Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First
  • 4.9 (355)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Sex and Intimacy After Kids With Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh

    Jess joins psychosexual therapist Dr. Sara for an honest conversation about sex, intimacy, and why connection after children involves far more than desire alone. Discover low-pressure ways to reconnect and hear why Dr. Sara's emergent love model emphasizes intentional connection over constant fireworks. Whether you're caring for a newborn or parenting older children, this episode offers a compassionate alternative to the pressure to return to your pre-baby relationship. Want to hear more from Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh? www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com Join her online community Follow on Instagram Listen to her TED Talk Check out her new book, Love By Design 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!

  2. Sep 28

    School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles (REVISIT)

    This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. When your child refuses to go to school, what's really behind the struggle—and how can you help without dismissing their feelings or removing every challenge? Jess and Scott explore the overlapping roots of school refusal, from separation anxiety and post-pandemic disruptions to bullying, friendship difficulties, learning needs, and parental anxiety. They also discuss how sleep, screen-time boundaries, and overscheduled evenings can make school mornings harder.  You’ll get tools to understand, support, and nurture your child through these challenging times.  This episode was originally released on March 17, 2025.  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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

    School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles (REVISIT)

  3. Sep 21

    How To Handle Big After-School Meltdowns (REVISIT)

    This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode.  Why is your child perfect at school, only to completely fall apart the moment they get home? This episode dives deep into the common but misunderstood phenomenon of 'After-School Restraint Collapse.' Jess and Scott will help you understand that these explosions are a sign that your child feels safest with you, and give you practical strategies—from co-regulation to creating a 'soft landing'—to help your child decompress and turn these challenging moments into opportunities for connection. This episode was originally released on September 22, 2025.  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!

    How To Handle Big After-School Meltdowns (REVISIT)

  4. Sep 14

    Are You Raising A Spicy Nugget? with Loryn Brantz

    In this episode, Jess sits down with Emmy award-winning author, artist, and director Loryn Brantz to discuss her brand new children's book, "I Am a Spicy Nugget." They dive deep into the magic of playful parenting, sharing practical and hilarious ways to use humour and imagination to defuse toddler tantrums. Tune in to learn why we all become "spicy nuggets" sometimes, how to combat "garbage thoughts," and why shifting your parenting mindset can completely transform your home's dynamic. To hear more from Loryn and check out her books, including her brand new children’s book, “I Am a Spicy Nugget,”, click 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!

  5. Sep 7

    Why Do ADHD Kids Daydream?

    In this episode, Jess dives deep into the often misunderstood world of inattentive ADHD, focusing closely on why these individuals are so frequently labelled as 'daydreamers.' We explore the hidden hyperactivity that happens entirely within the mind, which can lead to dissociation, anxiety, and overwhelm. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of the wandering mind and better support the daydreamers in your life. Want to learn more tools for supporting your child with ADHD? Check out our course, Parenting Your Child with ADHD, 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!

  6. Aug 31

    Friendship Truths All Kids Need To Know

    Drawing on her experience as a school therapist, Jess shares essential 'friendship truths’ that parents can teach their kids quickly and easily to help them have a great year at school.  Want to learn more about supporting your kids and tweens through friendship struggles?  For kids ages 3-8, check out our Friendship Toolkit here.  For kids 8+, check out our Puberty 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  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

  7. Aug 24

    How To Talk To Kids About Tricky Things

    Jess tackles the age-old parenting struggle: What do you do when your child shuts down during tricky conversations? Listeners will walk away with five practical tools for tough conversations with their kids and tweens. Tune in to transform awkward chats into confidence-building moments! 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!

  8. Aug 17

    The ADHD Experience No One Talks About: Sensitivity, Emotions & More with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

    Join Jess as she sits down with board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack the realities of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Hamdani sheds light on why so many women are diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how to navigate the complex diagnostic process. Whether you are parenting a sensitive child or learning to embrace your own emotional depth, this episode offers vital insights and practical strategies. Tune in to reframe what it means to be 'too sensitive' and discover how to harness it as your greatest strength! Hear more from Dr. Sasha Hamdani on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@thepsychdoctormd) Pre-Order her new book ‘Too Sensitive’ 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!

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
355 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Robot Unicorn
  • Show Website
    Robot Unicorn

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