The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast is a parenting and education podcast hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, a former middle school teacher, school librarian, administrator, professor of education, therapist, and educational sociologist. With over 20 years of experience working with tweens, teens, families, and school systems, she offers a warm, research-based approach to navigating the emotional realities of adolescence. The podcast is designed with neurodivergent listeners in mind, minimizing distractions and excessive ads for continuity and regulation.
Episodes
S4 EP2: Living in a Material World - Spotlight People, Scapegoats, & Staying Clever
What happens when someone seems to value your talent, creativity, or helpfulness more than they value you?In “Living in a Material World: Spotlight People, Scapegoats, and Staying Clever,” I explore something I desperately needed an adult to explain when I was young: other people do not necessarily think the way you do. That does not mean everyone is bad, and it certainly does not mean kids should
S4 EP1: True Colors: Potentiality & 8 Hidden Superpowers for a Brand-New School Year 🌈💎
TRUE COLORS: 8 Hidden Superpowers for a Brand-New School Year 🌈💎Season 4 is here! 🎉 And we’re starting with a radical idea: what if some of the things we’re quickest to label as “problems” in middle schoolers are actually unfinished strengths?In this episode, Suzanne explores potentiality—the difference between what something is right now and what it still has the capacity to become.Because an arg
S3 EP16: SEL Summer Camp Week 6 - The Last Campfire: Saving Big Hearts a Seat | Skills Wrap Up
🏕️ In the final episode of our SEL Summer Camp series, we bring together everything we’ve explored about the middle school years: the developing adolescent brain, screens and environment, emotions, anxiety, anger, resilience, identity, and belonging.This episode is about understanding the whole middle schooler.😳 Behavior does not happen in isolation. It happens inside a developing brain, a body, a
S3 EP15: SEL Summer Camp Week5 - Deep Dive into Anger, Reactivity & Rage | Why Tweens Explode (And What to Do Instead)
🍎Apple Listeners: The show’s ratings were hacked & dropped to 3.1 rating from 4.9. It is under investigation currently. If you could help out & provide a positive star rating, it would mean everything! So grateful! Best, Suz & Steve🐶—————————————————-In this special Deep Dive episode, Suzanne is joined once again by therapist Jessica Ragnio, MSW, LICSW, for one of the most important c
S3 EP14 - SEL Summer Camp Week 4: Garden of Weedy Thoughts: Helping Middle Schoolers Bust Cognitive Distortions & Calm Anxiety
🍎Apple Listeners: The show’s ratings were hacked & dropped to 3.1 rating from 4.9. It is under investigation currently. If you could help out & provide a positive star rating, it would mean everything! So grateful! Best, Suz & Steve🐶———————————-🌱 Garden of Weedy Thoughts: Helping Middle Schoolers Bust Cognitive Distortions & Calm AnxietyWhy does your middle schooler suddenly belie
S3 EP13 - SEL Summer Camp Week 3: Oceans of Emotion: Why Middle Schoolers Feel Everything All at Once
Why does your middle schooler seem happy, anxious, excited, embarrassed, frustrated, and overwhelmed—all before dinner?In Week 3 of our whole family Socioemotional Learning (SEL) Summer Camp series, Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW, is joined by Jessica Ragnio, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Director at Mightier, to explore the fascinating world of adolescent emotions. Always a good hang with Jessica! Together,
S3 EP12 - SEL Summer Camp Week 2: Are Screens Evil or Not? Chocolate Cake, Dopamine & the Middle School Brain
💜☂️ Are Screens Evil or Not? Chocolate Cake, Dopamine & the Middle School Brain | SEL Summer Camp Week 2Why do kids seem glued to their phones? Why do texts, group chats, likes, and social media feel so important during middle school? And are screens really harming kids—or is the answer more complicated than that?In Week 2 of our SEL Summer Camp collaboration with Mightier, Suzanne Swain, EdS,
S3 EP11 - SEL Summer Camp Week 1: Adolescent Brains: A Powerful Engine, Sensitive Alarm, & Driver Still in Training
☀️ SEL Summer Camp is Here!Pack your curiosity, grab your emotional toolkit, and join us for a one-of-a-kind summer adventure!Middle School Mary Poppins is teaming up with Mightier for a special six-week SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Summer Camp designed specifically for middle school families.Together, we’ll explore the fascinating world of emotions, friendships, technology, anxiety, anger, com
S3 EP10 - Every Middle Schooler Needs Grace: Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Middle school can feel like a daily showdown… until you realize the kid isn’t always the problem. Sometimes the kid is the signal.In this episode of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast, Suzanne Swain, EDS LMSW explores the moments that make adults throw their hands in the air and ask, “Seriously?!” — and why that reaction is understandable, but often aimed at the wrong target. When behavior goe
S3 EP9 – The Digital Rules of the Road: The (Online) Safety Dance
Internet Culture & Emotional Health: The Safety Dancefeat. Adam Brooks, Program Coordinator from BARK Technologies adamb@bark.usSpecial MSMP listener offer:Use code POPPINS25 for $25 off any Bark phone model or watch (limit 2). Learn more at: www.bark.usPart 3 of our “Reimagining Screen Time” technology series focuses on one of the biggest modern parenting challenges of all: keeping kids safe
S3 EP8 - Dogs, Cats, and the Neurodivergent Brain: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Plain Talk: Dogs, Cats, & the Neurodivergent Brain (Unscripted & Unedited) 🐶💕🐱🥹This episode is a different one, y’all!No outline.No “cheat sheet.”No editing out the pauses or the “you knows.” 🤓🤫Just a real “plain” conversation. I thought it would be fun to see what happens without my safe bullet points. 💜 Give me about two minutes on this one—it settles in and gets really good. Besides, it
S3 EP7 - Leveling Up Self-Regulation: The Final Countdown
Screen time is not going anywhere, so instead of arguing about whether it is “good” or “bad,” let’s get specific about what it doing positively for our kids. My EDS is in Education Technology, bring it! This is episode two in our exploring screen time series, where we discuss how digital tools can be used in more intentional, supportive ways for kids and families. I found Mightier! I think Mighti
S3 EP6 - The Constant Screen Time Clash: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Screens: the ultimate villain… or your kid’s emotional support sidekick? In this playful (and eye-opening) episode, Suzanne dives into the nightly showdown every parent knows too well—the “put the phone down” battle—and flips the script in a way you probably didn’t see coming.What looks like defiance might actually be overwhelm. What feels like obsession might be regulation. From dopamine hits and
S3 EP5 - Growing Up Neurodivergent: Karma Chameleon
You can be smart, creative, and deeply caring and still walk through life feeling like you’re getting “thrown to the curb.” That ache hits a lot of neurodivergent adults, especially when old childhood labels keep playing on loop: too sensitive, too emotional, too intense, too distracted, so much potential if you could just… I’m busting those cognitive distortions and telling a truer story about ne
S3 EP4 - Cancer Changes Everything: Listen to Your Heart
What I thought was a routine appointment turned into an 11-hour stretch in the ER—and then the words no one is ever ready to hear: stage four metastatic cervical cancer. I’m sharing this with a shaky voice but a steady purpose, because my best friend Tanya is fighting for her life, and right now, I’m one of her primary caregivers.This has made me really think about what chosen family actually mean
S3 EP3 - Unpacking Neurodivergence: She Blinded Me With Science
What if the behaviors we rush to fix are actually signals from a beautifully organized, differently wired brain? In this episode, we explore new neuroscience showing why attention differences, sensory intensity, and big emotions often appear together—and why that combination makes biological sense. Recent research suggests that thousands of small genetic variations shape overlapping pathways linke
S3 EP2- Anger & Reactivity: Under Pressure
Anger feels fast. Powerful. Loud. But what’s really underneath it?In this special, kid-requested episode, Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW — child therapist, educational specialist, and veteran middle school teacher — talks directly to tweens and teens about anger in a world that feels a little… charged.Why does anger rise so quickly? What’s actually happening in your brain when you react? And how can
S3 EP1 - Neurodivergent Perseverance: I Need a Hero
Heroes aren’t always loud—and they don’t always wear capes.In this episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, Suzanne M. Swain explores what heroism really looks like in the real world: persistence, joy, empathy, and showing up as yourself—even when it’s hard.Inspired by the Winter Olympics, beloved pop-culture heroes, a surprising animal rescue, and the power of team culture, Suzanne reframes heroism
S2 EP 17 - Outsmarting Bullies: Tainted Love
Bullying in middle school isn’t always loud or obvious—and that’s what makes it so confusing and harmful. In this episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, child therapist and educational specialist Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW explores the subtle, strategic, and emotionally manipulative forms of bullying that often get overlooked by adults but deeply affect kids’ confidence and sense of safety.You’ll
S2 EP 16 - Emotional Safety: Time After Time
Ever wonder why your child completely melts down the second they walk through the door after school? In this episode, veteran middle school teacher and child therapist Suzanne M. Swain, EdS LMSW breaks down what’s really going on in neurodivergent brains—and why it’s not defiance, manipulation, or “bad behavior.” It’s exhaustion.Suzanne connects the dots between ADHD, autism, sensory overload, foo
S2 EP 15 - Food for Mood 2: Sweet Dreams are Made of This
In Part II of the Food for Mood series, Suzanne explores how the Inside Out socially-based emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, envy, boredom, & ultimately motivation quietly influence behavior, mood, and emotional regulation. Kids, teens, and neurodivergent individuals all can benefit from knowing triggers in the body and ways to re-regulate through nutrition. Building on the foundation fro
S2 EP 14 - Food for Mood: Hungry like a Wolf
It’s a new year, so let’s talk about food and feelings—because they’re way more connected than we realize. In this episode, we break down how what you eat can either calm you down or completely throw you off, without diet rules or restriction.This episode dives into the four core emotions—joy, sadness, anger, and fear—and how each one shows up in your body. From why joy just wants to be savored, t
S2 EP 13 - Holiday Joy & Eustress: Run Run Rudolph
Happy holidays from Middle School Mary Poppins! In this heart-centered episode, Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW—your friendly neighborhood kid therapist—dives into a powerful holiday homophone: presents vs. presence. One is wrapped. The other is felt.Suzanne explores why time, attention, and shared experiences often mean more to kids than expensive gifts—and how families can use the holiday season to
Poetry Special: Twas the Night Before Middle School Break
Sharing a little bit of holiday cheer with you by creating a poem about life in middle school during the holiday season. Hope you enjoy it and happy holidays andMerry Christmas to you all.Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show
S2 EP 11 - Ridiculous Joy: It's a Beautiful Life
Middle school can feel weird, overwhelming, awkward, emotional, and completely ridiculous sometimes… so maybe the answer is learning how to hold onto a little “Ridiculous Joy” to help us cope with the difficulty.In this episode of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast, Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW introduces the heart behind the show and the mission driving these conversations: helping kids, famil
S2 EP 10 - Thanksgiving Social Skills Special: We Are Family
Hey y’all & happy Thanksgiving, everyone! As we all know, this can be a stressful time of year for some individuals who may be struggling. I wanted to take a moment today to give you a list of some conversation, starters and questions that you could bring up at the dinner table that would help to encourage conversations to get to know the kids and each a lot better.Hope you enjoy the episode a
S2 EP 9 - Learning Empathy: Right Here Waiting
In this thoughtful and essential episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW—Education Master & Specialist as well as working school-based Child Therapist introduces a new concept she believes every family, teacher, and community needs right now: Elementary Empathy-Based Learning (EEBL).Suzanne dives into why today’s youngest learners—especially those who experienced ear
S2 EP 8 - Tweens & Money: The Secret of My Success
In this episode, child therapist and master teacher Suzanne M. Swain, EDS LMSW, dives into a topic that makes many of us squirm—money management for neurodivergent kids. Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodiversity, Suzanne shares practical ways to help them build a healthy relationship with money, understand value, and learn how effort connects to reward. From creating
S2 EP 7 - Masculinity: Let’s Hear It for the Boys
In this heartfelt and necessary episode, Suzanne dives into the topic of masculinity and emotional safety, exploring how adolescent boys communicate, why they struggle to open up, and how we can help them feel seen and supported. With warmth and humor, she shares classroom stories, insights on nonverbal communication, and practical ways to nurture emotional intelligence in young men.If you’ve ever
S2 EP 6 - Educational Epic Fails: Insane in the Brain
What do Abraham Lincoln, a dead bird, and the local Fire Department have in common? Believe it or not—Suzanne’s teaching career. In this episode, kid therapist and master teacher Suzanne M. Swain spills her epic teaching fails—the kind of stories you can only laugh at in hindsight. From leading a group of 10-year-olds astray in the U.S. Capitol, to accidentally becoming part of the Ford’s Theater
S2 EP 5 - ADHD Goes Back to School: Take on Me
Welcome back to the chaos and charm of back-to-school season! In this episode, therapist and former middle school teacher Suzanne M. Swain (EDS, LMSW) dives into one of her most requested topics—ADHD. Suzanne flips the script on the usual narrative, showing why ADHD isn’t a deficit but a secret superpower packed with bravery, creativity, and genius.From hilarious back-to-school night stories to cl
S2 EP 4 - Technology VR/ AI Killed the Radio Star
In this jam-packed, joy-filled episode, Suzanne Swain dives headfirst down the digital rabbit hole to share her lifelong love of tech—and how it’s changing the game for kids and families alike. From her first VGA monitor to today’s AI-powered tools, Suzanne walks listeners through fun, interactive ways to turn screen time into meaningful play and connection. She explores how to use AI to generate
S2 EP 3 - Trauma: When Bad Things Happen - The Labyrinth
At 3:18 AM, Suzanne Swain found herself wide awake, anxious, and overwhelmed. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how a late-night rewatch of Labyrinth became the unexpected comfort she needed.Blending nostalgia, humor, and reflection, Suzanne explores the film’s timeless message of resilience and imagination—offering listeners a gentle reminder that even on the hardest days, there’s always ligh
S2 EP 2 - Grandparents: A Coat of Many Colors
What’s the grandest thing you’ve ever done? Built a treehouse? Made a birthday cake from scratch? Raised a child… twice? In this heartwarming episode, Suzanne Swain (aka your favorite rural kid therapist) dives into the grand world of grandparents—from Rockettes at Radio City to blueberry summers in Alabama. With stories that range from Purple Hearts and polio to blueberry bushes and Jeopardy nig
S2 EP 1 - Test Anxiety: This One's For the Children
Welcome back, clever little foxes! Season 2 of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast is officially here, and Suzanne M. Swain—your go-to guide for all things educational, emotional, and real—is kicking things off with a deep dive into test anxiety. This episode is packed with practical tips, thoughtful encouragement, and just the right amount of sass to help students (and their grown-ups) face te
S1 EP 8 - Simply the Best Around: Blow Pops, Business, & The 8th Grade Hustle
Normieville Middle School’s eighth graders have taken entrepreneurship to a whole new level—by launching a booming Blow Pop business that’s causing a stir. Suzanne Swain steps in to unravel the sticky situation, using her background in behavioral psychology and leadership to guide these young hustlers toward a smarter, more ethical approach. With the help of Dr. Daria Morgan and Nanny the beloved
S1 EP 7 - Perception: The Hidden Emotional Struggles of Teachers
Ever thought about how traffic jams and middle school classrooms have more in common than you’d expect? In this episode, we dive deep into the power of perception—how it shapes our experiences, learning, emotions, and even society’s view of teachers. From navigating California freeways to the emotional chaos of adolescence, we explore why mental health and education must go hand in hand and why te
S1 EP 6 - Spirituality: The Wind Beneath My Wings
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, we explore the essence of spirituality—not through religion, but through the stories, characters, and moments that shape our understanding of kindness, bravery, and purpose. From the gentle wisdom of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood to the powerful symbolism of The Lion King and Watership Down, we reflect on how childhood influences stay with us, guiding us
S1 EP 5 - Word Play: Nice Nice Baby
This year, we’re taking education to a whole new level—one playful idea at a time! From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap seminar bringing history to life, to eighth graders designing a better recess experience, this district meeting is packed with fresh ideas and fun initiatives. Dive into how Dungeons & Dragons campaigns are helping students build life skills, and how pop culture gems like Stranger T
S1 EP 4 - Teacher Education: You Spin Me Like a Record - Dr. Akenson’s Class
Step into the extraordinary world of Dr. James Akenson, the educator who redefines what it means to teach. Known as the "Mr. Rogers of Teacher Education," Dr. Akenson blends visual thinking, storytelling, and thematic teaching (like country music!) to create immersive learning experiences that inspire students and teachers alike. Suzanne, deeply inspired by a former professor, took learn
S1 EP 3 - New Kids On The Block: The Write Stuff
Join "Principal" Suzanne in this lively and heartwarming episode as she kicks off the school year with a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and kindness. From shouting out local sponsors like "Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi" and "Curl Up and Dye," to introducing a remarkable new student, Hesse, Suzanne explores the beauty of seeing potential in every child.Hesse, a mil
S1 EP 2 - Teachers: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
In this heartwarming and thought-provoking episode, Suzanne explores the metaphor of the apple to uncover the often hidden struggles and strengths of both teachers and students. Just like an apple may appear perfect on the outside, but be bruised within, people carry unseen emotions and experiences beneath their surface. Drawing from her experiences as a professor of education and therapist, Suzan
S1 EP 1 - Mary Poppins 2.0: A Spoonful of Educator Sugar
Remember when Mary Poppins seemed like the ultimate fix for everything? As a teacher and therapist, I’ve spent years wishing we had her magic back in the classroom. I’m Suzanne M. Swain, EDS/MSSW, and I've lived between the worlds of therapy and education, teaching emotions, middle school, and everything in between. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the heart of teaching and how creativit
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