What Does It Take?

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.

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.

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.

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