Robot Unicorn

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Episodes

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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.

Episodes

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 underlying needs. How sensitivity, power dynamics, and leadership struggles contribute to defiance. Practical strategies for addressing stubborn behaviour through curiosity and connection. Ways to provide healthy control and meet children's needs for au...

Aug 12, 2024•36 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast

"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 more attuned, connection-based approach. In the episode, Jess and Scott discuss: The pitfalls of strictly following sleep training methods without considering your child's unique needs. How postpartum anxiety can fuel obsession over sleep schedule...

Aug 05, 2024•42 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast

"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 journey from high school sweethearts to happily married parents. They share valuable insights on: - How to move past defensiveness and truly listen to your partner - The importance of anticipating each other's needs - Why validating feelings isn't enough...

Jul 29, 2024•55 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast

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 . Libby opens up about her journey of setting boundaries with her parents, healing fro...

Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast

"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 he...

Jul 15, 2024•38 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast

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 ful...

Jul 08, 2024•56 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast

Feeling Like A Shell Of Yourself With Sarah Landry

CW: Self-Harm, Mental Health Jess sits down with Sarah Landry from The Birds Papaya 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. ...

Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast

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 bet...

Jun 24, 2024•48 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast

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 ]. 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...

Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast

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 research on how these impact a child's behaviour and emotional development. Jess explains the research behind these common forms of punishment and how you can effectively discipline instead. Throughout the conversation, Jess and Scott share personal exa...

Jun 10, 2024•47 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast

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 the challenges and triumphs she's faced along the way. Together, Jess and Shan dive deep into the reasons why talking about sex can be so uncomfortable, exploring the societal conditioning and messages that contribute to feelings of shame and aw...

Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast

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 years, Jess has noticed some troubling themes in the online parent education space. Jess and Scott discuss the pervasiveness of misinformation and fear-mongering in online parenting advice and share tips for identifying credible, trustworthy guidance. ...

May 27, 2024•49 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast

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 journey to motherhood and the importance of reparenting yourself first. She openly talks about the challenges of postpartum, like the pressure to get your baby to sleep through the night. Jess and Ashley dive deep into the internal work she did ...

May 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast

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 her own painful childhood experiences make it challenging for her to watch her daughter being pushed. Together, they unpack the key ingredients kids need to build true resilience. This honest, nuanced conversation will make you reflect deeply on...

May 13, 2024•34 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast

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 unexpected superstar. She shares how her deep emotions and sensory processing difficulties made her feel misunderstood and how she found solace in songwriting from a young age. Christina takes us behind the scenes of her sudden rise to fame with the hit...

May 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast

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 without positive role models, while Jess opens up about her struggles with diet culture, food rules, and the pressure to "bounce back" after having three children. Through our candid conversation, we explore the impact of childhood trauma on Scott'...

Apr 29, 2024•44 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

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 married to a French Canadian man. She opens up about the challenges of raising her neurodivergent son. Jess and Tryphena also explore the power of healing their inner voice. They discuss how your inner critic might be the voice of a caregiver or par...

Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast

Welcome To Robot Unicorn!

Welcome to Robot Unicorn! In this trailer, you’ll meet my incredible co-host. We will explain the meaning behind the name and share what you can expect from this show. Robot Unicorn will officially premiere on April 22, 2024, at 5:00 am EST! We can’t wait for you to see all the magic we have in store for you!

Apr 11, 2024•4 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast