Speaking with Joel Dresang gave me a run for my money in the best way possible. With over 30 years as a journalist, Joel held me accountable to professional reporter standards with kind encouragement and a reminder to record my interviews rather than type furiously and later attempt to decipher my digital shorthand.

Records show that Joel has been a part of the Ex Fabula community since 2014, which was also the year he told his first story on our stage. He has been a dedicated volunteer, a Real Stories MKE radio show host, and a captivating on-stage storyteller.

MC: Joel, you’ve told several stories in your years with Ex Fabula. Do you remember your first story told on stage?

JD: Oh, man… I think I do. It was at the venue that is currently Boone and Crocket. The sound system there was new and no one knew that the sound wouldn’t reach the bar area. I was the first teller of the night and a newbie. When I started to tell my story, some women sitting at the bar just shouted, “We can’t hear you! Start over!” Well, I thought, I can’t just start over! The rest of the experience is blurry, but I remember that [rocky] start.

Joel tells a story during Ex Fabula’s 8th season at a StorySlam with the theme, “Acquired Taste”.

MC: Can you describe yourself using three words?

JD: [long pause, deep thinking] I’m going to go with upbeat, curious, and respectful. I feel these are things that people would say about me.

I learned Joel is a big fan of cheeseburgers, and while we agreed that cheeseburgers are delicious and a main food group, we completely disagreed on condiment use. Joel is not a condiment man and I prefer to drown all my food in condiments. Yes, even the widely hated mustard. His recommendation: Café Hollander. Marissa’s recommendation: Crave Café.

Joel’s stories are typically filled with past travel experiences. We also connected on the deep love of seeing the world, trying new foods, and sharing those experiences with the people we love the most.

MC: Any upcoming travel plans or bucket list destinations?

JD: Not at this time, but I am looking forward to revisiting a few places so long as my wife is along. [Florence and Venice, Italy, and Paris, France are just a few of note.]

One of his most memorable trips was an opportunity to study abroad at the University of the Philippines. He talked about what he’s learned about himself: “I could immerse myself in another culture far from home and survive, get along, learn from them, befriend and be friended.” From that trip as a student, he gained a sense of “wanderlust” to see the world. Another notable trip for Joel was visiting Iguazu Falls with his wife. When he returned home, he learned to make Brazilian bolinhos (balls of food) featuring a variety of ingredients in ball form. Yum!

MC: Can you share a story of something you’re proud of?

JD: [Without skipping a beat] Real Stories MKE! It’s noble work, being able to help people tell their stories and showcase those who have been brave enough to share.

Real Stories MKE is Ex Fabula’s radio show highlighting community stories throughout the years. Joel expressed his admiration and joy for working with the Real Stories team: Kim Shine, Sam Woods, and Lauren Instenes.

JD: It’s also one of the few environments I feel completely comfortable in. I, like many others, experience a bit of imposter syndrome. Real Stories is a place where I can be myself and feel comfortable with that.

Joel and Rebecca volunteer at the Will Call table together

MC: My favorite thing about Ex Fabula is its ability to connect people from all walks of life. What other ways are you involved in your community?

JD: I spent a long time as a journalist, and it really set the bar for not getting involved in the community because I didn’t want to pose conflicts of interest in my work.

After leaving his work as a journalist, Joel joined the Milwaukee Press Club, an organization that builds community within the journalistic profession. From that, he advanced his support to the Club by getting involved with the Milwaukee Press Club Endowment, a funding affiliate invested in providing scholarships and internships to the next generation of journalism. The Endowment is celebrating its 50th anniversary of engaging in fundraising for this work, and Joel has been the president for the last 6-7 years. His current goal in this role is to evaluate the impact of the endowment over the years and to develop leadership candidates for the next generation. His passion is clearly exemplified by his contribution of nearly 15 years in this work.

Joel also mentioned his love for storytelling, theater, and comedy. In addition to his involvement with Ex Fabula, he has taken acting classes at the Milwaukee Rep and started a comedy sketch group in the past. I asked him why he likes storytelling, in its many forms, and he described the combination of hope, connection, reflection that aid community building. Joel also appreciates storytelling for the opportunity to discover common connections between strangers. He says, “I may have never met this person [speaking], but if I can relate to their story and we get to talking, I can feel like we’re friends in 5 minutes.”

I spoke with others in the Ex Fabula community about their relationship with Joel. Here’s the lovely things they had to say:

Joel and friend, Pete, tell a duo story featuring bow ties.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Joel Dresang for more than 40 years and I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who was more creative, compassionate, friendly, helpful, thoughtful, intelligent, and full of good energy! What this world needs is more Joel Dresangs!”

“Joel is one of the most sincere, warmhearted people I know. Whether as a storytelling coach or a co-host on ‘Real Stories,’ he’s always creative, selfless, curious, and hilarious. He strives for the best and encourages others to do what makes them happy.”

Lastly, I want to thank Joel for his dedicated commitment to supporting Ex Fabula and our goal to connect Milwaukee through real stories. Thanks again, Joel. We appreciate you!