The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
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Practical magic for real middle school life.
Regulate. Connect. Thrive. 💜
New here? Start with “Ridiculous Joy: It’s a Beautiful Life.”
It captures the heart of the show—helping middle schoolers (and the adults who love them) navigate emotions, pressure, and growing up with warmth, humor, and honesty.
Middle School Mary Poppins™ is for the kids who don’t fit the mold—and the adults who care about them. Maybe even still are.
What if middle school wasn’t something to survive… but something to unlock?
Welcome to a smart, playful, research-informed podcast reimagining the most misunderstood years of human development.
Think a little everyday magic meets emotional intelligence—
with a dash of 80s–90s nostalgia, a spark of divergent thinking, and a whole lot of heart.
☂️ Hi! I’m Suzanne M. Swain—veteran middle school teacher, child therapist, educational sociologist, and proud advocate for kids who think differently.
I’ve spent over two decades inside classrooms, counseling offices, and school systems watching one truth play out again and again:
Everything important starts in the middle.
Middle school is where identity forms, emotions intensify, creativity explodes—and where far too many kids are misunderstood, mislabeled, or managed instead of taught.
This podcast exists to change that.
Each episode blends real classroom stories, clinical insight, and pop-culture joy to explore how creativity, emotional regulation, neurodiversity, and mental health intersect during the tween and teen years.
We talk autism, ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning, and emotional overload—not as deficits, but as signals of untapped potential.
🎮 Expect:
• Gamified thinking, imaginative worlds, and creative metaphors kids actually remember
• Practical strategies for parents and educators supporting divergent learners
• Honest conversations about post-pandemic brains, emotional overload, and school culture
• Humor, warmth, and a retro remix that makes learning feel human again
At its core, Middle School Mary Poppins™ is about flipping the script.
What if the traits we’re trying to suppress are actually superpowers in disguise?
What if arts-based education and emotional literacy were foundational, not optional?
What if preventing school violence, burnout, and disconnection really does begin here?
We’re here to prove it does.
So grab your metaphorical quarters, hop in the arcade, and join us on a multiverse ride through the messy, magical middle years.
We’re the Goonies at heart.
🎧 It’s time for a retro remix of middle school.
Ready, player one?
If this show helps your family or classroom, you can support it at msmarypoppins.com → Support the Show
Hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
S1 EP 4 - Teacher Education: You Spin Me Like a Record - Dr. Akenson’s Class
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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 learning to a new graphically organized level, embodying his innovative approach in her own journey as an educator.
From dismantling time-bound learning to championing the power of doodles and graphic organizers, Dr. Akenson is a master at turning complex ideas into relatable, unforgettable lessons. In this captivating episode, we explore his groundbreaking methods, his neurodivergent-friendly approach, and his passion for shaping middle school education into a creative, supportive environment. Along the way, we’ll uncover why flexibility, empathy, and a touch of humor are essential for the future of learning.
Whether you’re an educator, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about the untapped potential of teaching, this conversation is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired.
Contact Suzanne Swain:
Email: suzanneswain@gmail.com
Facebook: Suzanne Swain
Produced By: StellaMix Podcast Production
Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:
Send Suzanne a Question or Comment
Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:
If this episode helped your family or your classroom, you can support the work behind Middle School Mary Poppins by visiting msmarypoppins.com and clicking Support the Show.
Your support helps keep the podcast free, research-based, and focused on emotional health for kids—especially neurodivergent tweens and teens.
Thank you for being part of this community. 💛
