Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with 12 Dates of Christmas’ Zachary Goff

Zachary Goff has stolen our hearts as one of the eligible singles on HBO Max’s 12 Dates of Christmas. From the executive producers of Love Is Blind, 12 Dates of Christmas takes place in a picturesque Austrian winter wonderland and follows three leads on their journey to love: Chad, Faith, and Garrett.

Zachary makes quite the splash when he enters the series with his zesty personality and quick sense of humor.

We caught up with Zachary to learn more about him and 12 Dates of Christmas.

PC: How did this opportunity come about?
Zachary: I actually got approached randomly on Instagram by someone I didn’t know and had no affiliation with. They approached me about being on a Christmas dating show, and I responded with a joke thinking that it was a scam. Right then, they were like, “Oh, you’re great. We want you even more.” After that, I did a bit of my own research and asked around. I figured out that it was a real thing and started the interview process, which was crazy.

PC: Was there any apprehension about joining the series? What ultimately led you to say yes?
Zachary: Oh, yeah. At first, it seems like a really weird thing that’s happening in your life that’s surreal, and it still is. Once I got into the actual audition process, it started to become more like “I get to go to an Austrian castle for Christmas? This is an awesome opportunity and an awesome vacation. If I find love, even better.” I decided to take it one day at a time and hoped for the best.

PC: What should audiences know about you? What were you doing before you joined the show?
Zachary: I’m a flower farmer. I live in a really small rural area about thirty-five miles south of Portland, Oregon. I live and work with my two best friends on our flower farm. We do a completely different style of farming. It’s a combination of regenerative agriculture and permaculture, so it’s super sustainable and all done by hand—a very arduous process of farming. But I was minding my business before all of this came along.

PC: You’re also a self-proclaimed nomad. What was it like filming in Austria, and did anything surprise you about the overall experience?
Zachary: I am. I’ve lived in seven different states at this point and probably moved thirty times within those seven states. I’ve experienced a lot of culture, and I do love traveling. Getting back to Europe was awesome.

I’ve never been to Austria and never even thought of Salzburg as one of the places on my list, but when I got there, it was amazing. We had some time to explore and it made me want to travel so much more.

It was a cool experience to see what it’s like to be on a reality TV show. I’ve watched them since I was young. I’ve watched the Bachelor and Bachelorette or any new dating show coming out. You always wonder what it’s like. It was definitely eye-opening to see what a whirlwind we are put through on these shows.

PC: As we’re introduced to the cast, each share what the holidays are like for them and whether or not they’ve brought anybody home during this time of year. What has your experience been like?
Zachary: I have an interesting background. I’m actually half Jewish and half Mexican. I was raised Jewish with my family, but my dad’s side are Catholics and they celebrate Christmas. I’ve always had that duality.

In terms of bringing anyone home for the holidays, I was in a super-serious relationship and I actually brought him home for the holidays seven years in a row. Since then, I’ve been single, so no dates for the holidays.

PC: Do you have a favorite moment from that experience?
Zachary: Without giving anything away, I think the whole experience was fantastic. I feel like everything that we did built a strong relationship with everyone who was involved from the cast, crew, and producers. The overall excitement of being involved in this is the best part.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Zachary: RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’ve seen every episode, like, forty times.

PC: Favorite book?
Zachary: I’m very into Greek mythology and Stephen Fry’s Mythos is probably one of my favorites.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Zachary: Les Mis.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Zachary: I think people would be surprised at how extensive my Christmas collection is.

To keep up with Zachary, follow him on Instagram. Binge-watch 12 Dates of Christmas on HBO Max.

Photo Credit: Zachary Goff