Robot Unicorn

Nurtured First

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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121 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes121

Newest first

Sep 2, 2024 · 59 min
Why Does Childhood Trauma Impact Your Parenting? With Dr. Cotler
In this insightful episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Cotler joins Jess and Scott to explore the complexities of intergenerational trauma and cycle-breaking in parenting. Dr. Cotler shares her expertise on how childhood experiences shape our parenti
Aug 26, 2024 · 39 min
"Why Does Mess Trigger Me So Much!?"
In this revealing episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into why a messy house is a major trigger for Jess. They explore how their different upbringings shaped their attitudes towards cleanliness, with Jess craving order while Scott is more relaxed about clut
Aug 19, 2024 · 37 min
The Daycare Debate: Does Sending A Child to Daycare Ruin Attachment?
In this controversial episode, Jess and Scott dive into the heated debate around sending kids to daycare. They explore the "mommy wars" between stay-at-home and working parents - unpacking the guilt, judgement, and insecurities on both sides. Jess offe
Aug 12, 2024 · 33 min
Why Are Some Kids So Strong-Willed And Stubborn!?
In this eye-opening episode, Jess delves deep into the concept of "strong-willed children" and challenges common assumptions about defiant behaviour. Listeners will gain fresh insights on: * Why the "strong-willed" label can be problematic and miss
Aug 5, 2024 · 40 min
"You Really Want To Talk About Sleep Training!?"
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the challenges of infant and toddler sleep and parenting through sleep deprivation. Jess opens up about her struggles as a new mom trying to follow rigid sleep training rules and how she eventually found a mo
Jul 29, 2024 · 51 min
"Why Are You Always So Defensive?"
One of the most common questions Scott and Jess get about Robot Unicorn is: "Was your communication always this good? How did you learn to be less defensive and stop fighting in your relationship?" In this episode, Scott and Jess dive into their journe
Jul 22, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min
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
Jul 15, 2024 · 34 min
"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 r
Jul 8, 2024 · 52 min
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 w
Jul 1, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
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 wit
Jun 24, 2024 · 44 min
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, sh
Jun 17, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min
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 pa
Jun 10, 2024 · 43 min
Spanking, Timeouts, And Taking Things Away: When Is Punishment Ok?
Is there ever a time when it's ok to punish your kids?! Scott gets curious with Jess in this important episode on punishment. Scott and Jess unpack different forms of punishment, such as spanking, timeouts, and taking things away, and discuss the re
Jun 3, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min
Sex After Baby, Unlearning Shame, And Finding Your Sexual Self With Shan Boodram
In this fascinating discussion, Jess sits down with world-renowned sexologist Shan Boodram for a discussion about all things sex, shame, and self-discovery. Shan shares her personal journey from curious kid to professional sex educator, shedding light on
May 27, 2024 · 46 min
Do We Overcomplicate Parenting? The Problem With #ParentingExperts
Jess shares her personal journey, starting with being a high school student with a passion for helping people, her education in child development, and how she eventually became an online parenting educator. After being on social media for over six year
May 20, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
What No One Talks About: Baby Sleep, Self-Worth, And Periods With Ashley Greene
Who else loves the Twilight movies? Jess and Scott watched the movies together when they were dating, and today, they talk with one of their favourite actresses from this series, Ashley Greene! In this raw and revealing episode, Ashley opens up about her
May 13, 2024 · 30 min
Forcing Kids To Do Hard Things: Raising Resilient Kids Who Can Tolerate Frustration
In this raw, unfiltered episode, Jess and Scott dive into the complex topic of pushing kids to do hard things. They explore the fine line between encouraging children to reach their potential vs. pushing them past their limits. Jess vulnerably shares how
May 6, 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Feeling Misunderstood As A Sensitive Child: How Christina Perri Found Her Voice
CW: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth, Alcoholism In this heartfelt episode, you'll hear singer-songwriter Christina Perri open up in a profound way. Christina talks to us about her journey from being a sensitive, deeply feeling child to an unexp
Apr 29, 2024 · 40 min
Is It Healthy Eating, Or Is It Trauma? Unpacking Scott's Relationship With Food
In this episode, we dive deep into our personal histories with food, body image, and the societal pressures that have shaped our relationships with eating. Scott shares his surprising journey to a healthy, intuitive approach to food despite growing up wit
Apr 22, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
Snickers For Breakfast: How To Let Go Of Perfectionism And Be Less Triggered
In this raw and insightful episode, we sit down with our close friend Tryphena for a deep dive into the realities of parenting, friendship, and personal growth. Tryphena is Jess's dear friend, a former educator, a mom of 2, as well as an Indian woman marr