Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?

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 Nugent

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 Limoges

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 2016

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 Athletics

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_p

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 S2

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 2017

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 2022

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 2020