What if the world were designed by people with ADHD? In this imaginative and insightful episode, Chase Squirrelson uses the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge as a jumping-off point to explore how ADHD minds approach planning, problem-solving, innovation, and execution. Along the way, Chase examines the messages many ADHD individuals receive early in life, the unique strengths of ADHD thinking, and why traditional definitions of organization and productivity don't always tell the whole story. Listeners will discover how ADHD brains often excel at creativity, adaptation, and finding unconventional solutions while challenging common assumptions about what it means to be organized, productive, or successful. The episode also explores the differences between neurotypical and ADHD thinking styles and highlights why "messy" doesn't necessarily mean "broken."
What would happen if people with ADHD were put in charge of building something as ambitious as the Golden Gate Bridge? Would it be chaos—or would it lead to innovations nobody saw coming?
In this episode of the Chase Squirrelson Podcast, Chase takes a creative look at how ADHD minds approach big projects, planning, and problem-solving. Using one of the world's most iconic engineering achievements as an example, he explores the strengths, challenges, and unique perspectives that often come with ADHD. From childhood messages about productivity to the surprising role of creativity and adaptability, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what ADHD thinking can accomplish when it's understood and valued.
(:31) What would things be like if those with ADHD were responsible for it?! Something like building the Golden Gate Bridge?
(1:47) What was the ADHD brain told early in life?
(1:58) What does the ADHD planning phase/team look like? Learn about the Golden Gate Bridge’s invention of the safety net. Its purpose is not what you think!
(4:48) What are ADHD brains really good at?
(6:39) Who’s the real project manager?
(7:50) Does messy mean broken?
(8:20) Neurotypical thinking vs. ADHD thinking
(9:49) How does the ADHD brain fix a fence?!
(10:10) what do unfinished projects look like to Chase?
(11:54) What does Chase LOVE to do with projects and NOT love to do?
(12:52) What do unfinished projects REALLY mean?
(13:12) Reframing project execution
(14:00) Examples of extraordinarily successful people
(15:21) So, what’s the thing about the Golden Gate Bridge?
(15:49) Remember the triangle, Soloman, Marcus and Ziggy? How do they apply to the Golden Gate Bridge?
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