The Catalyst Collective
The voice of Sharp Top CrossFit, Hero Games Charity, and Counter Culture Solutions.
We are the spark that drives change — where people come together to push limits, challenge the norm, and choose growth over comfort. This is where strength is built, purpose is sharpened, and community is forged. If you’re ready to break barriers and walk a different path, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
37 episodes
Episode 30: “Grit: You Don't Rise to the Occasion” w/ Ranger & Green Beret, JD
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 Spe...
Episode 29: “The Massive Career Mistake Nobody Could Fix But Me” w/ Ranger & Green Beret, JD
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 reflec...
Episode 28: “Competition Shooting, Gunfighting, and the Space Between” w/ Antoiwon Brooks
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 co...
Episode 27: “Remember PFC Eric Hario” w/ Jim and Becky Hario
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 ...
Episode 26: Unveiling the Purpose Trek – A New Counter Culture Course
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 reco...
Episode 25: End of Year Wrap-Up...and Aliens
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 ...
Episode 24: Counter Culture Solutions' Violent Encounter Survival Course
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...
Episode 23: "After the Storm" Hurricane Helene in Appalachia
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 perspectiv...
Episode 22: "Remember SGT Robert Sanchez", w/ Gold Star Mother and Brother, Wendy and Logan Holland
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, A...
Episode 21: "Counter Culture Solutions", HGC's New Training and Mentoring LLC
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...
Episode 20: "Life is Shitty and Beautiful", w/ Logan Lewis, Black Flag Nation
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 c...
Q/A Episode #1: Depression, "Something you want, but don't have", 2024 Hero Games, and our new LLC.
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 so...
HGC Shorts Episode #6: "Gratitude Adjustment"
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.
HGC Shorts Episode #5: "Stop Waiting"
Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD.This week's topic is finding your purpose. Stop waiting for it to find you.
HGC Shorts Episode #4: "For Peace"
Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD.This week's topic is the duality of PEACE and WAR.
HGC Shorts Episode #3: "Burn the Ships"
Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD.This week's topic is WIN or DIE. Burn the ships, and let 'er rip tater chip!
HGC Shorts Episode #2: "Money is Not a Core Value"
Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD.This week's topic is prioritizing SERVICE over MONEY. Money is NOT a core value.
HGC Shorts Episode #1: "Take the Compliment"
Self-examination from HGC Founder, JD.This week's topic is being content with where you are, while staying hungry for improvement.
Episode 19: "War is a Drug", w/ Former Army Ranger, Angel Cortes
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'...
Episode 18: "Remember SSG Jason Dahlke", w/ Gold Star Wife, Niki Dahlke
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 fam...
Episode 17: "Starve The Ego", w/ Army Ranger, Logan Lewis
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,...
Episode 16: "Living is the Most Punk Shit I've Ever Done", w/ Former Green Beret, Zack Garner
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 ev...
Episode 15: "Be Extraordinary", w/ Bad Ronald
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&nb...
Episode 14: "Train for Tomorrow's War" w/ Logan Lewis, Black Flag Nation
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. Bu...