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...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 38:49
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…
Sep 21, 2026 · 39:57
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…
Sep 14, 2026 · 36:40
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…
Sep 7, 2026 · 19:31
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…
Aug 31, 2026 · 17:11
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…
Aug 24, 2026 · 14:45
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…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:02:32
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 20:33
Discover the crucial differences between healthy risk and hazardous environments, and learn why allowing your kids to take calculated risks can actually decrease their long-term…
Aug 3, 2026 · 19:23
Jess dives into the very real and exhausting challenge of staying calm during your child's tantrums. We explore the unspoken truth about parental burnout, especially for parents…
Jul 27, 2026 · 28:03
Jess dives deep to help you understand the true causes behind toddler and preschooler tantrums. She explains the brain science behind tantrums, and breaks down the four main…
Jul 20, 2026 · 22:46
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess tackles the often overwhelming topic of potty training. She explores why traditional methods, like the popular three-day approach, often…
Jul 13, 2026 · 54:35
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. Jess and Scott dive deep into the science of impulse control in children, explaining why little ones struggle to control…
Jul 6, 2026 · 14:27
In this short but packed episode, Jess dives into practical strategies to encourage independent play in children. She explains how foundational parent-child connection, combined…
Jun 29, 2026 · 26:13
Jess tackles one of the most common parenting questions: 'Why won't my child listen?' She breaks down the four main reasons kids struggle to follow directions and provides…
Jun 22, 2026 · 22:07
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…
Jun 15, 2026 · 36:31
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,…
Jun 8, 2026 · 25:05
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…
Jun 1, 2026 · 31:33
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…
May 25, 2026 · 36:18
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…
May 18, 2026 · 32:03
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 11, 2026 · 30:25
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…
May 4, 2026 · 1:06:26
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…
Apr 27, 2026 · 22:04
CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In this final episode of our 3-part series on child sexual abuse, Jess and Scott dive into practical steps parents can take to protect…
Apr 20, 2026 · 37:31
CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In Part 2 of this critical series on child sexual abuse, hosts Jess and Scott delve into the dark realities of child abuse and the…
Apr 13, 2026 · 24:23
CW: Abuse, child sexual abuse, grooming In this heavy but crucial episode of Robot Unicorn, hosts Jess and Scott tackle the difficult reality of childhood sexual abuse and the…
Apr 6, 2026 · 45:19
In this insightful episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of 'When Life Happens.' They explore the empowering concept of…
Mar 30, 2026 · 35:20
This week, Jess and Scott talk about how to reduce power struggles and brain stuckness. You'll gain crucial insights into why toddlers can't self-regulate, how 'radical honesty'…
Mar 23, 2026 · 39:05
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott are joined by a very special guest—their 5-year-old daughter—who shares a story about her brain getting stuck on making a paper…
Mar 16, 2026 · 23:36
In Part 2 of our deep dive into allowances, Jess and Scott move from theory to practice, debating whether kids should receive an allowance at all. They explore the 'Spend, Save,…
Mar 9, 2026 · 23:09
Is giving your kids an allowance a 'ridiculous idea' or a powerful teaching tool? In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the heated debate on allowances. Scott reveals a major…
Mar 2, 2026 · 52:33
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. In this episode, we dive into one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, aspects of development and well-being:…
Feb 23, 2026 · 39:51
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. Is sending your child to daycare wrong? Will it ruin your attachment? In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the highly…
Feb 16, 2026 · 45:36
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. When is it okay to punish your kids? This loaded question kicks off a deep dive into the difference between punishment…
Feb 9, 2026 · 32:36
In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle this delicate balance, exploring why so many parents fear their children's tears and avoid setting boundaries. They move beyond unhelpful…
Feb 2, 2026 · 36:04
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into one of parenting's most common dilemmas. They explore how household tasks are crucial for building responsibility, essential life…
Jan 26, 2026 · 38:33
In this vulnerable episode, hosts Jess and Scott tackle this tough parenting question head-on, revealing their own disagreements and struggles. They explore the fine line between…
Jan 19, 2026 · 33:07
Do you ever have moments where you just want to scream, "Get off me!" at your clingy child? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the visceral frustration parents feel…
Jan 12, 2026 · 46:36
In this episode, Jess and Scott talk about how family values aren’t created by rules on the wall, but by what’s lived out every day. They explore how to start with parent-only…
Jan 5, 2026 · 45:13
In this episode, Jess and Scott confront the tough topics of divorce, single parenting, and high-conflict family dynamics. They debunk the pervasive myth of 'staying together for…
Dec 29, 2025 · 54:21
This week, we are revisiting a previously aired episode. Scott recently had a situation where he lost his cool with his toddler. In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack what…
Dec 22, 2025 · 32:56
This week, we are revisiting one of our first episodes. Jess and Scott dive into the complex topic of pushing kids to do hard things. They explore the fine line between…
Dec 15, 2025 · 56:26
Are you tired of the constant panic and guilt surrounding your kids' screen time? In this episode, Jess sits down with Dr. Michael Robb, Head of Research at Common Sense Media,…
Dec 8, 2025 · 44:00
How do we teach our children to be kind without letting them get walked over? This episode dives into the difference between genuine kindness and people-pleasing, and how to…
Dec 1, 2025 · 31:35
Raising a sensitive child comes with unique challenges and profound beauty. In the final episode of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott explore practical ways to…
Nov 24, 2025 · 33:54
Is your child an 'orchid' who thrives in the right environment but wilts under pressure? In part 2 of our sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott unpack the powerful 'orchid vs.…
Nov 17, 2025 · 41:56
Do you have a child who has epic meltdowns over seemingly small things, such as a shirt tag or a flushing toilet? In part 1 of our 3-part sensitive kids series, Jess and Scott…
Nov 10, 2025 · 58:59
In this episode, Jess is joined by well-known psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to tackle one of the most common relationship stressors: In-laws. Dr. Tracy…
Nov 3, 2025 · 26:48
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into why whining triggers such a visceral fight-or-flight reaction in parents and how to manage your own nervous system first. Learn how to…
Oct 27, 2025 · 27:14
Why do children sometimes show a clear preference for one parent over the other? In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the psychology and science of parental preference.…
Oct 20, 2025 · 48:35
Why do friendship conflicts feel so catastrophic for young girls? This week, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complex world of girl friendship drama, exploring why the tween and…
Oct 13, 2025 · 50:12
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the incredible power of shifting from a serious, stern approach to a playful one. They explore the brain science behind why play is a…
Oct 6, 2025 · 33:55
We're opening up the floor and answering your most-asked questions in this listener Q&A episode. We get personal about our recent ADHD diagnoses and how neurodivergence shows up…
Sep 29, 2025 · 47:02
Ever feel like the advice to 'just be consistent' isn't working for your family? In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the power of 'flexible consistency' and why adapting to…
Sep 22, 2025 · 38:30
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…
Sep 15, 2025 · 45:50
In this episode, Scott and Jess revisit a previous episode on strong-willed kids and add new commentary, insights, and stories to help parents understand and connect with their…
Sep 8, 2025 · 35:30
CW: Death, Suicide, Tragedy, Divorce This week, Jess and Scott tackle difficult conversations: death, suicide, divorce, loss, and tragedy in the news. Drawing from Scott's…
Sep 1, 2025 · 47:20
Is AI a helpful tool or a 'Terminator' situation waiting to happen? In this episode, Jess finally gets to interview Scott as they tackle the complex world of AI safety for kids.…
Aug 25, 2025 · 50:37
Ever feel a pang of guilt when you look up from your phone to see your child has moved on? You're not alone. In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the 'parents' paradox', how…
Aug 18, 2025 · 49:14
What do you do when your child hits you with the classic line, "But my friend's parents let them!"? This episode tackles the universal parenting challenge of setting and…
Aug 11, 2025 · 1:08:02
Jess sits down with Kate Bowler, historian, pastor, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore parenting, faith, and religious deconstruction. They unpack the history of…
Aug 4, 2025 · 33:03
Are you tired of forcing your kids to say 'I'm sorry,' only to see them repeat the same behaviour an hour later? In this episode, Jess and Scott dissect the common parenting trap…
Jul 28, 2025 · 58:38
Are firstborns natural leaders, and the youngest the rebellious baby? Jess and Scott dismantle the popular—and surprisingly persistent—myths surrounding birth order. Scott shares…
Jul 21, 2025 · 45:06
In this episode, Jess and Scott unpack the normal but challenging issues that arise in the tween years. They explore the fascinating science of the developing adolescent…
Jul 14, 2025 · 1:00:37
Inspired by a listener's email, this episode dives into the parts of parenting that often go undiscussed. Jess and Scott move beyond simplistic 'self-care' advice to explore…
Jul 7, 2025 · 31:30
Tired of being the referee in constant sibling battles? This episode tackles a listener's question about managing the chaos of sibling play, especially between toddlers and…
Jun 30, 2025 · 44:31
When your sweet child suddenly starts using shocking language, it can be deeply unsettling - but this episode explains why it's often a normal developmental phase rather than a…
Jun 23, 2025 · 31:33
Jess and Scott dive deep into the controversial topic of timeouts, examining whether they're truly the evidence-based discipline method many claim. They explore how typical…
Jun 16, 2025 · 1:04:44
Jess and Scott break down what research says about approaches like spanking, harsh verbal discipline, threats and bribes — and why authoritative parenting (balancing warmth with…
Jun 9, 2025 · 1:01:31
A must-listen episode for ALL parents and educators. Jess and Scott tackle the complex world of smartphones and social media use, sharing both research-backed concerns and…
Jun 2, 2025 · 54:36
Jess and Scott dive deep into the science of impulse control in children, explaining why little ones struggle to control their impulses and how parents can effectively support…
May 26, 2025 · 55:18
Jess and Scott dive into the often-misunderstood topic of boredom and its crucial role in child development. They explore why parents fear their children being bored, how screens…
May 19, 2025 · 48:14
In this insightful episode, psychologist and couples expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish joins Jess to discuss the often unspoken challenges couples face after having children. Dr. Tracy…
May 12, 2025 · 34:46
Jess and Scott dive deep into reparenting – the art of healing ourselves so that we can show up more authentically as parents. They discuss breaking negative generational…
May 5, 2025 · 41:22
Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of trust and healthy skepticism—from childhood friendships to the evolving dynamics of teen and adult relationships. They discuss…
Apr 28, 2025 · 51:14
Inside this vulnerable and emotional episode, Jess and Scott talk about how painful betrayal is and how we can learn to trust others. They talk about the difference between…
Apr 21, 2025 · 1:01:00
Should you force your kids to do hard things? Does a little trauma make your kids more resilient? Is it true that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? In this episode,…
Apr 14, 2025 · 1:09:46
In this episode of Robot Unicorn, Jess and Scott sit down with their close friend and colleague, Brooklyn Marx, a disabled psychotherapist, to explore how to talk about…
Apr 7, 2025 · 35:58
Jess and Scott dive deep into what it means to be the leader your child truly needs—especially when faced with the challenge of raising kids who are often labelled as angry,…
Mar 31, 2025 · 55:48
In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld to unpack the growing mental health crisis among children today. Dr. Neufeld…
Mar 24, 2025 · 1:01:47
Friends, you don’t want to miss this episode. The one and only Dr. MacNamara joins Jess and Scott to dive deep into the topic of food. Discover why nourishment is far more than…
Mar 17, 2025 · 37:23
Scott and Jess dive into the pressing issue of school refusal—a challenge affecting children of all ages. They explore the roots of this behaviour, from the natural separation…
Mar 10, 2025 · 54:47
Scott and Jess explore anger in children (and adults), breaking down why children get angry, how anger is often masked by other emotions, and the role of genetics and environment…
Mar 3, 2025 · 52:35
Scott and Jess take a deep dive into the popular "Five Love Languages" concept and reveal why this relationship framework might be too simplistic for real-life emotional…
Feb 24, 2025 · 46:40
In this episode, Jess and Scott explore the reasons why children lie and how to help them stop lying. Drawing on personal anecdotes and developmental insights, they explain how…
Feb 17, 2025 · 51:29
This episode of Robot Unicorn is packed with practical ideas that will help you become a more playful parent. On a deeper note, you’ll also learn how to reflect on your own…
Feb 10, 2025 · 36:09
In part 2 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott discuss the critical intersection of social media, body image, and puberty. They explore how parents can navigate challenging…
Feb 3, 2025 · 45:39
In part 1 of our puberty series, Jess and Scott talk about how to have difficult conversations with kids about sex, puberty, periods, and changing bodies. You’ll learn how to…
Jan 27, 2025 · 44:45
In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss common friendship struggles, bullying, and how to help kids solve problems in their friendships. They also discuss their own experiences…
Jan 20, 2025 · 32:18
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive deep into the complexities of parental anger and yelling sparked by a controversial social media post . They explore cycle-breaking,…
Jan 13, 2025 · 34:18
In this episode, Jess and Scott discuss how to support anxious or worried kids. Jess, a psychotherapist, shares the "Mind Table" concept - a powerful tool for helping children…
Jan 6, 2025 · 54:02
Jess and Scott break down the nuanced reality of giving your kids screen time through personal experiences and research-backed insights about gaming, social media, and device…
Dec 30, 2024 · 47:01
Scott and Jess have a candid discussion about New Year's resolutions and goal-setting, particularly through the lens of parenting and personal growth. They share their plans to…
Dec 23, 2024 · 1:06:09
CW: Death, suicide, miscarriage Grieving over the holidays can feel all-consuming and complex. Today, Jess and Scott are joined by returning guest Libby for a raw and honest…
Dec 16, 2024 · 43:16
In this episode, Scott and Jess discuss raising resilient children who are not entitled, a common concern they hear from people who are skeptical about the style of parenting…
Dec 9, 2024 · 37:57
In this episode, Jess and Scott tackle the polarizing topic of Santa Claus and holiday traditions as they answer the question: "Should we tell kids Santa is real?” They explore…
Dec 2, 2024 · 49:31
In this episode, Scott and Jess explore the importance of creativity and play - both for children and adults. From strategies for protecting children’s creative spirits to…
Nov 25, 2024 · 37:00
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, hosts Scott and Jess explore the complex relationship between food, parenting, and childhood development. Inspired by a viral…
Nov 18, 2024 · 40:16
In this episode, Jess and Scott answer a listener's question about sharing the mental load of parenting. Jess talks about times when she felt like she carried most of the mental…
Nov 11, 2024 · 39:09
In this laughter-filled episode, Scott and Jess dive into the delicate balance of teasing and playfulness with kids. They discuss how to be playful without going too far, share…
Nov 4, 2024 · 23:03
In this episode, Jess and Scott dive into the challenges of parenting multiple children and giving each child the love and attention they need. Inspired by a viral social media…
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