The Story Trek

Watch The Story Trek

  • 2016
  • 2018 Seasons
  • 8.3  (37)

The Story Trek is a documentary television series that debuts in 2011 on BYUtv that follows the adventures of host, Todd Hansen, as he travels throughout the United States, knocking on random doors and asking total strangers to share their personal life stories. Hansen is a natural storyteller and has a contagious passion about exploring people's stories. The show aims to capture the essence of the human spirit by discovering the unique life experiences of people from different backgrounds, ages and beliefs. The format of the show is simple - Hansen picks a state or region and travels around, knocking on doors and asking if he can interview the occupants about their lives. In most cases, he knows nothing about the people he meets until he spends time with them. Once he gets an assignment, his production team gives him a name and address, and he sets off on the journey. He tapes with a handheld camera that makes the experience feel authentic and organic. The Story Trek is unique in the sense that the show is not scripted, nor is it edited for drama. The stories you see are the real-life stories shared by everyday people. The show's mantra is to never ask two people the same question. This approach leads to authentic and unique stories, nothing like you would find elsewhere. Hansen's approach to getting people to share their stories is straightforward but effective. He's a friendly, open-minded, and curious interviewer who is willing to listen without judging. He's respectful of everyone's experiences, no matter how different they may be from his own. Hansen doesn't shy away from personal questions and often asks about the most intimate details of the interviewee's lives. Over the years, this has resulted in some deeply moving and emotional stories that'll help you find a new appreciation for the human spirit. The anecdotes removed from the show are from every walk of life, from single moms to retirees, from immigrants to WWII vets, and every other type of person in between. In each episode, Hansen meets a wide range of people, from the wealthy to the homeless, all of whom have captivating stories to tell. Their humanity and vulnerability come out through their unique experiences, which often touches on themes such as resilience, hope, love, loss, and redemption. Throughout the series, Hansen visits lots of diverse settings, from affluent suburban areas to rural small towns to inner-city neighborhoods. Every episode is an entirely new adventure, and you never know what you're going to get. The show allows you to experience things from different perspectives, and you'll come away from each episode with a new appreciation of the world and the people in it. The Story Trek has something for everyone. It's uplifting, emotional, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching, and it will leave you feeling inspired and connected to humanity. The show is a testament to the power of human stories and our ability to share with one another. Each episode is a reminder that even though we come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we're all in this thing called life together. In conclusion, The Story Trek is a travel documentary series of the highest caliber. Hansen's ability to get people to open up their lives and share their stories is truly remarkable. His easy-going demeanor and conversational style put his interviewees at ease, allowing for genuine dialogue and a more intimate look at the life of everyday people. The show is a testament to the power of human connection, and every episode is an adventure you won't want to miss.

The Story Trek
Filter by Source

Seasons
Never Give Up
6. Never Give Up
February 14, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, Todd updates the story of a man he met five years ago who suffered a traumatic brain injury and wasn´t supposed to live. Plus Todd randomly meets a woman who wanted to live the American dream, until it became a nightmare! And Todd knocks on the door of an American veteran who´s now fighting a different kind of battle.
Never Give Up
6. Never Give Up
February 14, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, Todd updates the story of a man he met five years ago who suffered a traumatic brain injury and wasn´t supposed to live. Plus Todd randomly meets a woman who wanted to live the American dream, until it became a nightmare! And Todd knocks on the door of an American veteran who´s now fighting a different kind of battle.
Where Life Takes You
5. Where Life Takes You
February 7, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, veteran reporter Todd Hansen catches up with a teenage girl he met six years ago. She had big goals to leave her small town and do amazing things, but you won´t believe where Todd finds her today! And Todd randomly knocks on the door of a family who says their house is haunted. Plus, Todd takes a look inside a historic community created for African American workers.
Where Life Takes You
5. Where Life Takes You
February 7, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, veteran reporter Todd Hansen catches up with a teenage girl he met six years ago. She had big goals to leave her small town and do amazing things, but you won´t believe where Todd finds her today! And Todd randomly knocks on the door of a family who says their house is haunted. Plus, Todd takes a look inside a historic community created for African American workers.
He's Still Here
4. He's Still Here
January 31, 2018
Aubrey was only five months old when Todd first met her several years ago. She was adopted by her Aunt and Uncle who saved her from living a life on the streets with her biological mom. Now Todd revisits the family and finds out some shocking news! Also, a random dot on a map sends Todd to a man who has spent many years behind bars. And Todd meets a doctor whose business is caring for dead people.
He's Still Here
4. He's Still Here
January 31, 2018
Aubrey was only five months old when Todd first met her several years ago. She was adopted by her Aunt and Uncle who saved her from living a life on the streets with her biological mom. Now Todd revisits the family and finds out some shocking news! Also, a random dot on a map sends Todd to a man who has spent many years behind bars. And Todd meets a doctor whose business is caring for dead people.
We Envisioned Kids
3. We Envisioned Kids
January 24, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, Todd reunites with a young newlywed couple he met six years ago who had big plans to adopt kids from troubled homes. Todd is surprised to learn who lives with them now. Then, Todd rolls up on a man from India who says he´s no longer Indian. Finally, we meet a man whose hobby is helping save lives.
We Envisioned Kids
3. We Envisioned Kids
January 24, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, Todd reunites with a young newlywed couple he met six years ago who had big plans to adopt kids from troubled homes. Todd is surprised to learn who lives with them now. Then, Todd rolls up on a man from India who says he´s no longer Indian. Finally, we meet a man whose hobby is helping save lives.
After The Storm: Refugio Strong
2. After The Storm: Refugio Strong
January 17, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, veteran reporter Todd Hansen revisits Refugio Texas, a small town which was in the direct path of Hurricane Harvey. He hears shocking stories of how people survived that frightening night. Todd learns of another tragedy that hit the town just a couple weeks after the hurricane. He is inspired by the way the community is pulling together.
After The Storm: Refugio Strong
2. After The Storm: Refugio Strong
January 17, 2018
On this episode of The Story Trek, veteran reporter Todd Hansen revisits Refugio Texas, a small town which was in the direct path of Hurricane Harvey. He hears shocking stories of how people survived that frightening night. Todd learns of another tragedy that hit the town just a couple weeks after the hurricane. He is inspired by the way the community is pulling together.
After The Storm: Houston Rebuilds
1. After The Storm: Houston Rebuilds
January 10, 2018
Todd visits the Houston area two months after the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. He discovers inspiring stories of neighbors helping neighbors and of organizations finding ways to care for people who might otherwise get overlooked among thousands. He also discovers a neighborhood who seems to have been forgotten.
After The Storm: Houston Rebuilds
1. After The Storm: Houston Rebuilds
January 10, 2018
Todd visits the Houston area two months after the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. He discovers inspiring stories of neighbors helping neighbors and of organizations finding ways to care for people who might otherwise get overlooked among thousands. He also discovers a neighborhood who seems to have been forgotten.
Description

The Story Trek is a documentary television series that debuts in 2011 on BYUtv that follows the adventures of host, Todd Hansen, as he travels throughout the United States, knocking on random doors and asking total strangers to share their personal life stories. Hansen is a natural storyteller and has a contagious passion about exploring people's stories. The show aims to capture the essence of the human spirit by discovering the unique life experiences of people from different backgrounds, ages and beliefs.

The format of the show is simple - Hansen picks a state or region and travels around, knocking on doors and asking if he can interview the occupants about their lives. In most cases, he knows nothing about the people he meets until he spends time with them. Once he gets an assignment, his production team gives him a name and address, and he sets off on the journey. He tapes with a handheld camera that makes the experience feel authentic and organic.

The Story Trek is unique in the sense that the show is not scripted, nor is it edited for drama. The stories you see are the real-life stories shared by everyday people. The show's mantra is to never ask two people the same question. This approach leads to authentic and unique stories, nothing like you would find elsewhere.

Hansen's approach to getting people to share their stories is straightforward but effective. He's a friendly, open-minded, and curious interviewer who is willing to listen without judging. He's respectful of everyone's experiences, no matter how different they may be from his own. Hansen doesn't shy away from personal questions and often asks about the most intimate details of the interviewee's lives. Over the years, this has resulted in some deeply moving and emotional stories that'll help you find a new appreciation for the human spirit.

The anecdotes removed from the show are from every walk of life, from single moms to retirees, from immigrants to WWII vets, and every other type of person in between. In each episode, Hansen meets a wide range of people, from the wealthy to the homeless, all of whom have captivating stories to tell. Their humanity and vulnerability come out through their unique experiences, which often touches on themes such as resilience, hope, love, loss, and redemption.

Throughout the series, Hansen visits lots of diverse settings, from affluent suburban areas to rural small towns to inner-city neighborhoods. Every episode is an entirely new adventure, and you never know what you're going to get. The show allows you to experience things from different perspectives, and you'll come away from each episode with a new appreciation of the world and the people in it.

The Story Trek has something for everyone. It's uplifting, emotional, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching, and it will leave you feeling inspired and connected to humanity. The show is a testament to the power of human stories and our ability to share with one another. Each episode is a reminder that even though we come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we're all in this thing called life together.

In conclusion, The Story Trek is a travel documentary series of the highest caliber. Hansen's ability to get people to open up their lives and share their stories is truly remarkable. His easy-going demeanor and conversational style put his interviewees at ease, allowing for genuine dialogue and a more intimate look at the life of everyday people. The show is a testament to the power of human connection, and every episode is an adventure you won't want to miss.

The Story Trek is a series that is currently running and has 2018 seasons (138 episodes). The series first aired on September 5, 2016.

Where to Watch The Story Trek

The Story Trek is available for streaming on the BYUtv website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Story Trek on demand at and BYUtv.

  • Premiere Date
    September 5, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (37)