A new series of What Does It Take? is now live ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Rising Phoenix has launched season two of its podcast in partnership with the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, shifting the focus to Winter Paralympians as the Games mark their 50th anniversary.
The 10-part series is hosted by Paralympic champion and world record holder Matt Stutzman, known as The Armless Archer, who returns after co-hosting the first season with Michael Johnson in the build up to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
This time, Matt speaks to leading Winter Paralympians about their experiences of elite sport, resilience and preparation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which begin this week.
Guests include Team USA Para ice hockey player Jack Wallace, Italian Para alpine skier Giacomo Bertagnolli, Italian swimmer and Games ambassador Simone Barlaam, Italian Para ice hockey vice-captain Andrea Macrì, Norwegian wheelchair curler Mia Larsen Sveberg and US cross-country skier Sydney Peterson.
Episodes will be released over the coming weeks, with athletes joining remotely from around the world.
Video versions and social content will also be distributed across Rising Phoenix, the International Paralympic Committee and Milano Cortina 2026 channels.
Matt Stutzman says: “I’m excited to be back for a second season of What Does It Take? ahead of the Winter Games.
“As a Paralympian, I know the power of the Paralympic Games, and through conversations with these incredible winter athletes and hearing about their incredible stories in the series, I hope to learn more.”
Calum Campbell, Director of Development at Harder Than You Think, says: “This is the first time our work has focused on Winter Paralympians, making it an exciting step for us.”
Livia Draghi, Head of Audio-Visual Productions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, says the series “offers a unique insight into the determination, talent, and humanity that define the Paralympic Movement”.
Supported by Rising Phoenix’s global partner, Procter & Gamble, the new series launches today, 3 March.
