Ten years, hundreds of voices, and countless unforgettable moments. The journey of Stories from the Stage, the award-winning series produced by WORLD and GBH, has been truly remarkable: from an intimate event in front of a small audience to a multi-platform series, Stories from the Stage has grown through radio, television, podcast, and digital platforms alike, reaching millions of viewers every day.
This September, Stories from the Stage will celebrate a decade of incredible storytelling with the premiere of a landmark tenth season.
Since 2017, the storytelling on Stories from the Stage has shaped values and deepened our understanding of the world. Over 194 episodes, nearly 600 tellers have bravely shared their vulnerability, humanity, and resilience to build a space that has fostered personal connections and trust. Season 10 of Stories from the Stage will build upon the inspiring, captivating and thought-provoking foundation created over the last nine years.
For Executive Producer Patricia Alvarado Núñez, this achievement is a proud moment to reflect on what makes the series special and the impact of sharing our stories.
“Awards and reaching 10 seasons are wonderful accomplishments, but the most important measure of our success is the trust people place in us,” said Alvarado Núñez. “It is also deeply moving to watch the audience in the studio respond and then to see that same connection extend to a much larger community online. In an increasingly disconnected world, those moments of humanity are priceless.”
On September 7, “Beyond the News” premieres with three stories that reveal the people and emotions behind even the most gripping headlines. We meet Cathy Kang, a retired Coast Guard veteran and former military aide to the Vice President who buried her own trauma while helping the government navigate the aftermath of the September 11 attacks; Christopher James, a fashion model and stand-up comedian who shares how an online romance scam cost his grieving mother $450,000; and Rich Foy, who, after returning to his Kentucky hometown following a devastating tornado, discovers that the place he once left behind will always be part of who he is.
Throughout the rest of the season, storytellers from all professional and cultural backgrounds will share life-changing experiences that connect with audiences everywhere. From strange and unexpected moments to holiday stories filled with warmth and happiness during the cold winter season, each new episode will showcase the power of storytelling in bringing people together.
Coming this season:
You Can’t Make This Up | October 5
Real life can be stranger for fiction. Jameer Pond’s embarrassing confrontation with Travis Scott earns him a place in hip-hop history; Susan Rhode searches for a bomb at the luxury hotel where she works; and Adam Linn, who is blind, discovers a new sense of freedom driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. Three storytellers, three interpretations of YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS UP. Hosted by Wes Hazard.
Beg, Borrow, Steal | October 19
At times, we have to improvise with what we have or bend a rule to get what we need. Trinity Thompson makes a questionable choice to fit in at college; John Oliva turns a stolen lawn ornament into an elaborate prank; and Meagan Fratiello finds an unexpected sign of hope during a health scare. Three storytellers, three interpretations of BEG, BORROW, STEAL. Hosted by Theresa Okokon.
Spooky | October 26
It can be hard to tell if what frightens us is real or just our imagination. Rachael Conroy is haunted by a Ouija board prediction; ChaChanna Simpson summons the courage to reclaim her home from a bat; and Zach Lennon-Simon’s stay in a haunted hotel forces him to confront his greatest fear. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SPOOKY. Hosted by Wes Hazard.
On Second Thought | November 9
The bravest choice is often to stop and reconsider. Kate Buhler reevaluates her life after surviving a terrifying midair emergency; Pierce McManus walks away from the New York City Police Academy just before being sworn in; and Johanna Walke finds herself trapped between a cliff and the sea. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ON SECOND THOUGHT. Hosted by Wes Hazard.
Truth and Consequences | November 16
Telling the truth can set us free, but it rarely comes without consequences. Sarah Kipp embraces who she is and finds a new way to keep her family together; Quentin Lucas chooses conscience over obedience in the Army; and Christina Semple hides her cancer diagnosis from her family. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES. Hosted by Theresa Okokon.
Think Again | November 30
Life has a way of challenging what we know about ourselves. Mary Brzustowicz cuts off her long hair and begins an unexpected experiment in identity; Altagracia Montilla receives a gift that forces her to confront a painful truth; and Jade Eliasson questions whether teaching is enough – until her students open her eyes. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THINK AGAIN. Hosted by Wes Hazard.
Growing Up Jewish | December 7
Growing up Jewish can mean balancing family history, faith, and the need to belong. Micaela Blei, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, tests family boundaries; Linda Wertheimer learns to embrace what sets her apart in her rural Ohio town; and Vicki Levy Krupp reckons with the complicated legacy of her Southern Jewish family. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GROWING UP JEWISH.
More Than a Gift | December 14
The gifts we remember most aren’t always the ones we asked for. Lanae Ritzman longs for a pair of clogs but receives something else from her father; Steve Zimmer discovers the hope that lies behind a family tradition; and Tammy Wood is reminded of the power of generosity after reluctantly helping a stranger. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MORE THAN A GIFT. Hosted by Theresa Okokon.
Stories from the Stage: A Christmas Special | December 21
The holidays bring forth traditions, expectations, and surprises. Cyndi Freeman takes a job as a Christmas elf and finds an unlikely mentor; John Smith-Horn discovers the challenges and rewards of playing a shopping mall Santa; and Hadi Shavarini blends Christmas with his Iranian heritage to create a new tradition for his daughter. Three storytellers, three interpretations of A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.
And more to come!
Watch Stories from the Stage every Monday at 9:30/8:30c on WORLD and every Friday at 8/7c on GBH 2. Plus, take these stories on the go by subscribing to Stories from the Stage: The Podcast and listen to Stories from the Stage on GBH 89.7 FM every Sunday at 7 p.m.
Everyone has a story to tell, and we welcome them all. Step into the spotlight and share your story with us – you could even end up on TV for all your loved ones to see!
Want to experience the magic in person? Stories from the Stage is recorded in front of a live studio audience, and there is nothing like being in the room when a story unfolds. To attend a live show and taping, visit wgbh.org/events.
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