Stories From The Stage
GBHStories From The Stage
Stories from the Stage showcases ordinary people sharing extraordinary stories, spotlighting diverse tellers who share moments — from the everyday to the life-altering — that celebrate the similarities and differences that unite us. Stories from the Stage is hosted by Liz Cheng and Patricia Alvarado Núñez, executive producers and co-creators of the series. A two-time Signal Awards finalist.
For more information on our series, live events and how to submit a story, visit worldchannel.org/stories.
©2020 WGBH Educational Foundation
Stories from the Stage showcases ordinary people sharing extraordinary stories, spotlighting diverse tellers who share moments — from the everyday to the life-altering — that celebrate the similarities and differences that unite us. Stories from the Stage is hosted by Liz Cheng and Patricia Alvarado Núñez, executive producers and co-creators of the series. A two-time Signal Awards finalist.
For more information on our series, live events and how to submit a story, visit worldchannel.org/stories.
©2020 WGBH Educational Foundation
Sometimes we feel an inner shift that signals a crossroads, urging us to choose what comes next.
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
There’s nothing worse than the moment we lose something precious. And there’s nothing more satisfying than finding that lost something.
Love sends us leaping before we look, ignoring any red flags waving in the wind.
Life can twist in an instant, taking turns you never saw coming.
Motherhood takes many forms, born of love, loss, and the courage to embrace the unpredictable.
Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit.
Food is never just food – it’s how we show up for each other.
Our favorite Thanksgiving episode.
Food carries family, love, and dreams.
The paths we choose to take shape who we become.
The unwavering presence of Native communities endures across generations.
When everything is on the line, who shows up to save the day?
Some journeys take us across the world; others take us deeper into who we really are.
In the name of love, we risk our hearts, our pride, and at times, everything.
We carry our histories, hopes, and humor into the search for belonging.
Some moments reveal the quiet power of showing up.
Meaningful action can change everything.
For some runners, the finish line is a milestone in a much bigger journey.
When the game gets personal, the stakes go beyond the scoreboard.
Life doesn’t always follow a straight path.
The best way to handle unexpected moments is to find the humor.
Life’s unexpected twists prove that the best plans often go hilariously off track.
Some moments bring us right to the very edge, changing everything in an instant.
Navigating the depths of human emotion can be a journey of discovering peace and purpose, especially when faced with life's most challenging trials.
Love strikes in the most peculiar way, leaving behind unforgettable moments of connection, heartbreak, and serendipity.
Life is full of moments that feel destined - whether they lead to love, laughter, or lessons learned.
Sometimes, life tempts us to test the limits -- bending rules, taking risks, or defying expectations.
Reclaiming what’s lost isn’t just about the past – it’s about rewriting the future.
Confronting the past can bring hope, healing, and a path toward justice.
Every challenge we embrace holds the power to transform our lives, often in ways we least expect.
Some moments - sometimes quiet, other times profound - prompt us to pause and reflect, serving as gentle reminders of what truly matters most.
To embrace PRIDE, you often need to define yourself in your own way.
In the realm of the unknown, each adventure paves the way for revelation.
When we venture beyond the familiar, we can transform the unexplored into a canvas of discovery.
In the exuberance of youth lies the heartbeat of change.
In the tapestry of existence, body and soul are interwoven threads.
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.
Mishaps in life are perhaps the ones we remember most vividly.
Work can be simply a way to survive. But sometimes it is a nightmare, and other times a dream come true.
Life's journey is punctuated by times that call for courage and change.
Sometimes, fleeting moments define our existence.
The unexpected twists and turns of professional life can lead to revelation and finding a true path.
Change isn't only forged by the mighty; the bold actions of everyday individuals often spark it.
What does it mean to be extraordinary? Defy the odds and redefine benchmarks of success.
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.
Life can be serious, but when the tears dry and the scars fade, sometimes we can find the funny side.
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.
When we believe love has abandoned us, we think it'll never touch our lives again. If we persist, amazing things can happen.
Music has the power to define our narratives. Each chord strummed or note belted out is equally about identity and art.
A quest does not require you to be a knight in shining armor. But you do need a dream, courage, and a little luck.
Stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of dance.
A bucket list is a way to keep track of our dreams. It also offers a look at who we are.
Holidays can be a source of joy, stress...or horror!
Some people are terrified of flying, yet others can't wait to take off.
Families are woven into the fabric of society. While some families are tied together by biology, others are created when people welcome children into their hearts and homes through adoption.
When it comes to overcoming challenges and finding contentment, connections often play an essential role.
As a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, the circle is important for Native Americans.
We are often defined by turning points. We hold our breath, check the rearview, and choose a path where nothing is ever the same again.
For Indigenous Americans, the sacred is connected to the land and traditional ways of seeing.
The Southwest is hot and dry, but for millions of people, it’s a place to thrive.
A cancer diagnosis changes life in innumerable ways. It also teaches us things about ourselves.
As we share life with our loyal companions, they in turn teach us about love, compassion, and mortality.
Pets can turn our lives completely upside down, but we wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Remember high school? While it’s the place to learn a lot and make friends for life, for some it can mean challenges, uncertainty and shame.
Growing up Black in America means forging cultural bonds, struggling for visibility, and all too often, receiving unearned judgment.
At one point in our lives, we all walk, run, or stumble into the unknown. And it can be a struggle to make sense of this world in which we don't quite fit in.
You can’t win if you don’t play. And playing can make all the difference.
Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own.
Why not risk it all for love?
Day by day, meal by meal, food becomes a part of who we are.
There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life.
Road trip! On the highway where anything can happen, take a ride on a journey that changed everything.
Summertime is upon us. As the days stretch longer and the sun shines brighter and hotter, anything seems possible.
Comedic storyteller Susanne Schmidt shares two of her favorite childhood adventures.
The twists and turns of a journey can lead to an unpredicted discovery.
A cancer diagnosis changes life in innumerable ways. It also teaches us things about ourselves.
A cancer diagnosis changes our lives forever. But with science, fortitude, and love, people can – and do – survive.
Storytellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had.
Siblings may be the best of friends or rivals since the beginning, but no matter how much time has elapsed, their connection is like the pieces of a puzzle.
Siblings share many things; from the obvious like family members and living spaces to the seldom said of histories and hopes.
Sometimes the odds are against us. But with effort and a little luck, they can sway in our favor.
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach us are lessons that last a lifetime.
With every step forward, we carry history with us as we are shaping our future.
A given name is just that – one we have no choice over. But our names can provide us with such unexpected strength.
We often believe that our circumstances are permanent, when in fact, this is not the case. If only we dare, change can happen.
In America, growing up Black means many things: cultural bonds, the struggle for visibility, and all too often, unearned judgement.
The search for a life partner is usually far from perfect - bad choices, parental pressure and twists & turns are all part of the journey.
When faced with adversity, it's easy to believe that the universe is conspiring against us. However, the lessons we learn last a lifetime.
When we experience a new and unfamiliar culture, we often feel like outsiders. Barriers to entry can be high as we are met with traditions and expectations unlike our own. At the same time, crossing cultures help us become more fully human.
“Family” has countless definitions. We are born into one, or find one by choice or creation. No matter how family comes together, they have influence on our lives.
There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life.
How do you start a new chapter in life? It means going through something for the first time. And that inexperience comes with confronting changes big and small, and everything that comes with it: apprehension, courage, and ultimately, lessons learned.
At one point in our lives, we all walk, run, or stumble into the unknown. And it can be a struggle to make sense of this world in which we don't quite fit in.
Food is so central to life that we almost take it for granted. But it also shapes us in ways that extend well beyond the gastronomic.
It is often said that it is better to give than to receive. But no matter which side we’re on, gifts have the power to simply bring a smile or even save a life.
Searching and finding the right match – whether forged, challenged, lost or kept – is not always easy.
Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit.
Raising the bar calls for a promise to not only improve but to keep that very word. When it includes setting a higher standard for yourself, the effect ripples to others.
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks.
In this special Veterans Day episode, service members and their families demonstrate their character and resolve in the most trying of circumstances.
On Election Day, things seldom go as planned. Voters and candidates face challenges that require creative thinking, integrity and courage.
Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. Outcomes are unpredictable but, when we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail.
The news is often attention grabbing. But sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the headlines.
Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own.
Maulian Dana fights to ban "Indian" mascots in Maine schools; Ronald Smith stands up for his integrated marriage; and Dr. Wanda Castro_Borrero’s boss pushes back against patients who don’t want to see her because of her name.
Being a young Latina means living within a vibrant and varied global culture. It also means navigating identity and intersectionality.
Change is never easy. But if we try hard enough, we can make the world a better place.
Storytellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had.
From time to time, it's okay to lessen our expectations – but expecting more should be the norm.
Twenty years ago, the events of 9/11 changed the world. People everywhere struggled to make sense of the terrible act and to rebuild their lives in its aftermath.
Paying tribute to our canine companions.
Sometimes, you have to stick up for yourself – or somebody else – even when that little voice tells you it’s safer to keep quiet.
Stories from the Stage is back with more extraordinary true stories.
Andy Vargas takes his political activism door-to-door. Katie Liesener discovers how compassion can cross the language barrier. And Yvette Modestin battles exclusion by creatively redefining her Blackness.
The late John Lewis took pride in creating "good trouble" and standing up against unfairness.
There's nothing worse than the moment when we lose something precious.
Growing up Black in America means forging cultural bonds, struggling for visibility, and all too often, receiving unearned judgment.
Comedic storyteller Susanne Schmidt shares two of her favorite childhood adventures.
A missed connection doesn't necessarily mean loss; it could be a chance for redemption.
Nora Meiners fills in the blanks as the missing pieces person at a jigsaw puzzle company; Olympian ski jumper Nick Fairall tells how one leap changed his life forever; and on his first hunting trip, John Stewart fears disappointing his dad, an avid hunter.
Day by day, meal by meal, food becomes a part of who we are.
Sarah Sutton discovers the trials and tribulations of working with her spouse in a food truck; Khalilah Jones goes to camp for the first time and learns more than just campfire songs; Matthew Sandel looks down the barrel of a robber’s gun and understands that his life is worth more than a pint of ice cream.
Melissa Ferrick tells us about the night she opened for Bob Dylan; Suzanne Ketchum Adams drives home with a feisty ram; and Akshobh Giridharadas discovers hospitality and humanity in the wilderness.
Powerful stories can bring people together despite impossible differences and tumultuous times.
Teen storyteller Cecilia Viveiros battles a hidden learning disability that leaves her high school teachers, parents, and Cecilia herself baffled, and then takes wing at a college in New York City.
Angie Chatman crosses racial boundaries during a turbulent flight, and Kelli Dunham finds herself hilariously in a not-so-ordinary boot camp in the swamps of Florida.
Eson Kim confronts her mortality when held at gunpoint in her family's store; Christine Gentry tests the limits of generosity as she decides whether she should donate a kidney to a stranger.
Courtney Pong owns her power when she shuts down misogynistic stand-up comics; Praveen Sahay oversees Mozambique's tumultuous first democratic elections as a UN Peacekeeper.
Nimisha Ladva breaks her parents' rules and dates outside her Indian culture; Jeff Simmermon sells all his possessions and crosses the globe to meet his Internet love.
Grace shares how her family became American; Szifra discovers the heritage behind her name.
Epiphany, serendipity, and last wishes.
Descent, rescue and recovery.
In the wake of the man-made disaster that destroyed her neighborhood, one woman becomes a crusader.
Love and hate on the way to Ellis Island, friendship without borders, and the life of the undocumented.
Powerful stories can bring people together despite impossible differences and tumultuous times.
Crossroads
January 26, 202628min 55sec
Megan Calfas rewrites her idea of what it means to “make it"; Joe Krajewski finds purpose in running—first with his son, and later in his honor; and Angela Lu reclaims her year abroad by choosing adventure over duty.