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Robot Unicorn

Robot Unicorn

By: Nurtured First
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About this listen

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.Robot Unicorn Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Stop Letting the Scale Dictate Your Worth With Dr. Rachel Goldman
    Apr 6 2026

    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 body neutrality and discuss why the cultural pressure of toxic body positivity might actually be holding us back. Dr. Rachel unpacks the complexities surrounding GLP-1 medications, the rising impact of social media on orthorexia, and practical CBT tools for reframing our most anxious thoughts. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies for embracing their bodies' functions, challenging negative self-talk, and modelling a healthy body image for their children. Tune in to discover why it is perfectly okay not to love your body every single day!


    Want to hear more from Dr. Rachel?

    Connect on Instagram

    https://www.drrachelnyc.com/

    Order her new book: When Life Happens


    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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    47 mins
  • Brain Stuckness: Reducing Power Struggles & Building Flexibility (Part 2)
    Mar 30 2026

    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' diffuses tension, and why over-explaining rules can actually invite more defiance. Tune in to learn how to speak your child's language through play and become a more confident, trusted leader in your home.


    Check out these Robot Unicorn episodes for more on the impact of screens, social media and gaming on our kids:

    • How To Create Healthy Screentime Habits with Dr. Michael Robb (12/15/2025)
    • The Impact Of Social Media, Gaming And Smartphones On Kids (6/9/2025)


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Brain Stuckness: Why Kids Struggle With Flexibility (Part 1)
    Mar 23 2026

    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 kite. The hosts dive into the fascinating concept of "brain stuckness," explaining why young children often fixate on a single idea and struggle with flexible thinking. Listeners will gain crucial insights into the "five-to-seven shift" in brain development, helping parents distinguish between intentional defiance and simple neurological stuckness. Discover why traditional logic often fails with kids and how understanding impulse control can help you parent with more empathy and grace. Tune in to transform your approach to toddler meltdowns and stubborn behaviour!


    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!

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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