Middle School Mary Poppins

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Middle School Mary Poppins

Suzanne M. Swain, EDS LMSW

15 episodes

7 hours ago

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 wondered how to help the boys in your life express themselves and feel safe doing it, this epis...

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Education for Kids

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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 wondered how to help the boys in your life express themselves and feel safe doing it, this epis...

Show more...

Education for Kids

Episodes (15/15)

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 wondered how to help the boys in your life express themselves and feel safe doing it, this epis...

2 weeks ago

26 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 tour (yes, involving projectile vomiting in the most historically inappropriate place), to ...

2 months ago

16 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 clever tips on organization and coping strategies, she shares how students (and adults) with ADHD ...

3 months ago

27 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 personalized coloring pages, DIY Pokémon cards, and even full-on board games. She explains how Tr...

4 months ago

21 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 light ahead. Contact Suzanne Swain: Email: suzanneswain@gmail.com Facebook: Suzanne Swain Pr...

4 months ago

16 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 nights, Suzanne shines a light on the unsung heroes raising millions of children today. I...

5 months ago

13 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 testing season with confidence. Suzanne reflects on a whirlwind school year filled with everything ...

5 months ago

16 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 school mascot, Suzanne taps into wolf pack dynamics to teach teamwork, responsibility, and the po...

8 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 teachers are the unsung heroes battling burnout, low pay, and unrealistic expectations every day. T...

9 months ago

50 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 toward living an honest and meaningful life. Along the way, we dive into personal stories of los...

9 months ago

26 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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 Things are being used to connect learning styles with real-world applications. We’re also celebrat...

9 months ago

37 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

EP: 4: Teacher Education: You (Head)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 Akenson, deeply inspired by a former professor, took learning to a new graphically organized level, embodying his innovative approach in her own journey as a...

9 months ago

38 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

EP: 3 - The Right Stuff: New Kids On The Block

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 military kid with a love for dogs and a genius for inventing "glorts" (glamping forts), becomes a symbol of the untapped creativ...

9 months ago

40 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

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, Suzanne shares a powerful story about connecting with a student through a simple apple experiment, rev...

1 year ago

49 minutes

Middle School Mary Poppins

EP: 1 - Mary Poppins 2.0: A Spoonful of Therapist Sugar

Hey Gen Xers, 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 creativity, empathy, and a sprinkle of that "Mary Poppins" magic can revive education. Together...

1 year ago

25 minutes