How Zach Watson Grew to 1.1M Followers by Owning His Mistakes Online
Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/DNNflB3XYbs?feature=shared
Zach Watson didn’t set out to become the internet’s go-to guy for explaining the mental load. But after one honest TikTok blew up, he found himself building a coaching business from the chaos of invisible labor, messy marriages, and fatherhood fails. In this episode of Silly Little Social, I sit down with Zach to talk about how showing up vulnerably online helped him grow a massive following—and a career.
From late-night video journaling to viral “blueberry muffin” content, Zach’s journey is full of lessons for any creator trying to make an impact while staying true to themselves. We also talk business—how he transitioned from high-ticket coaching to a scalable community model, what it takes to monetize content ethically, and why he’s doubling down on YouTube.
Inside This Episode, We Discuss:
How one viral video turned Zach’s niche into a movement
Balancing fatherhood, partnership, and a full-time content business
Building trust with your audience through imperfect but honest storytelling
What to do when your content stagnates—and how to pivot
The hidden emotional toll of going viral (and how to protect your peace)
Navigating internet hate, especially when your content tackles gender dynamics
Why creators need to think like educators, not just entertainers
Zach’s advice for creators struggling with consistency and perfectionism
About Zach Watson:
Zach Watson is the recovering-man-child turned viral creator and coach behind the “Mental Load” video series. What began as a single TikTok unpacking the dynamics of invisible labor has grown into 1300+ videos, 1.1 million followers across platforms, and a thriving coaching community for dads who want to step up at home. His goal? To help men take true ownership—not just say “I’ll do better.” Zach blends storytelling, humor, and vulnerability to spark real change in relationships, one reel at a time.
Zach’s Story:
Zach started his content journey back in 2013 as a high school math teacher creating personal development YouTube videos. Over time, as he became a father and began noticing gaps in how domestic labor was shared and understood, he turned the camera on himself and started documenting what he was learning in real time.
He didn’t go viral by being perfect—he went viral by being real. That authenticity, mixed with his ability to turn everyday mishaps into powerful insights, quickly resonated with millions. Today, Zach runs a paid membership community, holds weekly office hours, and continues to create content that couples use as a bridge for better communication.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs:
Zach’s growth offers a masterclass in personal branding, content strategy, and pivoting with integrity. His story reminds us that:
Your mess-ups can become your message
Niching down doesn’t mean boxing yourself in—it can be expansive
Consistency matters more than perfection
Vulnerability is a skill that builds trust, loyalty, and longevity
You don’t need a huge team or perfect production to make an impact—just a clear point of view and a lot of heart
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a content creator, coach, or parent trying to make sense of your digital presence, Zach’s story is proof that your truth can build a bridge to someone else’s breakthrough. His mix of humor, humility, and honesty sets a new standard for how we show up online. If you’re navigating big feelings, big platforms, or big business decisions, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Guest Links & Resources:
Instagram: @zachmentalloadcoach
TikTok: @zachthinkshare
YouTube: ThinkShare
Website: zachthinkshare.com
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