Arts and Music

Stories from the Stage

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.

Taking Pride

26m 14s

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.

Episodes

  • Taking Pride: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Taking Pride

    S8 E21 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    On the Road Again

    S8 E20 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What I Did for Love

    S8 E19 - 26m 14s

    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.

  • Women in Action: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Women in Action

    S8 E17 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Everyday Heroes

    S8 E16 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Saving the Planet

    S8 E15 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Victory Lap

    S8 E14 - 26m 14s

    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.

  • Twists & Turns: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Twists & Turns

    S8 E12 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Laughing Matters

    S8 E11 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Funny Business

    S8 E10 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Close Calls

    S8 E9 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Living Soul

    S8 E8 - 26m 14s

    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.

Extras + Features

  • The Great Outdoors | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Great Outdoors | Preview

    S8 E22 - 30s

    Adventure often begins with a leap into the great unknown. Lisa’s trip to the Grand Canyon becomes the beginning of a new chapter; Martha recalls a trip to Yellowstone National Park where her mom comes toe-to-toe with a bear; and Jynelle takes a tumble during summer camp - and finds strength in the woman who taught her how to rise. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

  • Taking Pride | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Taking Pride | Preview

    S8 E21 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    On the Road Again | Preview

    S8 E20 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What I Did for Love | Preview

    S8 E19 - 30s

    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.

  • Women in Action | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Women in Action | Preview

    S8 E17 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Everyday Heroes | Preview

    S8 E16 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Saving the Planet | Preview

    S8 E15 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Victory Lap | Preview

    S8 E14 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Out of the Park | Preview

    S8 E13 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Twists & Turns | Preview

    S8 E12 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Laughing Matters | Preview

    S8 E11 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Funny Business | Preview

    S8 E10 - 30s

    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.

Schedule

  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Growing Up Black Part 2

    Sunday
    Jun 22

    30 Minutes

    Stories about growing up Black in the U.S., including a man who shows how fear of the police affects his everyday life.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    The Great Outdoors

    Monday
    Jun 30

    30 Minutes

    A trip to the Grand Canyon marks a new chapter for Lisa; Martha recalls a trip to Yellowstone National Park where her mother comes in contact with a bear; Jynelle finds strength in the woman who taught her how to rise.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    The Great Outdoors

    Tuesday
    Jul 1

    30 Minutes

    A trip to the Grand Canyon marks a new chapter for Lisa; Martha recalls a trip to Yellowstone National Park where her mother comes in contact with a bear; Jynelle finds strength in the woman who taught her how to rise.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    The Great Outdoors

    Tuesday
    Jul 1

    30 Minutes

    A trip to the Grand Canyon marks a new chapter for Lisa; Martha recalls a trip to Yellowstone National Park where her mother comes in contact with a bear; Jynelle finds strength in the woman who taught her how to rise.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Summertime

    Monday
    Jul 7

    30 Minutes

    Khalilah Jones goes to summer camp for the first time; a woman is surprised by her mother's courageous act when a Yellowstone vacation takes a turn; Ajay Gallewale discovers baseball as a child in India.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Summertime

    Tuesday
    Jul 8

    30 Minutes

    Khalilah Jones goes to summer camp for the first time; a woman is surprised by her mother's courageous act when a Yellowstone vacation takes a turn; Ajay Gallewale discovers baseball as a child in India.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Summertime

    Tuesday
    Jul 8

    30 Minutes

    Khalilah Jones goes to summer camp for the first time; a woman is surprised by her mother's courageous act when a Yellowstone vacation takes a turn; Ajay Gallewale discovers baseball as a child in India.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.

Similar Shows