The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps homeschooling parents encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler -- educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker -- for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become lifelong learners -- children who know that they can find the answers to anything they want to know i ...
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Colleen Kessler Podcasts
For the first time ever, full Snapped episodes are now a podcast. Subscribe to this true crime podcast for the direct audio from the original Snapped episodes that have aired on Oxygen over the last 29 seasons (and counting)! Now you can enjoy Snapped episodes in your headphones, in your car, or at the gym. New true crime episodes of Snapped: Women Who Murder are released every Sunday.
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The body of a young San Antonio man is found dumped in a local cemetery. Season 32, Episode 19 Originally aired: Sep 3, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-in…
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Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
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50:11Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You’re not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: …
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A beloved father and driven entrepreneur is fatally shot at a busy California intersection. Season 32, Episode 18 Originally aired: Aug 27, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priva…
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Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool
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45:35In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let’s be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn’t for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here’s a peek at what we covered: Structure is Comforti…
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A care facility nurse discovers her patient with severe stab wounds and clinging to life. Season 32, Episode 17 Originally aired: Aug 20, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy…
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Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
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43:55This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We’re Unpa…
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A demolition derby driver is found gunned down in his California auto shop. Season 32, Episode 16 Originally aired: Jun 4, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my…
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Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
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33:09This week’s episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you. Here are som…
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BONUS: Nadya Swartz and Justin Hooker (Snapped: Killer Couples)
43:36
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43:36A young man is found shot to death on the banks of a Georgia river. Season 17, Episode 5 Originally aired: Jul 9, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…
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Texas authorities learn of a murder-for-hire plot against an acclaimed boxer. Season 32, Episode 15 Originally aired: May 21, 2025 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell…
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Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids
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50:52This week on the podcast, Colleen revisited one of the most common, sometimes thorny, and always essential homeschool topics: finding your people and creating a support system, especially when you’re parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent, gifted, or otherwise outside-the-box kiddos. After 17 years on this journey, she can assure you: you’re no…
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A family demands answers when the body of an Arizona woman is discovered in a remote area of Texas. Season 32, Episode 14 Originally aired: May 21, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c…
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Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
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22:37This week on the podcast, we dive into a topic close to the hearts of many parents and educators: helping neurodivergent kids build flexible thinking skills. Whether you’re parenting or teaching gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wonderfully-wired kiddos, you know that rigid thinking can turn even minor changes into big challenges. You’ll hea…
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A decades-old missing person's case is reopened after human remains are discovered in West Virginia. Season 32, Episode 13 Originally aired: May 14, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.…
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Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help
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37:44This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that comes up all the time in our community: helping our neurodivergent kids make decisions. If you’ve ever watched your creative, outside-the-box thinker freeze up over choosing a research topic or panic trying to pick a co-op class, you’re not alone. Decision-making—something that seems so …
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Skeletal remains are found at a dumpsite; investigators must untangle a complicated family history. Season 32, Episode 12 Originally aired: May 7, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co…
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Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning
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42:05Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to hit pause on the box-checking frenzy and really connect with our kids. In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into one of my favorite topics: creating joyful, low-pressure family memories (without overloading your plate—or your calendar). Why Fun Matters (Even for Year-Round Homeschool…
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BONUS: Liz Rogan and Tony DePuisaye-Greene (Snapped: Killer Couples)
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43:37A small town in Washington is rocked after a local man is found shot in his home. Season 17, Episode 20 Originally aired: Jul 2, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s…
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After three Atlanta men are gunned down, detectives connect the murders to two exotic dancers. Season 32, Episode 11 Originally aired: Apr 30, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr…
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Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility
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45:26This week on the podcast, we get real about something we ALL feel at some point (or every day): OVERWHELM. If you’re juggling year-round homeschooling, multiple ages, neurodivergent needs, big summer transitions, and the regular chaos of life, this episode is for you. Here are some highlights and takeaways: Overwhelm is Normal—You’re Not Alone! Whe…
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A renowned Missouri snake breeder is discovered in a pool of blood. Season 32, Episode 10 Originally aired: Apr 23, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…
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Easy Ways to Boost Emotional Intelligence During Your Homeschool Day
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35:35Today's episode dives deep into the heart of something that’s foundational for our kids (and us too)—emotional intelligence, or EQ. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent kiddo, a gifted learner, or just want smoother sailing at home, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use right away. Why EQ Matters Emotional intelligence is all …
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Detectives devise a sting operation to track down a killer and reveal a vengeful murder plot. Season 32, Episode 8 Originally aired: April 9, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri…
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When a local EMT dies in a suspicious house fire, investigators work to expose her killer. Season 32, Episode 9 Originally aired: April 16, 2023 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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When a father is found shot in his home, the family immediately accuses the victim's ex-spouse. Season 32, Episode 7 Originally aired: April 2, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p…
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BONUS: Susan and Blane Barksdale (Snapped: Killer Couples)
43:41
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43:41An elderly veteran is nowhere to be found after his house suddenly bursts into flames in Arizona. Season 17, Episode 7 Originally aired: July 23, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com…
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Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
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34:56Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you! Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling Have you heard these before? “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not …
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When a Florida optometrist is bludgeoned to death in his home, Melbourne police must investigate. Season 23, Episode 6 Originally aired: March 26, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co…
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After two men are killed, a witness comes forward with information implicating her own family. Season 32, Episode 5 Originally aired: March 19, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p…
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Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
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43:01Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule …
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California police receive a call from an attorney who tells them of a death but won't share details. Season 32, Episode 4 Originally aired: March 12, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19…
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Crosby, Tenn., is shocked when a beloved father and pastor is found dead outside a ransacked house. Season 32, Episode 3 Originally aired: March 5, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c…
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BONUS: Jennifer Smith and Dale Moneypenny (Snapped: Killer Couples)
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43:38A house fire in Louisville, Ky., sparks a murder investigation. Season 17, Episode 6 Originally aired: July 16, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…
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How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
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28:01On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners. As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is every…
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A father is found dead in his home by his ex-wife, so police must unpack a complex family dynamic. Season 32, Episode 2 Originally aired: February 26, 2023 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxygen app: https://oxygentv.app.link/WatchSnappedPod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art1…
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Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool
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30:24This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build …
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