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

  • Extraordinary Women: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Extraordinary Women

    S7 E13 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Suddenly

    S7 E12 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Funny Side

    S7 E11 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    From the Heart

    S7 E10 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Quest

    S7 E8 - 26m 14s

    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: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bucket List

    S7 E7 - 26m 14s

    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.

  • Sound Check: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Sound Check

    S7 E9 - 26m 14s

    Music has the power to define our narratives. Each chord strummed or note belted out is equally about identity and art. Melissa is the opening act for Bob Dylan in an evening charged with expectation; Jeffrey delivers a show in Des Moines, IA, and learns about fame; and Jason finds his voice, revealing a young man coming into his own. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SOUND CHECK.

  • 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.

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

    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.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Experience

    Monday
    Jul 22

    30 Minutes

    Tellers relay their stories.

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