In recent years the language of autism and ADHD has moved from clinical psychology into mainstream culture.
What was once a narrow medical diagnosis has expanded into a broad identity category embraced by millions online.
But what explains this sudden rise?
In this episode of Counterflow, Buck Johnson is joined by psychiatrist and writer Dr. Hannah Spier to explore the cultural, psychological, and social forces behind the modern "neurodivergence" movement.
Drawing from her widely discussed essays on autism, identity, and modern narcissism, Dr. Spier argues that the explosion of neurodivergent identity may say as much about modern culture as it does about mental health.
Together they discuss the expansion of autism diagnoses, the rise of self-diagnosis through social media, and the growing tendency to frame personality traits and social difficulties through psychological labels.
The conversation also explores how modern identity culture, social media validation, and new expressions of covert narcissism may be contributing to the neurodivergence boom.
Finally, Buck and Dr. Spier examine a deeper question: what happens to a culture when mental illness becomes identity?

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In this episode, Buck Johnson sits down with author Michael W. Davis, general editor of the Union of Orthodox Journalists, for a serious discussion about Christian Zionism, theology, and geopolitics.

Over the last century, Christian Zionism has become an influential framework shaping how many Christians understand the modern state of Israel, biblical prophecy, and the politics of the Middle East. But how does this theology compare with the faith of the early Church and the witness of the Church Fathers?

Drawing on Scripture, Church history, and Orthodox theology, Buck and Michael explore the origins of Christian Zionism, its relationship to modern political movements, and the ways in which eschatology can shape political imagination.

They also discuss how prophetic language surrounding modern conflicts — including tensions involving Israel and Iran — can influence how Christians interpret war, peace, and the responsibilities of the Church in a fractured world.

Rather than approaching these issues through ideology or partisanship, this conversation seeks to recover the historic Christian vision of the Kingdom of God, which transcends nationalism, geopolitics, and modern political categories.

For more from Michael Davis, go here: https://substack.com/@michaelwarrendavis

...and here: https://uoj.news/author/michael-davis

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What happens when a man who built his identity in hip hop walks away from the illusion of the industry and into the ancient Church?

James "J-Ro" Robinson rose to prominence in the golden era of West Coast hip hop as a member of Tha Alkaholiks, part of Los Angeles' influential underground scene. Fame, touring, culture, and credibility were all there.

But behind the curtain, things weren't what they seemed.

In this conversation, J-Ro opens up about:

• His childhood and the spiritual influence of his great-grandfather, a Christian minister
• The formation of Tha Alkaholiks and life inside 90s hip hop culture
• What he learned about the record industry that led to deep disillusionment
• Why he eventually moved to Sweden
• The tension between persona and personhood
• Fatherhood and the call to something more rooted
• Discovering the Orthodox Church
• Life today in Tucson, Arizona, attending St. Anthony's Monastery
• Asceticism, repentance, and redefining masculinity
• What "keeping it real" actually means

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