E131 | Jordan Watson

Episode summary | Jordan Watson

Jordan Watson – aka How To Dad – is one of New Zealand’s biggest social media stars, with his YouTube channel and Facebook account boasting a combined 3.5 million followers.

It all started eight years ago when he sent a video demonstrating how to hold a baby to a soon-to-be-dad friend. Overnight the clip went viral. Watson ended up quitting his day job on TV to focus on the How To Dad series, and has now racked up more than 172 million video views on YouTube and 250 million views on Facebook.

But what’s it really like being a content creator? What really happens when a video goes viral? And what is the process of actually ‘going pro’?

Jordan’s work ethic and creative brain have turned him into a modern-day Kiwi icon and it's easy to see why he’s been so successful. This was a fascinating look at how someone created a world of opportunity, business, and unbelievable reach from an idea.

Show notes | Jordan Watson

0:00 The most unique career path of any Between Two Beers guest

7:37 Memoirs of a Geezer

13:00 The back story of How To Dad: Eating Media Lunch, Jono and Ben

23:21 How to Hold a Baby: What happens when a video goes viral?

36:19 Becoming a full-time content creator

46:19 Managing the How To Dad brand

55:11 Behind the scenes of being a content creator

1:11:35 “I’ve never played cricket!”: Taking on the Black Clash

1:17:15 The Parenting Hangover

1:22:48 Hambassador?

1:24:39 Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Jordan