The podcasting world is abuzz with the launch of a new series that promises to delve deep into the lives and journeys of Paralympic athletes. Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?, a podcast produced by Harder Than You Think and Persephonica, is set to offer an unprecedented look into the world of Paralympians. Hosted by two remarkable athletes—Matt “the Armless Archer” Stutzman, a world record holder in archery, and Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic Gold medalist—the podcast aims to shine a spotlight on the often unheard stories of star Paralympians. As the world gears up for the Paralympics, this podcast offers a unique and compelling narrative that will resonate with sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
The Hosts: Matt Stutzman and Michael Johnson
Matt Stutzman: The Armless Archer
Matt Stutzman is no stranger to challenges. Born without arms, he has defied the odds to become one of the most accomplished archers in the world. Holding the world record for the longest accurate shot in archery, Matt’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. As a US Paralympian, Matt has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and his story is a testament to resilience and determination. In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?, Matt brings his unique perspective and experiences to the forefront, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the life of a Paralympian.
Michael Johnson: A Legend in Track and Field
Michael Johnson, a name synonymous with excellence in track and field, needs no introduction. With four Olympic Gold medals to his name, Michael is one of the most successful athletes in history. Known for his storytelling abilities, Michael has a deep appreciation for the power of sports stories. In this podcast, he uses his platform to amplify the voices of Paralympians, providing a platform for them to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. His involvement in Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? adds a layer of credibility and gravitas to the podcast, making it a must-listen for sports fans.
Exploring the Stories of Paralympians
The podcast is structured as an eight-part series, with each episode featuring in-depth stories from Paralympians around the world. These stories, often untold, provide a window into the lives of athletes who have overcome tremendous obstacles to reach the pinnacle of their sports. The interviews are candid, emotional, and inspiring, documenting the athletes’ journeys to the Games and shedding light on the unique challenges they face.
Guests on the Podcast
The podcast features a diverse lineup of guests, each bringing their own unique story to the table. Some of the notable athletes include:
- Hunter Woodhall: A US para track star who has captured the hearts of many with his incredible performances on the track.
- Kadeena Cox: A British sprinter and cyclist who has achieved remarkable success in both sports.
- Birgit Skarstein: A Norwegian rowing champion who has dominated the sport despite the challenges she faces.
- Gustavo Fernández: An Argentinian wheelchair tennis star who has made a name for himself on the international stage.
- Gaël Rivière: A French Blind Footballer whose skills on the field have earned him recognition and respect.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Podcast
Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? was recorded in the adidas arena, a location that embodies the spirit and excitement of the Paralympic Games. The setting adds a layer of authenticity to the podcast, as the athletes share their stories in an environment that reflects their dedication to their sports.
The Role of Harder Than You Think and Persephonica
Harder Than You Think, the production company behind the podcast, is known for its award-winning films, TV shows, and podcasts that tell the stories of the Paralympics. Their work includes the 2020 Emmy award-winning Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix, a film that chronicles the history of the Paralympic Games and challenges societal perceptions of disability. With Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?, Harder Than You Think continues its mission to elevate the voices of Paralympians and bring their stories to a global audience.
Persephonica, the co-producer of the podcast, specializes in storytelling that takes listeners behind the scenes of major events in politics, history, and entertainment. With a track record of working with some of the biggest names in the world, including Dua Lipa and Lily Allen, Persephonica brings its expertise in high-quality audio production to this project. The collaboration between Harder Than You Think and Persephonica has resulted in a podcast that is both informative and engaging, offering listeners a rare insight into the lives of Paralympians.
The Impact of Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?
The launch of Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? comes at a time when the world is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of inclusivity and representation in sports. The podcast not only highlights the achievements of Paralympians but also challenges listeners to rethink their perceptions of disability and athleticism. Through the stories shared in the podcast, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, dedication, and resilience required to compete at the highest level of sports.
The Role of Sponsors: Procter & Gamble and adidas
The podcast is supported by Procter & Gamble and adidas, both of which are global partners of the Rising Phoenix series. Their involvement in the podcast underscores their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. By supporting this project, Procter & Gamble and adidas are helping to bring the stories of Paralympians to a wider audience, furthering the conversation around disability and representation in the sporting world.
The Legacy of Rising Phoenix
Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? is the latest addition to the Rising Phoenix series, which has had a profound impact on the way people view the Paralympic Games. The 2020 Netflix documentary, Rising Phoenix, was a game-changer, bringing the stories of Paralympians to a global audience and challenging societal perceptions of disability. The podcast builds on this legacy, offering a new platform for Paralympians to share their stories and inspire others.
Matt Stutzman on the Power of the Podcast
Matt Stutzman, who played a key role in the Rising Phoenix movie, is excited about the potential of the podcast to reach even more people. “I was proud to be part of the Rising Phoenix movie and proud of its impact on the Paralympic movement. This podcast series is going to take this to a whole new level,” says Stutzman. He hopes that the stories shared in the podcast will change how people think about disability and inspire a new generation of athletes.
Michael Johnson on the Art of Storytelling
Michael Johnson, a master storyteller in his own right, is equally enthusiastic about the podcast. “I love storytelling. As an elite athlete, I am always looking for great stories from sport that demonstrate high performance and the pursuit of excellence,” says Johnson. He believes that the podcast offers a unique opportunity to share the extraordinary stories of Paralympic athletes with the world, and he is excited to be a part of it.
The Future of Paralympic Storytelling
As the world continues to evolve, so too does the way we tell stories. The launch of Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? marks a new chapter in the storytelling of Paralympians. With the support of global partners, world-class production teams, and the athletes themselves, the podcast is set to become a landmark series in the world of sports storytelling.
Greg Nugent on the Importance of the Podcast
Greg Nugent, founder and president of Harder Than You Think, believes that the podcast offers a rare insight into the lives of Paralympians. “These amazing in-depth discussions about what it really takes to be a Paralympian are remarkable portraits of remarkable athletes. They provide a rare insight into exactly what it takes to perform at the level needed to compete in the Paralympics,” says Nugent. He is confident that the podcast will resonate with listeners and help to change perceptions of disability in sports.
Dino Sofos on the Power of Storytelling
Dino Sofos, CEO and founder of Persephonica, is proud to be partnering with Harder Than You Think on this ambitious new podcast series. “We’re very proud to be partnering with Harder Than You Think to produce this ambitious new podcast series. Persephonica specializes in storytelling that takes listeners behind the scenes of major events in politics, history, and entertainment. This show is no exception – Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman are two of the most recognizable and experienced athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics. They are the perfect guides to introduce our audience to explore what it really takes to become a Paralympian,” says Sofos.
Conclusion
Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? is more than just a podcast—it’s a celebration of the human spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Through the stories of Paralympians, the podcast offers listeners a unique and inspiring perspective on what it takes to compete at the highest level of sports. With the support of global partners, world-class production teams, and the athletes themselves, the podcast is set to become a landmark series in the world of sports storytelling.
Listeners can find Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? on all major podcast platforms. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a Paralympic fan, or someone who simply enjoys a good story, this podcast is sure to inspire and captivate you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear the stories of some of the most remarkable athletes in the world.
