by Jack Uslabar

Ex Fabula recently wrapped up the seventh season of Real Stories MKE, our radio show airing on WUWM 89.7 FM. The program features stories told by community members at Ex Fabula StorySlams, repurposed into episodes focused on a specific theme. In this blog series, we’re introducing you to the people who bring Real Stories MKE to fruition every year. 

Joel Dresang is a co-host of Real Stories MKE and a regular at Ex Fabula’s StorySlams. A native of Kimberly, Wisconsin, he ended up in Milwaukee after a brief stint on the East Coast.

He first became involved with Ex Fabula after meeting Executive Director Megan McGee at a comedy festival. Upon reaching out to her about coaching, he heard about Ex Fabula and went to his first StorySlam. He was amazed by the diversity of voices and found that, though the storytellers and their experiences were different, they were nonetheless similar to his own. The community building of the organization’s mission was particularly resonant, and he has since been a regular attendee and occasional emcee.

Like his initial involvement with Ex Fabula, Joel’s involvement with Real Stories started with Megan McGee. She reached out to him and asked if he was interested in hosting and, although initially hesitant, he agreed. A brief meeting with co-host Kim Shine followed and established their compatibility.

Though on the surface very little has changed (same format, hosts, purpose) during Joel’s tenure, the show has cycled through a few producers and the hosts have come to hold more creative control, including the freedom to select the themes. Settling into the role has also made Joel feel more comfortable sharing his own anecdotes on the show, serving as a “model of vulnerability” for listeners.

The Pride episode, in particular, is a favorite, as it was a “fun, poignant” collection of stories that embodied one of his favorite parts of Ex Fabula’s mission: giving a voice to the underrepresented. Another favorite episode of his was the Death episode, in which he and Kim realized they had nine minutes of air time to fill and were forced to improvise on a difficult topic for the remainder of the episode.

Outside of Real Stories MKE, Joel works as the communications coordinator and contact manager for an investment firm, where he hosts their podcast, produces videos, and handles social media responsibilities. Outside of work, he is an avid enjoyer of the theatre, working in local productions and attending acting classes in his free time.