Paralympic Podcast Returns for Milano Cortina 2026 Games

A podcast celebrating the world's top winter Paralympic athletes returns just in time for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Matt Stutzman, the Paralympic champion known as "The Armless Archer," hosts season two of "What Does It Take?" The show dives deep into the personal stories of athletes competing in winter Paralympic sports, from para ice hockey to wheelchair curling.

Season two features 10 episodes with incredible guests from around the world. Jack Wallace from Team USA's para ice hockey team talks about pursuing a fifth straight gold medal. Giacomo Bertagnolli, an Italian para alpine skiing star, shares what it means to compete as a home country hero.

Sydney Peterson balances training as a Team USA para cross-country skier with working on her PhD in neuroscience. Mia Larsen Sveberg juggles wheelchair curling with teaching music in Norway. Andrea Macrì serves as vice-captain of Italy's para ice hockey team while working in Milano Cortina 2026's Legacy Department.

The podcast launches as the Paralympic Winter Games celebrates its 50th anniversary. Each episode explores what it truly takes to win, persevere, sacrifice, and overcome failure at the highest level of winter sports.

Why This Inspires

These conversations reveal the dedication behind Paralympic success. Athletes don't just train their bodies but balance careers, education, and personal challenges while competing at world-class levels. Their stories show that excellence comes from whole lives lived with purpose, not just from time on the field or slopes.

The series comes from the team behind "Rising Phoenix," the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary. Procter & Gamble supports the podcast alongside the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee.

Episodes drop across all major listening platforms over the coming weeks. Video versions will appear on Rising Phoenix, International Paralympic Committee, and Milano Cortina 2026 channels.

"Through conversations with these incredible winter athletes, I hope to learn more," Stutzman says about returning to host. His curiosity drives each episode, creating space for athletes to share their authentic journeys.

The timing couldn't be better, with the Games starting in just days and excitement building worldwide.