What Does It Take?

Amy Purdy’s life changed in a matter of hours. One day she was healthy, working and snowboarding. Hours later, she was fighting for her life with bacterial meningitis — in full organ failure, in a coma, and close to flatlining multiple times. She survived, but lost both legs below the knee, along with part of her hearing and vital organ function.Joining Matt from a rooftop in central Milan on a bright, sunny morning – the day after watching the US women win gold in Olympic ice hockey – Amy reflects on what followed. Years shaped by vision, determination and an unshakable refusal to feel sorry for herself.A three-time Paralympic medallist from Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, Amy takes us inside the years it took to rebuild her life and her sport: testing and modifying prosthetics, manually adjusting feet and ankles run by run, and learning – quite literally – how to snowboard again from scratch. She also shares the behind-the-scenes story of learning to samba on prosthetic legs for the spectacular Opening Ceremony at Rio 2016, dancing solo with a robotic arm in front of an audience of millions.Beyond competition, Amy speaks about founding Adaptive Action Sports with her husband Daniel — a foundation dedicated to opening up access to adaptive snow sports — and why helping others believe in what’s possible has always mattered as much as medals.The conversation is thoughtful, honest and powerful — about purpose, pressure, creativity and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t follow the path you expected.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is unique for the series. Simone Barlaam joins as an official ambassador for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and the only guest who is not a current or former Winter Paralympian. The Italian star Para swimmer is an 8x Paralympic medallist. Simone is up there with the greatest Para swimmers of his generation. But for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, he is dedicating his time to promoting the Games on home soil with the hope of inspiring a new generation of disabled kids to take up sports.Simone tells us about his journey to the Paralympic Games, talks through his major successes at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, describes the resilience it takes to become one of the greatest Paralympians in the world, and how he uses his love of art and comics to promote Milano Cortina 2026.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features not one, but two Paralympian athletes and teammates.Ollie Hill and James Barnes-Miller aren’t just Para snowboard teammates — they’re close friends who train together, travel together, and push each other in different ways. Ollie rides with instinct and pace, often right on the limit. James brings a more measured approach, focused on control and consistency. That contrast has helped shape one of British Para snowboarding’s leading partnerships.Both have made history in their careers. James was the first British Para snowboarder to qualify for the Paralympic Winter Games in Para snowboarding. Ollie followed by becoming the first British Para snowboarder to win a medal for Great Britain at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.They speak to Matt about the need for consistency, the realities of crashing as part of the sport, and what it takes to prepare as a Para snowboarder from a country not renowned for its mountains. James opens up about why Milano Cortina will be his final Paralympic Winter Games. Ollie reflects on the pressure of following up on his medal success from Beijing.We catch up with them in Edinburgh during the ParalympicsGB team kitting out, as they begin their final preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Menna Fitzpatrick MBE is one of Great Britain’s most decorated Para Alpine skiers, racing at close to 90km/h with around five percent vision.Menna explains what she can actually see on the slope — often little more than a white “playing field” and the bright pink jacket of her guide, Katie. She breaks down how their communication works at speed, why tone matters as much as the words, and how trust is built not just on snow but through everyday moments — from navigating a restaurant to adventures like canyoning, go-karting and hiking to Everest Base Camp.She talks about her breakthrough seasons — including Crystal Globe success — and the reality of coming back from major injuries, where the hardest part is often the mental recovery. Looking ahead to Milano Cortina 2026 after a serious injury setback in December, Menna shares a clear focus: trust the process, get back to the start gate, and leave the Games with no regrets.We catch up with Menna from a gym in Edinburgh during the ParalympicsGB team kitting out ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giacomo Bertagnolli is undoubtedly one of the greatest Para alpine skiers of all time, skiings down the mountain at rapid speed with just 5% vision.After winning 4 medals at PyeongChang 2018 and another 4 medals at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, he arrives for the Milano Cortina 2026 with a new bold ambition: 5 gold medals across 5 core events. As one of the faces of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the spotlight is on — and Giacomo knows it…But Giacomo isn't just chasing medals. He is hoping to see his country change through hosting the Paralympic Winter Games for the second time. To see a new generation of disabled kids taking up Para sport, to see attitudes change, to see a meaningful legacy for disabled people across Italy.Giacomo joins Matt from his home in northern Italy, just hours from Milano Cortina, in the final stages of his preparations. He talks to Matt the importance of his guide, what it takes to perform under pressure, his hopes for the Games, his dreams beyond Milano Cortina 2026 and much more.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sydney Peterson spent 6 years knowing something didn’t feel quite right, but without a full understanding of why. At the age of 19 she was diagnosed with dystonia, which changed her life.Incredibly, soon after, Sydney shocked the world at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games by winning multiple medals, marking a breakout moment early in her Paralympic career.But Sydney is not just a great athlete. While training and preparing for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Sydney is also working in a neuroscience lab in Utah, studying for a PhD. Balancing her training with life in the lab has been no easy feat.Joining us from Soldier Hollow — one of the venues set to host the Utah 2034 Paralympic Winter Games — she talks to Matt about how she balances elite sport with her work and studies, what it takes to compete at the highest level, and what she’s most looking forward to as she enters the final weeks leading up to the Games.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest has built her life around two anchors: sport and music. And she’s used both to keep moving forward.Mia Larsen Sveberg is a young, female wheelchair curler – a sport dominated by older men and defined by precision and nerve. No sweeping, no corrections. If you miss your line or your weight, that’s it. But Mia’s story starts long before the ice.Raised in Norway by a father with a hearing impairment, sign language was her first language — and disability rights were part of everyday life. At ten, she joined her dad at protests in Oslo. In this episode, Matt Stutzman talks with Mia about losing control of her body as a teenager, finding her way back through music and discovering wheelchair curling during lockdown — then rising fast from taking up wheelchair curling to joining the national team and then arriving at the Paralympic stage in Beijing in 2022.We also get into the tactics of the game, competing in a mixed category and what it takes — mentally and physically — as she prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George Hinson Audio Producer: Esi Jonuzi Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest says he is enjoying his “second chance at life” — and he’s determined to use every second of it.Jack Wallace is a two-time Paralympic gold medallist in Para ice hockey — one of the fastest, most physical winter sports in the world. Full contact. Played on sleds. Pucks flying at blistering speeds. At the age of 10, a boating accident led to the loss of his right leg, a moment that didn’t end his sporting dream — it redirected it.Now, as he builds toward the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Jack is hoping to win a third Paralympic gold in a row, after the US team won at both Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022. But this episode isn’t just about medals. It’s about trajectory — how an athlete rebuilds physically and mentally, how standards rise as the stage gets bigger and what preparation really looks like when you’re chasing the top of the podium again.We catch up with Jack deep in training mode, focused on the final phase of preparation and what it takes to keep raising the ceiling.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George Hinson Audio Producer: Esi Jonuzi Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is helping shape what these Games leave behind — and he’s doing it from both sides of the arena.Andrea Macrì is a four-time Paralympian, the assistant captain of Italy’s Para ice hockey team, and the Legacy Integration Manager for the Organising Committee for Milano Cortina 2026. His focus isn’t just his performance and a dream of a first medal — it’s what happens after the closing ceremony and the legacies on offer for disabled people across Italy from hosting the Games.Andrea takes us back to the moment everything changed: a school accident at 17 that left him with a spinal cord injury and spending months in hospital. What pulled him forward was “sport rehabilitation” — which led to a career as a Paralympian.In conversation with Matt Stutzman, Andrea explains what legacy really means: not just ramps and infrastructure, but changing attitudes — and building a country where people with disabilities can try sport without barriers. He also talks about the reality of Para ice hockey in Italy — a small player base, limited ice time, huge ambition — and why the home Games are a once-in-a-generation chance to grow the sport for good.We catch up with Andrea as he prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, both on and off the rink.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George Hinson Audio Producer: Esi Jonuzi Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From his garage in Iowa, Paralympic gold medallist and “Armless Archer” Matt Stutzman has open, unguarded conversations with some of the Paralympic Winter Games’ most remarkable athletes and ambassadors — one athlete to another — about what it really takes to get to the Games.As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approach, Paralympic gold medallist Matt Stutzman returns for a second series of What Does It Take? Matt sits down with Paralympic winter athletes and Milano Cortina 2026 ambassadors to hear first-hand what it takes to do what they do and their hopes and aspirations for Milano Cortina 2026, taking place on the 50 year anniversary of the Paralympic Winter Games.This is a chance for listeners to get to know the elite athletes going for the medals, to invest in their journeys, and to understand what it really takes to be an elite athlete, all whilst capturing the excitement and spirit of the Paralympic Winter Games. By getting to know these athletes, the series offers a rare look at the people behind the performances and their journeys to the world stage.Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.This is a Harder Than You Think production.Host: Matt StutzmanProducers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa WheelerVideo Editor: Nic WoinilowiczAudio Post Production: String and TinsSound Editor: Culum SimpsonRemote Recording Engineer: George HinsonAudio Producer: Esi JonuziExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby SpurrierThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Star Paralympian and Angel City Sports co-founder, Ezra Frech, sat down for a special live show bonus episode in Paris with Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson. This week, both Ezra and Matt won their first gold medals at the Paralympic Games. They reflect on their experiences and describe how it feels to join the “gold medalist" club alongside Michael.Looking to the future, Michael emphasises the power of storytelling in building awareness and promoting Paralympians to new audiences as Ezra and Matt look forward to the potential impact from what comes next, a Summer Paralympics in their home country.   In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partner Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Tide.“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.This is a Harder Than You Think production.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducer: Calum Campbell and Barnaby Spurrier Editor: Dennis Mabry Additional Video Production: Nic WoinilowiczExecutive Producer: Greg NugentFor more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty eight years on from representing France at the Atlanta Paralympics, Ludivine Munos (nee Loiseau) is giving her all to ensure the first Paralympics ever to take place in her country is a huge success.One of France’s most decorated Paralympic athletes, Ludivine is bringing the skill and determination she displayed in the pool to her role as a senior member of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee. She talks to Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and Olympic legend Michael Johnson about the work that goes into delivering a Paralympic Games, even providing tips for the LA 2028 Organising Committee.Ludivine and Matt speak powerfully about the importance of the Paralympic Movement and their twin desire to promote it in all that they do. In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Paralympic swimming legend and Paris 2024 Integration Manager, Ludivine Munos joins the pair for the final episode.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordArchive: Paris 2024, Daily Motion, IPC, France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine - Championnat de France de natation handisport de LimogesFor more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Steadman was just 15 years old when she first competed as a para swimmer at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics; but despite her talent and dedication she went home empty handed. An experience she repeated in London in 2012. Lauren talks to fellow Paralympian Matt Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson about her decision to switch to Para Triathlon and the triumph that soon followed. But what happens to an athlete once they win the Paralympic gold medal they’ve worked all their lives to achieve? Lauren explains why she needed to step away from competing for a bit and what she’s learned about herself and other elite athletes while completing a pHD in Psychology.Our hosts put their French to the test to see if they can follow the Triathlon route through the city of love.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Paralympic swimming legend and Paris 2024 Integration Manager, Ludvine Munos joins the pair for the final episode.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordArchive: IPC Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paralympic track and field star Hunter Woodhall joins legendary sprinter Michael Johnson for an inspiring conversation about their shared experiences in the 400m. Alongside fellow Paralympian Matt Stutzman, Hunter delves into the meticulous process of perfecting their gear, the mindset required to excel at the highest level and the unique challenges of competing on blades.As the first double amputee to earn a Division 1 athletics scholarship at a top US university, Hunter shares his journey of overcoming adversity and channeling that drive into becoming the fastest man on two blades. Beyond the track, he discusses his entrepreneurial ventures and how he’s successfully built a brand that resonates with millions.Together with his wife, Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall, Hunter offers a glimpse into their life as a powerhouse couple. They share how they’ve cultivated a dedicated following on social media, secured major sponsorships, and balanced their demanding training schedules with growing business endeavors.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by academic and para triathlete Lauren Steadman.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordArchive: FloTrack, Tara & Hunter - YouTube, USA Today, NBC, World Para AthleticsFor more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paralympic star and Queen of the pool Anastasia Pagonis lost her sight at the age of 14, sending her into a spiral of despair. She talks openly to Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and Olympic legend Michael Johnson about her struggles with mental health and how swimming offered her a freedom and sense of control she lacked on dry land. The twenty-year-old from Long Island explains how her “partner in crime”, her beloved guide dog Radar has helped boost her confidence and how she aims to raise the profile of blind people while humorously dispelling myths through her wildly popular social media channels.Anastasia brought back a gold and a bronze from the Tokyo Paralympics and is determined to increase her medal haul at the Paralympic Games this summer; but that’s not before she chooses the color of her blackout goggles and posts a carwash themed TikTok with Matt.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by track and social media star Hunter Woodhall.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordArchive: IPC Tokyo 2020, Procter & Gamble,TikTok Anastasia Pagonis (@anastasia_k_p) Official Instagram @anastasia_k_pFor more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paralympic Rower and cross-country skier Birgit Skarstein takes a break from her punishing two sport training regime to talk to the Armless Archer, Matt Stutzman, and track and field legend Michael Johnson.Learn how Birgit’s “gratitude list” helped her to stay positive despite a severe spinal cord injury and made her determined to grasp every opportunity that comes her way. Birgit describes falling in love with para sport during a trip to watch the London 2012 Paralympics and deciding to become more involved.Be it survival expeditions, skiing, rowing or dancing with the stars Birgit is up for any challenge and is a real force of nature when it comes to putting the “able” into disabled. Matt and Michael find out how Squid Game and Die Hard feature in elite rowing.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by Queen of The Pool, Anastasia Pagonis.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordArchive: IPC Tokyo 2020, Skal vi Danse, Monsen Ingen Grenser S2For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gustavo Fernández has won just about every major trophy in wheelchair tennis, but there is one that eludes him - a Paralympic medal. He takes a break from his packed schedule to talk to Paralympic silver medallist Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson about his determination to medal at this summer’s Paralympics. Gustavo talks about growing up in Argentina, a country working toward giving disabled people better opportunities. We hear about his route into sport and the toll it has taken on his body. The trio explore pay and sponsorship discrepancies between non-disabled and disabled elite athletes and Matt volunteers Michael’s services as a giver of ice baths to soothe Gustavo’s aches and pains.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by summer and winter Paralympian Birgit Skarstein.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think. Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.Archive Material: IPC Rio 2016, The Championship Wimbledon 2015, Australian Open TV 2017For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blind footballer Gaël Rivière joins Paralympic silver medallist Matt Stutzman, “The Armless Archer”, and Olympic track legend Michael Johnson in the studio to talk about playing the beautiful game when you can’t see the ball.Gaël learned to play soccer with his friends on Reunion Island by putting the ball in a plastic bag so he could hear it. These days he plays with a special sounding ball which Matt and Michael get to hear and try out for themselves.In 2012, Gaël was part of Les Bleus silver medal winning team at the London 2012 Paralympics, an event that he thinks revolutionized the way people view disability sport. He hopes his home Games in Paris this summer will be even better and show the world what people with disabilities can do. Gaël and Michael reflect on the joys and pressures of competing at home.In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by wheelchair tennis ace Gustavo Fernandez.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel hereThis is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think. Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.Archive Material: IPC London 2012, Paris 2024 promotional video, IBSA Blind Football European Championships 2017, World Grand Prix France 2022For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kadeena Cox regularly strikes gold in both Para Athletics and Para Cycling but what does it take to succeed in not one, but TWO sports? She joins Paralympic silver medallist Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and legendary Olympian Michael Johnson to share just how she reached the top of two very different Paralympic sportsKadeena’s athletic career began in able-bodied sport, but a stroke followed by an MS diagnosis put an end to that. Our hosts learn how grit and determination resulted in Kadeena dominating on the athletics track and in the cycling velodrome at successive Paralympic Games.Kadeena talks candidly about issues faced by those with non-visible disabilities and her work to promote diverse ethnic communities in elite cycling. But can Michael encourage speed demons Matt and Kadeena to team up in a tandem?In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by proud member of Les Bleus, the blind footballer, Gaël Rivière.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here.This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think. Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of video: Oliver GeraghtyVideo production: Dan Pape Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George DomanPerformed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.Archive Material: IPC Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020For more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What exactly does it take to become an elite Paralympian? Paralympic silver medallist Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman and track and field legend Michael Johnson know what it takes to succeed at the highest level. They chat about their new podcast Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? and what to expect from the Paralympic Games this summer.Across eight episodes, these sporting friends will meet some of the most talented Paralympians in the world. They’ll ask “what it takes” to make it at the highest level of Paralympic sport. In this introductory episode, we find out how Michael and Matt first met, just how much they enjoy making each other laugh, why they want to do this podcast series together and what happens when you Google: “How to teach an armless man to shoot a bow”.Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas. This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think. Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt StutzmanProducers: Marilyn Rust and Calum CampbellDirector of Video: Oliver GeraghtyExecutive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie CliffordThe podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.Archive Material: IPC - London 2012, AllOutdoorTVFor more from Rising Phoenix, follow on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok or visit risingphoenix.global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.