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

Taking Pride | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Pride often begins with a moment of truth, and a choice to stand by it. Deb navigates parenting and legal invisibility as a non-biological lesbian mom; JJ journeys from prodigy to queer writer, learning that pride comes from within; and Rev. Irene shares how the AIDS epidemic sparked change in her Black church. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TAKING PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

On the Road Again | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Some journeys take us across the world; others take us deeper into who we really are. Kim is embraced by the homeland she once tried to forget; John has avoided dancing his entire life...until a family cruise; and Robin travels to China, hoping to find a slip of paper left with her adopted daughter as a baby. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON THE ROAD AGAIN, hosted by Wes Hazard.

What I Did for Love | Preview

30s / TV-PG

In the name of love, we risk our hearts, our pride, and at times, everything. Martha surprises her boyfriend at a French puppetry festival; Aida grapples with the weight of protecting her ailing father from the heartbreak of loss; and Jezrie shares her quest for belonging through a college sorority. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WHAT I DID FOR LOVE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Being Asian | Preview

30s / TV-PG

We carry our histories, hopes, and humor into the search for belonging. When life falls apart, Annie learns that being the rock doesn’t mean carrying everything alone; Tae’s trumpet dreams collide with the budget, teaching him that love sometimes sounds like compromise; and Shweta confronts beauty standards, reclaiming her reflection. Three storytellers, three interpretations of Being Asian.

Women in Action | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Meaningful action can change everything. Suna reimagines life for her neurodivergent daughter, growing a world of flowers and belonging; Ann Marie uncovers the truth behind her family’s past and transforms it into a life of purpose; and Holly opens her home to three young sisters - and discovers unexpected joy. Three storytellers, three interpretations of WOMEN IN ACTION, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Everyday Heroes | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Some moments reveal the quiet power of showing up. John’s life shifts when a teacher sees what no one else does, giving him a reason to stay in school; first-time mom Rachel learns to fight for her blind, neurodivergent son; and Harold finds his way to healing while guided by voices along the road to sobriety. Three storytellers, three interpretations of EVERYDAY HEROES, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Saving the Planet | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Fighting for the planet often starts with finding your voice. A student’s question leads Eben to find purpose in helping young people fight for climate justice; Dyan joins the largest animal rescue to save 20,000 oil-soaked penguins; and climate organizer Sara chases bold advocacy goals, realizing change begins at the kitchen table. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SAVING THE PLANET.

Victory Lap | Preview

30s / TV-PG

For some runners, the finish line is a milestone in a much bigger journey. Norah joins an all-women crew to conquer the Boston Marathon despite winds, hills and doubters; Jenny attempts a cross-country run, finding strength in failure and donuts; and Mel refuses to let a terminal leukemia diagnosis stop him from running a marathon. Three storytellers, three interpretations of VICTORY LAP.

Out of the Park | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When the game gets personal, the stakes go beyond the scoreboard. Ajay invents a divine strategy to help his team win a baseball game in India; Shannon and his brother unexpectedly bond on the field through beep baseball; and Andrew chases a dream of pitching a no-hitter, only to realize success isn’t always what it seems to be. Three storytellers, three interpretations of OUT OF THE PARK.

Twists & Turns | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. At tennis camp, William's teenage crush takes him on an unexpected journey of self-discovery; a college romance leads Erin to an academic awakening she never saw coming; and Ian’s hesitation to take the next step in life is shaken by a fire that changes everything. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TWISTS & TURNS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Laughing Matters | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The best way to handle unexpected moments is to find the humor. Ajay’s mistake at airport security spirals into an interrogation; Anoush navigates the traditions of Armenian school until a surprising occasion changes everything; and Sean pursues his NBA dreams - until a slip-up leads him to a different calling. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LAUGHING MATTERS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Funny Business | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Unexpected twists prove that the best plans often go off track. Carly strives for the perfect first impression, but a mishap forces her to rethink what it means to fit in; Adam’s job takes a wild turn, leading to a high-speed misadventure; and Rory jumps at stardom, only to realize that fame isn’t that glamorous. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FUNNY BUSINESS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Close Calls | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Some moments bring us to the edge, changing everything. Marylee’s kindness comes with a lesson in empathy, leaving her with regret; Alexander’s quick thinking, and a box of candy, turn a dangerous encounter into an escape; and Kat holds onto a family story she’s always believed...until the truth reshapes her world. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CLOSE CALLS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Living Soul | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Navigating the depths of human emotion can be a journey of discovering peace and purpose. After coming face-to-face with the chaos of death, Minda assists her mother in embracing a transformative death vigil; Libby learns a new definition of wellness; and Laconia helps a troubled young girl find her self-worth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LIVING SOUL, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Smitten | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Love strikes in the most peculiar way. Matt revisits a childhood fascination with dinosaurs and a Valentine that didn’t go as planned; Emily uncovers the unexpected joy of being truly chosen; and Briana shares a night where one decision changed everything, proving that love is bold enough to stop you in your tracks. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SMITTEN, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Meant to Happen | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Life is full of moments that feel destined. Jack shares how a feminist book club and a poetry reading sparked an unlikely connection; Terrilynn recounts a love story, showing that serendipity knows no age; and Zach dives into his misadventure with "wallet guy," exploring how we often dream of futures. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MEANT TO HAPPEN, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Getting Away With It | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Sometimes, life tempts us to test the limits. Tim’s rebellious scheme to outsmart the system leads to a lesson about honesty; Carol, once a lively dancer, reclaims joy and freedom on the dance floor despite multiple sclerosis; and Kona discovers her true resilience on a perilous Yukon River journey. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GETTING AWAY WITH IT, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Legacy | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Reclaiming what’s lost isn’t just about the past -- it’s about rewriting the future. Patt fights to honor her Gullah Geechee heritage by renaming a square; George uncovers his family's hidden history, reshaping his understanding; and Yesenia, driven by love for her son, refuses to let difficult circumstances define them. Three storytellers, three interpretations of LEGACY, hosted by Wes Hazard.

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.

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