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.

Nine-to-Five

26m 14s

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.

Episodes

  • Taking Flight: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Taking Flight

    S7 E6 - 26m 14s

    Some people are terrified of flying yet others can't wait to take off. Heather confronts her worst fear: flying; Tom indulges in a midlife crisis splurge by purchasing a plane; and Linda learns the difference between curses and kindness during a bumpy flight. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TAKING FLIGHT.

  • Finding Family: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Finding Family

    S7 E5 - 26m 14s

    While some families are tied together by biology, others are created when people welcome children into their hearts and homes through adoption. Betsy helps her son make contact with his birth mother; Dan describes being smuggled out as an infant from Mexico; and Paul's relationship with his mom takes a twist when he adopts a baby boy. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FINDING FAMILY.

  • All Connected: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    All Connected

    S7 E4 - 26m 14s

    When it comes to overcoming challenges and finding contentment, connections often play an essential role. Jose chases his dream of playing football and learns life is about relationships; Darcy adopts four children and begins a family; and Kyle shares the love and wisdom he received on the Navajo reservation. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ALL CONNECTED, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Sacred Circle: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Sacred Circle

    S7 E3 - 26m 14s

    As a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, the circle is important for Native Americans. Rebekka honors the keeper of the connection between her people and culture; Charlie, who has light skin and hair, works to be accepted by fellow tribe members; and Levelle finds a path to meaning, healing, and helping after prison. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SACRED CIRCLE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • On Sacred Ground: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    On Sacred Ground

    S7 E2 - 26m 14s

    For Indigenous Americans, the sacred is connected to the land and traditional ways of seeing. Kevin rallies to oppose housing development on tribal land; Colleen's relationship with her mother provides a view of the judgement heaped on traditional healing; and Valery takes us on a hike...interrupted by Bigfoot! Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON SACRED GROUND, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Flourishing in the Desert: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Flourishing in the Desert

    S7 E1 - 26m 34s

    The Southwest is hot and dry, but for millions of people, it’s a place to thrive. After her divorce, Lisa, a writer, redefines herself in the great outdoors; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Daniel struggles with linguistic dualities; and after leaving California, Shareé wonders if she can find home. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FLOURISHING IN THE DESERT, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Extras + Features

  • Life Is a Laugh | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Life Is a Laugh | Preview

    S7 E19 - 30s

    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.

  • Nine-to-Five | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Nine-to-Five | Preview

    S7 E18 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Turning Point | Preview

    S7 E17 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    In an Instant | Preview

    S7 E16 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    You're Hired! | Preview

    S7 E15 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Be the Change | Preview

    S7 E14 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Extraordinary Women | Preview

    S7 E13 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Suddenly | Preview

    S7 E12 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Funny Side | Preview

    S7 E11 - 30s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    From the Heart | Preview

    S7 E10 - 30s

    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.

  • Quest | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Quest | Preview

    S7 E8 - 30s

    A quest does not require you to be a knight in shining armor. But you do need a dream, courage, and a little luck. After fleeing Afghanistan, Zalaikha rebuilds her life in the U.S.; Karen makes a pilgrimage to Poland to learn about her mother's past; and Meg visits her daughter, who provides protection to Colombian farmers. Three storytellers, three interpretations of QUEST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Bucket List | Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bucket List | Preview

    S7 E7 - 30s

    A bucket list is a way to keep track of our dreams. It also offers a look at who we are. Connie aims to close the gap with her heritage and language; KiM transforms a quest for perfection into a lesson in self-love and integrity; and Keith turns a Phoebe Bridgers concert into a bonding experience with his children. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BUCKET LIST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Schedule

  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Nine-to-Five

    Friday
    Apr 19

    30 Minutes

    A parent's urgent call cuts through the noise of Mary's workday; Alexis transforms from struggling student to guiding mentor; Anne sails into a life of adventure.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Monday
    Apr 22

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Tuesday
    Apr 23

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    In the Name of Justice

    Friday
    Apr 26

    30 Minutes

    Gladys helps her neighborhood after a gas explosion; Eben advocates for climate equity; Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Monday
    Apr 29

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Tuesday
    Apr 30

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Life Is a Laugh

    Friday
    May 3

    30 Minutes

    Tone shares the funny side of his hospital stay; Nina searches for a volunteer driver; Geraldine's first hitchhiking adventure comes with close calls and gratitude.

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