Black Girl, Brown Girl...Squirrel! A Podcast for Neurodivergent Women of Color
The Squirrels·30 episodes·Weekly
Quick Facts
From the show
Hosts Shai and Lex cover ADHD, autism, anxiety, and self-discovery as neurodivergent women of color. Unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply validating.
Episodes
Latest Episode
July 29, 2026 · 1h 7m
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you finally understand your Neurodivergence and suddenly see parts of your past differently? In this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel! , Shai and Alexis talk about the complicated work of forgiving yourself after a late Neurodivergent diagnosis . We get into the labels we carried before we had the language to understand ourselves: awkward, too sensitive, bad at relationships, stupid, not trying hard enough. We talk about the shame and embarrassment that can come from looking back at situations through a new lens, as well as the anger that can surface when you realize there were things about your Neurodivergence that other people simply didn't recognize. But this conversation isn't about staying stuck in the past. Shai and Alexis explore self-acceptance, reframing shame, changing negative self-talk, extending yourself grace, forgiving other people, and learning to see “I do it differently” instead of “I'm bad at this.” They also talk about therapy, growth, community, and making space to become more fully yourself. And because this is BGBGS, we also talk about what happens when you find communities where the labels disappear and you can simply be who you are. As Season 2 comes to a close, we're leaving you with one reminder: Start with yourself. 🐿️ Forgiveness isn't always a one-time decision. Sometimes it's something you practice again and again as you learn, grow, and make room for who you are becoming. Time Stamps 00:00 — Welcome, Iced Coffee & Season 2 Hibernation 06:43 — Why We’re Talking About Forgiveness 07:35 — The Labels We Carried Before Diagnosis 10:44 — “Stupid,” “Too Sensitive,” and Other Internalized Labels 15:07 — What Changes After a Neurodivergent Diagnosis? 19:32 — Looking Back With Anger, Grief & “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” 23:10 — When “Should” Becomes Shame 25:19 — Letting Go of Embarrassment From the Past 28:25 — Forgiving Yourself for What You Didn’t Know 33:30 — Why Forgiveness Helps Us Move Forward 37:35 — Making Space for Grace, Support & Growth 41:34 — The Power of Self-Talk 45:24 — “I Do It Differently” Instead of “I’m Bad at This” 48:21 — Advocacy, Relationships & Knowing When to Walk Away 51:49 — Learning Differently and Growing in Self-Love 53:02 — What We’d Tell Our Younger Selves 55:38 — Start With Yourself 57:32 — Season 2 Finale: The Season of Feelings 01:01:30 — Finding Community & Letting the Labels Disappear 01:05:04 — Squirrel Hibernation & Looking Ahead to Season 3 01:06:29 — See You in Season 3, Squirrels! RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Therapy for Black Girls Inclusive Therapists Clinicians of Color Neurodivergent Resources ADDitude Magazine Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE) The Color of Autism Foundation Understood Job Accommodation Network (JAN) CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@
More Episodes
Jul 22, 2026 · 58m
Send us Fan MailEver get to the end of the day and realize you have absolutely no decisions left in you?Not what to eat. Not what to wear. Not where to go. Please don't even ask another question. 🫠In this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, Shai and Alexis talk about decision fatigue and how it can show up differently with ADHD and autism.For Alexis, making a decision can mean working through a mental decision tree, evaluating variables and relying on previous experiences. For Shai, one decision can become seventeen possibilities, three rabbit holes, an impulsive choice, or eventually, “Never mind.” And when the brain reaches capacity? Even a seemingly small decision can feel like one decision too many. We get into the mental and emotional energy behind everyday choices, what happens when too many options create overwhelm, and the difference between decision fatigue, analysis paralysis, and procrastination. We also talk about food, routines, burnout, irritability, self-regulation, asking for help and why sometimes even deciding to delegate feels like another decision. Then we get practical: reducing options, planning ahead when you have more capacity, creating routines, delegating decisions that don't need to belong to you, and making small adjustments that give your future brain a little less work to do. Most importantly, we're challenging the idea that struggling with decisions means you're bad at making them.Sometimes your brain is simply carrying too much.And if you can't make another decision today, Lex has one for you:Choose not to be mean to yourself. 🐿️Time Stamps00:00 — Welcome & Sleepy Squirrels 02:07 — What Is Decision Fatigue? 04:23 — Decision Fatigue in Neurodivergent Brains 05:07 — Autism, ADHD & Making Decisions 08:04 — When Your Brain Can't Choose Anymore 12:18 — Overwhelm, Irritability & Shutdown 16:07 — The Mental and Emotional Cost of Decisions 21:50 — Routines, Food & Everyday Decisions 29:47 — Decision Fatigue vs. Analysis Paralysis 35:24 — You're Not Bad at Making Decisions 39:22 — Making Decisions Easier 41:47 — Delegating Decisions 48:15 — Small Changes That Reduce the Load 54:03 — Meet Yourself Where You Are 56:31 — Final Takeaways & Closing RESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jul 15, 2026 · 1h 21m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, Shai and Lex sit down with Dr. Jillian Lynum, clinical psychologist and founder of The Anchored Workplace, for a raw and necessary conversation about burnout, mental health, masking, survival mode, and what happens when “high functioning” becomes a cover for exhaustion.Dr. Jillian breaks down why crisis does not have to be the first sign that something is wrong, how the Strong Black Woman schema can shape the way we ignore our own needs, and why surviving is not the same as thriving.We also get into masking, code switching, generational expectations, workplace wellness, psychological safety, and the difference between real support and a pizza party with a wellness label slapped on it.This conversation is honest, reflective, and healing in that “whew, I need to sit with that” kind of way. If you’ve ever been tired, numb, anxious, overwhelmed, or quietly holding everything together while everyone assumed you were fine, this episode will meet you there.Come squirrel with us. 🐿️TIME STAMPS00:11 Welcome Back, Squirrels00:47 Life Updates, Stress, and Mental Health03:06 Today’s Topic: Burnout, Mental Health, and Masking03:21 Meet Dr. Jillian Lynum05:05 Who Jill Is Beyond the Credentials07:36 Travel, Food, and R&B Girl Energy11:25 Why Jill Became a Clinical Psychologist16:56 Mental Health and How We Talk About It19:02 Women, Men, and Mental Health Stigma21:18 Why Crisis Shouldn’t Be the Starting Point24:34 The Strong Black Woman Schema25:52 Silent Depression and “High Functioning”28:14 Suppression, Burnout, and the Soda Bottle Effect29:41 Survival Mode vs. Thriving31:24 How to Tell If You’re in Survival Mode35:04 Exhaustion, Numbness, Anxiety, and Masking36:49 What Masking and Code Switching Really Mean40:12 Generational Code Switching42:04 Attributional Ambiguity and Workplace “Isms”44:37 What Gets Lost When We Mask All Day49:05 Layered Masks Across Cultures, Cities, and Workplaces51:24 Burnout, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Neurodivergence55:07 “I’m Not Lazy, But I Can’t Keep Living Like This”59:52 Performative Wellness vs. Real Workplace Wellness1:05:17 Advocating for Yourself at Work1:09:21 Green Flags in a Good Therapist1:13:24 Advice for Women Questioning Neurodivergence1:17:07 Where to Find Dr. Jillian Lynum1:18:10 Final Reflections and ClosingRESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jul 8, 2026 · 1h 4m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, Shai and Alexis unpack Neurodiversity at work, workplace communication, self-advocacy, and inclusive leadership. From communication mismatches to accommodations to allyship, they share practical ways leaders can better support Neurodivergent employees and create workplaces where different brains can thrive. Because sometimes the issue is not performance. Sometimes the instructions were clear as mud. 🐿️TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Opening and setting up the workplace conversation 06:17 — Corporate jargon, acronyms, and learning the language of business 17:46 — Dyscalculia and navigating number-heavy workplace expectations 26:24 — How Neurodivergent communication gets misread at work 30:57 — Communication mismatch or performance problem? 40:24 — Practical leadership tools: agendas, clarity, and communication preferences 47:04 — Self-advocacy, PDA, ADHD, and asking for what you need 53:53 — ADA accommodations, credibility, and workplace allyship 60:49 — Why Neuroinclusion benefits workplace culture and business results 63:58 — Closing thoughts ACRONYMS AND TERMS USED IN THIS EPISODEAccrualsAccounting entries that recognize income when it is earned and expenses when they are incurred, rather than only when money is received or paid.ADA — Americans with Disabilities ActA United States civil-rights law that protects qualified people with disabilities from discrimination. In employment, a reasonable accommodation may involve changing a job process, work environment, or customary practice so a qualified employee can perform essential functions and access equal employment opportunities.ADHD — Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderA neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent differences in attention regulation, activity level, impulse control, organization, or executive functioning. Traits begin in childhood and can continue into adulthood.AP — Accounts PayableMoney the organization owes to vendors, contractors, or suppliers.AR — Accounts ReceivableMoney customers or clients owe the organization for products or services already provided.AuDHDAn informal community term describing the experience of being both Autistic and ADHD. It is not a separate clinical diagnosis.AVP — Associate Vice PresidentA corporate leadership title. Its level, responsibilities, and authority can vary significantly between companies and industries.DyscalculiaA learning difference that can make it difficult to understand number concepts, perform calculations, estimate quantities, or work comfortably with numerical information. It does not reflect a person’s intelligence or overall capability.PDA — Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for AutonomyA term used for a pattern in which demands or perceived loss of autonomy may trigger strong avoidance or distress. It is commonly discussed as a profile associated with autism, although it is not a separate formal diagnosis in the DSM-5.RFP — Request for ProposalA formal request inviting vendors or service providers to submit a proposed solution, scope, timeline, and price for a project.RESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jul 1, 2026 · 1h 1m
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really look like to run a business with ADHD and chronic illness?In this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, Shai shares the real behind-the-scenes of Neurodivergent entrepreneurship, including executive dysfunction, impulsive spending, procrastination, chronic pain, burnout, energy management, and learning to build systems that work with her brain.We also talk about the strengths ADHD can bring to business, from creativity and big-picture thinking to pattern recognition, empathy, and innovation. Plus, Shai shares practical lessons around flexibility, finances, self-advocacy, boundaries, and using AI to reduce mental load.This episode is for Neurodivergent entrepreneurs, women of color in business, adults with ADHD, people living with chronic illness, and anyone learning to build success on their own terms. 🐿️TIME STAMPS00:20 Life Updates, Caregiving, and Finding Peace01:52 Mom’s Moyamoya Diagnosis and Recovery04:03 Family History, Strokes, and Community Support11:28 Shai’s Career and What She Actually Does17:55 Communication, Leadership, and Neurodivergence22:21 Bringing Lived Experience Into the Workplace27:57 Why Shai Became an Entrepreneur33:50 Running a Business With ADHD35:48 Impulsive Spending, Finances, and Hard Lessons37:56 When a Working Relationship Had to End42:57 Managing ADHD, Energy, and Burnout49:59 Challenging Myths About Disabled Entrepreneurs51:46 Advice for Neurodivergent and Chronically Ill Founders56:21 Using AI to Organize Ideas and Reduce Mental Load1:00:13 Final Thoughts and ClosingRESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jun 17, 2026 · 55m
Send us Fan MailTrigger warning: This episode includes brief mentions of self-harm. Please protect your mental health and check the show notes for resources.In part two of our conversation with our show bestie Jazz, we continue talking about ADHD, bipolar disorder type 2, depression, medication, therapy, self-advocacy, and learning to be okay with “the extras” that can come with diagnosis.Jazz shares what mania and depressive episodes can feel like, how medication helped her understand what “level” feels like, and how ADHD impacts her day-to-day life through routines, systems, dopamine hits, dysregulation, and the ADHD tax.This episode is real, honest, funny, tender, and deeply BGBGS. 🐿️RESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jun 10, 2026 · 56m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, we welcome our show bestie Jazz for part one of a real and hilarious conversation about ADHD, bipolar disorder type 2, anxiety, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, therapy, diagnosis, and the comorbidities that can come with neurodivergence.Jazz shares her perspective as both a certified pediatric nurse and certified neuroscience nurse, while also opening up about her own mental health journey, the long process of ADHD testing, finding the right therapist, and learning how to advocate for herself in healthcare.We talk about therapy, medical self-advocacy, women’s pain, misdiagnosis, neurodivergent women of color, and what it means when ADHD “brings friends.” And yes, there are squirrel moments, laughter, drinks, and accidental energy drink chaos along the way. 🐿️RESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
Jun 3, 2026 · 56m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel!, we talk about what it’s like to build a podcast together as Neurodivergent women of color with different brains. From ADHD creativity and big-picture thinking to autistic clarity, direct communication, and systems, we explore how our friendship, communication, and collaboration make the show work.We also get honest about the challenges, the funny moments, and the care it takes to protect the friendship while building something meaningful together. 🐿️TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:21 Friendship Dynamics and Neurodiversity05:00 Creative Collaboration and Idea Generation07:11 Social Media and Digital Boundaries10:10 Humor and Cultural References18:52 Communication Styles and Conversation Flow25:21 Expectations and Responsibilities in Collaboration33:23 Navigating Friendship and Professionalism42:30 Respect and Care in Collaborative VenturesRESOURCESADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/Therapist and Mental Health ResourcesPsychology Today Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usNational Institute of Mental Health Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/CONNECT WITH USJoin our fan page at Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel and share your thoughts on this episode, ask questions, or share your story. IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.comRESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
May 27, 2026 · 59m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the nuances of friendship, neurodivergence, and personal growth through our candid stories about our friendship journey, communication styles, and the importance of understanding and acceptance.Chapters and Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics02:49 Exploring the Origins of Our Friendship05:40 Memorable Moments and Shared Experiences08:38 Understanding Each Other's Perspectives11:28 The Impact of Time on Our Friendship14:27 Navigating Communication Differences17:33 Reflections on Growth and Connection24:33 Navigating Memory and Trauma29:30 Communication Styles and Neurodiversity34:37 Healing from Childhood Experiences39:40 Understanding and Defending the Inner Child53:45 Empowerment and Advocacy in NeurodivergenceRESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com
May 20, 2026 · 50m
Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the journey of friendship, self-acceptance, and the behind-the-scenes of podcasting as neurodivergent women of color. We share personal stories, fears, growth, and plans for future episodes, emphasizing authenticity and community support.CHAPTERS AND TIME STAMPS00:00 Introduction and Current Life Updates02:04 The Importance of Support and Right Spaces03:48 Goals for the Garden and Personal Growth04:39 Our Friendship's History and Dynamic06:34 Season One Reflections and Decision-Making Process10:04 Fears Before Starting the Podcast15:48 Trust and Commitment in Our Partnership19:46 Deepening Understanding and Self-Discovery21:47 Global Reach and Listener Appreciation23:30 Self-Acceptance and Neurodivergence Journey29:44 Future Guests and Content Plans35:03 Season Two and Content Flexibility42:11 Authenticity and Realness in Our Podcast45:29 Community Engagement and How to Connect47:04 Closing Remarks and Next StepsRESOURCESADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/Therapist and Mental Health ResourcesPsychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usNational Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/CONNECT WITH USJoin our fan page at Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel and share your thoughts on this episode, ask questions, or share your story. IG: https://www.instagram.com/bgbgsquirrel/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bgbgsquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.comRESOURCESMental Health Resources988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent ResourcesADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH USFan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel IG: @BGBGSquirrelThreads: @BGBGSquirrelEmail: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com