The Catalyst Collective

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective, JD explores the concept of grit and challenges one of the most common misconceptions about resilience—that it shows up when you need it most. Drawing from his time in the Ranger Regiment and Special Forces, JD shares how grit is not built in moments of crisis, but through consistent, everyday decisions that often go unnoticed. From early experiences in s...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective, Joshua Daniel shares the story of the most significant professional setback of his career and the lessons that emerged from it. Drawing from his early years in the Ranger Regiment, Joshua reflects on the intersection of performance, leadership, standards, identity, and accountability. As a young Ranger with multiple combat deployments, and a growing repu...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective, Joshua Daniel sits down with Antoiwon Brooks—former Army Joint Fires Observer (JFO), current law enforcement officer, competition shooter, husband, and Christian—for a thoughtful conversation about competition shooting, gunfighting, and the space between. Drawing from their respective backgrounds in military service, law enforcement, firearms instruction...

  In this episode of The Catalyst Collective , Joshua Daniel and Johnny Hammans sit down with Jim and Becky Hario to remember their son, PFC Eric Hario—the 2025 Hero Games honoree. Eric’s story is one of courage, legacy, and sacrifice, from his younger years and entry into the Ranger Regiment to the impact he left on his family, his brothers, and all who knew him.  The conversation dives deep into...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective , join Joshua Daniel and Dr. Barbara Thompson as they introduce an exciting new Counter Culture Solutions course: The Purpose Trek . Designed to challenge, inspire, and reconnect participants with their true purpose, this immersive experience takes individuals into the mountains, away from distractions, and into a journey of self-discovery. Joshua and Bar...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective , join Joshua Daniel and Johnny Hammans as they dive into an exciting end-of-year wrap-up discussion. Together, they reflect on some of the most memorable moments and milestones of 2024, while also sharing a glimpse of what’s ahead. JD and Johnny kick things off with updates on Sharp Top CrossFit's impressive new building, set to open in spring 2025,...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective , join Joshua Daniel, founder and CEO of Counter Culture Solutions, and Barbara Thompson, Operational Psychologist at Counter Culture Solutions, as they dive into an engaging conversation about the upcoming Violent Encounter Survival Course. Taking place on January 18th, 2025, at SharpTop CrossFit in Bedford, VA, this course is designed to empower individ...

In this episode of The Catalyst Collective , join 20-year Green Beret and Ranger JD as he breaks down the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Appalachian region.   Drawing from personal experience, JD offers a unique perspective on how both civilians and government responded to the storm. We’ll examine the challenges faced, the actions taken, and the critical lessons we can apply to better prepare f...

In this episode, Johnny returns to Co-Host alongside JD for an amazing conversation with Gold Star Mother and Brother, Wendy and Logan Holland. SGT Robert Sanchez was Killed in Action on 01 October, 2009 in Zharay District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, and his family was honored at this year's Hero Games. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagra...

We've started something new, and we think you're gonna love it! Are you looking to become a more capable and confident person? Are you interested in learning skills from former Special Operators and successful entrepreneurs that may save your life or your career? Yah, we figured you would. That's why we started Counter Culture Solutions, our new training and mentoring company geared...

Ever feel like it's hard to feel happy? We get it. While the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right, happiness itself is not inherently available to everyone. Happiness is a spectrum and we all feel it differently. This impromptu conversation between JD, Willie, and third-time guest, Logan Lewis, dives deep into the pursuit of happiness while living with trauma.  Like always, get ready...

Questions from the PEOPLE! 1. Depression and how I handled it. 2. Our new LLC: Mountain/Youth Survival, Leadership and Culture Consulting, Purpose Finding Treks, and Violent Encounter Prevention and Survival. 3. "What is something you want, but don't have?"  4. 2024 Hero Games Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solu...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is changing your perspective to find gratitude everywhere. Links to articles referenced during episode: 1.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301826526_Does_gratitude_writing_improve_the_mental_health_of_psychotherapy_clients_Evidence_from_a_randomized_controlled_trial 2. https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/#...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is finding your purpose. Stop waiting for it to find you. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Johnny's Instag...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is the duality of PEACE and WAR.  Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Johnny's Instagram Willie's Instag...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is WIN or DIE. Burn the ships, and let 'er rip tater chip! Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Johnny's...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is prioritizing SERVICE over MONEY. Money is NOT a core value. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Johnny's I...

Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD. This week's topic is being content with where you are, while staying hungry for improvement. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Joh...

The boys are back in town! In this episode, all three HG Podcast hosts - JD, Johnny, and Willie - sit down with former Army Ranger and owner of OG Pumpkin, Angel Cortes, to discuss some hard hitting topics. We talk WAR STORIES, survivor's guilt, Angel's kidney donation, ketamine therapy, and leaving your mark on your community. Grab some tissues, crack a beer, and get ready to laugh your...

In this episode, Johnny returns to Co-Host alongside JD for an amazing conversation with Gold Star Wife, Niki Dahlke. SSG Jason Dahlke was Killed in Action during Objective Berlin on 29 August, 2009 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and his family was honored at this year's Hero Games. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solut...

In this episode, JD and Willie sit down with return guest, Army Ranger, Logan Lewis. You may remember Logan from Episode 14 where we talked Ranger Regiment, Afghanistan, and the death of his Squad Leader SSG Kevin Pape. If you haven't listened, head there now! As for this one, we talk leadership; empathy, burnout, ego, good leaders and bad leaders. If you're looking for an in depth conve...

In this episode, JD and Willie sit down with return guest, Zack Garner. You may remember Zack from Episode 11 where we heard his story of trauma and recovery. Life has it's ups and downs, and Zack is now enjoying a series of fortunate events. He's fresh off the 7x Project where he travelled across the world visiting 6 of 7  continents for a series of runs, swims, and sky dives collective...

In this episode, JD and Willie sit down with Bad Ronald, the man who made the man behind Hero Games Charity. This is not your typical episode. If you're struggling to find your purpose, this episode is for you. Enjoy! 0:00-6:52    Introduction 6:52-28:05    Growing Up in the 60’s-‘70s 28:05-41:35    Doing Extra 41:35-53:49    Nails in Tires 53:49-1:08:45    Faith 1:08:45-1:14:48    Getting Th...

In this episode, JD and Willie sit down with former 1/75 Ranger, Logan Lewis, to discuss life in the Ranger Regiment, the tragic death of his Squad Leader, SSG Kevin Pape, Ranger Indoc, and the mission of his organization, Black Flag Nation. Buckle up, suckaz! 0:00-2:25     Introduction 2:25-7:05     Baby Lou/Joining the Army 7:05-45:09     Haters and Supporters 45:09-1:10:26     Life in the 75th...

In this episode, JD and Willie sit down with Kyle Crim, Business Developer at Strike Force Energy (SFE).  Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFit Website Hosts: JD's Instagram Johnny's Instagram Willie&apo...