Rising Phoenix: The Podcast

Join us as we sit down with Peter Fortunato to talk about his incredible career as a creative videographer. He has worked with teams such as Elon football, Wake Forest basketball, Rutgers football and is now the Assistant Director of Creative Video for Ohio State football. We dive into his story about how he got to the top stage of college football and what it feels like to be a National Champion.

Join us as we talk to Rachel Mikolay to talk about her incredible journey from the lacrosse field to the world of sports media. After an unexpected medical setback ended her playing career, Rachel pivoted to social media, building her skills. Now, she’s making an impact on one of sports' biggest stages as the Tom Mickle Communications and Social Media Intern for the College Football Playoff. We dive into her story of resilience, creativity, and seizing new opportunities.

Join us as we talk to Elon Track & Field alum, Madison George. During her time at Elon, as an All-CAA Pole Vaulter, she defended her and undergraduate thesis as an Honors Scholar. She conducted an interdisciplinary research and development project leading to the design of the first women's pole vaulting shoes. Now at she's at Stanford University pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering. We talk about her remarkable journey and how she's grown at Elon and beyond.

Join us as we sit down with Jared Bunder about his time broadcasting for Elon Athletics. Now an Associate Engineer for Game Creek Video, he shares his journey from Elon Athletics to working on Thursday Night Football, NASCAR, the Super Bowl, and more.

Join us as we sit down with Javik Blake about his path to being a baseball broadcaster for the Biloxi Shuckers. We heard his story on how he got to Elon University and where he is going now post graduation.

Join us for a conversation with Clare Grant who talks about her time as a photographer for Elon Athletics, and how it has shaped her career in photography.

Join our hosts Chase and Aidan as they discuss their journey to Elon and how they both got involved with Elon Athletics and Rising Phoenix.

Join us for a conversation with Rising Phoenix founders Jacob, Joanna, & Daniel. Through their leadership, the organization has grown and surpassed the expectations of many. Alongside host Chase Strawser, they look back on the creation of Rising Phoenix, it's first year, and the future.

Join us for a conversation with Matt Krause as he discusses his time at Elon. From serving as a broadcaster for various Elon athletic programs throughout his four years and beyond, to his current role as the radio voice of the UNC-Chapel Hill Women’s Basketball team, we delve into his experience broadcasting Elon athletics, his journey from Elon to Chapel Hill, and how he discovered his passion for broadcasting.

Join us for a conversation with Aaron Smith Jr. who talks about his time at Elon and the journey he has been on since leaving campus in 2013. From playing overseas, to starting a business, to returning to higher education, and so much more.