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 Barb dive into the why behind the Purpose Trek—exploring the power of disconnecting from the noise , em...
Feb 23, 2025•38 min
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, and the community impact this expansion will bring. They then revisit the highlights of the 2024 Hero Ga...
Dec 30, 2024•58 min
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 individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate dangerous situations. In this episode, JD and Barb e...
Dec 23, 2024•54 min
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 for future disasters. Whether you're interested in disaster preparedness, leadership in crisis, or the ...
Oct 11, 2024•38 min
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 Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top Cro...
Sep 02, 2024•2 hr 45 min
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 towards helping you become the best version of yourself. Enjoy. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram...
Jun 24, 2024•48 min
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 to shift gears between laughter and serious dialogue. Enjoy. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Inst...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 41 min
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 Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp Top CrossFi...
Jan 28, 2024•42 min
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/#neuroscience Support the show Hero Games Charity Website: https://herogamescharity.com/ HGC Instagram: htt...
Jan 01, 2024•20 min
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 Instagram Willie's Instagram...
Nov 27, 2023•18 min
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 Instagram...
Oct 30, 2023•11 min
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 Instagram Willie's Instagram...
Oct 23, 2023•12 min
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 Instagram Willie's Instagram...
Oct 16, 2023•15 min
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 Johnny's Instagram Willie's Instagram...
Oct 08, 2023•9 min
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 ass off. Angel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelgcortes175/ OG Pumpkin Instagram: https://www.inst...
Sep 05, 2023•2 hr 24 min
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 Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games Charity Website Sharp Top CrossFit Instagram Sharp T...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 41 min
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 conversation about leadership philosophy, this one's for you. 0:00 Introduction 3:27 Good Leader Experience 8:47 Ra...
Jun 21, 2023•3 hr 9 min
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 collectively with the team involved. After that he joined Task Force Dagger for a MIA dive off the coast of Saipan, attem...
May 23, 2023•2 hr 10 min
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 Through Failures 1:14:48-1:25:15 Snow Cones and Butt Whoopins’ 1:25:15-1:32:00 Girlfriends, Cops, and Grace 1:32:00-1:43:47 W...
May 09, 2023•2 hr 37 min
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 Ranger Regiment 1:10:26-1:21:20 War Stories (Suicide Vest Man and Peek-a-Boo) 1:21:20-1:43:13 Ranger Indoctrination ...
Apr 25, 2023•4 hr 2 min
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's Instagram...
Apr 11, 2023•2 hr 22 min
SGT Jonathan Kelly Lee Peney, a Combat Medic in 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, was Killed in Action (KIA) on June 1st, 2010 while coming to the aid of one of his wounded Rangers. We sit down with his mother, Sue Peney, and his mentor, SFC Todd Fingerlos, to talk about the man Jon was. This episode is full of emotion. From from the story of how Jon died, to the emotional roller coaster associated with being a Gold Star Family, we promise to make you cry. This episode is intende...
Jul 20, 2022•2 hr 31 min
Just a year ago Zack was blind, partially paralyzed, heavily medicated, and slowly dying. Today he sits down with JD to talk about his journey from the trenches to the mountain peaks. Zack is a former Green Beret and DoD Contractor, and is now the Vice President of Tactical Relief. Tactical Relief is a CBD company who is exploring non-pharmaceutical solutions to Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Anxiety. Zack has experienced an enormous amount of adversity from being medically r...
Jun 22, 2022•3 hr 11 min
In this episode, JD starts with a message regarding mental health and how Hero Games Charity is affecting it's supporters. Later, JD shares details regarding the upcoming Mountain Survival Challenge, including some secrets that can only be found in this episode. Those secrets will undoubtedly provide favor to competitors who listen. JD finishes the episode with future plans and the way ahead for Hero Games Charity. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Inst...
Jun 07, 2022•34 min
You are not a victim of your circumstances unless you choose to be. Brett's story of childhood trauma is one for the horror films, but he didn't let it define him. After years of mental and physical abuse, Brett found who he was through hard work and determination. We hope that his story inspires you to be the best version of yourself. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Website Hero Games Charity Instagram Hero Games C...
May 24, 2022•3 hr 29 min
Mike Reagan is a 25-year Special Forces Operator with a career full of outrageous stories. In this laughter-filled episode, we discuss his time in the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, 5th Special Forces Group (A), 10th Special Forces Group (A), USASOC, 7th Special Forces Group (A), USAJFKSWCS, National Assessment Group, Mobile Technology Repair Complex, and GoTenna. Support the show The Catalyst Collective Instagram Counter Culture Solutions Instagram Counter Culture Solut...
May 10, 2022•2 hr 57 min
In this episode, JD conducts a Q/A answering questions regarding the 2022 Hero Games fitness competition on July 16th, 2022, honoring SGT Jonathan K. Peney. 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 Instagram...
Apr 26, 2022•39 min
Jerry Besozzi joined the US Navy four days after graduating high school in 1951, knowing that he'd soon be engaged in the Korean War. During his three cruises to Korea, he chased enemy submarines and bombarded enemy positions while aboard the USS Perkins, a Gearing-Class Destroyer. 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 C...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 37 min
JD sits down with former Asymmetric Warfare Group Operator, Mike K., to discuss the war scars that are unseen, and the stigma associated with seeking help with mental health while in the military. 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 Instagram...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 41 min
We sit down with Edgar Sherman of Edgar Sherman Design to discuss his role in increasing the survivability and lethality of his primary end user, the American Special Operations Soldier. 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 Instagram...
Mar 15, 2022•2 hr 11 min
