Riley Odell on Meet Miss Jess VR: Neurodiversity, Horror, and a VR Revolution

March 6, 2025| Produced by Joshua T Berglan

Hey there, horror fans, neurodiversity advocates, and curious minds alike! I’m Riley Odell, an autistic writer and neurodiversity advocate who writes horror, comedy, and stories about autism. Recently, I had the thrill of joining Jessica Toft on Meet Miss Jess VR , a podcast and video series that’s all about sparking big ideas and real conversations. We dove into my journey as an autistic writer, the power of neurodivergent representation, and even a wild idea about virtual reality (VR) changing how we understand autism. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just love a good story, there’s something here for you!

Who Am I?

I’m passionate about autism and neurodiversity awareness/acceptance and helping neurodivergent people succeed. I edited and, in 2024, released Divergent Realms: Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories About Neurodivergence , a collection of fourteen stories about neurodivergent characters by neurodivergent writers. It’s a project close to my heart, blending my love for speculative fiction with a mission to amplify voices like mine. I also write horror and bizarro fiction—think creepy, weird, and totally unforgettable tales like my novella S**, Love, and Burgers. (Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds!)

Beyond the page, I’ve been sharing my story in person. In April of 2023 and 2024, I spoke about my experience with autism at the Fort Collins, Colorado autistic resource fair, right before the legendary Temple Grandin took the stage. Then, in February 2025, I joined a panel at the Fort Collins Book Fest, chatting about neurodiversity in fiction and the rollercoaster of writing as a neurodivergent person. I’m available to talk or write about my experiences of living with autism, my adventures as an autistic writer, or neurodiversity in media—hit me up at rileyodellwriter.com !

The Meet Miss Jess VR Experience

On March 3, 2025, Jessica Toft welcomed me to her virtual stage, and we hit the ground running. I shared how I started writing at nine, doodling comics before diving into prose, eventually editing Divergent Realms to showcase neurodivergent talent. For me, writing’s more than a craft—it’s how I communicate when words don’t come easy, thanks to autism and ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD early on and autism at 29, I’ve learned to embrace my brain’s unique wiring, and I want others to feel that freedom too.

Jessica brought her A-game with a mind-blowing idea: VR simulations to show what sensory overload or an autistic school day feels like. Imagine stepping into someone else’s shoes—or brain—and *feeling* the chaos of a meltdown or the brilliance of a hyper-focused moment. It’s not just cool tech; it’s a game-changer for empathy and inclusion, from classrooms to workplaces. We geeked out over how VR could rewrite the narrative around neurodiversity, and I’m still buzzing about it!

Why This Matters—To Everyone

You don’t need to be autistic to connect with this. We all crave stories that reflect us, right? For neurodivergent folks, seeing ourselves in fiction—like in Divergent Realms —is a lifeline. It says, “You belong.” But it’s bigger than that. It’s about understanding each other, whether you’re the kid who feels “different” or the coworker who doesn’t get why someone needs noise-canceling headphones. Jessica and I talked self-acceptance, too—because owning who you are, quirks and all, is universal.

Plus, there’s horror! My latest novella and upcoming projects mix the spooky with the strange, proving neurodivergent creativity can take you anywhere—even the darkest corners of your imagination.

Get Involved!

Love what you heard? Here’s how to dive deeper:

• Buy the Miss Jess VR 2025 Calendar – Support the show and keep the conversation going all year!
• Watch More Episodes – Check out other inspiring chats on Meet Miss Jess VR!
• Learn More About Riley – Visit my Riley's site for books, blogs, and booking info!

Let’s Keep Talking

Neurodiversity isn’t a niche topic—it’s a human one. Whether you’re a horror junkie, a tech nerd, or just someone who believes in inclusion, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment, share this post, or reach out. Together, we can make the world a little weirder, a little kinder, and a lot more understanding.