Jordan Watson: How To Dad on Parenting & Life | RNZ
Jordan Watson, the Fresh Zealand content creator known as How To DAD, has turn into a significant figure in the country’s digital landscape, bridging the gap between relatable online comedy and mainstream entertainment. Eleven years after his first viral video, Watson is being described as the “koro” – Māori for grandfather – of Kiwi content creators, a testament to his longevity and influence.
Watson’s journey began in 2015 with a simple joke video created for a friend anticipating fatherhood. Two years later, he transitioned to making social media videos full-time as How To DAD. His success, he says, stems from a commitment to authenticity, eschewing the highly polished aesthetic prevalent on platforms like Instagram. “The cheap and cheerful is what’s worked for me, and that’s how we just keep it,” Watson explained to RNZ’s Music 101. “I just wake up, and if I have a funny idea while I’m in the shower or making breakfast, I’ll write it down, I’ll shoot it and post it.”
This approach – prioritizing immediacy and relatability over production value – has resonated with a broad audience. Watson’s content often depicts the everyday realities of fatherhood and family life, presented with a distinctly Kiwi sense of humor. He’s built a substantial following by simply being himself, a strategy that stands in contrast to the curated perfection often seen online.
Watson’s reach extends beyond social media. He recently participated in a new RNZ series called Out of My League, which pits him against some of New Zealand’s top athletes. The premise, as he describes it, is to explore the idea of an “average Joe” lane in the Olympics – a space where everyday individuals can test their abilities alongside professionals. “Imagine if there was an ‘average Joe’ lane at the Olympics. Every sport plays as it is, but there’s a lane there [where] it’s just a regular person,” he said.
The series isn’t about Watson necessarily *winning* against these athletes, but rather about gaining insight into their dedication and mental fortitude. He notes the surprising level of drive and focus exhibited by these elite competitors. “You never fathom how impressive these people are – their drive, how stoic and mentally focused they are in their training.”
Prior to Out of My League, Watson already demonstrated a surprising athletic bent. In 2023, he briefly held the 100-meter sprint world record for running in jandals (flip-flops). He attributes his success in securing the record to its niche nature and a degree of strategic timing. “I think I only got it because it’s quite niche and if I publicised it before I did it, someone else faster in New Zealand would have just gone and done it and easily done it,” he explained. “So, I was able to slip it under the radar and I held it for about a year. Some Italian guys got it now. We need the Kiwis to get that one back.”
The concept for Out of My League arose from Watson’s observations of elite athletes and a playful curiosity about the perceived ease of certain sports. He questioned how hard activities like bobsledding could truly be, leading him to the idea of putting himself to the test. “Like a bobsled, what’s the guy at the front doing? He’s just sitting there. Surely, I could do that?”
However, he quickly discovered that even seemingly simple athletic feats require significant skill and training. He recounts a kayaking challenge with Dame Lisa Carrington, where he was informed that simply staying upright would be a struggle, let alone keeping pace with a world-class kayaker. He learned firsthand that kayaks are “very tippy” and required a specialized vessel suited to his larger frame – 6 feet tall and weighing 100 kilograms.
Watson’s success isn’t just about comedic timing or athletic curiosity; it’s about a willingness to embrace vulnerability and self-deprecation. He’s built a brand around being an “average Joe,” and that authenticity is clearly resonating with audiences. His ability to connect with people on a relatable level, combined with his adventurous spirit, positions him as a unique and compelling figure in the evolving world of digital content creation. He represents a shift away from aspirational online personas and towards a more grounded and genuine form of entertainment.
As of , Jordan Watson continues to create content and challenge himself, solidifying his place as a leading voice in New Zealand’s digital media landscape.