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

  • Outside, Looking In: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Outside, Looking In

    S5 E22 - 26m 30s

    Most of us crave a sense of belonging and want nothing but to be accepted. Sean attempts salsa moves and finds himself in the center; Shivani creates a marshmallow structure and discovers her place in the world; and Ivy learns that some friendships have an expiration date...while others last forever. Three storytellers, three interpretations of OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN..., hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Unfamiliar: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Unfamiliar

    S5 E21 - 26m 30s

    At a time in our lives, we experience the unfamiliar. And this means stepping out of our comfort zones. Alexis tries to find her true self as a third-culture kid; in school, Linda's Jewish identity is put to the test; and when Shay is asked to share his coming out story, he discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UNFAMILIAR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Growing Up Asian: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Growing Up Asian

    S5 E20 - 26m 30s

    Every day, millions of people are creating their own definitions of what it means to be Asian American. Suzanne works with a parents association to organize during Boston's busing desegregation crisis and gains strength from the women; David travels to China for the first time to connect with his roots; and after being held at gunpoint in her family’s store, Eson learns the definition of love.

  • Match Made: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Match Made

    S5 E19 - 26m 50s

    The search for a life partner is usually far from perfect - bad choices, parental pressure and twists & turns are all part of the journey. Tae crosses cultural barriers to find love; Diane turns to a how-to book to find her ideal partner; and Kevin fights to overcome his fear of marriage and finally tie the knot. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MATCH MADE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Family Ties: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Family Ties

    S5 E18 - 26m 30s

    Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own. Gabriel looks for the imprint of the father he barely knew; Ariel makes a new family after being bullied for her queerness; and Kathleen's life is changed by an encounter with a cousin from El Salvador. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FAMILY TIES, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • One Way or Another: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    One Way or Another

    S5 E17 - 26m 30s

    In this 100th episode, tellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had. Brandon bridges the gap between their deaf grandma and a police officer using ASL; an allergic reaction turns Sara's vacation upside down; and Jeff takes on Mt. Kilimanjaro for cancer research. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • First: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    First

    S5 E16 - 26m 30s

    There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life. Erin navigates her first steps into puberty; Dyan's first encounter with a penguin takes her halfway across the globe; and Ali’s dad helps ease the pain of his first car accident. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FIRST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • A Perfect Match: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Perfect Match

    S5 E15 - 26m 30s

    Searching and finding the right match - whether forged, challenged, lost or kept - is not always easy. Carla battles bureaucracy to bury her mother alongside her father; Andy experiences a new way to relate to his identical twin; and Valerie connects a deceased donor with someone in need of a new liver. Three storytellers, three interpretations of A PERFECT MATCH, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Fish Out of Water: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Fish Out of Water

    S5 E14 - 26m 30s

    It can be a struggle to make sense of this world in which you don't quite belong. Shweta discovers that changing one's appearance to fit in has its drawbacks; Jenny tries tap dancing to get over the pandemic blues; and Carol, who struggled through high school, tries to find a college where she’ll fit in. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FISH OUT OF WATER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Above and Beyond: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Above and Beyond

    S5 E13 - 26m 30s

    From time to time, it's okay to lessen our expectations. But expecting more should be the norm. Norah proves that women can measure up in the Boston Marathon; Corey‘s prostate cancer experience makes him an advocate for testing among Black men, and Candace uses microfinancing to help Tanzanian women better their lives. Three stories, three interpretations of ABOVE AND BEYOND, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Unexpected: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Unexpected

    S5 E12 - 26m 40s

    Big changes can happen when we least expect them. When they do, we have no choice but to improvise. Melissa uses an unconventional bait to lure her aging parents to relocate nearby; killer hornets enliven Erin's job in Japan; and Angel and her family trek through Kurdistan and an Iraq POW camp to find a new home in the U.S. Three stories, three interpretations of UNEXPECTED, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Perfect Storm: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Perfect Storm

    S5 E11 - 26m 39s

    The truth is that no one wants to be caught in a storm. While we don't know when or how they will hit, we do know there are lessons to be learned. Ellen attempts to balance pregnancy with caring for her stepmother; a friendship helps Kent weather adolescence; and Jen puts her skills to test against a tornado. Three stories, three interpretations of PERFECT STORM, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Extras + Features

  • As Good As It Gets | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    As Good As It Gets | Promo

    S5 E10 - 30s

    How do we make the best of a situation? With imagination, initiative, and a willingness to take risks. And the results can be unexpected and amazing. Brendyn adds a roller coaster to his marriage proposal plan; Kristin discovers an unconventional remedy for pandemic fatigue; and Adam gets creative to deal with a nasty celebrity. Three storytellers, three interpretations of AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

  • Off the Press | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Off the Press | Promo

    S5 E9 - 29s

    The news cycle spins faster than ever, and the flow of stories never seems to end. Yet we rarely learn the story behind the story. A young Joe gets a chance to meet the Pope; Rinaz immigrates to the US from Syria on Christmas Eve; and Shannon jumps hurdles in her quest to become a journalist. Three storytellers, three interpretations of OFF THE PRESS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Stay the Course | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Stay the Course | Promo

    S5 E8 - 29s

    Staying in the game is hard. But when you hang in there for the ride, the memories you create can last a lifetime. Heather honors her father by running a road race dressed as Rudolph; Banafsheh learns a lesson from a disastrous dance performance; and Tim gives up watching sports for a year and discovers a new life. Three stories, three interpretations of STAY THE COURSE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • For the Greater Good | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    For the Greater Good | Promo

    S5 E7 - 30s

    It might be difficult for one person to truly make a difference. But by working together, through big and small actions, we can change the world. Mariama gets down and dirty for a cause; Adam volunteers as a human shield in the West Bank to experience the other side of the checkpoint; and Ronald stands up for interracial marriage. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

  • Second Chance | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Second Chance | Promo

    S5 E6 - 30s

    How can you move forward when everything is lost? With luck...and a second chance. Mandy writes a eulogy for the mother she couldn’t connect with; Raquel tries to mend a family she lost at age 6; and a lost baby bird helps Warren channel his feelings about family. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SECOND CHANCE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Timeout | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Timeout | Promo

    S5 E5 - 30s

    For most people, playing sports is about meeting personal challenges - from first tries on the field to last hurrahs on the sidelines. Andrew dreams of throwing a wiffle ball no-hitter; Kioko signs up for the Memory Ride; and Sophie & her sister become the first girls to play tackle football on a private all-boys team in NYC. Three stories, three interpretations of TIMEOUT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Serving with Honor | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Serving with Honor | Promo

    S5 E4 - 30s

    Service members and their families demonstrate their character and resolve in the most trying of circumstances. As a case manager working with refugees, former military Kevin challenges his assumptions about others; after penpalling her brother’s Navy buddies, Juli-anne understands the impact of her letters; and James tries to connect with his brother killed in the Vietnam War.

  • Resilience | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Resilience | Promo

    S5 E3 - 29s

    Houston, Texas - the nation’s most ethnically diverse metropolitan area - is a community of people who have learned the fine art of resilience. Sneha travels a difficult road from sickness to health; actors and improv turn Brendan’s playwriting from lemon into lemonade; and Ebony learns the secret to taming her stress. Three stories, three interpretations of RESILIENCE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

  • Newsworthy | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Newsworthy | Promo

    S5 E2 - 30s

    The news is often attention grabbing. But sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the headlines. Phillip navigates civil rights strife in Boston, MA; Anne manages a local news phone line as Nixon’s White House collapses; and Jeff gives a disastrous speech with a very influential guest in the audience. Three stories, three interpretations of NEWSWORTHY, hosted by Wes Hazard.

  • Changed Forever 9/11 | Promo: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Changed Forever 9/11 | Promo

    S5 E1 - 30s

    Twenty years ago, 9/11 changed the world. People struggled to make sense of the terrible acts, and to rebuild their lives in its aftermath. After the death of his father, David Filipov goes to Afghanistan where a Pop-Tart takes on a whole new meaning; psychology professor Michael Sargent confronts his biases on an airplane; and Jude Treder-Wolff finds seeds of hope to fuel her work as a therapist.

Schedule

  • 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.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Monday
    May 6

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Tuesday
    May 7

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Tuesday
    May 7

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Friday
    May 10

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Friday
    May 10

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.
  • Image
    Stories From the Stage: TVSS: Iconic

    Stories from the Stage

    Belongings

    Friday
    May 10

    30 Minutes

    Theresa Okokon and Wes Hazard explore the art of storytelling.

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