Robot Unicorn
by Nurtured First
Latest episode
The Science Of Making Friends As An Adult with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
The Science Of Making Friends As An Adult with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
About this podcast
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
The newest 20 of 134 episodes
- The Science Of Making Friends As An Adult with Dr. Miriam Kirmayer · 48 min · Episode 133Jess welcomes clinical psychologist and friendship expert Dr. Miriam Kirmayer to explore friendship shame, loneliness, and the myth that meaningful friendships should happen…
- Puberty Q&A: Erections, Periods, And Crushes · 18 min · Episode 132In this solo Q&A, Jess wraps up the puberty mini-series with practical scripts for explaining erections, discussing periods and menstrual products, responding to teasing…
- Understanding Puberty For Boys · 23 min · Episode 131Voice cracks, growth spurts, wet dreams—boys deserve more than a quick, awkward puberty talk. In this episode, Jess shares practical ways to prepare your son for body changes…
- How To Explain Sex And Reproduction To Tweens · 15 min · Episode 130“How does a baby get made?” If that question leaves you searching for words, Jess offers a calm, practical starting point in this episode. She walks through a reproduction…
- Sex and Intimacy After Kids With Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh · 39 min · Episode 129Jess joins psychosexual therapist Dr. Sara for an honest conversation about sex, intimacy, and why connection after children involves far more than desire alone. Discover…
- School Refusal, Anxiety, And Separation Struggles (REVISIT) · 39 min · Episode 128This 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…
- How To Handle Big After-School Meltdowns (REVISIT) · 40 min · Episode 127This 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…
- Are You Raising A Spicy Nugget? with Loryn Brantz · 37 min · Episode 126In 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…
- Why Do ADHD Kids Daydream? · 20 min · Episode 125In 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…
- Friendship Truths All Kids Need To Know · 17 min · Episode 124Drawing 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…
- How To Talk To Kids About Tricky Things · 15 min · Episode 123Jess 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…
- The ADHD Experience No One Talks About: Sensitivity, Emotions & More with Dr. Sasha Hamdani · 1 h 2 min · Episode 122Join 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…
- The Truth About Risky Play · 21 min · Episode 121Discover 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…
- How To Stay Calm During Tantrums · 19 min · Episode 120Jess 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…
- Understanding Toddler Tantrums · 28 min · Episode 119Jess 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…
- How To Potty Train Without Panic · 23 min · Episode 118In 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…
- Impulse Control: What Every Parent Needs To Know (REVISIT) · 55 min · Episode 117This 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…
- The Secret To Independent Play · 14 min · Episode 116In this short but packed episode, Jess dives into practical strategies to encourage independent play in children. She explains how foundational parent-child connection, combined…
- 4 Reasons Your Child Doesn’t Listen · 26 min · Episode 115Jess 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…
- How To Get Kids To Open Up · 22 min · Episode 114You 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…
