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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Halloween turns into a real-life horror movie when a mother is gunned down by a costumed killer. Season 32 Episode 24 Originally aired: Oct 8, 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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Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
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59:08This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go. Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. W…
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A father is shot to death in front of his home by a masked gunman on Halloween night. Season 32 Episode 23 Originally aired: Oct 1, 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-no…
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BONUS: Patricia Aldridge and Mitchell Vickers (Snapped: Killer Couples)
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43:38After evidence of a violent attack is discovered in a West Virginia home, the body of a beloved photojournalist is found in the woods. The search for the killer reveals a sordid affair and a murder-for-hire plot with a shocking co-conspirator. Season 17, Episode 19 Originally aired: April 28, 2024 Watch full episodes of Snapped for FREE on the Oxyg…
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When an Iowa mother and her newborn son are reported missing, police are in a race against time to rescue the pair. Season 32, Episode 22 Originally aired: Sep 24, 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…
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Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
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52:01In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn't!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams. Here's what you'll find inside: A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral moto…
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Rumors spread through a small town in Indiana after a well-known resident is found dead in his home. Season 32, Episode 21 Originally aired: Sep 17, 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 Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
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37:11Let's be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they're lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming,…
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Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
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56:16This episode is packed with real, practical strategies for getting (and staying) organized, especially for families homeschooling neurodivergent kids or anyone who simply bristles at traditional organization systems. We all know the struggle: out of sight = out of mind. Those neat folders and tucked-away systems might work for some, but for kids (a…
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As part of the ongoing Executive Function series on the podcast, this week's episode dives into the essential (and often misunderstood) skill of working memory—how it impacts neurodivergent learners and what we can do to help. If your child loses track of multi-step instructions, forgets a task mid-way, or gets overwhelmed by routines, you're not a…
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An unlikely witness leads investigators to uncover a malicious murder plot in Texas. Season 32, Episode 20 Originally aired: Sep 10, 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-n…
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Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers
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56:36If you tuned into this week's episode, you know we're in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started. Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or jus…
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BONUS: Monica Diaz and Michael Naranjo (Snapped: Killer Couples)
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43:36A family is brutally attacked in its residence, leaving four dead and a mother clinging to life. Season 17, Episode 20 Originally aired: May 5, 2024 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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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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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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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)
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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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