Neurodiversity, Horror, and VR: A Conversation That’ll Hook You
Joshua Tyler Berglan
Award-Winning OmniMedia Producer & Intl. Best-Selling Author | Advocate for the Underserved | Empowering Communities w/ 'Media Company in a Box'
Published by Joshua T Berglan | March 6, 2025
What happens when an autistic horror writer and a VR visionary walk onto a virtual stage?
You get a mind-bending chat that’s equal parts spooky, inspiring, and forward-thinking.
In the latest 'Meet Miss Jess VR' episode, Riley Odell—an autistic author and neurodiversity advocate—joins Jess T. to unpack their journey from doodling comics at nine to editing Divergent Realms, a sci-fi/fantasy anthology by neurodivergent voices.
But the real kicker?
Jessica’s pitch to use VR to simulate sensory overload, offering a visceral peek into the autistic experience—think empathy training for workplaces and schools.
Riley’s not just about chills (though their novella S, Love, and Burgers delivers plenty). They’re a force for inclusion, speaking at events like the Fort Collins Book Fest and autistic resource fairs alongside icons like Temple Grandin.
This episode blends their creative grit with a tech-driven vision for understanding neurodiversity—something every leader, storyteller, or innovator can learn from.
Curious how horror, autism, and VR collide?
Dive into the full story here: Riley Odell on Meet Miss Jess VR: Neurodiversity, Horror, and VR Dreams.
What’s your take—could VR redefine how we approach inclusion?
Drop a comment or share this with your network!
Special Educator
7 小时前What an amazing episode. It’s so inspiring and informative to see an adult share his experiences with autism and being neurodivergent.
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1 天前Jess T., Outstanding podcast, my friend. I thoroughly resonated with your message about always being our authentic selves and beings even for who we truly are. You are going to resonate with my podcast I shared today ??
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resilience+Rise?: Empower. Achieve. Thrive. - Resilience Coach (ICF) & Mentor | Podcaster | Author | Transformational Speaker | MBA, PMP
2 天前Joshua & Jess, wow, ?I've chased that kind of fusion in my own writing, trying to weave the raw emotion of human experience into the fabric of my stories. To imagine VR as a tool for empathy, to walk in another's sensory world, that's a powerful vision. I've seen the transformative power of storytelling, and the quiet strength of those who dare to share their unique perspectives, and this feels like a symphony of both. It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of our minds, or the most complex neurological landscapes, there's always a story waiting to be told, a bridge waiting to be built. Super-duper...