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Stories From The Stage

GBH

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.

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.

45hr 16min
Thumbnail for "Body and Soul".
In the tapestry of existence, body and soul are interwoven threads.
Thumbnail for "Adventure Ahead".
In the realm of the unknown, each adventure paves the way for revelation.
Thumbnail for "Into the Wild".
When we venture beyond the familiar, we can transform the unexplored into a canvas of discovery.
Thumbnail for "Youth Rising".
In the exuberance of youth lies the heartbeat of change.
Thumbnail for "Belonging".
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.
Thumbnail for "Life Is a Laugh".
Mishaps in life are perhaps the ones we remember most vividly.
Thumbnail for "Nine-to-Five".
Work can be simply a way to survive. But sometimes it is a nightmare, and other times a dream come true.
Thumbnail for "Turning Point".
Life's journey is punctuated by times that call for courage and change.
Thumbnail for "In an Instant".
Sometimes, fleeting moments define our existence.
Thumbnail for "You're Hired!".
The unexpected twists and turns of professional life can lead to revelation and finding a true path.
Thumbnail for "Be the Change".
Change isn't only forged by the mighty; the bold actions of everyday individuals often spark it.
Thumbnail for "Extraordinary Women ".
What does it mean to be extraordinary? Defy the odds and redefine benchmarks of success.
Thumbnail for "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.
Thumbnail for "The Funny Side".
Life can be serious, but when the tears dry and the scars fade, sometimes we can find the funny side.
Thumbnail for "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.
Thumbnail for "The One".
When we believe love has abandoned us, we think it'll never touch our lives again. If we persist, amazing things can happen.
Thumbnail for "Sound Check".
Music has the power to define our narratives. Each chord strummed or note belted out is equally about identity and art.
Thumbnail for "Quest".
A quest does not require you to be a knight in shining armor. But you do need a dream, courage, and a little luck.
Thumbnail for "Last Dance".
Stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of dance.
Thumbnail for "Bucket List".
A bucket list is a way to keep track of our dreams. It also offers a look at who we are.
Thumbnail for "Holiday Horror".
Holidays can be a source of joy, stress...or horror!
Thumbnail for "Taking Flight".
Some people are terrified of flying, yet others can't wait to take off.
Thumbnail for "Finding Family".
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.
Thumbnail for "All Connected".
When it comes to overcoming challenges and finding contentment, connections often play an essential role.
Thumbnail for "Sacred Circle".
As a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, the circle is important for Native Americans.
Thumbnail for "Never the Same".
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.
Thumbnail for "On Sacred Ground".
For Indigenous Americans, the sacred is connected to the land and traditional ways of seeing.
Thumbnail for "Flourishing in the Desert".
The Southwest is hot and dry, but for millions of people, it’s a place to thrive.
Thumbnail for "Rebuilding After Cancer".
A cancer diagnosis changes life in innumerable ways. It also teaches us things about ourselves.
Thumbnail for "Pets".
Pets can turn our lives completely upside down, but we wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Thumbnail for "Animal Companions".
As we share life with our loyal companions, they in turn teach us about love, compassion, and mortality.
Thumbnail for "School Days (Encore)".
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.
Thumbnail for "Growing Up Black (Encore)".
Growing up Black in America means forging cultural bonds, struggling for visibility, and all too often, receiving unearned judgment.
Thumbnail for "Fish Out of Water (Encore)".
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.
Thumbnail for "Game On (Encore)".
You can’t win if you don’t play. And playing can make all the difference.
Thumbnail for "Family Ties (Encore)".
Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own.
Thumbnail for "Unlikely Love (Encore)".
Why not risk it all for love?
Thumbnail for "Glorious Food (Encore)".
Day by day, meal by meal, food becomes a part of who we are.
Thumbnail for "First (Encore)".
There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life.
Thumbnail for "Road Trip (Encore)".
Road trip! On the highway where anything can happen, take a ride on a journey that changed everything.
Thumbnail for "Summertime (Encore)".
Summertime is upon us. As the days stretch longer and the sun shines brighter and hotter, anything seems possible.
Thumbnail for "Surviving Childhood (Encore)".
Comedic storyteller Susanne Schmidt shares two of her favorite childhood adventures.
Thumbnail for "Unexpected Connections (Encore)".
The twists and turns of a journey can lead to an unpredicted discovery.
Thumbnail for "Beyond Cancer ".
A cancer diagnosis changes life in innumerable ways. It also teaches us things about ourselves.
Thumbnail for "Living with Cancer".
A cancer diagnosis changes our lives forever. But with science, fortitude, and love, people can – and do – survive.
Thumbnail for "One Way or Another (Encore)".
Storytellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had.
Thumbnail for "Brothers and Sisters".
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.
Thumbnail for "Siblings".
Siblings share many things; from the obvious like family members and living spaces to the seldom said of histories and hopes.
Thumbnail for "Against the Odds".
Sometimes the odds are against us. But with effort and a little luck, they can sway in our favor.
Thumbnail for "Defining Moments".
Defining moments can be brief, but what they teach us are lessons that last a lifetime.
Thumbnail for "Turn the Page".
With every step forward, we carry history with us as we are shaping our future.
Thumbnail for "The Power of Name".
A given name is just that – one we have no choice over. But our names can provide us with such unexpected strength.
Thumbnail for "Transformation".
We often believe that our circumstances are permanent, when in fact, this is not the case. If only we dare, change can happen.
Thumbnail for "Growing Up Black: Part 2".
In America, growing up Black means many things: cultural bonds, the struggle for visibility, and all too often, unearned judgement.
Thumbnail for "Match Made".
The search for a life partner is usually far from perfect - bad choices, parental pressure and twists & turns are all part of the journey.
Thumbnail for "Through Thick and Thin".
When faced with adversity, it's easy to believe that the universe is conspiring against us. However, the lessons we learn last a lifetime.
Thumbnail for "Culture Shock".
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.
Thumbnail for "Modern Family".
“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.
Thumbnail for "First".
There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life.
Thumbnail for "New Chapter".
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.
Thumbnail for "Fish Out of Water".
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.
Thumbnail for "Sugar & Spice".
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.
Thumbnail for "The Perfect Gift".
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.
Thumbnail for "A Perfect Match".
Searching and finding the right match – whether forged, challenged, lost or kept – is not always easy.
Thumbnail for "Holiday Spirit".
Top storytellers share stories that conjure the holiday spirit.
Thumbnail for "Raising the Bar".
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.
Thumbnail for "Giving Thanks".
Favorite stories about Thanksgiving, the holiday that has us giving thanks.
Thumbnail for "Serving with Honor".
In this special Veterans Day episode, service members and their families demonstrate their character and resolve in the most trying of circumstances.
Thumbnail for "Cast Your Vote".
On Election Day, things seldom go as planned. Voters and candidates face challenges that require creative thinking, integrity and courage.
Thumbnail for "In the Name of Justice".
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.
Thumbnail for "Newsworthy".
The news is often attention grabbing. But sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the headlines.
Thumbnail for "Family Ties".
Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own.
Thumbnail for "Good Kind of Trouble (Encore)".
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.
Thumbnail for "Growing Up Latina".
Being a young Latina means living within a vibrant and varied global culture. It also means navigating identity and intersectionality.
Thumbnail for "Changemakers".
Change is never easy. But if we try hard enough, we can make the world a better place.
Thumbnail for "One Way or Another".
Storytellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had.
Thumbnail for "Above and Beyond".
From time to time, it's okay to lessen our expectations – but expecting more should be the norm.
Thumbnail for "Changed Forever 9/11".
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.
Thumbnail for "One Good Dog".
Paying tribute to our canine companions.
Thumbnail for "Take a Stand".
Sometimes, you have to stick up for yourself – or somebody else – even when that little voice tells you it’s safer to keep quiet.
Thumbnail for "Stories from the Stage".
Stories from the Stage is back with more extraordinary true stories.
Thumbnail for "Stand Up ".
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.
Thumbnail for "Good Trouble".
The late John Lewis took pride in creating "good trouble" and standing up against unfairness.
Thumbnail for "Lost & Found".
There's nothing worse than the moment when we lose something precious.
Thumbnail for "Growing Up Black".
Growing up Black in America means forging cultural bonds, struggling for visibility, and all too often, receiving unearned judgment.
Thumbnail for "Surviving Childhood ".
Comedic storyteller Susanne Schmidt shares two of her favorite childhood adventures.
Thumbnail for "Missed Connections".
A missed connection doesn't necessarily mean loss; it could be a chance for redemption.
Thumbnail for "Game On".
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.
Thumbnail for "Glorious Food".
Day by day, meal by meal, food becomes a part of who we are.
Thumbnail for "Summertime".
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.
Thumbnail for "Road Trip ".
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.
Thumbnail for "Stories from the Stage: Summer Season Trailer".
Powerful stories can bring people together despite impossible differences and tumultuous times.
Thumbnail for "School Days ".
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.
Thumbnail for "Unexpected Connections".
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.
Thumbnail for "Chance".
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.
Thumbnail for "Courage".
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.
Thumbnail for "Unlikely Love".
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.
Thumbnail for "American Journey ".
Grace shares how her family became American; Szifra discovers the heritage behind her name.
Thumbnail for "You Only Live Once".
Epiphany, serendipity, and last wishes.
Thumbnail for "Whatever It Takes".
Descent, rescue and recovery.
Thumbnail for "Deadly Sins".
In the wake of the man-made disaster that destroyed her neighborhood, one woman becomes a crusader.
Thumbnail for "Coming to America".
Love and hate on the way to Ellis Island, friendship without borders, and the life of the undocumented.
Thumbnail for "Stories from the Stage".
Powerful stories can bring people together despite impossible differences and tumultuous times.

Body and Soul

Thumbnail for "Body and Soul".
May 13, 202430min 6sec

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. Show you appreciate these extraordinary storytellers by making a donation in any amount at https://worldchannel.org/donate/stories/