The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast

💜 The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™

Parenting a middle schooler doesn’t come with a manual—but this podcast comes pretty close.

The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™ helps parents, educators, counselors, and caregivers better understand tweens and young teens during one of the most important—and misunderstood—stages of childhood.

Hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW—educator, therapist, former middle school teacher, school librarian, administrator, professor, and educational sociologist—each episode blends brain science, practical parenting strategies, emotional regulation, executive functioning support, and a little ridiculous joy to help families thrive.

Topics include anxiety, ADHD, autism, executive functioning, emotional regulation, friendships, bullying, motivation, screen time, school success, neurodiversity, family communication, and adolescent development.

Downloaded more than 675,000 times in 126 countries, with 6,100+ five-star Spotify ratings and multiple #1 Apple Podcasts rankings in Kids & Family and Parenting, the podcast has become a trusted resource for families and educators around the world.

Whether you’re raising a middle schooler, teaching one, counseling families, or simply trying to better understand the adolescent brain, you’ll find practical strategies, encouragement, and a little ridiculous joy along the way.

💜 Stop. Regulate. Listen.

🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts—and now you can watch the conversation on YouTube! Subscribe for full episodes, video shorts, parenting tips, and exclusive content.

🌐 Learn more: https://msmarypoppins.com

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@middleschoolmarypoppinspodcast?si=Nn12Fq5dMpaoallA

Produced and edited by the incredibly talented Janine Stella of StellaMix.com, whose creativity helps bring every episode to life.

Co-host

Steve

Steve is the unofficial (but very serious) co-host of the podcast. He’s an albino Mini Schnauzer / Cocker Spaniel mix, former twin, with striking yellow eyes, a light purple nose, and a single light brown spot centered on his back, much like Snoopy. His ears have the same soft light brown highlights against his white fur.

Steve takes protecting his mom seriously. His duties include sleeping on her pillow, supervising podcast recordings, and offering commentary when needed. He loves riding in shopping carts, going on car rides, and hanging his head out the window with the wind in his fur.

Steve adores his older brother, Ralphie, and never goes far without his beloved baseball bat toy — because a Steve has to have his bat. He also maintains a mysterious rivalry with Henry the Shih Tzu across the street. Steve is currently a Lieutenant and hopes to work his way up the ranks someday.