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 cr…

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…

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 tr…

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…

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 Soluti…

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://positi…

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 Ho…

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 Johnn…

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 H…

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 Websi…

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 Cr…

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, c…

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 Cult…

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.…

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 o…

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…

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 Supporte…

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 …

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 th…

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-pharmaceutica…

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…

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 …

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, Mobil…

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 CrossF…

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 …

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 Her…

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 Ch…

We sit down with former Afghan Interpreter, "Ali", to discuss the dire situation his family faces in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. 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…

The four founding members of Hero Games Charity, two of which are the owners of Sharp Top CrossFit in Bedford, VA, discuss "Who We Are". 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…

We sit down with former Afghan Special Forces Soldier, "RPG", and discuss his recent escape from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. 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 Cross…