Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First
  • 5.0 (251)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Robot Unicorn

Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures. In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss. We are glad you are here. PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.

  1. 5D AGO

    How To Be The Leader Your Child Needs

    Jess and Scott dive deep into what it means to be the leader your child truly needs—especially when faced with the challenge of raising kids who are often labelled as angry, defiant, or difficult. Whether you’re struggling with setting boundaries or simply seeking to understand your child’s emotional world, Jess and Scott provide a roadmap to help you lead with empathy, consistency, and a lot of heart.  If you want to hear more about being the leader your child needs, check out our interviews with Dr. MacNamara and Dr. Neufeld: Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    39 min

  2. MAR 31

    The Current Children's Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Gordon Neufeld

    In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld to unpack the growing mental health crisis among children today. Dr. Neufeld shares how children are losing their ability to feel deeply, struggling to engage in true play, and searching for belonging in all the wrong places. He challenges our desire to raise independent kids, calling it “one of the most ridiculous things,” and instead emphasizes the critical role of connection and attachment. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you are the answer to your child’s struggles—and how to step fully into your role as a confident, compassionate leader in your home. This is a conversation that could truly change the way you parent. Don’t miss it. Hear more from Dr. Gordon Neufeld in his book Hold On to Your Kids.  Check out Dr. Neufeld’s online courses for parents, educators, and professionals at the Neufeld Institute.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    59 min

  3. MAR 24

    Beyond Food: A New Way To Look At Picky Eating And Mealtimes with Dr. Deborah MacNamara

    Friends, you don’t want to miss this episode. The one and only Dr. MacNamara joins Jess and Scott to dive deep into the topic of food. Discover why nourishment is far more than just calories—it’s about love, care, and the rituals that bring families together. Dr. MacNamara shares compelling research and personal stories that reveal how non-coercive, provider-led approaches can turn picky eating into a journey of growth and connection.  Hear more from Dr. MacNamara in her books: Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love) Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One) Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    1h 5m

  4. MAR 17

    School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles

    Scott and Jess dive into the pressing issue of school refusal—a challenge affecting children of all ages. They explore the roots of this behaviour, from the natural separation anxiety seen in toddlers to the compounded social, academic, and emotional pressures faced by older children. They also discuss how parental anxiety can inadvertently reinforce a child’s reluctance to attend school. You’ll get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through these challenging times.  If you are looking for more resources to support your child through school refusal, anxiety and separation struggles, we can help:  Separations & Goodbyes Course – If your child struggles with separation anxiety—whether at school drop-off, with a babysitter, or at bedtime—this course provides the tools and support to make goodbyes easier. The School Toolkit – Whether your child is starting a new school, facing challenges at school, or you simply want to help them feel more confident, this toolkit is designed to support them every step of the way. The Friendship Toolkit – From making new friends to handling friendship ups and downs, this toolkit helps kids navigate social challenges with confidence. The Worry Toolkit – If your child has big worries—about school or anything else—this toolkit offers practical strategies to help them manage anxiety and feel more at ease.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    41 min

  5. MAR 10

    How To Help Your Angry Child

    Scott and Jess explore anger in children (and adults), breaking down why children get angry, how anger is often masked by other emotions, and the role of genetics and environment in shaping behaviour. The episode provides hope for parents struggling with intergenerational anger and practical tools for helping kids learn to cope with overwhelming emotions.  If you want to help your child learn tools to cope with their anger, check out The Anger Toolkit here.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    58 min

  6. MAR 3

    5 Love Languages: Are They Helpful Or Harmful?

    Scott and Jess take a deep dive into the popular "Five Love Languages" concept and reveal why this relationship framework might be too simplistic for real-life emotional connection. Jess and Scott cover topics like: codependency, attachment styles, and building trust in relationships.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    56 min

  7. FEB 24

    Why Children Lie: And What To Do About It

    In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the reasons why children lie and how to help them stop lying. Drawing on personal anecdotes and developmental insights, they explain how different forms of lying emerge as natural parts of childhood while also sharing practical strategies to build a trusting, curiosity-driven relationship with your child.  Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    50 min

  8. FEB 17

    How To Become A Playful Parent

    This episode of Robot Unicorn is packed with practical ideas that will help you become a more playful parent. On a deeper note, you’ll also learn how to reflect on your own childhood experiences, make sense of the burnout you are feeling, and learn how to bring play back into your life. This is one of Jess and Scott’s favourite episodes to date! Tune in for laughter, heartfelt stories, and actionable ideas that promise to make family life a little more magical. For easy games and playful tools to do with your kids, check out The Playful Parent Toolkit here. Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN. We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net.  Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  Learn more about the Solving Bedtime Battles course here.

    55 min
See All (52)

Trailer

5
out of 5
251 Ratings

About

Join me, Jess VanderWier, a registered psychotherapist, mom of three, and founder of Nurtured First, along with my husband Scott, as we dive deep into the stories of our friends, favourite celebrities, and influential figures. In each episode, we skip the small talk and dive into vulnerable and honest conversations about topics like cycle breaking, trauma, race, mental health, parenting, sex, religion, postpartum, healing, and loss. We are glad you are here. PS: The name Robot Unicorn comes from our daughter. When we asked her what we should name the podcast, she confidently came up with this name because she loves robots, and she loves unicorns, so why not? There was something about the playfulness of the name, the confidence in her voice, and the fact that it represents that you can love two things at once that just felt right.

Information

  • Creator
    Nurtured First
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robot Unicorn
  • Show Website
    Robot Unicorn

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