Impulse buying, late-night Amazon scrolling, and dopamine-fueled decisions take center stage in this episode of The Chase Squirrelson Show. Chase digs into why people with ADHD can be especially vulnerable to online shopping habits, how “research monk” behavior turns simple purchases into obsessive deep dives, and why Amazon can feel both rewarding and dangerous for the ADHD brain. Along the way, he shares personal stories, practical strategies, and humorous insights about emotional spending, rationalization, and learning to pause before clicking “Buy Now.” The episode also explores how ADHD impacts decision-making, emotional regulation, and the constant search for dopamine in everyday life.
Why does a quick Amazon search somehow turn into three hours, twelve tabs, and a package you forgot you ordered? This week on The Chase Squirrelson Show, Chase dives headfirst into impulse buying, dopamine chasing, and the ADHD brain’s complicated relationship with online shopping. From emotional spending and hyperfocus research spirals to practical ways to slow down and rethink purchases, this episode is packed with relatable moments and honest conversation. If you’ve ever convinced yourself you needed something at 1:00 in the morning…this one’s for you.
(:40) What is Chase’s motivation for doing this podcast?
(1:44) Let’s talk about impulse buying
(2:50) Why is Amazon dangerous for the ADHD brain?
(5:14) What does Amazon give to the ADHD brain?
(5:45) What are the three ADHD Amazon Moments? Blackout buyer, research monk and dopamine browser.
(7:45) Chase’s ADHD friendly Amazon buying rules. 1) Browsing does not equal buying, 2) Save in the cart first …buy later, 3) Law of Lists, 4)Haul one in – take one out, 5) Budget the dopamine.
(10:00) The Amazon Guardrail Checklist. Before shopping ask these three questions – 1) Do I need something, 2)Is it on the list that was prepared, 3) Are you tired, stresses hungry or bored.
(11:09) Meet Dr. Max AddACart
(11:45) How did Dr. Max identify what was going on with him and ADHD?
(12:49) What did Dr. Max recently buy on impulse?
(13:52) Does he rationalize his purchases?
(14:20) What about future need rationalization?
(15:11) Is his credit rating a result of his buying?
(16:16) How did his childhood affect his buying habits?
(17:32) What were his first words?
(18:09) Hear examples of what he buys
(20:18) Food buying and expiration dates!
(21:55) Advice from Dr. Max
(22:35) How does this affect Chase? Hear about his triangle of three brain modes – Solomon, Ziggy and Marcus.
(26:22) A reminder of how the ADHD brain thinks…and Amazon!
(27:25) Some words of wisdom from Chase to help regulate Amazon shopping.
(28:45) Take the Amazon ADHD Diagnostic quiz!
(31:29) What’s the one thing that Amazon is really go at?!
(32:50) An important point…and how to recognize and manage what’s going on when on Amazon.
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