EXCLUSIVE: Content company Harder Than You Think (HTYT) and podcast creator Persephonica have unveiled Paralympian podcast Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?.
The production – which is a spin-off the Emmy-winning Paralympic documentary Rising Phoenix – is co-hosted by U.S. Paralympian Matt ‘the Armless Archer’ Stutzman, and Michael Johnson, the track and field legend with four Olympic Gold medals under his belt.
The eight-part series, which aim to explain the sacrifice and effort it takes to make it as a Paralympian, is launches today, as excitement builds around the upcoming Paralympics in Paris from August 28 to September 8.
Stutzman and Johnson will talk to a range of Paralympians including U.S. track star Hunter Woodhall, UK sprinter and cyclist Kadeena Cox, Norwegian rowing champion Birgit Skarstein; Argentinian wheelchair tennis star Gustavo Fernández and French Blind Footballer Gaël Rivière.
Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? is the latest production in a series of films, TV shows and podcasts produced by HTYT to tell the story of the Paralympics.
Stutzman, who was born without arms and uses his legs and feet when competing in archery contests, won a silver medal in the 2012 Paralympics, and also took part in the 2016 edition. He also featured in the original Rising Phoenix documentary
“I was proud to be part of the Rising Phoenix movie and proud of its impact on the Paralympic movement,” he said.
“This podcast series is going to take this to a whole new level. As a Paralympian, I know the power of the Games, but through these athletes’ incredible stories in the series I hope we will change how people think about disability forever.”
Iconic sprinter Johnson, who enjoyed a high-profile 2024 Olympics as one of the athletics commentator for the BBC, said the opportunity to work on the podcast fed into his passions.
“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. We’ve spoken to some extraordinary Paralympic athletes for this podcast, and I am excited to have worked with the team behind Rising Phoenix to share their stories with the world this summer,” he said.
HTYT Founder and President Greg Nugent said the discussions offered a rare insight into the challenge of reaching the level needed to compete in the Paralympics.
“These amazing in-depth discussions about what it really takes to be a Paralympian are remarkable portraits of remarkable athletes,” he said.
Persephonica CEO and founder Dino Sofo said the show chimed with its slate of podcasts tackling politics, history and entertainment, which include Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver’s Miss Me, Dua Lipa: At You Service, and Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall’s The News Agents.
“Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman are two of the most recognisable 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.”
This new series is supported by Procter & Gamble and adidas, and will be available on all podcast providers.