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

Lost and Found Part 2 | Promo

30s / TV-PG

We lose all sorts of things. But when we find things unexpectedly, it can seem like a miracle. Anna’s spilled coffee reunites a family separated; a leather jacket connects Scott to one of his childhood idols; and Ewa loses a sausage to airport security, but discovers a secret. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LOST AND FOUND, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

It's All Relative | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Family. Sometimes they choose us, sometimes we choose them. Anoush tries out the party life and finds her family waiting when she crashes; Jerry and his wife become foster parents, and face disaster on day one; and George pranks his overprotective mother with red ink. Three storytellers, three interpretations of IT'S ALL RELATIVE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Lost and Found Part 1 | Promo

30s / TV-PG

There’s nothing worse than the moment we lose something precious. And there’s nothing more satisfying than finding that lost something. Richard learns that the best teacher is a student; Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross borders; and Jim finds himself in the blue iris of his eye's replacement. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LOST AND FOUND, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

You Can't Pick Your Family | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Recalling the moments that redefine the meaning of family. Alison is reunited with her distant dad after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis; Rose is left homeless when her father gambles away the family home; and Tae learns about acceptance & love while choosing a musical instrument. Three storytellers, three interpretations of YOU CAN'T PICK YOUR FAMILY, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Wanderlust | Promo

30s / TV-PG

It’s nearly universal - to explore the world and in doing so, learning something about yourself along the way. Julian finds the meaning of home on a road trip to Ohio; Jeffrey delivers a perfect show to a deserted bar in Des Moines, Iowa; and Renata goes ghost hunting in Kentucky and discovers we all have a zany side. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WANDERLUST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Uh Oh | Promo

30s / TV-PG

“It seemed like a good idea at the time...” Paul fears for his job at Polaroid after posting a saucy FAQ; Ken and his three friends discover that staging a public fight can have hair-raising consequences; and Bruce reveals the thrills - and the ultimate downside - of a teenage shoplifting spree. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UH OH, hosted by Mike Tow.

In the Dog House | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Paying tribute to our canine companions. Robin puts it all on the line for her dream job: a gig on the Oscar Mayer® Weinermobile; the love of two dogs enriches Lina’s life after she is left blind; and Ron comes to understand a tragedy through the loss of his dog. Three storytellers, three interpretations of IN THE DOG HOUSE, hosted by Mike Tow.

Road Trip | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Road Trip! On the highway where anything can happen, take a ride on a journey that changed everything. Melissa tells us about the night she opened for Bob Dylan; Suzanne drives home with a feisty ram; and Akshobh discovers hospitality and humanity in the wilderness. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ROAD TRIP, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Is there anything more fickle than the human heart in love? Joe’s marriage proposal turns to be more unexpected than planned; Lauren’s broken heart is held together by one hundred women; and Aaron faces his fear of adventure to embrace his wife’s spirit. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Holiday Surprise | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Holidays happen every year but they can bring an element of surprise. Lani’s Thanksgiving cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Phil calls out the monks to break up a street fight between witches and preachers; and Diana leans in for a special New Year’s kiss. Three storytellers, three interpretations of HOLIDAY SURPRISE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Stand Up | Promo

30s / TV-PG

There are those moments when you have to stand up and speak out, changing everything. Andy takes his political activism door-to-door; Katie discovers how compassion can cross the language barrier; and Yvette battles exclusion by redefining her Blackness. Three storytellers, three interpretations of STAND UP, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Take a Stand | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Sometimes, you have to stick up for yourself, or somebody else...even when that little voice tells you it’s safer to keep quiet. Rev. Mariama gets down and dirty for a cause; Myles stops ignoring his stutter; and Tereza speaks up about her undocumented status. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TAKE A STAND, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Deadly Sins | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Most often, we do the right thing. But sometimes, our switch gets flipped and we lose control. Kevin goes postal in the post office; Ashley's patience is tested by FEMA after a flood in her community; and Khuyen has his life stolen by a life-tracking app. Three storytellers, three interpretations of DEADLY SINS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

School Days: Student Tales | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Remember school? It’s where kids learn and where knowledge sometimes comes only after pain. Cecelia battles a learning disability that leaves everyone and Cecilia herself baffled; Anna reluctantly welcomes a newcomer who struggles socially; and Furquaan finds that violent solutions have a down side. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SCHOOL DAYS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

School Days: Teacher Tales | Promo

30s / TV-PG

For teachers and students alike, school is a place to struggle mightily. Ben works to transform swooning preschool girls into dragon-slaying warrior princesses; Donna finishes the school year with Sister-ly help; and Crystal climbs the ladder of higher education, aided by secret admirers. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SCHOOL DAYS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Make It or Break It | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Personal challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Michele turns lemons into lemonade when she gets busted moonlighting during an internship; Matthew spins a nightmare date into a life lesson and lasting friendships; and Mikelina Googles her way to combining two worlds that seem impossible to mesh. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Kitchen Confessions | Promo

30s / TV-PG

For some, cooking is a refuge. And for others, it's a salty nightmare. Javed pits his meager cooking skills against those of his chef father; Alan explores cooking with a romantic partner; and Executive Chef Karen relives a restaurant shift from hell. Three storytellers, three interpretations of KITCHEN CONFESSIONS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Holiday Horror | Promo

30s

Holidays can be a source of joy, stress...or horror! Cyndi lands a gig as one of Santa’s elves and uncovers a gruesome reality; Ekhlas waits hungrily as calamity creates an epically long Ramadan fast; and Matt gathers his courage at Thanksgiving to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Plus, Wes Hazard shares a hilarious Christmas story involving his younger self.

Suitcase Stories Part 2 | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Immigrant stories of yesterday and today. Landscape architect Nano flees Syria to pursue her musical dream; Szifra discovers the hidden meaning of her name; and Abhishek becomes a meat-eating American. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SUITCASE STORIES, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

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