Black Girl, Brown Girl...Squirrel! A Podcast for Neurodivergent Women of Color

The Squirrels
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Welcome to Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel! — the podcast for Black, Hispanic, Latina, and Asian women who are Neurodivergent (or wondering if they might be). We’re your Sista Squirrels 🐿️ Shai and Lex — here to celebrate the chaos, the brilliance, and the hilarity of brains that don’t follow the “default settings.” Around here, tangents are the point. We talk about life with: 🌀 ADHD — from hyperfocus to forgotten keys (again).✨ Autism / AuDHD — deep dives, sensory adventures, and social “huh?” moments.💭 Anxiety & Depression — the not-so-fun side quests.💡 Self-diagnosis & discovery — figuring it out as we go. Expect unfiltered stories, laughter that derails into tangents, and the relief of knowing you’re not the only one. Whether you’ve got a diagnosis, are self-identifying, or just suspect your brain might be running on a custom operating system, you belong here. So grab your snacks, follow the chaos, and come squirrel with us. Life’s way more fun (and way less lonely) when you realize “off the rails” is the best track.

  1. Jul 29

    S2E11 - Late-Diagnosed Neurodivergence: Self-Forgiveness, Shame & Self-Acceptance

    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 LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E11 - Late-Diagnosed Neurodivergence: Self-Forgiveness, Shame & Self-Acceptance

  2. Jul 15

    S2E9 - Burnout, Masking, and Mental Health with Dr. Jillian Lynum

    Send us Fan Mail In 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 STAMPS 00:11 Welcome Back, Squirrels 00:47 Life Updates, Stress, and Mental Health 03:06 Today’s Topic: Burnout, Mental Health, and Masking 03:21 Meet Dr. Jillian Lynum 05:05 Who Jill Is Beyond the Credentials 07:36 Travel, Food, and R&B Girl Energy 11:25 Why Jill Became a Clinical Psychologist 16:56 Mental Health and How We Talk About It 19:02 Women, Men, and Mental Health Stigma 21:18 Why Crisis Shouldn’t Be the Starting Point 24:34 The Strong Black Woman Schema 25:52 Silent Depression and “High Functioning” 28:14 Suppression, Burnout, and the Soda Bottle Effect 29:41 Survival Mode vs. Thriving 31:24 How to Tell If You’re in Survival Mode 35:04 Exhaustion, Numbness, Anxiety, and Masking 36:49 What Masking and Code Switching Really Mean 40:12 Generational Code Switching 42:04 Attributional Ambiguity and Workplace “Isms” 44:37 What Gets Lost When We Mask All Day 49:05 Layered Masks Across Cultures, Cities, and Workplaces 51:24 Burnout, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Neurodivergence 55:07 “I’m Not Lazy, But I Can’t Keep Living Like This” 59:52 Performative Wellness vs. Real Workplace Wellness 1:05:17 Advocating for Yourself at Work 1:09:21 Green Flags in a Good Therapist 1:13:24 Advice for Women Questioning Neurodivergence 1:17:07 Where to Find Dr. Jillian Lynum 1:18:10 Final Reflections and Closing RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E9 - Burnout, Masking, and Mental Health with Dr. Jillian Lynum

  3. Jul 8

    S2E8 - Different Brains at Work: Communication, Advocacy & Inclusive Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail In 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. 🐿️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — 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 EPISODE Accruals Accounting 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 Act A 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 Disorder A 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 Payable Money the organization owes to vendors, contractors, or suppliers. AR — Accounts Receivable Money customers or clients owe the organization for products or services already provided. AuDHD An informal community term describing the experience of being both Autistic and ADHD. It is not a separate clinical diagnosis. AVP — Associate Vice President A corporate leadership title. Its level, responsibilities, and authority can vary significantly between companies and industries. Dyscalculia A 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 Autonomy A 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 Proposal A formal request inviting vendors or service providers to submit a proposed solution, scope, timeline, and price for a project. RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E8 - Different Brains at Work: Communication, Advocacy & Inclusive Leadership

  4. Jul 1

    S2E7 - Running a Business With ADHD and Chronic Illness (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail What 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 STAMPS 00:20 Life Updates, Caregiving, and Finding Peace 01:52 Mom’s Moyamoya Diagnosis and Recovery 04:03 Family History, Strokes, and Community Support 11:28 Shai’s Career and What She Actually Does 17:55 Communication, Leadership, and Neurodivergence 22:21 Bringing Lived Experience Into the Workplace 27:57 Why Shai Became an Entrepreneur 33:50 Running a Business With ADHD 35:48 Impulsive Spending, Finances, and Hard Lessons 37:56 When a Working Relationship Had to End 42:57 Managing ADHD, Energy, and Burnout 49:59 Challenging Myths About Disabled Entrepreneurs 51:46 Advice for Neurodivergent and Chronically Ill Founders 56:21 Using AI to Organize Ideas and Reduce Mental Load 1:00:13 Final Thoughts and Closing RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

  5. Jun 17

    S2E6 - ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Self-Acceptance: Learning to Be Okay With the Extras

    Send us Fan Mail Trigger 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. 🐿️ RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E6 - ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Self-Acceptance: Learning to Be Okay With the Extras

  6. Jun 10

    S2E5 - ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Comorbidities: Real Talk on Diagnosis, Therapy, & Self-Advocacy

    Send us Fan Mail In 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. 🐿️ RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E5 - ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Comorbidities: Real Talk on Diagnosis, Therapy, & Self-Advocacy

  7. Jun 3

    S2E4 - When ADHD Big Ideas Meet Autistic Structure: Our Podcast Partnership

    Send us Fan Mail In 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. 🐿️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:21 Friendship Dynamics and Neurodiversity 05:00 Creative Collaboration and Idea Generation 07:11 Social Media and Digital Boundaries 10:10 Humor and Cultural References 18:52 Communication Styles and Conversation Flow 25:21 Expectations and Responsibilities in Collaboration 33:23 Navigating Friendship and Professionalism 42:30 Respect and Care in Collaborative Ventures RESOURCES ADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/ Therapist and Mental Health Resources Psychology Today Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usNational Institute of Mental Health Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/CONNECT WITH US Join our fan page at Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel and share your thoughts on this episode, ask questions, or share your story.  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

    S2E4 - When ADHD Big Ideas Meet Autistic Structure: Our Podcast Partnership

  8. May 27

    S2E3 - 12 Years of Growth, Friendship, and Understanding

    Send us Fan Mail In 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 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics 02:49 Exploring the Origins of Our Friendship 05:40 Memorable Moments and Shared Experiences 08:38 Understanding Each Other's Perspectives 11:28 The Impact of Time on Our Friendship 14:27 Navigating Communication Differences 17:33 Reflections on Growth and Connection 24:33 Navigating Memory and Trauma 29:30 Communication Styles and Neurodiversity 34:37 Healing from Childhood Experiences 39:40 Understanding and Defending the Inner Child 53:45 Empowerment and Advocacy in Neurodivergence RESOURCES Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTherapy for Black GirlsInclusive TherapistsClinicians of ColorNeurodivergent Resources ADDitude MagazineAttention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)The Color of Autism Foundation UnderstoodJob Accommodation Network (JAN)CONNECT WITH US Fan Page: Fanlist.com/BGBGSquirrel  IG: @BGBGSquirrel Threads: @BGBGSquirrel Email: BGBGSquirrel@Gmail.com

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About

Welcome to Black Girl, Brown Girl… Squirrel! — the podcast for Black, Hispanic, Latina, and Asian women who are Neurodivergent (or wondering if they might be). We’re your Sista Squirrels 🐿️ Shai and Lex — here to celebrate the chaos, the brilliance, and the hilarity of brains that don’t follow the “default settings.” Around here, tangents are the point. We talk about life with: 🌀 ADHD — from hyperfocus to forgotten keys (again).✨ Autism / AuDHD — deep dives, sensory adventures, and social “huh?” moments.💭 Anxiety & Depression — the not-so-fun side quests.💡 Self-diagnosis & discovery — figuring it out as we go. Expect unfiltered stories, laughter that derails into tangents, and the relief of knowing you’re not the only one. Whether you’ve got a diagnosis, are self-identifying, or just suspect your brain might be running on a custom operating system, you belong here. So grab your snacks, follow the chaos, and come squirrel with us. Life’s way more fun (and way less lonely) when you realize “off the rails” is the best track.

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