Watch The Story Trek

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.