy on their on-going bet as well as […]
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, and BTS performing at the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, Emmy nomination snubs, and Kevin complains about Bears training camp tickets.
Terry Savage, nationally-syndicated money columnist, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to re-examine the Trump accounts that were officially launched on the 4th of July.
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including notable people from Belgium, the amount of time Gen Z spends on their screens, and the anniversary of sliced bread.
Dr. John Friedewald, Nephrologist at Northwestern Medicine, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to educate the audience on kidney transplants. He addresses the issue of finding compatible donors, the finances behind giving or receiving a kidney, as well as why someone who even want to donate their organ in the first place. Later, […]
Clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. John Duffy joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss how Gen Z appears to be the loneliest generation in history. He mentions how factors such as ever-advancing phone technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have lead to a generation that is less active in making in-person connections […]
Tanner Mitchell a.k.a. “Tanner the Planter” joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to answer all your plant questions ranging from how to properly prune leaves, which plant food is the best to buy, and how to take care of a Venus flytrap in the winter.
Alex Zalben, Editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss the latest in television, entertainment, and streaming. He shares his thoughts on Mariska Hargitay hosting the 78th Emmy Awards, Sacha Baron Cohen’s newest movie that was shot in secret, the new season of Big Brother, and more!
Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, checks in with the newsroom to hear their stories including Star Trek hits its 60th birthday, Buffalo Wild Wings offers free wings should the United States win the World Cup, and Mary continues to root for Belgium.
Faran Krentcil, Business of Fashion columnist and founder of fashionista.com, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters, to discuss fashion trends that are recession indicators. Plus, the brands that are ready to step up for Taylor Swift’s wedding. To stay up to date on everything fashion, follow Faran on www.hifaran.com or Instagram @farankrentcil
Certified fraud examiner, Professor at Governors State University, and expert on all things fraud, William Kresse, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Jon Hansen, to discuss the latest scams. From job offers and text messages to fake party invites, fraud never sleeps.
Most parents underestimate the power of changing their approach—it's not about strict rules or punishments, but about reconnecting through compassionate discipline. Wendy Snyder and Hunter Clarke-Fields dive into how shifting from control to connection transforms your relationship with your children and creates a peaceful, respectful home. Discover the hidden influence of your nervous system patterns, and how unlearning them is the secret to lasting change. You'll hear real stories of mistakes turned lessons, like the police station scare that failed—and what worked instead. Wendy shares her groundbreaking framework: Rules plus relationship equals respect—an approach that empowers kids to learn, cooperate, and trust without force. We break down practical tools to set firm boundaries with love, manage parent's own emotional triggers, and foster resilience in strong-willed children. If you've ever felt like you're failing or wonder if parental honesty can coexist with discipline, this episode offers hope—and a blueprint for a family legacy rooted in respect, peace, and joy. Perfect for parents ready to ditch shame and control, and those committed to raising confident, compassionate kids while honoring their own well-being. Whether you're just starting this journey or looking for fresh inspiration, these stories and strategies will empower you to create lasting change. Wendy Snyder is a certified parenting coach, known for her work on compassionate discipline and high-will kids. She's the author of Fresh Start Your Family, dedicated to transforming family life—one gentle boundary at a time.Transform your parenting. Reclaim your connection. And get ready for a family dynamic you'll love into your elder years. Don't just survive parenting—thrive with respect and resilience. ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training. Find more podcasts, Hunter's books, blog posts, free resources, and more at MindfulMamaMentor.com. Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: /mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you've ever worried that you've messed up your relationship with your kids — whether it happened this morning or years ago — this episode is going to bring you a lot of comfort. This week's guest is Wendy Snyder, founder of Fresh Start Family and author of the brand new book Fresh Start Your Family, and she is living proof that it is never too late to start fresh.Wendy shares some of her own biggest parenting mistakes in this episode with a vulnerability that I find so rare and so refreshing — and the hope she offers on the other side of those mistakes is something every mom needs to hear.