In this episode, Johnny and I sit down with Karen and Stephen Clarkson, the Gold Star parents of SGT Joel Clarkson, the 2026 Hero Games Honoree, to tell the story of their son’s life, service, and sacrifice.

Joel served as a Fire Team Leader in 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. On March 16, 2010, during his fifth deployment, he was killed in action in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Through the memories of his parents, we explore who Joel was long before he became a Ranger, the experiences that shaped him, his commitment to the people around him, and the legacy he left behind.

This conversation goes beyond the circumstances of Joel’s death to preserve the story of how he lived. Karen and Stephen share their perspective as parents, the weight carried by Gold Star families, and what it means to see Joel’s name and legacy continue through those committed to remembering him.

This is the life story of Sergeant Joel Clarkson, told by the people who knew and loved him first.

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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 selection and combat deployments to a life-altering accident in 2021 that forced him to choose between an easier path and a harder one, he reflects on how resilience is developed long before it is ever tested.

Through stories, practical examples, and lessons learned both in and out of uniform, JD breaks down how habits, mindset, and small daily actions shape who we become under pressure. He challenges listeners to examine what they are training themselves to do—whether they are reinforcing comfort or building the capacity to endure discomfort and take responsibility.

Whether you're a military professional, first responder, business leader, coach, athlete, or someone striving to grow through adversity, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to build grit, develop resilience, and become the kind of person who is prepared when it matters most.

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Counter Culture Solutions Website

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JD's Instagram

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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 reputation as a warfighter, he found himself on a path that appeared to be leading toward greater responsibility and opportunity. Instead, a series of decisions, attitudes, and missteps placed his career on uncertain ground and forced him to confront difficult truths about himself.

Whether you're a military professional, first responder, business leader, coach, athlete, or someone navigating a challenging season of life, this episode offers an honest discussion about accountability, personal growth, resilience, and what it takes to recover when the future you've envisioned for yourself begins to slip away.

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The 2nd Mile Instagram

Counter Culture Solutions Instagram

Counter Culture Solutions Website

Hero Games Charity Instagram

Hero Games Charity Website

Hosts:

JD's Instagram

Johnny's Instagram

Willie's Instagram