May 19, 2025

429. The Sensationalism of Stories: Big Baby Zach Strenkert

50 minutes

"Celebrities are just people too."

"Don't let anyone tell your story in a way that you don't agree with."

"It's important to be honest with yourself. I could be harsh at times, but that's because for so long, I was too tender with myself."

"The journey is far from just being about gigantism. It's about mental health, it's about physical health, it's about fitness, it's about circumstance."

In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman engage in a profound conversation with Zach Strenkert, who opens up about his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of life after his experiences with the Jerry Springer show.

Zach shares his reflections on the recent documentary about Jerry, discussing the nuances of celebrity culture, the challenges of public perception, and the importance of authentic storytelling. He candidly reveals how sensationalism often overshadows genuine narratives, emphasizing that people are multifaceted and should not be defined by singular moments or actions.

As the discussion unfolds, Zach dives deep into his personal struggles, including the impact of his father's passing and his battle with body image and eating disorders.

He highlights the importance of reframing one's story, understanding mental health, and embracing vulnerability as a pathway to healing. Listeners will be inspired by Zach's commitment to self-improvement and his journey toward balance, as he navigates the complexities of life with a unique perspective.

His insights into the importance of communication in relationships, especially with his fiancée, offer a glimpse into the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges. Join us for this enlightening episode that not only explores the depths of personal struggle but also celebrates the triumph of the human spirit.

Zach's story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the ongoing journey of self-acceptance. Don't miss this opportunity to hear a truly inspiring narrative that encourages us all to find our own voice and share our stories.

(00:00) I reached out to you because the Jerry Springer documentary just came out

(03:20) I think a lot of the documentary was sensationalizing the situation

(04:58) Some things got conflated or maybe it's easy to cherry pick headlines

(08:23) You're working on a book now. We talked about you wanting to do that

(11:21) For someone with Asperger syndrome, losing weight is difficult

(15:34) Like when I first started losing weight, I chose to believe in something

(15:54) The first roadblock was talking about your father

(18:26) You lost your home when your father passed away

(19:46) How did you get over being scared? That's a lot to face

(24:31) You need to spread understanding. You need to understand others so they can understand you

(26:15) You have a fiance now. Wow. That's amazing. I'm so happy for you

(30:01) Any disagreement between you and your girlfriend is smooth sailing

(30:46) Do you feel like your families play into the relationship at all

(34:57) You make the choice every day of your life to get up and do something

(37:05) When I started my weight loss journey, I was severely depressed

(41:07) Communication is such a key part of keeping a marriage together

(44:25) Reena: I can't wait to hear about your first driving experience

Connect with Zach and follow his journey as he continues to inspire others through his story. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear a tale of resilience and hope!

If you liked this episode check out the first episode Zach and I did

https://youtu.be/5K0QvNuAwL0?si=w-N-XEPtc9ww6pic

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

...more

View all episodes

By Reena Friedman Watts

198198 ratings