The Rising Tide of Paralympic Storytelling: What ‘What Does It Accept?’ Signals for Sports Media
The second season of Rising Phoenix’s “What Does It Take?” podcast, launching ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, isn’t just another sports podcast. It represents a growing trend: a dedicated focus on the compelling narratives within the Paralympic movement, and a sophisticated approach to sports storytelling that’s resonating with audiences.
Beyond Inspiration: The Shift in Paralympic Coverage
For years, Paralympic coverage often leaned heavily on the “inspirational” angle – whereas valid, it sometimes overshadowed the athletes’ incredible skill, dedication, and competitive spirit. “What Does It Take?” hosted by Paralympic champion Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman, aims to delve deeper. The podcast promises to explore the realities of perseverance, sacrifice, and overcoming failure, offering a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of Paralympic athletes.
This shift aligns with a broader change in sports media. Fans are increasingly seeking stories that go beyond wins and losses, wanting to understand the human element behind athletic achievement. The podcast’s focus on personal narratives – as exemplified by upcoming interviews with Jack Wallace (Para ice hockey), Giacomo Bertagnolli (Para alpine skiing), Simone Barlaam (Para swimming), Andrea Macrì (Para ice hockey), Mia Larsen Sveberg (wheelchair curling), and Sydney Peterson (Para cross-country skiing) – caters directly to this demand.
The Power of Audio and Video in Paralympic Broadcasting
Rising Phoenix’s strategy extends beyond audio. The podcast will be complemented by video versions and social media content, recognizing the importance of multi-platform distribution. This is a smart move, as different audiences consume content in different ways. The availability across major audio platforms, coupled with visual content, maximizes reach, and engagement.
This multi-format approach mirrors the success of Rising Phoenix’s earlier work, including the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary, *Rising Phoenix*. The company understands the power of compelling visual and auditory storytelling to elevate the Paralympic movement.
Strategic Partnerships: P&G and the Milano Cortina 2026 Games
The support of Procter & Gamble (P&G) as a global partner highlights the increasing commercial interest in the Paralympics. Brands are recognizing the value of aligning themselves with the positive values and inspiring stories associated with the movement. This partnership provides crucial resources for production and distribution, amplifying the podcast’s impact.
The collaboration with the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee further solidifies the podcast’s role in promoting the Games and showcasing the athletes who will compete. This synergy between media production and event organization is a model for future Paralympic broadcasts.
The Future of Paralympic Media: What to Expect
The success of “What Does It Take?” could pave the way for several trends in Paralympic media:
- Increased Investment in Long-Form Storytelling: More documentaries, podcasts, and docuseries focusing on individual athletes and teams.
- Athlete-Led Content Creation: Empowering athletes to share their stories directly with fans through social media and other platforms.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Improved captioning, audio descriptions, and other accessibility features to build Paralympic content available to a wider audience.
- Data-Driven Storytelling: Utilizing data analytics to identify compelling narratives and personalize content for individual viewers.
FAQ
Q: Where can I listen to “What Does It Take?”
A: The podcast will be available on major audio platforms.
Q: Who is hosting the podcast?
A: Paralympic champion Matt “The Armless Archer” Stutzman is the host.
Q: What is Rising Phoenix?
A: Rising Phoenix is a production company behind award-winning films, docuseries, and podcasts focused on the Paralympic movement.
Pro Tip: Follow Rising Phoenix, the International Paralympic Committee, and Milano Cortina 2026 on social media for updates and exclusive content related to the podcast and the Games.
What stories from the Paralympic world are you most excited to hear? Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore more articles on adaptive sports and inclusive media!