YouTuber Interview – Hey! It’s Mr. J!

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, teacher-turned-YouTuber Dave Joisil (Hey! It’s Mr. J!) talks about how he uses catchy hip-hop songs, dance-along movement videos, and powerful social-emotional lessons to help millions of kids ages 2–8 build confidence, kindness, and healthy habits.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed children’s YouTuber Dave Joisil about his Hey! It’s Mr. J YouTube channel that teaches children about positivity and health through music and movement.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m Dave Joisil, but kids know me as Mr. J. I’m a certified health and physical education teacher turned children’s YouTuber. For over 20 years I’ve worked with kids and now I use music, movement, and social-emotional learning to help children live positive, healthy, and happy lives.

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How and why did you start making YouTube videos?

The idea first came during the pandemic. I saw how much kids were struggling being stuck indoors, but I sat on it for three years. My turning point came after I left education. A parent who didn’t even know me personally — but had seen me interact with kids — tracked me down on LinkedIn for a job opportunity. That moment reminded me of my gift for working with children, and I realized I needed to get back to it. YouTube became the way to do that on a bigger scale.

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What is your channel called, and how did you come up with the name?

It’s called Hey! It’s Mr. J!. When I taught, my students referred to me as Mr. J and I wanted something catchy. I start every video with “ Hey! It’s Mr. J!” It’s simple, it’s fun, and it helps kids feel like I’m talking right to them.

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What do you make videos about?

I create fun, hip-hop inspired songs and movement videos for kids ages 2–8. My content blends fitness, dance, character development and social-emotional learning — teaching things like resilience, confidence, kindness, and even practical lessons like cleaning up or using your inside voice.

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Do you have a particular series you’re working on, or do you vary your content?

I vary my content, but everything fits into two main styles:

• SEL songs (like “I Am Me” and “I Can Handle Anxiety”) that teach emotional skills.
  
• Movement adventures (like “The Floor is Lava” or “Superhero Showdown”) that get kids up and moving.
  

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What inspired you to start making videos and what do you hope to accomplish?

I have always been an entertainer, but I was inspired by the kids I taught. I saw how movement and positive messages could completely change their confidence. My hope is to build a trusted platform where children can have fun, move their bodies, and learn life skills that set them up for success.

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Do you feature in your videos personally, or make your videos from other content?

Yes, I personally feature in all of my videos. Kids see me on screen performing in front of a green screen with fun animated backgrounds.

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Do you feature other people on your channel in the form of interviews or co-hosting?

Occasionally, yes! I’ve done collaborations with other creators like Ms. Shirel of Ms Shirel’s Imagination Island, Prepare2Swim and I’m excited to do more co-creations in the future.

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Do you edit your own videos or have someone who does it for you?

It’s a mix. Sometimes I edit myself using LumaFusion, and other times I work with freelance editors to bring my ideas to life.

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Do you script your videos, or just chat as you go?

The songs are scripted and carefully written — every lyric has a purpose. But when I speak directly to kids, I keep it natural and conversational.

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Do you have any specific equipment you use, such as camera, lighting, screens etc? Or are you a mobile phone camera user?

I keep it simple — I film on my iPhone with a green screen setup. It proves you don’t need expensive gear to start.

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How has your YouTube channel changed or developed since you began?

It’s grown from a small idea into something with real momentum. I’ve been featured on YouTube Kids, collaborated with other creators, crossed over 1 million views, and have been invited to perform at school assemblies.

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What are your biggest challenges with your YouTube channel?

The biggest challenge is visibility. There are so many amazing creators, and breaking through the noise takes consistency and persistence. I also wear many hats — writer, performer, editor, promoter — which can be overwhelming at times.

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What are your favourite YouTubers to watch?

I really respect other children’s creators like Danny Joe’s Tree House, Danny Go and Gracie’s Corner. I also keep an eye on creators outside my niche who bring great energy and storytelling.

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How and where do you promote your YouTube channel?

I promote across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. TikTok has been great for connecting with parents and teachers, and LinkedIn has opened doors for collaborations in education.

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Do you earn money from YouTubing, or is it a hobby?

It started as a passion project, but it’s becoming a business. I’ve begun monetizing through YouTube, live assemblies, and collaborations, with the goal of building Hey! It’s Mr. J! into a sustainable brand.

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What’s something you never expected about being a YouTuber? What have you learned that surprised you?

I never expected people to be so helpful. Along this journey, so many people have stepped in to help or offered support in ways I didn’t anticipate. It’s been surprising — and really encouraging — to see how many people genuinely believe in what I’m creating and want to be part of it.

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What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start a YouTube channel?

Don’t wait for perfection. Start with what you have, be authentic, and stay consistent. The most important thing is your “why.” If you know your purpose, the rest will follow.

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And, finally, are you proud of what you’re accomplishing with your YouTube channel? Is it worth the effort?

Yes, I’m proud. Every video takes work, but when I hear from a parent that their child sings my songs around the house, or a teacher says my video calmed their classroom, I know it’s worth every ounce of effort.

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Links

• YouTube: Hey! It’s Mr. J!
  
• TikTok: @heyitsmr.j
  
• Instagram: @heyitsmr.j
  

LinkedIn: Dave Joisil