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.

Proud to Be

26m 14s

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.

Episodes

  • Proud to Be: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Proud to Be

    S7 E25 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Adventure Ahead

    S7 E24 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Into the Wild

    S7 E23 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Body and Soul

    S7 E21 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Belonging

    S7 E20 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Life Is a Laugh

    S7 E19 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Youth Rising

    S7 E22 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Nine-to-Five

    S7 E18 - 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.

  • Turning Point: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Turning Point

    S7 E17 - 26m 15s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    In an Instant

    S7 E16 - 26m 14s

    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!: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    You're Hired!

    S7 E15 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Be the Change

    S7 E14 - 26m 14s

    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.

Extras + Features

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

    Flourishing in the Desert | Preview

    S7 E1 - 30s

    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.

Schedule

  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Monday
    Jul 15

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Tuesday
    Jul 16

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Thursday
    Jul 18

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Hell or High Water: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Hell or High Water

    Friday
    Jul 19

    30 Minutes

    A woman describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba; a boy catches his first fish; an international love affair is tested.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Into the Wild

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    Avesha's love for the outdoors is instilled by her father; Antonio turns a chaotic whale-watching trip into a memorable family adventure; Jenny chronicles her run across America.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Taking Flight

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    A woman confronts her worst fear -- flying; a man splurges by purchasing a plane; a woman learns the difference between curses and kindness during a bumpy flight.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Adventure Ahead: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Adventure Ahead

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    Jynelle rediscovers the joys of adventure through her mother's eyes; Arctic terns help redefine Mark's understanding of perseverance; Shannon steps up to the plate in a Beep Baseball showdown.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Experience

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    Tellers relay their stories.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Fish Out of Water

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    Making sense of the unknown with Shweta Bhatt, Jenny Herzog and Carol Carson.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    First

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    In many cases, first times are game changers and serve as unforgettable lessons for life; with Erin Baker, Dylan deNapoli and Ali Abdullatif.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    One Way or Another

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    Storytellers discuss how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they didn't know they had; with Brandon Kazen-Maddox, Sara Kaminski and Jeff Belanger.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Love Me, Love Me Not

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    A surprise marriage proposal; a woman's broken heart is held together by 100 women in Colorado; a man embraces his wife's spirit.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Love Me, Love Me Not

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    A surprise marriage proposal; a woman's broken heart is held together by 100 women in Colorado; a man embraces his wife's spirit.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Pets

    Sunday
    Jul 21

    30 Minutes

    "Music for Cats" helps Kendra Dawsey live through COVID-19 with a feline in heat; Suzanne Simmons' hen Emily takes a ride that ends up saving two roosters; Tracey Strain's shih tzu accidentally escapes and becomes a hero.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Into the Wild

    Monday
    Jul 22

    30 Minutes

    Avesha's love for the outdoors is instilled by her father; Antonio turns a chaotic whale-watching trip into a memorable family adventure; Jenny chronicles her run across America.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Taking Flight

    Monday
    Jul 22

    30 Minutes

    A woman confronts her worst fear -- flying; a man splurges by purchasing a plane; a woman learns the difference between curses and kindness during a bumpy flight.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: Adventure Ahead: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Adventure Ahead

    Monday
    Jul 22

    30 Minutes

    Jynelle rediscovers the joys of adventure through her mother's eyes; Arctic terns help redefine Mark's understanding of perseverance; Shannon steps up to the plate in a Beep Baseball showdown.

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