• When Empathy Meets Influence

    When Empathy Meets Influence Empathy kept me present longer than I should have been. Not because I was naïve—but because I was trained to value harmony over autonomy. This is a reflection on neurodivergence, subtle manipulation, and the moment I learned that leaving quietly can be a complete boundary.

  • The Cognitively Augmented Human

    AI as a tool for empathy: How I use technology to understand and connect beyond the noise of everyday conversations

  • I Wasn’t Immune

    In a world that tells big men they’re immune to fear, I’ve learned strength doesn’t cancel vulnerability. Discover how self-protection can be calm and centered.

  • Labels Don’t Describe — They Decide

    In a world where labels dictate identity, understanding the power of language is crucial. Discover how words shape perceptions and challenge stereotypes.

  • Narcissus Takes a Holiday (and Orders an Uber)

    In a world obsessed with likes, one traveler faced the irony of a social media influencer’s detached reality. Discover how this moment changed everything.

  • Autistic, Not Damaged

    I hear it again.Someone has “discovered” how to cure autism. A cure.As if my existence is a disease.As if the way I experience the world is a broken machine that needs fixing. Let me be clear: autism is not a damaged mind.It is not an illness.It is not something you “catch” or “erase.”It is a…

  • 🚆 Boundaries at 300 km/h

    I’m on the speed train to Madrid as I write this. The world is flashing by outside the window — fields, hills, tiny towns that exist for a heartbeat and then vanish. There’s something poetic about that, isn’t there? Some things in life stay only for a moment, and then you’re carried past them whether…

  • 🌍 Gaza Peace Armada — Conscience on the Sea

    🇪🇸🌍 La Armada de la Paz hacia Gaza — La Conciencia en el Mar ⸻ ✊ The Lemkin Institute Speaks 🇪🇸✊ La voz del Instituto Lemkin From the United States, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, founded on the legacy of Raphael Lemkin (the Jewish lawyer who coined the word genocide), issued a strong message:…

  • đź–¤ No Kings. No Silence. No Turning Back.

    What was meant to be a day of symbolism — No Kings Day — has now become a day of mourning. Two respected public servants, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home. In a separate but clearly coordinated attack, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette…

  • Peace Isn’t Passive: A 2AM Story of Showing Up

    By Oddly Robbie Living Calmly Amid Chaos For someone with autism, navigating life can often feel like trying to tune a radio stuck on static—noisy, unpredictable, fragmented. Yet amidst this chaos, I’ve found ways to cultivate an inner peace, a quiet steadiness. I’ve realized peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict; it’s actively maintaining boundaries,…

  • Wasted Time Doesn’t Exist

    (By Oddly Robbie – One of One) People love tossing around phrases like little invisible darts: • “My time.” • “Your time.” • “Time is money.” Oof. That one always makes me flinch a little. Today, my partner gamed all morning—eyes bright, smiling at pixels, immersed in his virtual world. Later, he sighed something about…

  • Less is More: A New Take on Food, Possessions, and Life

    Let this sink in: I am a part of this earth, and the earth is part of me. I own nothing, and nothing owns me. I carry memories, not things. These words have become my mantra as my partner and I prepare for our move to Costa del Sol, Spain. We’ve done this before—packing our…

  • Blog Story: Kathy’s Journey – A Light in the Shadows

    Disclaimer: This is a fictional narrative inspired by real-world challenges to foster empathy and understanding. Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, 1983 Kathy sat in the sterile office of the campus doctor, her hands gripping her husband’s for comfort. Married for a year and glowing with the optimism of young love, they had eagerly begun planning for…

  • The T in LGBTQ+: Why Solidarity Matters More Than Ever

    Let’s break down the rainbow alphabet soup we all know: L for lesbian, B for bisexual, G for gay, T for transgender, and then the ever-expanding “+” for our beautiful diversity. But today, we’re hitting pause on the roll call to focus on one letter that’s catching an outsized amount of society’s heat: the T.…

  •  My VA Hearing Test, Apple’s AI, and the Bionic Future of Hearing Aids

    Hey folks, it’s your friendly neighborhood Oddly Robbie here! I recently bit the bullet and went in for a hearing test at the VA—a long-overdue appointment I’d been avoiding for ages. And let me tell you, the results opened my eyes to just how advanced hearing technology has become. While I found out that I’m…

  • Nap Time, Reclaimed: Embracing Our Natural Sleep Rhythms in an Automated World

    Remember nap time when we were kids? We’d fight it, but there we were, tucked in for that midday rest. Funny how, as adults, we’re told to power through the day without that little slice of rest—almost as if sleep were only for the young. But here’s the thing: the concept of a midday rest…

  • Hydrogen: The Future We’ve Been Waiting For? Or Just Another Energy Fad?

    So, I’ve been thinking about hydrogen lately—yes, hydrogen. You know, the stuff that powers the sun and can fuel our homes, cars, and maybe even our kitchens. A few years ago, I was betting that hydrogen would be mainstream by now. I mean, I saw a house powered entirely by hydrogen, where cooking left a…

  • Finding Peace in What Is: Lessons from Unfairness and Living Simply

    Hey there, fellow wanderers of life! It’s Oddly Robbie, back to reflect on some things that may have gone sideways in my life, but ultimately led me to a place of peace and fulfillment. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea (or yerba mate if you’re feeling adventurous), and let’s…

  • Universal Basic Income: A Quirky Dive into a Fairer Future

    Hey OddlyRobbie readers! Sorry I’m so down to the wire on this one, but I found I was about to go into a mechatronics program but the classes were all full up so I had AI write up my own curriculum. So chin up, again AI saving the day. This way I have can go…

  • Rethinking AI: Beyond the Myths of Sentience

    Ah, AI—the subject of late-night debates, Hollywood blockbusters, and more than a few doomsday predictions. It’s the stuff of sci-fi dreams and dystopian nightmares. But let’s hit the pause button on the futuristic melodrama for a second. Is AI really on the verge of becoming our overlord, or have we perhaps been binging on too…

  • A Personal Reflection on Guns and Safety

    A Childhood Memory I remember the time when my little brother discovered a small gun, a Ruger, in our parents’ sock drawer in our small Montana town. He picked it up and showed it to me, and when Dad found out, he was very upset—it was loaded. This incident highlighted the ever-present danger of firearms…

  • The Light Within: A Tale of Revelation and Acceptance

    In the dim glow of a cozy, intimate room, a young man named Alex sat nervously beside his boyfriend, Max. The soft hum of the city outside created a distant lullaby, but inside, Alex’s heart raced like a drum. Tonight was the night he had chosen to reveal his deepest secret to Max, a truth…

  • Revenge: A Flawed Tale

    Revenge is often depicted as a path to justice or closure, but in reality, it’s a tale as flawed as asking a cow to perform ballet. Expecting someone devoid of empathy to feel remorse is as futile as expecting that cow to dance gracefully in a tutu. This cycle of retribution is a flawed loop…

  • Plan for Addressing Mass Incarceration: A Vision from Oddly Robbie

    ⚠️Content Warning: This post contains descriptions of violence and abuse within the prison system. It is intended for mature audiences only. Introduction: Hi, I’m Oddly Robbie, known for my work in VR, AR, and 3D design. Today, I want to share my vision for transforming the criminal justice system. Having spent almost seven years in…

  • From Heartland to Homeland: Jakob’s Journey and Our Shared Quest for Peace

    From Heartland to Homeland: Jakob’s Journey and Our Shared Quest for Peace

    (Warning: does mention violence.) In the heart of the tumultuous 19th century, my great-grandfather Jakob’s journey from Odessa to North Dakota stands as a beacon of resilience and the universal quest for peace. As a family historian, I’ve always felt deeply connected to my ancestors, particularly those who faced extraordinary challenges. Their stories, passed down…

  • Navigating My Journey from Suppression to Self-Expression: A Pride Reflection

    As we enter Pride Month, the streets come alive with vibrant floats, flags, and even the quest for biodegradable glitter. Yet, for many of us, Pride is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to resilience, a journey from suppression to self-expression. Early Years: The Weight of Cultural Suppression Growing up, my cultural background imposed…

  • Embracing Neurodiversity

    By Oddly Robbie My perspective as an autistic individual brings a unique lens to the discussion of rituals. For some of us, the world’s customs can be overwhelming, even painful. The sensory overload of a crowded celebration or the forced small talk of a formal dinner can be truly distressing. But this neurodivergent viewpoint is…

  • Interview with GPT-4o to Dispel AI Fears: Oddly Robbie Style

    “Hello, I’m Robbie, also known as Oddly Robbie. Today, we’re having a fun and insightful conversation with GPT-4o to dispel some of the fears and misinformation about AI. Let’s dive right in!” “We’re conducting this interview to help everyone better understand AI and to clear up some misconceptions. And don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun…

  • As Oddly Robbie, I carry the worries of my ancestors, but I also have the strength to fight for them and for the future. In these times of conflict, I choose to fight peacefully for peace.

    I feel deep sadness for the suffering caused by war, and I firmly believe that talking and understanding can lead to a better world. I speak out not with anger, but with love for humanity and a desire for a peaceful life. May our voices, no matter how small, rise above the noise of conflict…

  • When “Normal” Isn’t Working: Rethinking How We View Autism

    Hello OddlyRobbie readers, Scrolling through the news, I stumbled upon an article in Newsweek about new research on autism. I didn’t get past the paywall, but the premise was enough to stir my thoughts. It’s disheartening to see so much effort and funding dedicated to making us fit a “normal” that doesn’t even consider our…

  • Unlocking Progress: Rethinking Patent Laws for a Sustainable Future

    Hello, digital navigators and pioneers of change! OddlyRobbie here, stepping into the arena of intellectual rights with a twist only we can explore. Did you know that the melody that rings out at every birthday bash was once bound by copyright chains? Let’s unravel the complex world of patents—meant to foster innovation but perhaps, also…

  • Dehumanization: A Logical Perspective (special edition)

    Across various cultures, there’s often an implicit agreement to dehumanize neighboring communities. My aim here is not to justify this behavior or to label it as good or bad but rather to examine it from a logical perspective. Understanding Dehumanization Dehumanization enables us to mentally override our empathy and engage in acts like warfare against…

  • Cultural Carousel: My Global Jaunt

    Ah, the green Montanan turned Mormon missionary! Who would’ve guessed that jetting off to Japan would throw me onto a relentless cultural treadmill? There, my Japanese companion, a model of military discipline, set a grueling pace. Exhausted yet determined, I had no choice but to dive into the deep end of unfamiliar languages and customs.…

  • Breakthroughs on the Horizon: Embracing a Brighter Future

    Hello, dear readers! OddlyRobbie here, buzzing with excitement as I share some groundbreaking advances that are reshaping our world. From harnessing the gentle glow of moonlight to fuel solar collectors to the rumble of hydrogen-powered semi-trucks on our highways, the future is not just knocking; it’s here with a bang! Moonlight Magic: Super Solar Collectors…

  • How having honest history can help us advance as humans, by OddlyRobbie

    The Unvarnished Chapters: Rediscovering Our Collective Saga In the intricate mosaic of human history, the tales that resonate loudest are often those penned by victors, leaving a swath of narratives untold, shrouded in the shadows of oversight. Today, I invite you on an expedition—not to unearth a continent anew, as European explorers once claimed, but…