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

All Mixed Up | Promo

30s / TV-PG

When you live between two cultures, searching for your place in the world can be a journey. Harleen watches perceptions change based on the race of the man she’s dating; Mayowa asserts her Black identity, despite her light skin; and Samantha's mixed race friend shows her what life is like when assumptions are made. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ALL MIXED UP, hosted by Wes Hazard.

She Persisted | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Through the whispers of doubt, nevertheless, they persisted. In Afghanistan, Mahboba journeys to her classroom against all odds; Crystal climbs the ladder of higher education, aided by some secret admirers; and Joan learns that it’s never too late to radically change her life. Three stories, three interpretations of SHE PERSISTED.

Good Kind of Trouble | Promo

30s / TV-PG

The late John Lewis took pride in creating “good trouble” and standing up against unfairness. Maulian fights to ban "Indian" mascots in Maine schools; Ronald stands up for his integrated marriage; and Dr. Wanda’s boss pushes back against patients who don’t want to see her because of her name. Three stories, three interpretations of GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Growing Up Black Part 2 |Promo

30s / TV-PG

Growing up Black in America means cultural bonds, the struggle for visibility, and all too often, unearned judgement. Valerie teaches her students about Africa's greatest explorer; U-Meleni brings her son to a protest of George Floyd’s death; and Harold shows how fear of the police affects his everyday life. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK PART 2, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Love Hurts | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Why isn't it easy to find the right person to love? No one knows the right answer, but with every misstep, we learn to keep searching. Nimisha breaks her parents’ rules and dates outside her Indian culture; Max García learns to interpret the secret language of love; and Lauren's broken heart is held together by one hundred women in rural Colorado.

Mi Familia | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Families are made of unique individuals with different takes on life. What binds them together is love. El, a non-binary comedian, comes out to their conservative father; Sarah confronts the notion of being “illegal” when she meets her boyfriend’s family; and Nestor is reminded of a family separation deep in his past. Three stories, three interpretations of MI FAMILIA, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Holiday Spirit | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit. David Dean Bottrell discovers his passion after stealing the school play's spotlight; Andrea Kamens’s bright menorah cuts through the darkness of anti-semitism; and Joe Charnitski tries to break a nightmare-before-Christmas bad luck streak.

Courage | Promo

30s / TV-PG

When you take a stand with your resolve unwavering, that rapidly beating heart signals courage. In the wake of a broken romance, Vanessa embraces adventure in Paris; when her writing is criticized, Anna steps up to become a dyslexia advocate; and Adam faces down a tiger - and his mother. Three stories, three interpretations of COURAGE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

PRIDE | Promo

30s / TV-PG

There are all sorts of things people can be proud of: a decision, an accomplishment, or standing up and being true to who they are. Palestinian Muslim Eman finds the best tool to defy cultural stereotypes; April shares the relief & redemption of living an authentic self; and Jay comes out and receives surprising reactions. Three stories, three interpretations of PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Growing Up Black | Promo

30s / TV-PG

What does it mean to grow up Black in America, a country too often divided by race? Bullied by a group of kids, Ben finds out he is not alone; Sue shares the realities of raising kids of a different race; and Angie learns about how far we have come, and how far we have to go in a chance encounter she will never forget. Three stories, three interpretations of GROWING UP BLACK, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Giving Thanks | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three interpretations of GIVING THANKS.

Cast Your Vote | Promo

30s / TV-PG

On Election Day, things seldom go as planned. Voters and candidates face challenges that require creative thinking, integrity and courage. Donna discovers herself a foreigner in her own country; M.J. jumps into action when trouble strikes at her polling station; and Eric becomes a viable candidate when another drops out. Three stories, three interpretations of CAST YOUR VOTE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Sounds Like Summer | Promo

30s / TV-PG

In honor of the season, tales of joy and disaster under the summer sun. Caroline becomes a Pilgrim and finds herself curious about the lives of its tourists; Colin battles his fear of sharks with scuba diving lessons; as a Peace Corps volunteer, Theresa breaks the rules to go on a rafting adventure. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Now or Never | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to say yes more often? Tom whips out his wallet for a midlife crisis kind of splurge; Adam volunteers as a human shield in the West Bank to experience the other side of the checkpoint; and determined to beat her disease, Karen Mae takes a spontaneous, ill-advised trip. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NOW OR NEVER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

What We Wear | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Putting on, or taking something off, is not about the clothes itself but how they represent who you are. Nina takes a leap and joins NYC's No Pants Subway Ride; as a new immigrant, Sufian learns that culture shock extends even to footwear; and after her son finds an expensive necklace, Isabel faces a moral dilemma. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WHAT WE WEAR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Summertime | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Sunny days and balmy nights...moments when anything was possible. Khalilah goes to camp for the first time and learns more than just campfire songs; when a vacation takes a dangerous turn, Martha is surprised by her mom’s courageous act; and as a kid, Ajay discovers baseball and its magical connection to the divine. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SUMMERTIME, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Game On! | Promo

30s / TV-PG

You can’t win if you don’t play. And playing can make all the difference. Nora fills in the blanks as the missing pieces person at a jigsaw puzzle company; Olympian ski jumper Nick tells how one leap changed his life forever; and on his first hunting trip, John fears disappointing his dad, an avid hunter. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GAME ON!, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Rocky Top Remembers | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Rocky top is rocky and tough to plant. Yet fertile ground for storytelling. Morris is the first Black baseball player at TN Tech and learns the cost of being a trailblazer; Harrison follows in his father’s footsteps, beating carnival games; and Sandy finds out about the pecking order at her grandma’s. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ROCKY TOP REMEMBERS, hosted by Demetria Kalodimos.

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