Joel ben Izzy set out four decades ago to travel the world, gathering and telling stories. Over the years he's told stories and taught storytelling skills in 36 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Israel. While the stories he tells come from all over the world, he specializes in Jewish tales, both personal and folkloric. He is also the author of two award winning books, including The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness, which has now been translated into 18 languages. In addition to his storytelling and writing, Joel is one of the nation's leading story consultants, helping numerous individuals and organizations to find and tell their stories.