Robot Unicorn artwork

Parenting · Nurtured First

Robot Unicorn

by 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.

Chart trend

Position in the Parenting chart (US), last 90 days.

#4
all-time peak
11
days in the top 10 since Nov 2024

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

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 'daydream

Sep 7
19 min

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

Aug 31
17 min

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

Aug 24
14 min

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 emotiona

Aug 17
1 h 02 min

The Truth About Risky Play

Discover the crucial differences between healthy risk and hazardous environments, and learn why allowing your kids to take calculated risks can actually decrease their lo

Aug 10
20 min

How To Stay Calm During Tantrums

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

Aug 3
19 min

Understanding Toddler Tantrums

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 m

Jul 27
28 min

How To Potty Train Without Panic

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,

Jul 20
22 min

Impulse Control: What Every Parent Needs To Know (REVISIT)

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

Jul 13
54 min

The Secret To Independent Play

In this short but packed episode, Jess dives into practical strategies to encourage independent play in children. She explains how foundational parent-child connection, c

Jul 6
14 min

4 Reasons Your Child Doesn’t Listen

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 provid

Jun 29
26 min

How To Get Kids To Open Up

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-list

Jun 22
22 min

Self-Care for Burnt-Out Parents with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

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 bounda

Jun 15
36 min

The Truth About Shy Kids

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 exhi

Jun 8
25 min

3 Reasons Your Child Misbehaves At School

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 thing

Jun 1
31 min

6 Things About ADHD Parents Need To Know

Today, Jess dives deep into a highly requested topic: Understanding and supporting the ADHD brain. Drawing from her clinical experience with neurodivergent children, she

May 25
36 min

Why Kids Struggle to Sleep (And How To Help Them)

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,

May 18
32 min

How To Be Firm Without Yelling

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 ga

May 11
30 min

Getting Honest About New Motherhood With Libby Ward

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

May 4
1 h 06 min

Why “Stranger Danger” Doesn’t Protect Kids (Part 3)

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 pr

Apr 27
22 min

Chart positions

Where Robot Unicorn ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 10, 2026).

#70 ▼ 5 Parenting US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

You came across my instagram page at exactly the right time. I’m a single mom of five boys (8 year old twins, 9, 16, and 22). I’m parenting my youngest three on my own, while working almost full time, going to school to become a nurse, and living sober for almost six years. The last year has been incredibly hard, and I’ve often felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to adapt, while trying to be the best mom I can be (which includes internal doubts and struggles like I could’ve never imagined). Parenting boys alone—each with different behavioral challenges—can be so isolating. But after just one and a half episodes, I feel like I’ve truly found my people! I relate so deeply to what’s been shared so far, and I feel so grateful to have found another support system than understands the trials and tribulations of parenting. Thank you for creating such an honest and validating space. I’m so excited to continue listening.

Syrahsyrah11 · Dec 2025

I love this podcast so much. Jess and Scott are easy to listen to, easy to understand, and they help give me hope and inspiration toward being a better parent. The only thing I hate about it is that I didn’t find it sooner!

AngNutt · Nov 2025

I find myself recommending this podcast to everyone! I have been listening to this podcast for about a year. It has useful, real life applicable advice with thought-provoking topics. I find the information useful and interesting (even if it’s not something in my household I’m currently needing to address). “Get curious” is a new mantra of mine. I love how genuine the banter between Jess & Scott is. Thank you for providing the impactful guidance on how to raise littles. It makes it that less overwhelming for the rest of us!!

Meghan.Edwards · Oct 2025

Every pediatrician should recommend this podcast to new parents as I truly believe these messages are just as important to our children’s health and wellbeing as other aspects of growth. I just discovered it on my third child and I wish I could have heard these discussions sooner. I love how they speak with grace and compassion towards you as a busy parent. It is evident they care very much about children and helping caregivers do what’s best (as backed by research).

Faith_Bryant · Oct 2025

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About Robot Unicorn on Reason.fm

Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Robot Unicorn, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.

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