After graduating from Hofstra University in the late 1970s,[3] Kadau found his niche in 1985 when he his long-time writing partner, Joe Raiola sold their first article to Mad Magazine, "The Mad "Don't" Book - Chapter 1: What Not to Do at a Funeral".[4] Shortly after, the two became members of "the Usual Gang of Idiots",[5] eventually rising to their current positions of Senior Editors.[1] To date, Kadau (along with Joe) has appeared on the masthead of the magazine over 250, a total surpassed by only 5 other people.[1]
Kadau, writing for the magazine as a team with Raiola and separately, has been responsible for over 130 articles and covers.[4] Among his best known MAD pieces is The Belching Dragon, (written with Raiola) a parody of a Chinese take-out menu. The targets of his comedic wit have included the NRA, Indiana Jones, cigarette warning labels, Gary Hart, "The Simpsons", Madonna, and "Star Wars".[4]