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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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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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, and competitive shooting, Joshua and Antoiwon explore where competition fits within a broader training path and how different experiences shape performance, decision-making, and personal development.

The conversation covers topics including neural adaptation, training glidepath, performance under pressure, cognitive overload, and the realities of preparing for lethal force encounters. Together, they examine how competition, training, and real-world experience intersect, while offering practical perspectives for military personnel, law enforcement officers, armed professionals, competitors, and prepared civilians alike.

Whether you're deeply involved in the competition world, focused on defending yourself or your family, or simply seeking a more informed perspective on training, this episode provides an honest and professional discussion about developing capability, understanding context, and making intentional decisions about where and how you invest your training time.

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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 Eric’s life, exploring not just the Ranger he became but the young man behind the uniform. Jim and Becky share reflections on what it meant to see Eric choose the path of service, the bonds he built within the Regiment, and how his memory continues to shape their lives today.

Joshua and Johnny also discuss the 2025 Hero Games and the powerful role it played for the Hario family—Jim as a competitor, Becky as a spectator. Together they highlight the mission of Hero Games, the importance of honoring Gold Star Families, and how events like these carry forward the legacies of those who gave everything.

This is more than remembrance—it’s a reminder of why we gather, why we honor, and why we carry these stories forward. If you’ve ever wondered about the true weight of sacrifice and the mission to keep names like Eric’s alive, this episode will leave a lasting impact.

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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, embracing adversity, and using the Hero’s Journey framework to forge resilience and clarity. They break down what participants can expect, the thought process behind the course structure, and how it differs from traditional leadership or self-improvement programs.

Beyond the course itself, the conversation explores the psychology of transformation, the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones, and why so many people feel stuck in today’s world. Along the way, Joshua and Barb share personal insights, lessons learned, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from developing this unique experience.

If you’ve been looking for a way to reset, find direction, or simply push yourself beyond the ordinary, this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!

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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 Games, honoring the legacy of SGT Robert Sanchez and celebrating camaraderie and resilience.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the formation of Counter Culture Solutions, its mission, and the journey so far in helping individuals build a culture of safety and preparedness. Finally, they tackle one of the year's quirkiest topics: mysterious drones over New Jersey. Are they aliens, hobbyists, or something else entirely?

Whether you’re here for inspiring reflections or curious insights, this episode offers a perfect mix of substance, storytelling, and a few laughs along the way. Don’t miss it!

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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 explore the purpose behind the course, the type of participants it’s geared toward, and the core concepts it covers. From developing a resilient mindset and sharpening situational awareness to mastering boundary control, weapon employment, and everyday carry (EDC) strategies, they break down how the course blends instruction with practical exercises to create a transformative learning experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a concerned civilian, this episode will give you valuable insights into how the Violent Encounter Survival Course can prepare you for real-world threats. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the experts and get inspired to take control of your personal safety.

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