Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Updated weekly

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. 14 hr ago

    How To Get Kids To Open Up

    You ask how their day was and all you get is a shrug and "fine." The more questions you pile on, the more they shut down. In this episode, Jess shares the reflective-listening skills she uses to help anyone open up, along with the specific questions, rituals, and quiet moments of connection that actually get kids talking. You'll walk away knowing why interrogation backfires and exactly what to do instead. YOU'LL LEARN Why "How was your day?" almost always gets you a one-word answerThe specific, detailed questions that get kids talking, and why they work better than open-ended onesHow to use reflective listening, a core therapist skill, to help your child feel heardWhy piling on more questions makes kids shut down, and can even lead to lyingHow to use connection and quiet moments, like car rides, to open the door to conversationHow to build family rituals that make sharing feel safe and normalGet 10% OFF all parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First with code ROBOTUNICORN.  We’d love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email at podcast@robotunicorn.net or connect with us on Instagram. Credits: Editing by The Pod Cabin  Artwork by Wallflower Studio  Production by Nurtured First  DISCLAIMER The content provided is for educational and supportive purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed by guests are theirs. If your child is at risk of harm or you need personalized guidance, please seek a qualified professional. #ParentingTips #GettingKidsToTalk #ConnectedParenting Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    22 min

  2. 15 Jun

    Self-Care for Burnt-Out Parents with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

    Jess sits down with psychiatrist and self-care expert Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. They explore how self-care isn't about bubble baths or spa days, but rather about setting boundaries, exercising compassion, and stepping out of the chronic fight-or-flight mode of parenting. Listeners will gain practical insights to help them with burnout.  Want to hear more from Dr. Pooja? Connect on Instagram Sign up for her newsletter 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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    37 min

  3. 8 Jun

    The Truth About Shy Kids

    In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess dives deep into the often misunderstood topic of supporting shy children. Listeners will learn the three main reasons children exhibit shyness and walk away with practical, compassionate strategies, such as the "step-back" method and role-playing, to help their slow-to-warm child navigate social situations. Whether you are raising a sensitive child or were a shy kid yourself, this episode offers the empowering insights and warm validation you need! 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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    25 min

  4. 1 Jun

    3 Reasons Your Child Misbehaves At School

    In this episode, Jess explains the three most common reasons why kids struggle with behaviour at school. She shares common reasons kids act out at school, even when things are going well at home, and gives practical solutions to help parents and educators support children!  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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    32 min

  5. 25 May

    6 Things About ADHD Parents Need To Know

    Today, Jess dives deep into a highly requested topic: Understanding and supporting the ADHD brain. Drawing from her clinical experience with neurodivergent children, she breaks down six crucial insights. If you want to understand the 'why' behind your child's behaviour and learn how to foster an environment where they can truly thrive, you won't want to miss this solo episode! Check out these episodes for more on supporting cognitive flexibility:  Brain Stuckness: Why Kids Struggle With Flexibility (Part 1) Brain Stuckness: Reducing Power Struggles & Building Flexibility (Part 2) If you have a child with ADHD or you suspect your child may have ADHD, and you want to learn more about how you can support them, check out our new course: Parenting Your Child with ADHD.  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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    36 min

  6. 18 May

    Why Kids Struggle to Sleep (And How To Help Them)

    In this episode, we break down the most common reasons children struggle with sleep and share gentle, effective ways to help them rest better. You’ll learn what’s normal, what may be disrupting your child’s sleep, and how to create healthier sleep habits without harsh sleep-training methods or leaving your child to cry alone. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, and searching for realistic sleep support that actually feels good as a parent, this conversation is for you. Want to learn more about supporting your child with sleep?  Podcast Episode: “You Really Want To Talk About Sleep Training!?" Nurtured First Blog: https://nurturedfirst.com/blog/ Nurtured First Course: Solving Bedtime Battles 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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    32 min

  7. 11 May

    How To Be Firm Without Yelling

    In this solo episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess tackles a common parenting struggle: How to find a middle ground between being passive and resorting to yelling. Tune in to gain practical insights that will empower you to break negative cycles and lead your children with respect and calm authority. Learn more about our Parenting Little Kids course 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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    30 min

  8. 4 May

    Getting Honest About New Motherhood With Libby Ward

    Jess sits down with guest Libby Ward to discuss her highly anticipated new book, Honest Motherhood. Themes covered include: Raising a sensitive baby, learning how to be a parent after a traumatic childhood, postpartum anxiety, and more. Tune in for an incredibly raw, validating conversation that will help you drop the heavy facade of the 'perfect mom' and learn how to find yourself. Want to hear more from Libby? Connect on Instagram Connect on TikTok Connect on Facebook Order her new book: Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself  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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    1hr 6min
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Trailer

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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robot Unicorn
  • Show Website
    Robot Unicorn

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