The Chase Squirrelson Show

Have you ever watched something happen and thought, “That’s just not fair!” And then found yourself unable to let it go? For some people with ADHD, a strong reaction to unfairness can be a very real struggle.

In this episode, Chase Squirrelson gets personal about his own challenges with fairness and takes the conversation in several directions—from insider trading in Congress and the story of Martha Stewart to the Federalist Papers, the COVID years, and the 2008 financial crisis. He also wonders what happened to courtesy and chivalry, whether we should still be giving up our seats for women, why Japan has so few public trash cans, and who’s responsible for making things better.

As always, Chase has plenty to say, and he isn’t holding back! Listen in, then share your perspective with Chase. You might agree with him, disagree with him, or find yourself thinking about fairness in a whole new way.

(:47) The topic of this episode, which Chase talk with his coach about – is his struggle with unfairness…a real trait of people with ADHD!

(1:47) Chase brings up the example of insider trading in congress.

(2:45) He tells the story of Martha Stewart’s prison time for insider trading

(3:47) Chase talks about The Federalist Papers and why/how they were written.

(5:00) Tales of the Covid Times.

(6:14) How about the 2008 subprime derivative disaster?

(7:08) Laws passed that don’t affect our elected officials.

(8:48) Courtesy and chivalry…where has this gone?

(9:52) Should you give up your seat for a female?

(11:40) No trashcans on the streets in Japan?!

(12:18) Who should be responsible for changing this?

(13:17) Rules of the road…what are those?!

(14:18) Chase unfiltered! Reach out to him with your opinion!

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

Derek Crager is back! This time, Chase and Derek dive into the ideas behind Derek’s book, Human First AI: Save Your Business Save Your Job, and explore a big question: What can humans do that computers never will?

Drawing on his experience at Amazon, Derek explains why recognizing the potential in people matters, how a small impediment doesn’t necessarily define someone’s capabilities, and why businesses should think carefully before automating everything. The conversation takes some fascinating turns through automotive history, Japanese manufacturing, quality and durability, and the surprising lessons we can learn from the evolution of technology.

Then the guys tackle AI’s growing appetite for electricity, the demands of data centers, and some sobering stories from nuclear history. Is our infrastructure ready for the future we’re building? And how do we make sure technology serves people instead of making them obsolete?

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about innovation, human potential, and the choices that will shape our future.

Read the first chapter of Derek’s book at HumanFirstAI.net.

(:33) Welcome Derek Crager back to the podcast.

(1:37) Derek talks about what he did during his tenure at Amazon

(5:54) Finding the gold in an employee

(7:59) Does a small impediment disqualify someone? What’s the pendulum analogy?

(9:18) Derek talks about his book Human First AI.

(10:48) What are some of the things a human can do that a computer never will?

(12:41) How long did it take Derek from first thought to finally writing the book?

(13:45) Who would benefit the most from the book? And learn about cars and electric cars.

(16:43) Learn about the history of the progress of technology.

(22:23) Learn about quality and durability and Deming’s quality/process innovations in the 50’s.

(23:30) Why did Demming go to Japan?

(24:20) What about auto durability?

(24:41) The guys talk about Datsun and the rusted side panels

(26:11) Derek’s take on AI

(28:21) Chase asks Derek about our electric infrastructure – and hear the story about Three-Mile Island

(30:00) What about the needs of data centers?

(32:12) There was actually a Chernobyl-like event in the 1950’s in the US.

(33:34) Go to humanfirstAI.net to read the first chapter of Derek’s book.

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

What if we had a national holiday just for people with ADHD? Would businesses close? Would there be a parade? And who’s in charge of planning the whole thing?

This week, Chase Squirrelson welcomes Hortense Ezekiel Holiday from NADA, the National Association of Distracted Americans, to talk about his vision for a National ADHD Holiday. They get into holiday plans, potential sponsors, committee meetings, safety tips, dumpster diving, painting, and a few unexpected detours. Chase even volunteers to join the committee—but first, somebody needs to figure out when the next meeting is!

It’s a conversation full of ADHD-style twists, unexpected ideas, and plenty of laughs. Tune in and see if this holiday might actually happen!

(:50) Meet Hortence Ezekial Holiday from NADA The National Association of Distracted Americans.

(1:45) What’s Ezekial doing for an ADHD Holiday and what happened at Walmart?!

(3:25) What would be the plan if there were a National ADHD Holiday?

(4:55) What are you going to get with a holiday like this?

(5:11) What are the committee meetings like?

(5:45) who would be good sponsors for this holiday?!

(7:28) How has ADHD shaped Ezekial’s life?

(8:54) What will this holiday look like? Businesses closed – date – what else?!

(9:48) How about ADHD holiday safety tips?

(10:49) How about a parade?

(11:07) What parade route?! And how’s Ezekial doing now…homeless?!!!

(12:32) Does he really dumpster dive?

(13:18) An App for dumpster diving?

(13:50) How’s Ezekial’s painting going? What would a National ADHD painting look like?

(15:21) Chase offers to be a part of the committee…but when’s the meeting?

(16:35) Final comments?

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

If you’ve ever started one simple project and somehow ended up doing something completely different, this episode of the Chase Squirrelson Show may feel very familiar.

Chase starts with a question that pretty much sums up the episode: Why is there a wheelbarrow in my living room?

It all begins with a trip to Home Depot—what Chase affectionately calls the “Dopamine Theme Park.” From there, a landscaping idea takes off, with a little French Open viewing mixed in, plenty of ADHD-style distractions, and the inevitable question of what the neighbors might think.

Chase also talks about losing things, holding on to stuff he never uses, and why asking for help can be particularly difficult for someone with ADHD. He explores the connection between ADHD and perfectionism, and how learning to ask thoughtful questions—and knowing when it’s safe to ask them—can make a difference.

And, of course, we have to find out where that wheelbarrow ended up.

(1:00) Why is there a wheelbarrow in my living room?! – Landscaping with ADHD

(3:38) Home Depot “The Dopamine Theme Park”. Why a shopping trip becomes so much more!

(4:38) Shopping with Chase

(5:21) And here we go to landscape – and watch The French Open!

(6:46) What’s the infamous ADHD landscaping thought? And what about the neighbor’s opinions?

(7:57) Does Chase ever misplace things? And what about all that old stuff he never uses?

(9:35) And now…the wheelbarrow in the living room!

(12:00) What about asking for help? How you can actually do this when you have ADHD. And what about ADHD and perfection?

(14:36) Learning to ask thoughtful questions…when it’s safe.

(14:39) Where’s that wheelbarrow now?!

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

What happens when you put two people with ADHD together and let the conversation go wherever their brains take them?

Well… pretty much anything.

Today, Jeremiah Geez joins Chase for a conversation that jumps from soccer and the World Cup to the wild celebration after a New York Knicks victory, fireworks in Newport Beach, and Jeremiah’s time in the Hamptons—which he describes as something of an “ADHD Haven.”

But underneath all the stories and laughs, Chase and Jeremiah get into some bigger ideas about ADHD, especially hyperfocus. What happens when you can take that intense focus and channel it into something productive or creative? Chase talks about preparing the next generation to understand and use hyperfocus, along with examples of famously focused innovators like Henry Ford and Elon Musk.

They also talk about the relationship between ADHD and creativity, including Chase’s favorite advertising campaign featuring the New York Rangers: “The hardest place in New York to get into.”

Jeremiah shares his passion for painting, talks about the mystique surrounding his creative side, and eventually gets into something a little more personal—how ADHD can affect romantic relationships.

And yes… there’s even some talk about double dating with Chase.

It’s funny, unpredictable, and very ADHD.

(:40) Jeremiah Geez joins Chase for this episode!

(1:43) Jeramiah and Chase talk soccer and the World Cup.

(5:03) What about the crowd after the NY Knicks’ victory?

(6:40) What about fireworks at Newport Beach, CA?

(9:05) How about using clever wit instead of violence?

(10:04) Jeremiah talks about his time in the Hamptons…the “ADHD Haven”

(13:20) Chase and Jeremiah talk about how this country could use hyperfocus

(14:45) Chase talks about hyperfocus, preparing it for the next generation and how the company is doing now. (Also talks about Elon Musk’s and Henry Ford’s hyper focus).

(18:47) Where does ADHD come in when doing something creative? Chase’s favorite ad – NY Rangers hockey net “The hardest place in NY to get into”!

(21:15) Jeremiah talks about his artistic painting hobby and his mystique

(25:51) How does ADHD affect Jeremiah’s romantic life? Double dating with Chase and more…

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

Today on the Chase Squirrelson, we’re talking with Derek Kreger, who brings a pretty fascinating perspective to the conversation about ADHD.

Derek spent part of his career at Amazon, where he developed an HR training system and was also involved in teaching and training. It was during his time at Amazon that Derek was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult—and that diagnosis gave him a new way to understand many of the things that had shaped his life and career.

In this conversation, Derek talks about that discovery and what it meant to look back at his childhood, his talents and his work history through the lens of ADHD. He shares what he sees as some of his ADHD “superpowers,” along with some of the challenges that have come with them.

Derek and Chase also talk about whether trade school can be a particularly good option for people with ADHD, how Derek approached teaching and learning during the pandemic, and why some of the very qualities that can make someone successful can also create problems along the way.

And then there are the rabbit holes—which, if you have ADHD, you probably know something about.

They talk about getting lost in those rabbit holes, achievement and moving on, negative feedback and shame, being prepared and even the shortest distance between two lines. They also get into introverts, extroverts and everything in between.

And finally, they tackle something many people with ADHD will recognize: the inner critic. Derek talks about his own experience with that voice and his work with Silence Your Inner Critic by Amber Mikesell.

It’s a conversation about ADHD, but it’s also about understanding your strengths, making sense of your experiences and learning to see yourself a little differently.

(:28) Here’s Chase as he welcomes Derek Kreger

(1:00) Who is Derek and why is he on this podcast?! Well…he worked at Amazon…and was diagnosed during this time as an adult.

(4:22) What led to Derek’s discovery – the diagnosis?

(6:35) Does Derek think that Trade School is a great consideration for people with ADHD?

(8:11) Derek talks about his teaching training at Amazon and the tools he brought into to class to help people during the pandemic.

(9:55) Derek talks about his talents and how they were viewed when he was a child.

(11:52) Derek gives examples of his “superpowers” and the downside of his work history.

(14:00) What about achievements and moving on?

(17:58) Derek talks about rabbit holes and how to handle them.

(18:49) Chase and Derek talk about drinking and the shortest distance between two lines

(19:53) Negative feedback and shame…and self defense/being prepared

(21:15) The story of the elephant and the 6 blind men.

(22:40) Extrovert…Introvert…and what’s in between.

(24:27) Does Derek struggle with the inner critic? He also talks about working with Silence Your Inner Critic by Amber Mikesell Instagram @ammikesell22

(27:06) Final words from Derek and how can you find him? Humanfirstai.net

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

Golf. A beautiful, frustrating, maddening game that can make you feel like a genius one minute and a complete disaster the next. And if you have ADHD? Well… buckle up!

In this episode, Chase takes us inside the ADHD golfer’s brain—from hyperfocus and the infamous “goldfish memory” to overthinking, meltdowns and the expectations that can ruin an otherwise good round.

He talks about his own typical golf experience, why a preshot routine matters, the 30-second rule, and why sometimes the ADHD brain sees shots that nobody else sees.

And maybe most importantly, Chase explains why golf might actually be a pretty great game for people with ADHD. Because if you stick with it, golf teaches some pretty valuable lessons: patience, emotional control, being present, resilience—and learning to accept what just happened and move on.

So grab your clubs, forget your expectations and get ready to tee it up with Chase Squirrelson!

(:29) Let’s talk golf! Hyperfocus, meltdowns and miracles! What’s golf spelled backward?!

(1:30) Is golf the perfect sport for ADHD people?! NO!!!

(2:17) Hyperfocus…the ADHD golfer’s superpower.

(3:11) What’s the goldfish memory and how does it play golf?

(4:07) What are Chase’s best sports?

(4:29) What’s overthinking and what does it do?

(5:00) What’s the takeaway from this?

(5:22) What’s a typical ADHD round for Chase?

(6:00) Golf is a long term relationship…not speed dating!

(6:44) Preshot routine? What does Chase recommend.

(7:10) What’s the ADHD golfer’s biggest enemy? Expectations!

(8:00) Golfer’s secret weapon…seeing shots others don’t and optimism.

(6:34) What’s the 30 second rule?

(8:52) Why is golf really a great game for people with ADHD? It teaches patience, emotional control, presence, resilience and acceptance!

(10:10) What question does golf always ask you

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

In this episode Chase introduces us to the “Sportscaster from Hell”—that running commentary in the ADHD brain that seems to have something to say about absolutely everything.

There’s the museum of ancient embarrassments, task paralysis, the ADHD Google spiral, the ADHD fridge, the apology tour, the sleep experience…and, of course, the sportscaster who never seems to take a day off.

Then Chase welcomes back his ADHD Coach, Bronwyn Foley, for a conversation about one of the toughest voices many people with ADHD deal with: the incessant inner critic.

Chase and Bronwyn talk about where that critic comes from, how to interrupt a shame spiral, what to do when negative thoughts start piling up, and why there’s such a big difference between “I made a mistake” and “I AM a mistake.”

They also tackle rejection sensitive dysphoria, relationships, asking for help, exercise and dopamine, and the bigger question: Do you really need to “fix” yourself?

As Bronwyn puts it, maybe it’s time to stop fixing…and start knowing.

(:30) So what’s on Chase’s mind today? The “Sportscaster from Hell”!

(4:20) How do ADHD people see others?

(5:00) You have SO much potential!

(5:20) The humor defense…in the ADHD Courtroom

(5:49) The museum of ancient embarrassments

(6:26) So what can you do to help this?

(7:37) Meet Ziggy, Marcus and Solomon…Chase’s triangle

(8:03) What’s the productivity launch sequence?

(8:24) The ADHD cleaning and the ADHD fridge. Don’t forget the time estimate too!

(9:12) ADHD task paralysis…

(9:38) The ADHD Google spiral

(10:00) The ADHD relationship experience and the hero’s journey…

(10:36) The ADHD apology tour…

(10:58) The ADHD sleep experience and finally the sports announcer!

(11:42) The ADHD motivation formula fascination, guilt and cosmic energy

(1:56) The ADHD Calendar ledger

(12:20) The ADHD energy monitor and hobby cycle

(13:40) Welcome back Chase’s ADHD Coach Bronwyn Foley!

(14:20) Chase and Bronwyn talk about the incessant critic…what’s the first thing to do? Pause and name it!

(15:39) The ADHD Witching Hour

(16:34) What do you do to the ADHD arguing brain

(17:02) What’s the origin of this critic? By age 12 an ADHD kid has received 20,000 more negative messages

(18:20) What are some phrases one can use when the negative messages start?

(19:51) How to separate I made a mistake from I AM a mistake?

(20:34) Interrupt the shame spiral

(22:16) Why is it so hard to ask for help when it’s so easy to give it?

(23:50) When is the best time to fortify our ADHD recourses?

(26:10) How can you not overwhelm the person you live with?

(27:15) What are the questions an ADHD person can ask of their partner? Or each other to do check-ins?

(28:40) DO you have to “fix” yourself?

(29:35) Stop fixing and start knowing!

(29:51) What drives an ADHD person to want to be better/different?

(31:10) “Can I be honest with you”?

(32:45) How is the whole body involved in ADHD?

(33:25) How is ADHD defined…and more?

(35:25) Is exercise important for ADHD?

(36:15) The book Spark  by John Ratey. Movement activates dopamine!

(37:00) What about true negative comments? What should we do when the critic is really using true facts?

(39:20) What’s RSD – Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

(42:29) You can find Bronwyn at www.bronwynfoley.com and [email protected]      

(43:30) Final thoughts from Chase

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

That little voice in your head that tells you you're not good enough, you should have done better, or you're about to fail—is something many of us know all too well. But for people with ADHD, the inner critic can be particularly persistent.

In this episode, Chase welcomes ADHD Coach Bronwyn Foley for a conversation about negative self-talk: where it comes from, why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable to it, and most importantly, what we can do to change the conversation. From rumination and shame to recognizing strengths and building healthier patterns, this episode offers insight, understanding and practical tools for quieting the inner critic.

(:43) Meet Bronwyn Foley Chase’s ADHD Coach as she and Chase talk about the inner critic.

(2:14) How common is this and what is this voice?

(3:20) Why do ADHD folks struggle with this more than others? Let’s learn about the “default mode network” and then there’s upbringing!

(5:20) What are the most common types of ADHD self-talk? It is “I am what I do”. Then there’s rumination and shame rehearsal.

(7:12) What about predicting eminent failure?

(8:12) What about the “shoulds”? And…minimizing accomplishments?

(12:00) What about ADHD strengths? Adhd’ers strengths and amazing!

(12:53) Bronwyn recounts the results of a study done at Duke…about reenforcing unhealthy behavior

(13:49) What’s secondary importance?

(15:19) How does an ADHD’er fight this? Earn about “The Why” And how this is such a great tool.

(16:30) What’s surprising about how folks with ADHD view themselves?

(17:10) Do ADHD’ers see their struggles as character faults? What can they do about this?

(18:15) How do you find out how a school day REALLY was when you ask a child with ADHD?

(19:14) Hear Bronwyn’s idea of using layers with this child.

(21:14) Bronwyn shares a personal story of her child’s experiences.

(22:55) What’s the overall struggle with the teaching model in school?

(24:12) Bronwyn provides tips to approach negative self-talk. GOOD NEWS…it CAN be unlearned!

(25:17) Is diet an insidious enemy of ADHD? By the way... folks with ADHD are known to be low in Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Zinc, Omega 3’s can celiac issues.

(26:50) What about sleep?

(28:19) Here’s a good sleep tip…lock down your sleep but don’t make it a stress event!

(29:33) How can you reach Bronwyn? [email protected] or text her at 312-620-5599.

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Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]

If you have ADHD and strong political opinions, you may want to think twice before hitting “post.”

In this episode, Chase explores what happens when the ADHD brain gets activated by politics—especially when emotions, outrage and hyperfocus take over. He talks about containment windows, writing it but not sending it, and why sometimes the smartest thing you can do is…do nothing.

And then things get really interesting.

Meet Senator Max Hyperton, a politician whose multi-track ADHD brain might be perfectly designed for Washington—or completely incapable of surviving it. With 52 arrests, a very unusual approach to taxes, foreign relations and intelligence briefings, Max may just be the most ADHD politician you've never heard of.

(:27) What happens if you have ADHD and strong political opinions!

(3:49) What happens when political ADHD s activated and what helps? Never post while emotional, containment windows, write it…don’t send it and don’t send it!

(5:24) When does ADHD get dangerous?

(6:04) What happens when Chase’s brain gets selective?

(6:30)Hyperfocus, outrage and temporary expertise and what this all does to the ADHD brain

(8:10) What does the ADHD brain do to you concerning politics.

8:36) Meet Senator Max Hyperton!

(9:10) What disasters did Max’s ADHD brain create…and what is his top policy priority?

(10:24) How is Max’s multi-track brain working for him?

(11:00) What about Max’s 52 arrests?!

(12:24) What’s the Senator’s bumper sticker all about?

(13:04) How does Max’s ability to never panic work?

(13:37) What’s his position on taxes?

(15:33) How does Max handle a foreign relations crisis?

(16:48) What about the intelligence briefs?

(17:30) What would Max do if he were a dictator?

(18:16) Any final comments from Max?

Follow and Rate this podcast!

Provide feedback to Chase at [email protected]

Be sure to like, review and rate this episode on your favorite platform. Provide feedback, ask a question or recommend a guest directly to Chase at [email protected]