JOEL SHUPACK

Audio Storyteller

“I am a passionate storyteller, sound designer and editor always searching for intimate, human stories that make the world feel a little richer and a little more complex. Usually you’ll find me ears-deep in tape, searching for some small perfect moment that brings a character to life or walking aimlessly in my neighborhood, seeing what’s in bloom.

“In 2013, I went on a bicycle trip across America searching for stories. I was driven by the belief that stories have the power to create empathy and understanding. Though I had little training and a terrible microphone (a pawn shop owner convinced me it was a real bargain), I had complete dedication to my self-appointed pilgrimage. During almost a year on the road, I talked to everyone — farmers, children, hermits — and taught myself to put strangers at ease, get good tape, and create a cohesive narrative.”