**Dave Ogleton: From Dance Videos to the ‘King of Dad Jokes’**
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Dave Ogleton, a prominent figure in the realm of parenting humour, has captivated over 2.5 million social media followers with his unique take on dad jokes. His recent venture into publishing has resulted in a book, *So Dad It’s Good*, which compiles some of his most beloved quips, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a father.
Ogleton’s journey into the world of dad humour began in 2019, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, he followed the video trends of the time, focusing on dance content like many others, but soon realised that his 37-year-old self was not cut out for that genre. “I quickly found out that my 37-year-old self wasn’t very good at that,” he said with a laugh, acknowledging the shift in his creative direction.
As the lockdowns took hold, Ogleton decided to pivot to parenting-related humour. He soon discovered that this change resonated with his audience, leading to an enthusiastic response when he shared his first dad joke video. “I noticed followers consistently engaging with my jokes, and it sparked my creativity,” he recounted. After the initial success, he began producing two or three dad joke videos daily, which significantly boosted his social media growth.
Ogleton’s knack for humour has always been a part of his personality. With six children, he is no stranger to the challenges and antics of parenting, often using puns and light-hearted jokes to bring joy to his family. “I’m just generally trying to make my kids laugh as much as I possibly could, so doing this felt completely natural for me,” he remarked.
According to Ogleton, the essence of a good dad joke lies in its ability to make him laugh. “If I find the joke amusing, I know it has potential,” he explained. He emphasised that if he finds himself re-recording a punchline because he can’t stop laughing, it’s often an indication of a solid joke. Some of his material isn’t entirely original, but he believes that by repackaging familiar jokes with a fresh delivery, they can become even more entertaining.
The familial aspect of his content is one of its main draws. Ogleton’s children range from a preschooler to a teenager preparing for university, giving him a diverse perspective on parenting across different stages. He reflects on the feedback he receives from followers, who often express relief in knowing that their experiences with children mirror his own. “Many people have said it’s comforting to see that our kids are just like theirs,” he noted, stressing the sense of community he fosters through humour.
His new book, *So Dad It’s Good*, reflects Ogleton’s online persona while broadening its appeal. He recalls a follower’s suggestion to compile his jokes into a book during his early video days, which ultimately inspired the project. “The book has sections that represent the fun, relatable content my social media audience has come to expect,” he explained.
Ogleton made it a point to cater to his diverse following, which includes many teachers. He created a specific chapter dedicated to teacher jokes, along with categories on nature, celebrities, and music. “I aimed to encompass a variety of topics that could resonate with different groups while still evoking laughter,” he described.
Looking ahead, Ogleton embraces the ongoing adventure of parenting alongside his wife, Jackie, who plays a significant role in his creative process. “We’re never going to finish parenting; it’s a lifelong job. Through humour, I want to share our wisdom with others,” he concluded. His ability to blend parenting experiences with laughter continues to attract fans and provide a light-hearted escape, further solidifying his status as the internet’s “King of Dad Jokes.”