Get to know Joel

I first got excited about journalism while reporting on the death penalty for a project in high school. I approached the topic emotionally, figuring that if someone murdered a family member of mine, I would want them dead. But as I looked into the hard realities of the issue, spoke with families of victims and corresponded with a man on death row, I realized there was another side to things.

From that moment on, I knew journalism could change minds and it became all I ever wanted to do. So I worked my way up to reporting for the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, and ABC News. Lately, I have been focused on video, producing for Vocativ and MSNBC - and that's what brought me to Life Links.

What did you learn growing up?
I hope growing up never ends! The best journalists are insanely curious and that applies to my own life and views. Just as I question others, I want to keep challenging my own ideas and continue to grow.

But the main thing I've learnt over time was realizing that everything wasn't going to work out. It's all about getting comfortable with a life of imperfection and change.

What does happiness mean to you?
I'm often most happy about the simple things, like time with family or eating a good meal. When reporting about refugees recently, many were sleeping in a park, and I experienced gratitude for just sleeping in a bed that night. Often, happiness is about recognizing what we already have.

Who do you turn to when life sucks?
It's all about friends and family; there's a small village of people who would be happy to take a call from me at any time of day or night. The joy is that I get to help them too.

What was the first thing you shared - and why?
I have no idea! But sharing is a good thing.