Noshing With Dave Reminick – July 2, 2026
Creator, Fun Intended
What happens when an award-winning composer stops writing for adults and starts creating music for kids? According to Dave Reminick, the answer is freedom, imagination, and a whole lot of fun.
This week on “Ira's Everything Bagel,” Ira sits down with award-winning composer, educator, musician, and children's recording artist Dave Reminick—better known by his playful alter ego, DadJoke—to discuss his delightfully unconventional debut family album, Fun Intended: Weird Music for Weird Kids.
Dave shares how the COVID pandemic unexpectedly led him into the world of children's music, why writing for young audiences became more creatively fulfilling than composing for adults, and how embracing his own "inner weirdness" unlocked an entirely new artistic path.
The conversation explores the remarkable differences between the minds of children and adults, the lasting influence of Mr. Rogers, the origins of his band Paper Mice, and why humor—especially dad jokes—became such an important part of both his music and his identity.
Dave also offers thoughtful insights into one of today's hottest topics: artificial intelligence and creativity. He explains why he believes art should always remain a deeply human conversation—one person connecting authentically with another.
Whether you're a parent, educator, musician, or simply someone who believes creativity should never lose its sense of play, this entertaining and thought-provoking conversation reminds us that sometimes the best way to connect with the world is to embrace your wonderfully weird side.
If you've ever wondered what inspires truly original artists—or why embracing your inner child may be the secret to great creativity—you won't want to miss this conversation.
ABOUT DAVE:
Dave Reminick, who lives with his family in Oak Park, Illinois, grew up in East Northport, Long Island. After high school, he attended Oberlin College and Conservatory, earning two degrees: a BA in Psychology and a BM in Saxophone Performance. Dave then earned two concurrent Masters degrees at the University of Michigan: an MA in Music Theory and an MM in Saxophone Performance. Finally, he pursued doctoral studies at Northwestern University, where he earned a DMA in Composition.
Dave spent nearly 20 years teaching university-level music theory, composition, and saxophone while also composing and performing professionally as a saxophonist. He has also spent nearly 20 years as singer/guitarist/co-songwriter for the Chicago post-punk band Paper Mice. New Music Box called his adult compositions “bracing, original, and often jaw-dropping.”