Stories from the Stage

Arts and Music Series / 8 Seasons

Stories have the power to astonish us, make us laugh and cry, and open our hearts to the world. Hosted by Wes Hazard and Theresa Okokon, STORIES FROM THE STAGE invites storytellers from around the world to share extraordinary tales of what it means to be human. Each episode features both on-stage performances and interviews about their inspirations and craft, and the meaning behind their stories.

26m 59s / TV-PG

Quest | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A quest does not require you to be a knight in shining armor. But you do need a dream, courage, and a little luck. After fleeing Afghanistan, Zalaikha rebuilds her life in the U.S.; Karen makes a pilgrimage to Poland to learn about her mother's past; and Meg visits her daughter, who provides protection to Colombian farmers. Three storytellers, three interpretations of QUEST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Bucket List | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A bucket list is a way to keep track of our dreams. It also offers a look at who we are. Connie aims to close the gap with her heritage and language; KiM transforms a quest for perfection into a lesson in self-love and integrity; and Keith turns a Phoebe Bridgers concert into a bonding experience with his children. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BUCKET LIST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Sound Check | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Music has the power to define our narratives. Each chord strummed or note belted out is equally about identity and art. Melissa is the opening act for Bob Dylan in an evening charged with expectation; Jeffrey delivers a show in Des Moines, IA, and learns about fame; and Jason finds his voice, revealing a young man coming into his own. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SOUND CHECK.

Taking Flight | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Some people are terrified of flying yet others can't wait to take off. Heather confronts her worst fear: flying; Tom indulges in a midlife crisis splurge by purchasing a plane; and Linda learns the difference between curses and kindness during a bumpy flight. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TAKING FLIGHT.

Finding Family | Preview

30s / TV-PG

While some families are tied together by biology, others are created when people welcome children into their hearts and homes through adoption. Betsy helps her son make contact with his birth mother; Dan describes being smuggled out as an infant from Mexico; and Paul's relationship with his mom takes a twist when he adopts a baby boy. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FINDING FAMILY.

All Connected | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When it comes to overcoming challenges and finding contentment, connections often play an essential role. Jose chases his dream of playing football and learns life is about relationships; Darcy adopts four children and begins a family; and Kyle shares the love and wisdom he received on the Navajo reservation. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ALL CONNECTED, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Sacred Circle | Preview

30s / TV-PG

As a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, the circle is important for Native Americans. Rebekka honors the keeper of the connection between her people and culture; Charlie, who has light skin and hair, works to be accepted by fellow tribe members; and Levelle finds a path to meaning, healing, and helping after prison. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SACRED CIRCLE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

On Sacred Ground | Preview

30s / TV-PG

For Indigenous Americans, the sacred is connected to the land and traditional ways of seeing. Kevin rallies to oppose housing development on tribal land; Colleen's relationship with her mother provides a view of the judgement heaped on traditional healing; and Valery takes us on a hike...interrupted by Bigfoot! Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON SACRED GROUND, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Flourishing in the Desert | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The Southwest is hot and dry, but for millions of people, it’s a place to thrive. After her divorce, Lisa, a writer, redefines herself in the great outdoors; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel struggles with linguistic dualities; and after leaving California, Shareé wonders if she can find home. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FLOURISHING IN THE DESERT, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Stories from the Stage | Season 7 | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The seventh season of Stories from the Stage celebrates the unifying power of the human experience by showcasing extraordinary stories from ordinary people from all walks of life. Storytellers from across the country and around the world share true stories that will make you laugh, cry, and think. Hosted by Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard.

Beyond Cancer | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A cancer diagnosis changes life in innumerable ways. It also teaches us things about ourselves. Erinn applies lessons learned from Grey’s Anatomy to help her get care; Megan becomes an advocate after finding out her dream of motherhood will be altered; and Dwayne takes what he picked up back to the football field. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BEYOND CANCER, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Living with Cancer | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A cancer diagnosis changes our lives forever. But with science, fortitude, and love, people can - and do - survive. Despite losing her hair to chemo, Leslie finds beauty in her Blackness; Daniel and his partner use humor to cope with caregiving; and Mel fights the odds to overcome leukemia to become a runner. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LIVING WITH CANCER, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Animal Companions | Preview

30s / TV-PG

As we share life with our loyal companions, they in turn teach us about love, compassion, and mortality. Bill goes above and beyond to try and save the life of his son’s hamster; farming teaches Ray lessons about life and death; and Alta finds inner peace by swimming with a loon. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ANIMAL COMPANIONS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Pets | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Pets can turn our lives completely upside down, but we wouldn’t trade them for anything. "Music for Cats" helps Kendra live though the pandemic with a feline in heat; Suzanne’s hen Emily (Dickinson) takes a ride that ends up saving two roosters’ lives; and Tracey’s shih-tzu accidentally escapes and becomes a 12-pound hero. Three storytellers, three interpretations of PETS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

The One | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When we believe love has abandoned us, we think it'll never touch our lives again. If we persist, amazing things can happen. Esmond gets a second chance for a disastrous first date; Randy’s boyfriend’s mom learns the truth about her son’s "roommate;" and Betsy helps her teenage son make contact with his birth mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE ONE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Never the Same | Preview

30s / TV-PG

We are defined by turning points, choosing a path where nothing is ever the same again. Natasha and her team fights to bring Sesame Street to a newly democratic Russia; Johanne reconnects with her late father’s friend to navigate the end of life; and Dave decides to become a pro basketball player, despite talent. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NEVER THE SAME, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Brothers and Sisters | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Siblings may be friends or rivals. No matter how much time has elapsed, their connection is like the pieces of a puzzle. Drew’s brother helps him overcome his fear of water; Mary Liz fosters a boy, realizing his brother also needs them; and when MaryAnn develops an eating disorder, her sister steps in. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BROTHERS AND SISTERS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Siblings | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Siblings share many things; from the obvious to the seldom said of histories and hopes. Rebecca and her sons experience the many trials of military deployment; Joseph’s siblings rally when one of them is diagnosed with cancer; and after their father abandons the family, Anna and her sibs navigate the fallout. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SIBLINGS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Against the Odds | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Sometimes the odds are against us. But with effort and a little luck, they can sway in our favor. Vojislav finds a way to connect with his son with a disability; Alexis finally confronts the power of addiction and denial; and Irene discovers that in the face of racism, a great teacher can make a difference. Three storytellers, three interpretations of AGAINST THE ODDS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Defining Moments | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when she moves to the US from Moscow. Three storytellers, three interpretations of DEFINING MOMENTS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

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