15 episodes
Robot Unicorn Nurtured First
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- Kids & Family
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5.0 • 78 Ratings
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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.
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How To Set Boundaries With Your Parents with Libby Ward
This episode was so incredible that it was hard to choose a title. Other possible titles for this episode included:
"How To Heal Your Trauma While Parenting"
"Mothering When You Have A Difficult Relationship With Your Mother."
"Breaking Cycles Of People Pleasing And Finding Your Authentic Self."
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott welcome special guest Libby Ward, founder of Diary of an Honest Mom [https://www.instagram.com/diaryofanhonestmom/]. Libby opens up about her journey of setting boundaries with her parents, healing from childhood trauma, and finding her authentic self as a mother.
The conversation dives deep into the challenges of cycle-breaking parenting, dealing with family judgment when setting boundaries, and learning to regulate emotions as an adult.
Listeners will gain valuable insights on:
• How to set boundaries with family members, even when it's difficult.
• The importance of accountability and repair in healing relationships.
• Strategies for regulating emotions and breaking generational cycles.
• Finding your authentic self after years of people-pleasing.
This raw, honest discussion offers hope and practical advice for anyone working to heal from past trauma and create a healthier family dynamic. It is a must-listen episode for parents seeking to break cycles and nurture stronger relationships.
Hear more from Libby on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/diaryofanhonestmom/]
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com] -
"You Don't Spend Enough Time With Me!!"
In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss a recent incident in which their child told them that she doesn't feel like they spend enough time with her. Jess unpacks her feelings of guilt around being a working mom, and Scott helps her understand the deeper reasons behind this guilt.
They explore the struggles of dividing time and attention between sick kids and their other children who still crave connection. Jess opens up about her fears, as a parenting expert, of not being a good enough parent herself and the challenges of transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to working outside the home more.
Through the conversation, they realize the importance of validating their children's feelings while also helping them build resilience in handling disappointment. Jess and Scott provide an honest look at the guilt many parents face and share insights on navigating these complex emotions.
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/] -
How Can I Reduce My Anger and Annoyance As A Highly Sensitive Parent?
Scott recently had a situation where he lost his cool with his toddler. In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack what happened and how he could do things differently next time by setting himself up for success as a highly sensitive person.
They discuss what it means to be highly sensitive, from noticing subtle textures and needing things a certain way to being more emotionally attuned. Scott shares his own challenges staying calm as a highly sensitive parent, especially when his sensory cup is full.
Jess offers practical tips for coping as a highly sensitive parent, like taking sensory breaks, setting boundaries, and having compassion for your unique needs. She emphasizes that there's nothing wrong with being a sensitive person, and learning to work with your sensitivity (or your partner's or child's sensitivity) comes with many beautiful gifts.
Through a thoughtful and, at times, humorous discussion, Scott and Jess model how partners can talk through triggering parenting moments to problem-solve together.
Listeners will gain insights into the highly sensitive parent experience and leave with new strategies to try.
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/] -
Feeling Like A Shell Of Yourself with Sarah Landry
CW: Self-Harm, Mental Health Jess sits down with Sarah Landry from The Birds Papaya [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdspapaya/] to discuss the challenges of authentically sharing your mental health struggles online. Sarah opens up about her experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and the courage it takes to be vulnerable about the messy, uncomfortable parts of life.
They explore the delicate balance of modelling a range of emotions to your children while ensuring they don't feel responsible for fixing a parent's struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with their mental health and wanting to raise empathetic kids who understand that it's okay not to be okay.
Hear more from Sarah on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/thebirdspapaya/]
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com] -
How To Teach Kids About Body Safety and Consent: Tricky People, Secrets, and Safety Plans
CW: Sexual abuse, grooming, sex-related topics
In this powerful episode, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of teaching body safety to kids of all ages.
Jess has been educating parents about these topics for over a decade, and in this episode, she answers Scott's questions about why it's so important for parents and kids to understand body safety and consent.
Jess explains how to help children tune into their "uh oh feeling" when something doesn't feel right and how to know the difference between trusted and "tricky" people. She provides concrete examples of what parents should teach and model, from babies to school-age children, to decrease children's vulnerability and help them feel confident in their bodies and relationships.
While the topic is serious, Jess reassures listeners that these ongoing conversations can be done in a calm, playful way that empowers rather than scares kids.
If you want more resources to teach your child about body safety and consent, check out The Body Safety Toolkit! [https://products.nurturedfirst.com/the-body-safety-toolkit/]
Learn more about supporting kids with body safety, big feelings, and so much more from our Nurtured First blog [https://nurturedfirst.com/blog/].
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/] -
Struggling With Mental Health After A Baby, And Finding Your Joy Again With Emily And Satya
Today, we dive deep into the trenches of motherhood with special guests Emily Baldoni and Satya Twena, the dynamic duo behind the brand We Are Amma [www.weareamma.com [http://www.weareamma.com/]]. These powerhouse women get real about the challenges of parenting in a society that often leaves mothers feeling unseen, undervalued, and utterly exhausted.
From the isolating postpartum period to the daily grind of juggling work and family life, Emily and Satya share their personal stories of struggle and triumph. They discuss the importance of building a support system, even if it means creating your own "village" from scratch.
But let's be real: sometimes, in the midst of the chaos, a simple text back from a friend can make all the difference. Jess and Scott share their own experiences navigating the unequal spotlight of parenting in the public eye.
Together, they tackle the tough questions: How do we break free from the suffocating expectations of modern motherhood? What does it mean to prioritize self-care when you're knee-deep in diapers and sleep deprivation? And why is it so hard to ask for help?
This episode is a rallying cry for parents everywhere who are tired of feeling like they have to do it all alone. It's a reminder that we're all in this together, even when it feels like we're worlds apart. There's SO MUCH goodness in this episode! Can't wait for you to dive in!
Hear more from Emily [https://www.instagram.com/emilybaldoni/] and Satya [https://www.instagram.com/satyatwena/] on Instagram, and check out We Are Amma [https://weareamma.com/] , a team of mamas dedicated to empowering and nurturing mamas at every stage.
Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/courses/] using the code ROBOTUNICORN.
Credits:
Editing by The Pod Cabin [https://thepodcabin.com/]
Artwork by Wallflower Studio [https://www.wallflowerstudio.co/]
Production by Nurtured First [https://nurturedfirst.com/]
Customer Reviews
Thank you
I can’t say enough good about this podcast! I’m so glad you started these important discussions. I feel seen, heard, and validated after every episode. I have a very sensitive girl, in which after having baby Number two, behaviours and tantrums increased in a way I had no idea how to navigate. I came from a family where children were to be seen, but not heard, so you can imagine how triggering these episodes were for me while caring for a newborn. My compassion and capacity had greatly increased after understanding more of the “whys,” and as well knowing, it’s very developmentally appropriate for her age. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of this wonderful information, and sharing your vulnerable side.
Amazing episodes! So much to learn.
I looove the Sensitive parent episode!!! How can we learn more ? As a sensitive parent I felt so seen, I really like the way Scott breakdown the situation and was aware of all his triggers. I would love to learn more! Great job Jess. One more time, you are one of the greatest!
Life changing
I’ve been following your Instagram page for the last 3.5 years (when my little spirited boy was born) and it’s changed my perspective on parenting. I was raised to believe that children having tantrums meant they were naughty; this just didn’t sit right with me. When I discovered your page it was like a lightbulb went off and everything just started making sense. I love the way you get curious and now make me get curious about my children’s behaviour (and my own). The fact that you started a podcast just enhances all the information you provide via your Instagram page because you put a human side to the page (not that you weren’t, but there’s just something different about listening to you and Scott discuss topics that makes it make more sense). Anyways not to ramble, I just appreciate all the information you provide that helps me to be a better parent to my 2 littles. You are both so relatable, and I swear we would be friends in real life lol. This podcast is at the top of my list; thank you for all you do :)
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