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

Reckoning and Repair | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Confronting the past can bring hope, healing, and a path toward justice. Anneliese uncovers her great-grandmother’s account of the Tulsa Race Massacre; Paul reflects on his mother’s resilience following Japanese American internment; and Larry reconnects with his roots by channeling his grandfather's strength. Three storytellers, three interpretations of Reckoning and Repair, hosted by Wes Hazard.

On a Mission | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Every challenge we embrace holds the power to transform our lives. Sophia carves out a path of discovery, redefining what learning means to her; during an attempt to climb Mt. Washington, Ella learns to find strength; and Amith’s response to the lack of public restrooms leads to the creation of a vital resource. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON A MISSION, hosted by Wes Hazard.

What Matters Most | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Some moments prompt us to pause and reflect, serving as reminders of what matters most. A chaotic boat ride leads Amy to a new chapter; despite past trauma and fear of public speaking, Vanna takes a chance to advocate for change; and an encounter with a boy shapes Jacqueline's commitment to helping children. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WHAT MATTERS MOST, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Stories from the Stage | Season 8 | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Stories from the Stage showcases extraordinary stories told by ordinary people from all walks of life. The eighth season promises to be among the most captivating, with storytellers sharing deeply personal and powerful experiences. Each episode will offer stories that inspire, challenge, and resonate in the most profound ways. Hosted by Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard.

Proud to Be | Preview

30s / TV-PG

To embrace PRIDE, you often need to define yourself in your own way. Srilatha's world turned upside down when she discovered the hidden 'A' in LGBTQI_+; queer stage and film director Kevin receives a time capsule gift from their late grandfather; and Jamie takes us on a 20-year journey of transition and self-love. Three storytellers, three interpretations of PROUD TO BE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Adventure Ahead | Preview

30s / TV-PG

In the realm of the unknown, each adventure paves the way for revelation. Jynelle rediscovers the joys of adventure through her mother's eyes; a moment with Arctic terns redefines Mark’s understanding of perseverance; and Shannon steps up to the plate in a Beep Baseball showdown, where a rivalry ignites the field. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ADVENTURE AHEAD, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Into the Wild | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When we venture beyond the familiar, we can transform the unexplored into a canvas of discovery. Avesha's love of the outdoors is instilled by her father; Antonio turns a chaotic whale-watching trip into a memorable family adventure; and Jenny chronicles her run across America and the community who made it possible. Three storytellers, three interpretations of INTO THE WILD, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Body and Soul | Preview

30s / TV-PG

In the tapestry of existence, body and soul are interwoven threads. Alexandria discovers body gratitude through a harrowing medical journey; with her grandmother’s guidance, Shirley reconciles with the passing of a family friend; and Milos harmonizes a birth injury with the redemptive melodies of his clarinet. Three storytellers, three poignant reflections on BODY AND SOUL, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Belonging | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Belonging is a fundamental human desire that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries, encompassing the search for identity, acceptance, and connection within communities, families, and oneself. Grace shares how a green station wagon helped her family become Americans; Chris searches for the meaning of home; and in response to racism, Salil takes a different path.

Life Is a Laugh | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Mishaps in life are perhaps the ones we remember most vividly. Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina, who is blind and hearing-impaired, searches for the perfect volunteer driver; and Geraldine’s first hitchhiking adventure turns into an unforgettable journey of close calls and gratitude. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LIFE IS A LAUGH, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Youth Rising | Preview

30s / TV-PG

In the exuberance of youth lies the heartbeat of change. Beatriz grapples with being “too girly” in the rigorous world of STEM; Omar’s underdog mayoral race captures the essence of youthful idealism; and Sara shares the behind-the-scenes story of young, climate education activists. Three storytellers, three interpretations of YOUTH RISING, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Nine-to-Five | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Work can be simply a way to survive. But sometimes it is a nightmare, and other times a dream come true. A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary’s ordinary workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student into a guiding mentor; and after a trip to the Caribbean, Anne sails into a life of adventure. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NINE-TO-FIVE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Turning Point | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Life's journey is punctuated by times that call for courage and change. Lloyd transforms loss into a quest where forgiveness opens doors to justice; Alfred's day as a firefighter shifts when an act of arson shatters dreams; and Shanita becomes an abolitionist to break down the walls that separate her from her mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TURNING POINT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

In an Instant | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Sometimes, fleeting moments define our existence. Swapna juggles dreams of becoming both a doctor and a mother; Omar steps into the chaos of the Waukesha tragedy and discovers a beacon of unity; and from the cold confines of his cell, Jabir confronts the prison's rules to have one last conversation with his mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of IN AN INSTANT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

You're Hired! | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The twists and turns of professional life can lead to finding a true path. Raised in a restaurant family, Jennifer discovers her expertise lies beyond the dining room; Bobbie learns that aiming high can make the incredible happen; and Harry ditches the world of sports agents for a more compassionate calling. Three storytellers, three interpretations of YOU'RE HIRED, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Be the Change | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Change isn't only forged by the mighty; the actions of everyday individuals often spark it. Negin champions the cause of women's rights in Iran; Lisa and heroic health aides share the life of a COVID-19 patient; and Mikhala channels the legacy of jazz and Creole into a vibrant retelling of New Orleans' history. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BE THE CHANGE; hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Extraordinary Women | Preview

30s / TV-PG

What does it mean to be extraordinary? Defy the odds and redefine benchmarks of success. Homeless at 19, Natalie builds a career as a pediatric neurosurgeon; Rebecca, one of the "Lost Girls of Sudan," finds a path to creating positive change; and Lachi fights discrimination as a disability rights advocate. Three storytellers, three interpretations of EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN; hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Suddenly | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Our lives can change in the blink of an eye: We meet a stranger and make a connection. Or we take a chance - and turn our world upside down. Joy rediscovers a community she had left behind; Lee-Ellen finds kinship in the aftermath of an earthquake; and Gerard receives a diagnosis that immediately alters everything. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SUDDENLY, hosted by Wes Hazard.

The Funny Side | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Life can be serious, but when the tears dry and the scars fade, sometimes we can find the funny side. Jennifer shares the story of her parents’ marriage through the tale of a doomed onion; Steph explores the humor of life through the traditions of her family; and Jason gets busted for throwing down dance moves. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE FUNNY SIDE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

From the Heart | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Sending out love vibes can be risky business. When we open up to the possibility of being in love, we can find ourselves at our most vulnerable. Laura looks for love on the dance floor; Zoey turns up the heat at a Christian singles group; and Sufian travels across the world, meets his love - and faces the truth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FROM THE HEART, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

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