The Swiftologist: Taylor Swift’s Most Insightful Critic

The Swiftologist, born Zachary Hourihane in 1997 in Singapore, is a 28-year-old content creator and pop culture critic known for his deep dives into Taylor Swift’s music and career. With over 176,000 YouTube subscribers, he has become one of the most influential voices in the Swiftie community.

Early Life and Education

Zachary was raised in Singapore by Irish parents and attended the United World College of South East Asia, studying Literature and Philosophy. He later moved to the U.S. to earn a Bachelor’s in Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College, laying the foundation for his analytical and storytelling skills.

Rise to Fame as The Swiftologist

He started as a fan on Tumblr during his teenage years but launched his YouTube channel full-time in 2024 when his critiques began surpassing his corporate career. Known for a “forensic scholar” approach, he analyzes albums, rollouts, and industry decisions with precision and honesty.

Podcasts and Media Appearances

Zachary co-hosts the Evolution of a Snake podcast with Madeline Rubicam, drawing 50,000–100,000 weekly listeners. He has appeared in the HBO/Discovery documentary “Bad Blood: Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun” and attended exclusive Swift “Secret Sessions,” cementing his credibility in the fandom.

Personal Life and Online Presence

Despite keeping family details private, he has shared his Irish heritage and recently announced his engagement. He streams and records from Singapore or while touring internationally in countries like Australia and the UK. His Patreon community exceeds 13,000 members, supporting his full-time creative work.

The Swiftologist in 2026

As of 2026, The Swiftologist remains a trusted and sometimes controversial voice in the Taylor Swift fandom, combining deep analysis, humor, and unapologetic honesty to inform and entertain Swifties around the globe.