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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
  • “But My Friend’s Parents Let Them…Why Can’t I?”

    “But My Friend’s Parents Let Them…Why Can’t I?”
    Aug 18 2025

    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 upholding family rules. You'll walk away with practical strategies to communicate your rules effectively, offer choices within boundaries, and build a collaborative family team without giving up your leadership role.


    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


    Learn more about The Anger Course here!
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Biblical Discipline, Deconstruction, And Belonging with Kate Bowler

    Biblical Discipline, Deconstruction, And Belonging with Kate Bowler
    Aug 11 2025

    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 harsh discipline like sparing the rod, question the idea of biblical discipline, and wrestle with whether kids are inherently sinful. This compassionate conversation offers space to question long-held beliefs, understand the pain of inauthentic belonging, and discover a faith grounded in love and grace, not just rules.


    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



    Learn more about The Anger Course here!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Should We Force Kids To Say Sorry And Forgive Each Other?

    Should We Force Kids To Say Sorry And Forgive Each Other?
    Aug 4 2025

    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 of forced apologies and, more surprisingly, forced forgiveness. They explore why simply demanding these magic words can be meaningless and even teach children to override their own feelings. Discover practical, empathy-building strategies, like action-oriented repair, to move beyond the empty 'sorry' and guide your children toward genuine understanding and stronger relationships.


    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


    Learn more about The Anger Course here!
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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