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
Vibes:
You're Hired!
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
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
Be the Change
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
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
Extraordinary Women
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
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
Suddenly
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
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
In the Name of Justice
Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in
Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in
Defining Moments
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when
Giving Thanks
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three
The Funny Side
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
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
From the Heart
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
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
Sound Check
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
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
In an Instant
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
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
Turning Point
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
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
You're Hired!
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
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
Be the Change
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
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
Extraordinary Women
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
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
Suddenly
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
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
In the Name of Justice
Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in
Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in
Defining Moments
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach are lessons that last a lifetime. Michelle’s outlook transforms when she becomes the subject of a community art project; at 18, Annie assumes the burdens of her Chinese immigrant family; and Elena takes a chance on love & life when
Giving Thanks
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks. Lani's cooking mistake becomes a family secret; Melanée tests her adulthood through the ultimate challenge: the Thanksgiving turkey; and Matthew gathers his courage to stand up to his girlfriend’s tough as nails dad. Three stories, three
The Funny Side
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
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
From the Heart
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
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
Sound Check
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
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
In an Instant
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
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
Turning Point
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
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
