S2 #4: Erin Ashley Simon (Multimedia Personality/Host)

In this episode, Kaili interviews Erin Ashley Simon, a multimedia personality in gaming and esports who currently hosts The Download on VENN. Erin has forged an incredible career in gaming and journalism and broadcast all before the age of 30. She has never stopped advocating for greater representation for women and people of color in the gaming space. Erin and Kaili talk about the power of community in gaming, her roots in traditional journalism, and the importance of knowing your worth.

Follow Erin on Social Media:

Link to Raise Money for HBCU Esports Leauge: https://tiltify.com/@erinasimon/amplifyhbcuesports

Amplify is a new charity stream series focusing on raising money to support the new HBCU Esports League driven by Cxmmunity, in partnership with Twitch. The series is a partnership between 300, Erin Ashley Simon and Cxmmunity, powered by eFuse.

How funds will be used:

Providing scholarships to students competing in the HBCU Esports League
Building physical esports labs on our partner HBCU campuses
Assisting HBCUs developing accredited gaming curriculum

Vote in the*gameHERs Awards: https://thegamehers.com/vote

Find a transcript of this episode here.

TRANSCRIPTS ARE GENERATED USING A COMBINATION OF SPEECH RECOGNITION SOFTWARE AND HUMAN TRANSCRIBERS, AND MAY CONTAIN ERRORS. PLEASE CHECK THE CORRESPONDING AUDIO BEFORE QUOTING IN PRINT.

Erin Simon [00:00:00] Like, for me, that matters the most because part of my responsibility as a storyteller is to highlight people's voices and not everyone's voice is heard.

Verta Maloney [00:00:17] Welcome to Let's Play by the*gameHERs. A podcast hosted by actress Kaili Vernoff. Fans know Kaili best as the fiery Susan Grimshaw in Red Dead Redemption 2 and Miranda Cowan in GTA V. Our series features some of the most informed and exciting people in the gaming industry today. Kaili and her guests discuss careers, gaming and so much more. If you like what you hear. Be sure to check out thegamehers.com website to hear exclusive bonus material from each of our guests.

Kaili Vernoff [00:00:49] Hey, everybody. Alright, my guest today is Erin Ashley Simon, a multimedia personality in gaming and esports who currently hosts The Download on VENN. Erin has forged an incredible career in gaming and journalism and broadcast all before the age of 30. And she has never stopped advocating for greater representation for women and people of color in the gaming space. Erin and I talk about the power of community in gaming, her roots in traditional journalism, and the importance of knowing your worth. Our conversation was beyond inspiring, and I'm so excited to share it with you. So here we go.

Kaili Vernoff [00:01:26] Hello.

Erin Simon [00:01:27] Hi.

Kaili Vernoff [00:01:28] Hey, there you are.

Erin Simon [00:01:30] How's it going?

Kaili Vernoff [00:01:31] It's going alright. How are you doing?

Erin Simon [00:01:33] Pretty good. Pretty good.

Kaili Vernoff [00:01:35] Erin, thank you so much for making time for this. I know that you are like the busiest woman in gaming right now.

Erin Simon [00:01:44] Aw man, it's been a busy time in general overall.

Kaili Vernoff [00:01:47] Yeah, but it's fabulous. I feel like you are really like hitting a stride and it's so much fun to watch. So I'm really excited to talk to you today cause I know that our listeners are going to get a lot out of what you have to say.

Erin Simon [00:02:00] Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. I'm excited to talk a little bit about just my overall experience and everything.

Kaili Vernoff [00:02:06] So I know that you have described yourself as a lifetime gamer. So where did you grow up and who introduced you to gaming?

Erin Simon [00:02:14] So I'm originally from the Philadelphia area. And, you know, my parents, they themselves enjoyed playing video games. I remember we actually had the arcade version of Galaga and I believe Pac-Man, too. And so they've always been very, very supportive in terms of that. But the person who really got me into, well it was a combo of my parents, as well as my older brother. Obviously, like my parents bought the actual video games consoles. So the first one that we played was Sega Genisis and also Super Nintendo. And I remember me specifically the moment when my brother played Sonic. And, you know, as you know, Sonic is a very visual, audio, like just everything is just if you're a kid, you know, you don't know what you're watching. Like you're in get hooked just watching Sonic cause see little thing jumping, and there's loud noises. It's very colorful. And I'm like

Kaili Vernoff [00:03:15] Yeah, it's hitting all your senses at once.

Erin Simon [00:03:17] Yes. And it's just like, wow. And so, you know, I was always the little sister who always wanted to do what my brother did. And so he would play video games and I ended up playing it. But then over time, it became something that, like I was passionate about and I enjoyed doing to the point where it was like, OK, we can't share consoles anymore. We were gonna have our own. So my parents eventually bought us, like, both individual consoles because they're just like they're just gonna keep playing and we don't get them two consoles they're gonna argue. And so that's how it all started.

Kaili Vernoff [00:03:53] So were you guys super competitive with each other, you and your brother?

Erin Simon [00:03:58] Yes and no. It's weird because, like, we were competitive, but we honestly, like, really enjoyed playing different games, like more so games that required both of us working on it. Or at least like there are certain games that like when I was younger, I was too scared to play, especially at nighttime.

Kaili Vernoff [00:04:17] Mmmm, like what? What scared you?

Erin Simon [00:04:19] Oh, like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. I could play them during the daytime, but at nighttime, like I couldn't when I was a kid, I was like, oh my god, this is too much. And so I used to watch him play. But then like if he got stuck, like I would be the one that's like looking up video game guides to figure out how to like, beat certain levels or bosses or anything like that. And so it just, it became something where like we eventually, it was like a bonding moment where we played a specific game together and try to beat the game together or I just watched him play. And even to this day, I like you know, it's kind of funny. It's like the beginning habits of Twitch and watching streamers play. I was doing that with my brother, watching him play, you know, and it was always fun.

Kaili Vernoff [00:05:02] I love that. It also sounds like it became like a team sport for you, which I think people or I shouldn't say people, but people like me who are new to the gaming space. I think in my mind, I thought of it as an isolating experience playing video games. And more and more, I realized that it's a team sport. It's a community sport. It's very social.

Erin Simon [00:05:26] Yeah, it is. I mean, it's social in so many different ways. I mean, obviously, the social component was like couch co-op where, you know, play your friends next to each other and splitscreen and then eventually evolved to online. And I remember the first online experience was via Xbox Live, and that was when Halo and, I played Halo with friends. I played Gears. And so that social element has always been there for me, for gaming. But the only difference is I wasn't able to, especially as a young lady, I don't really talk about it as much like with my brother and his friends, yes. But like with other people, it just wasn't at the point where like people. It was around the time, that like people looked at gaming as like a bad thing or like a super nerdy thing. And so

Kaili Vernoff [00:06:15] Yeah, I've heard you discuss a little bit about being bullied for being a gamer. And do you think that was just because you were a woman who was interested in gaming, or do you think that's just because gaming was seen as like a nerdy thing or

Erin Simon [00:06:31] Well, I think oh, I think what I mean, one of the reasons, you know, when I was younger and I got picked on was I think it was just more so because I was someone who, I was just so, I was too nice to people. And I know it sounds crazy to say yo being too nice was a thing, but it was more so just too nice where I myself did not stand up for myself. And so it was like finding little things to pick at. And, you know, that was one where it's just like you. But funny enough, it wasn't something where like I, that was like the main thing that someone would pick on me for. It was just kind of there because in school, I was a top athlete. I was a top soccer player. And so it was weird dynamic where it's like, yeah, I was part of the quote unquote like athlete group and they were the popular kids. But I never felt like I fit in. So I had friends that I was able to play video games with and talk anime and talk different stuff with. So it's like I had to like segment my own friends to be able to discuss these things.

Kaili Vernoff [00:07:35] You know, it's so interesting because as I was asking you that question, I sort of was regretting it as it was coming out of my mouth, because the truth is that bullies are going to bully and it doesn't even really matter what they find. But I'd rather hear about a little bit about your soccer. So you played Division I soccer in Kentucky?

Erin Simon [00:07:52] Yes. Yes, I first did it, played it at Rutgers University and then I transferred to the University of Kentucky, and then. Yep. I've played and also graduated from there.

Kaili Vernoff [00:08:04] That is so badass. I love that. And do you think that that competitiveness has been something that has carried you into esports?

Erin Simon [00:08:14] Oh, yes. I'm so

Kaili Vernoff [00:08:16] Yeah?

Erin Simon [00:08:16] Yeah. The competitiveness is never gonna leave me at all. It's gonna be something that just stays with me for forever and I'm very, but I'm competitive in the in the manner where it's a healthy competition. Like, I don't you know, not every time that I play a video game, I'm going to be super competitive. Sometimes I just want to have fun and I don't care what the results are. Then there's some times where I'm like, no, we need to win. Like it really just depends. It also depends on what game I'm playing too. But for me, it's just like the competitiveness is just like trying to achieve a goal or an objective in the game more specifically. Or like sometimes when I'll play like battle royales with my friends I'll say to them, hey, you know, let's get three wins today, three top wins. And like, it adds a little bit of a good competition for us to perform well. But it's like at the end of the day like even if we don't like. For me I don't really care in that sense cause it's like I'm just happy that, especially during this COVID time, that gaming has been a way to keep me close to my friends and to still have a sense of community and just friendship. Even if it's via online. But I feel like because of that and that sense of camaraderie that the gaming industry, gaming community has, I think that's made it a lot easier for us to, like, adjust during this time because we're so used to like. You know, starting out when we were younger, making friends, via online gaming and Discord and other different platforms. So

Kaili Vernoff [00:09:48] Yeah. I think this COVID time has really like just given itself over beautifully to people who were already set up in these gaming communities. It's been amazing. Like I mean, you know, I'm on social media just so I can be in touch with the fans from my game. And they seem to just really be thriving. They already had a community in place, which I think is what you're saying. The community virtually was sort of already in place for them.

Erin Simon [00:10:16] Yeah, it's kind of in place. I mean, you know, I've had contact with different people and it's just the structure of the gaming world allows for us to still have that sense of community and still had the tools where we can engage on so many different forms. Right. Whether it's in a game, whether it's via Twitch stream, whether it's in our Discord. Like there's so many different ways that we can still stay connected to people. I mean, obviously in person, in real life, connection is always the best connection. But because this has been kind of part of the DNA of gaming, it's really made it a little bit easier in some ways to still stay in touch, to still stay connected during a time where it's so hard.

Kaili Vernoff [00:10:58] Yeah. I have had so much fun watching you play games with, like, huge sports stars. I was watching you play Call of Duty with Trevor May from the Twins, and it was so much fun. And it really just made me think about you and that competitiveness that comes from playing sports at such a high level and finding these other people like that. My husband actually is a two time Olympian and he won a silver medal for diving.

Erin Simon [00:11:32] Oh nice.

Kaili Vernoff [00:11:33] Yeah. And it's so funny because that competitiveness, which is so appropriate for like your whole life growing up, playing sports in his case, sometimes he just doesn't know where to put it. Like he and I will take a yoga class together and I'll like ask him a question. And he'll be like, don't talk to me like before we start, like he's got his game face on. And I'm like, you're not going to win yoga. Like, I don't know. And I thought, I love that you have made for yourself this place where you can do this new thing that you love, but also like find these incredible competitors to just hash it out with.

Erin Simon [00:12:10] Yeah. And the thing is I've come to like, learn which friends are more like, let's have fun and which friends are, no, we need to win. And then which friends are kind of in the middle. So like I know what games to play with who and then which games to avoid someone like. And then also what games like. I get so into that I just like, I'm like just don't talk to me when I'm playing. And it's funny because it's like, you know, I play Call of Duty a lot and you know, I'm competitive in that, but not really like. And it's funny because the new game Fall Guys, I'm so competitive in that to the point where I'm just like don't talk to me. Like I want to win! And it's so funny cause people would think, like why aren’t you like that in Call of Duty. I'm like because it's different. Like and so it's funny how like I literally have categorized my friends and categorized myself in terms of games about which game I can play with who and when. And stuff like that.

Kaili Vernoff [00:13:12] Yeah, I think that's really smart. So that, you know, you're not coming in there just like trying to kill someone who's like, I just wanted to hang out with you.

Erin Simon [00:13:19] Yeah. But it's funny because I always like especially about streaming. It's, when I'm not streaming I think more my competitive side comes out because I don't really have to focus so much on the Twitch chat. But like, if I'm streaming, I'm usually a little more like on my fun time. Because for me, it's like I'm not trying to be a competitive gamer. I'm really just trying to have a good time and make the stream fun for everyone. And so I find that balance. And of course, there are some times where I like tell Twitch, I'm like, hold on, hold on. It's getting serious. I'll address whatever you guys have later, but let me focus in on this. And I know the moments. And it's funny because they know they can. It's funny because I've been streaming more people can tell when I'm about to be super competitive. They're all just like, oh, she's getting in the zone. Just just let her finish. Like

Kaili Vernoff [00:14:12] Do you have like a face that you make? Do you have like you're like, I'm getting serious now face? Like, can you see that on yourself?

Erin Simon [00:14:19] Yeah. Yeah I do have a face and also typically for me I get quiet because I'm so focused. And that's been the even like on the soccer field where it's just like if I'm sitting and I'm quiet and I kind of have. Like I have this like very intense focus face, that goes on my, you know, that comes up. And it's funny because, like, it sometimes it looks like I'm mad, but I'm not I'm just really, really focused. And yeah, it comes out when I, definitely sometimes when I play and people see and that's when they're like, oh wow, she's getting serious.

Kaili Vernoff [00:14:56] Have you ever done any of these like esports tournament as a player?

Erin Simon [00:15:00] Yeah, I've done a couple. I've been, you know, there have been. I have various friends that work for various different like Call of Duty league teams and some other charity initiatives. So I've been asked to do a few and I played in them. But it's like, it's cool because it's like I'm playing with current and former pro players. So if anything like it's such a learning experience, just like watching like. I love people watching.

Kaili Vernoff [00:15:27] Oh God, me too, it's like my favorite thing.

Erin Simon [00:15:29] Yeah. And that's why I love living in New York, cause you could do people watching all the time. And I'm really intrigued by just people in general, how they are. How do they react? How do they focus? What do they do? How do they play games. Like, that's something that I'm always interested in. So usually when I'm doing these tournaments, I'm competitive because, like, I want to win, like I want to win money for charity. And sometimes, you know, when money for myself. But it's such an interesting moment. You're paired up with other people that otherwise you probably wouldn't really talk to as much and just to, like, learn about them, learn about their habits, learn about their gameplay, it's just for me, it's so intriguing.

Kaili Vernoff [00:16:07] Do you have any kind of like a pre-game routine that you've carried forward from your soccer days or a different one? Like do you get something to get yourself in the head?

Erin Simon [00:16:18] Oh, yeah. I listen to music. It's interesting when I. I listen to music, but the music I listen to in terms of prepping myself for, you know, a game play or intense tournament time, when I. It all depends on how I feel. When I played soccer, if I was too anxious, I would listen to classical music.

Kaili Vernoff [00:16:41] Mhm.

Erin Simon [00:16:43] If I'm tired, I would have, I listen to music that like the beat is fast, so it gets me energized. Usually when I listen to music before I stream, it has to be very upbeat because and I even do that for broadcasts that I work on because I want to set like, right out the gate. I don't want to warm up out, right out the gate. I want to be amped. I want to be ready. So music helps me to get to that point.

Kaili Vernoff [00:17:09] Yeah, I heard you talking about how for you ideally like music and fashion and culture, all you know, can be integrated into gaming. So, you know, I was wondering if you Erin had the power to just shape the gaming space in any way that you wanted. What would that look like?

Erin Simon [00:17:33] Oh, if I could shape the gaming space into whatever way I want? I would make it more accessible because on a basic level, right. Most of us, or at least a good amount of us, when we do get into gaming, we start with console. But as you progressed into the professional scene and in other areas, it goes into PC and not everyone can afford good internet and not everyone can afford, you know, PCs. In the sense of like having to update them, buying certain equipment for them to make it the highest possible setup where you can compete or just play on a very competitive level. So I would make it so that the industry is a lot more accessible to those in terms of playing and entry into this space. It's getting better, but still the main priority and focuses on PC and, you know, even during this COVID time, there are kids who literally do not even have a laptop to continue school. They didn't. So it's like just making accessibility more because then it brings more talent. It brings more people, brings more diverse individuals. And honestly, like for me, diversity is only going to make the industry better. And also, it's like you can't expect someone to know something if they don't have access to that information, right? And that's the great thing about this industry, is that you could be super young and be successful. You know, even in the broadcast landscape, like I tell people all the time, to have people who are in their late or mid 20s or even early 30s for them to be on the big stage in a big broadcast that is not common in other areas of entertainment for media. You know

Kaili Vernoff [00:19:24] Oh yeah. That's really true.

Erin Simon [00:19:24] You know. Like traditional sports, they're typically older, like you have to work your way up to a prime time slot and esports and gaming, that's not the case. Like if you're young and talented, you can be on a major broadcast. And so it's like these little things that we don't see in other traditional avenues. Esports and gaming have created these unconventional ways which create more opportunity. But at the same time, it's like we still have to create that accessibility point because there are still obstacles and challenges and barriers to entry because of the likes of PCs and other things as well.

Kaili Vernoff [00:20:04] I find the PC thing fascinating. I remember when our game was released on PC. Well, first of all, I didn't know anything about the difference between like the consoles and the PCs until there was like this big sort of war on Twitter about our game. Like, are they, you know, Will Rockstar release for PC? And I was like, I don't even know what that means. And then, of course, when they did, my God, the creativity, the mods that people make, the way that they can change what the game looks like, the pictures they can take, the way they can affect the landscape of the game. I mean, it's just like it sort of invites the entire fanbase in to edit the game.

Erin Simon [00:20:45] Yeah. It's amazing just overall how gaming has progressed. And a lot of times I think we forget that the gaming industry compared to other industries is young.

Kaili Vernoff [00:20:57] Mhm.

Erin Simon [00:20:57] And so just to know that the early iterations of video games came towards the late 70s, early 80s, and, you know, and even so, you know, the 90s and 2000s have been very prominent eras for gaming as well. And it's so, it's interesting just to see how much we progressed since then and how even like the graphics look. I was looking at like the realism, the graphics today versus like when the first PlayStation came out and stuff. And I'm like, yo, even this is such a progress and it's really cool. And even like progress in terms of diversity, in terms of character, more extensive customization in video games. So, people can create characters that look more like them. Even more immersive storyline and gameplay like it's getting bigger in terms of open world concepts. Like it's just amazing just to see how things have progressed since the early times.

Kaili Vernoff [00:22:02] Yeah. Okay, so you're a gamer, you're an athlete, but now you're also you're a host and you're a broadcaster, you're a streamer. Have any of these skills surprised you?

Kaili Vernoff [00:22:14] Surprised me in what way?

Kaili Vernoff [00:22:16] Did you know you were capable of so much? Did you always want to wear all these hats or have some of these things like. Like for me I never knew I would want to host a podcast. Turns out I love it.

Erin Simon [00:22:27] Yeah.

Kaili Vernoff [00:22:27] Like I never pictured it for myself, but I've had so much fun with it. And it surprised me. And I'm wondering if anything about what you do has surprised you like that.

Erin Simon [00:22:39] I think, I don't know. I've always been like a woman who… I've always been someone who just wore multiple hats. And part of it is because of the work that I do. And it required for wearing multiple hats, you know. Especially when you start off in media, you know, you're going to be in positions where you're gonna have to figure things out. Like if things, you know, if some reporting is needed or information's needed or anything like, guess what, you're gonna learn how to research. You're gonna have to learn how to look up court cases. You're gonna have to…So it's like, honestly I've never had a job where I did just one thing.

Kaili Vernoff [00:23:16] Wait, I have to back up. Court cases. What job were you doing that involved court cases?a

Erin Simon [00:23:21] So I interned at a local newspaper in Lexington, Kentucky. And there were interestingly enough, during the time that I interned, there was like a homicide case that happened. So I had to actually go and sit in in the court. And I also had to look up some some cases and information. And then I also had a cover, you know, a story about suicide in Kentucky. So like during the beginning of my journalism experience, it was some very heavy and like very, very interesting stories that I've had to tell. So it's good from basically from a foundation that I have the ability to report on, like really serious stories and matters. And then obviously be able to do more of a looser format when it comes to gaming.

Kaili Vernoff [00:24:17] I'm so glad I asked you about that because I didn't realize that you'd come to broadcasting so authentically. I guess I assumed that through your gaming proficiency you were thrown into broadcasting. But I love this because I always tell young people, I'm showing my age. But I always tell people, pursue every avenue that you love because eventually it will inform every aspect of what you do.

Erin Simon [00:24:42] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:24:42] You'll be able to draw from it and pull from it just like you are.

Erin Simon [00:24:46] Yeah. And every situation, and I've always been someone where every job and every situation that I went into, it was. It's always, there's something that I can take away from it. There's something I can learn. Even for the jobs that I hated, I still took something away from it and learned from it. And so and a lot of times, you know, cause even some people, they're like, well, how do I get a job in this space? And do I have like, how do I get a job when I don't have the direct experience for that specific job? And I always tell people like you can learn certain skill sets that apply to that job by doing other work. You don't necessarily, like if you're trying to be a broadcaster, like don't wait for a broadcasting gig in order for you to start. Like, you could do stuff on YouTube. You could do casting on an amateur and high school level. You can literally, you know, if you want to work in broadcasting, you want to be a broadcaster, then maybe find a position that teaches you behind-the-scenes stuff. Because if you're on camera, I'm telling you, the more that you know about what goes on behind the scenes, it makes you a better broadcaster. Like, I feel like as a front camera talent, I'm I feel like I'm better now than maybe if I didn't do behind the scenes broadcast work. Because now I know like the technical things. I know the equipment. I know, you know, if something goes down, if a specific technology goes down, how long it may take to get like to get it back up and how much filler I have to do. You know, even with the producer experience, knowing like how to quote unquote create moments or how, you know. I just there's things that I've learned outside of talent and broadcast work that have made me a better broadcaster and talent. And so I always try to tell people that, like, just because you don't have a gig doesn't mean that you can't learn the important skill sets that can apply to any job you do.

Kaili Vernoff [00:26:44] It's such good advice. It is such good advice and it's, you know, I think that I think some for some people it's counterintuitive. It's like, well, if I want to be an actor, I shouldn't work as a PA, cause then I'll get stuck on the wrong side of it. But the truth is that at all. I mean, look, everything we do is collaborative, right?

Erin Simon [00:27:04] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:27:04] Like. And you know that from being the you know, the talent that the camera is pointed at. You know that you can't do that by yourself. It's all a collaboration. So it's just such good advice that you're giving. To be proficient in different areas or if you're not proficient just learn about it and learn the grunt work and learn how much hard work goes into making you look great on camera.

Erin Simon [00:27:27] Yeah. And they're just certain, you know, they're just certain skill sets that. You know, they're very much intangibles that you will learn over time that could be so. Like, for example, one of the most important skill sets I always tell people when it comes to broadcasting is: to be a great on camera talent and to be a great interviewer. You have to be a really good listener. So even just learn how to listen to people. Learn how to listen to them, hear what they say, and figure out where you're going to take the interview. And then also, you know, where's a great opportunity as a segue point that they said that will make a smooth transition into the next question, you know. Or listen to what they say, and if they skipped couple questions on your list and this is better content than you make the judgment. But in order for you to be really good at that, you have to be a good listener. And that's not something that you can be like. Let me just take this job and become a great listener. It's like no, you have to actively work on that and you can work on that in any job, in any place.

Kaili Vernoff [00:28:34] You can work on that just having a conversation with your mother.

Erin Simon [00:28:37] Yeah, yeah, that too, that too.

Kaili Vernoff [00:28:40] Right. Because sometimes in life, right, we're just like we think we're listening, but we're just waiting for the other person to stop talking so we can ram through whatever we have next. But you're so right. I mean, first of all, that's also how to be an actor. Great acting is great listening.

Erin Simon [00:28:58] Yeah, it's honestly, being a good listener can apply to, like any job, honestly. A good listener and a good communicator can get you far in in a lot of professions.

Kaili Vernoff [00:29:13] Mhm. I actually interviewed someone just last week. She was talking about how going to comic cons has made her a better actor because it has made her a better listener, because I'm sure you've encountered this. But when fans come up and especially if they've waited to meet you, whether it's like backstage or at a convention. You're not just gonna make oh, here's the autograph, you know thing. You want to hear what they have to say to you because

Erin Simon [00:29:37] Yeah.

Kaili Vernoff [00:29:38] They may have spent money. They certainly have given their time and respect and attention. And so you for me and for, you know, as she was saying for her, you owe them. I think, the opportunity to say what they want to say and to hear it.

Erin Simon [00:29:53] Yeah, I agree. I mean, I always take the time to to talk to my supporters. Like, you know, even on social media. A lot of, you know, sometimes people are surprised. It's like oh wow, she's talking to me. I'm like, yeah, like you take the time to engage with my content. You take the time to watch my shows, you take the time to support me. The least I can do is give you that same respect back. And to me, that's so important. You know, it's so important because, like you said, they give good feedback. If you're doing a broadcast and the sound is off, you know, they'll be the first ones to message you directly and be like, “hey, you're audio a little bit off. You may want to fix it.”Like they go over and beyond. And yeah I agree, like, the more constructive feedback, the better it is, because then you make the content better for them and then they support and love you more for it. And then it just makes you better ultimately, because you're showing that you want to put the best work forward, not just for yourself or for the community and the fans.

Kaili Vernoff [00:30:58] When COVID started, my daughter, who's 14, we decided to really try to play through Red Dead.

Erin Simon [00:31:06] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:31:06] And I'm just so bad. Oh my gosh. I know I say this every interview because people ask me, you didn't ask. But the truth is, I just, I'm terrible with controller and I get murdered all the time. So. But I start, I would ask the fans, like, if something would happen and my daughter can't find her horse and that's not where it's supposed to be. And do we have to like restart the game. And the fans just jump in with, like love and advice and asking the next day, where's your daughter's horse? And it was so moving for me. And just like you talked about earlier, especially being in COVID, I thought this community is already here for me.

Erin Simon [00:31:41] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:31:41] You know, we're alone in our apartment. But I'm asking one question and people are falling over themselves to make me have a better experience. And they do that for each other, too. It's not just cause I'm in the game, I witness how kind they are to each other.

Erin Simon [00:31:54] Yeah. Yes. There's definitely kind moments and kind people in the gaming community. I know often the news or what's highlighted or viral on social media is, is a lot of the negativity. But there's so much kindness and care and camaraderie and sense of community that's very much in the gaming world that, you know. If you really take the time to just check it out, like you'll see it in so many different ways.

Kaili Vernoff [00:32:22] You know, I actually I follow you on social media now, and I really enjoy your content.

Erin Simon [00:32:28] Thank you!

Kaili Vernoff [00:32:29] It's really good. It's really helpful. And I saw a message of a video that you put out to your followers the other day or I don't when you put it out. But I saw it the other day talking about knowing your worth. I think this was actually another interview you did and you were talking about knowing your worth.

Erin Simon [00:32:48] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:32:49] And one of the conversations that I had early on in this podcast was that knowing how to recognize what you're good at. And make a decision to monetize it can be hard for women.

Erin Simon [00:33:07] Mhm.

Kaili Vernoff [00:33:07] And I don't know why it seems to be more specifically antithetical to how women want to work. But I've worked really hard on that in myself and I'm wondering if that's something that you have always sort of been able to stand on your own two feet and know your worth and ask for what you deserve or if it's something that you've had to learn?

Erin Simon [00:33:31] It's something that I've had to learn. I think that, you know, it's definitely something like you said about. You know, women and asking for what we've earned, right? And I had to be OK with that because, you know, we deal with such double standards. And I mean, you know, everyone deals with double standards, but we definitely deal with double standards in the sense of like, if we're too emotional. Right.

Kaili Vernoff [00:33:57] Yes.

Erin Simon [00:33:57] Or like if we're too passionate we're emotional or like if we try to push for what we have earned, you know. Oh, we're we're complicated. We're combative. We're complaining. You know, if we

Kaili Vernoff [00:34:11] We're high maintenance.

Erin Simon [00:34:13] Yeah. And, you know, I think at the end of the day, like, one of the things I had to learn essentially was like. There are going to, I mean. You can't. One, you can't be, and I say this in this manner. You can't be nice all the time. Like you. There are going to be moments where, and not to say that you'll be mean. But like you can't just focus so much on, like… Standing firm for what you believe in and what you know is right, And then also, you know, making sure that the person still views you as like a nice person. It's like, no, like, I'm going to stand firm for what it is. And if that rubs you the wrong way, we'll have an adult conversation. But at the end of the day, I'm still going to stand for what I've put my sweat and tears into. And I had to learn that like it's okay. You know, if even if people call you that word, it's fine because not everyone's gonna like you. Even if you are the nicest person 24/7, someone is still going to find a reason not to like you. And so I've just gotten to the point where I am like not afraid of just asking for these things. And any time I ask, or I put my foot down, these are reasonable things. And so, you know, I've gotten to the point where I have to be OK with that. And if I'm also speaking up when things don't make sense for work or speaking up for like if there's a problem and it's like, you know. Something that keeps happening over and over again, I'm going to keep saying something until it gets fixed. And that's just how I am. And so I've just gotten to the point where I've realize that there are going to be times where people may not like the fact that I'm standing firm. And at the end of the day, that's OK. As long as I'm being respectful and doing it in the right way. You know, if they feel a certain way after because, you know, I'm asking for what I've put my work into and earned, like, then that's not a me problem. And I've learned over time that there are things that happen that are less about you and it's more so the projection of the other person. So I've gotten to that point where I'm really firm in not being afraid to ask for what I put in. Or if someone like, for example, tries to give me a lower price compared to like. I've had instances where I knew what the other person got and the company was trying to lowball me. And typically, like, it was like a situation. And I'm not saying for all situation, but for this specific situation it was a guy and he got what he was getting more. And I was like, no, like we're not doing that. And so they would lower it. And I'll be like, and, you know, even to this day, I tell them I have a specific price. I will not go lower than that price. Now, if you're my friend, we'll talk. Right. Because I'm always trying to help my friends out. And it's not about money when it comes to my friends, but when it comes to business like, no, I'm not doing anything lower than that. And I think also part of it is not being afraid to walk away from an opportunity if they don't see the value in you, you know.

Kaili Vernoff [00:37:21] Mhm, yes.

Erin Simon [00:37:21] And understanding that there will be other opportunities. Especially when you're young and stuff, you're like, oh, this is my only chance. No, and that's never the case. Like you can have a chance. And if you're you're really good, the fact you got that opportunity, you can get other opportunities. And it's just like we can't make mistakes because we are so like, always so passionate about just achieving our goals and dreams that we do not take care of ourselves and do what is right for us. And so that's something I learned really young and I've been really firm in it. And I try to use my personal experiences to help others, because these were mistakes that I made and some of those mistakes, were just, you know, not the greatest. You know, I just don't want even though it's important for people to learn from their mistakes. I want to give them a chance of learning without doing the actual mistake. So I always try to talk about those things in a way where it's very much from my own personal experience. But I try to put it in a way where it's constructive and that people can learn and understand, like, hey, I'm not just saying this to say it, like, I've gone through this and I just want you guys to be better and to do better. And to really know your worth, because that's the most. Your worth and your character are the most important things that you have to identify and stand firm in because other people may try to ruin your reputation or lowball you, and I'm not saying everyone, but their, working in entertainment. There are not so good people.

Kaili Vernoff [00:38:52] Mhm.

Erin Simon [00:38:52] And so you have to be firm in your character and you have to be firm in knowing what your worth is. And it just makes the process so much easier navigating the space.

Kaili Vernoff [00:39:02] I just I think that your willingness to talk about those mistakes and how you learned from them is really doing service because, you know. If we in the public eye try to present ourselves in a way that makes it look like we never fucked up, we'd never made these kinds of mistakes. We're not really helping people who are coming up, because then when they make a mistake, they say, oh, it's over for me. So I just want to take a moment to say that I feel that from you. I think that is such a beautiful thing that you do. And I'm really glad to hear you talk about it in the way you talk about it.

Erin Simon [00:39:39] Thank you. Yeah, I think that transparency is important. I mean, obviously that, you know, I know the difference between what I can talk about, what I can't talk about. But I'm not going to withhold information like I never like that when there are individuals and whatever, whether they're streamers or YouTubers or broadcast, whatever, right? I never understood why they would withhold information. And this is something that I've seen in the entertainment industry. And, you know, esports is entertainment. And it's just like there's no need for that. You know, I'm a firm believer that, like, if you are great at what you do and if you have a lane for yourself, giving out free information is not going to take a gig away from you. If anything it's going to just be something that's really good for you. Like, you know, I'm I'm someone where, like, I always try to help people when I can. And I do it out of the kindness of my heart. I don't do it to expect anything in return. But it's just amazing how, like, I would do that. And then, you know what? During COVID I actually lost a job. And then instantly so many people wanted to help me. And it wasn't because like I expected it, it was just. The kindness resonates with people. And so, you know, that's why I'm a firm believer in just like being kind and being OK with helping people and giving answers to stuff out there. Like there's no need to be secretive. Right. There's no you know.

Kaili Vernoff [00:41:08] No.

Erin Simon [00:41:08] Not at all. You know. We all can grow together.

Kaili Vernoff [00:41:12] There's enough for all of us. Yes, yes! If I lift you up, that lifts me up. It's like just knowing that nobody can take your spot because you're the only one that can inhabit your spot.

Erin Simon [00:41:26] Mhm, exactly. So that's how I've always been. That's why I just, you know, I give information like I even shared like my own reel. I'm like guys, this is my first reel. Right. And of course, I'm have to update it later. But like even showing them that.

Kaili Vernoff [00:41:39] I watched it. It's so good.

Erin Simon [00:41:41] Thank you.

Kaili Vernoff [00:41:42] It's so good. I saw you with Snoop Dogg and I just about died.

Erin Simon [00:41:45] Oh my gosh. That was such an amazing moment too.

Kaili Vernoff [00:41:48] Oh I love him. I'm such a fan. OK, so just tell like toot your horn here for a second. So Forbes just called you, Erin, the future of esports storytelling. Which just took my breath away and I'm sure took your breath away. And I'm wondering what that means to you and what stories you most want to tell.

Erin Simon [00:42:11] I mean, it's funny cause like, for me. I'm someone who I just enjoy telling stories like I enjoy highlighting stories, highlighting different perspectives, giving a voice and platform to others. That's just how I've always been. And to be honest, I didn't expect myself to be in the position that I am right now. You know, I do this because I enjoy it and I love it. But to be on a path of being, you know, known as one of the established broadcasters in this space. And like a go to broadcaster, I think for me is just, it's a testament to my work, you know. And it's awesome to be able to see these milestones, but then also I'm just like, OK, what's next?

Kaili Vernoff [00:43:05] Mhm, right.

Erin Simon [00:43:05] I'm so competitive we're like I spend a day to enjoy those moments. And then I'm like alright, what do I need to do next? And so it's always been kind of like that for my career. And I think for me the most important thing is leaving a lasting impact and leaving a legacy that helped to change people's lives or help to impact someone. Because at the end of the day, if I get one person who comes up to me and especially if they're a person of color or they’re Latin or they’re Black like, you know, or Latin and Black like myself. Even if one person said, hey, I saw you on this broadcast and, you know, it encouraged me to pursue this… a career in this space because I saw someone like myself. And I'm so thankful that you speak up for this and that. Like for me, that matters the most, because part of my responsibility as a storyteller is to highlight people's voices and not everyone's voice is heard. And so I really try to do what I can to provide those voices and provide those perspectives, because that's, one it’s part of my job. And two it's something that I want to do. And three, it only will help our industry more because now we have so many non-endemic individuals are coming into this scene that don't quite understand it. So the best way that we can do it is by providing these stories that they understand. Humanizing stories are stories that everyone can relate to. So, you know, whether you're a big gamer or not, these humanizing perspectives and stories we all connect with. And so I really try to implement that. Obviously, you know, I talk about video games and competitive scenes and stuff like that. But having, you know, having these stories that show like what you know, whether you're an intense gamer or not, we're all the same. We all have certain needs. We all want to be heard. We all want to be appreciated and respected and all these different things, so. Or maybe there's people's stories that surprises people, you know? I think that's what really drives me and what I do. So if there's any accolades that come for it, great. But if I can if what I do can change someone's life, I think that's like the biggest accomplishment that you can ever get.

Kaili Vernoff [00:45:20] Yeah, yeah. Which sort of leads me to what is like our signature question on this show.

Erin Simon [00:45:27] Mhm?

Kaili Vernoff [00:45:27] Which is that since everything we've been talking about just highlights how collaboration is at the essence of what we do and how important it is, passing it on…

Erin Simon [00:45:37] Yeah.

Kaili Vernoff [00:45:37] I would love Erin to give you an opportunity to tell me about someone in your life or in your career who recognized something special in you and gave you an opportunity to shine.

Erin Simon [00:45:51] Oh, man. Honestly, it's been like various different people who have done that. And honestly, people in the gaming and in the esports industry, I think have been more like, they see the potential in me, and they saw it a lot earlier than most people. You know, I had someone like my friend Amanda Stevens who helped me. Brandon Brathwaite, who is a producer for Cheddar Esports. You know, even doing work with, like, Evil Geniuses, you know, and Nicole and I have connected prior about doing a podcast for them. Cloud9, you know, it's just like. And then the Cloud9 podcast came from just my interactions with someone from the company. And just like, you know, I think that there's just so many people in this space who have really given me an opportunity. I mean, look, even getting signed by CAA. I wasn't a big known person. I didn't have massive social media numbers. But they saw the potential in me, and they're like she has it. We want to work with her. Cause, like, if you look at the other, like the CAA roster, like these people were like hundreds and thousands of followers and millions of followers and like, I have none of that. But I do have things that I know that others don't. And then I'm not saying that in an egotistical way, but we all have our own individual strengths.

Kaili Vernoff [00:47:15] Yeah!

Erin Simon [00:47:15] And they noticed that, they took a chance. And, you know, it's been amazing working with CAA. And so it's just like I don't know what it is. It's just been like perfect timing and me putting in the work and now just like reaping the rewards from all that hard work. Cause people don't know. I've been in media for 10 years. I started when I was, about 10 years. I started out 16, 17 years old, and I've been working at it for a long time.

Kaili Vernoff [00:47:40] I had no idea you've been doing it that long.

Erin Simon [00:47:43] Yes, I've been. I started traditional sports and I worked with, I had mentors that worked in media. So I did work for them. And then I did work for a newspaper like I've been at it since I was about 16, 17 years old. And I'm just now at 28, starting to reap some of these amazing rewards.

Kaili Vernoff [00:48:02] Well, in my I mean, yes, some I don't know who it was. Some famous person said it takes 10 years to be an overnight success. So I can feel that this is all just starting for you. I can't wait to see what is next. And I'm about to do something that you would not approve of as you're giving excellent advice about how to conduct an interview. But I do have one question on my list that we didn't roll into naturally. So I'm shoving it in, which is, OK, you have a free afternoon.

Erin Simon [00:48:33] OK.

Kaili Vernoff [00:48:33] All to yourself.

Erin Simon [00:48:35] OK.

Kaili Vernoff [00:48:36] There's nothing on your schedule. I'm sure you can't imagine that right now, but let's pretend. What game do you play?

Erin Simon [00:48:42] Oh, free time on, what game while I play? Huh. OK, what, so I got to figure out what mood. What mood am I in? I'm probably relaxed and chill. Probably just want to be calm. I probably would play. That's a good question. Cause I'm very. I think I would probably you, know what, I would play something very chill and light. Like probably the new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. The Collection because

Kaili Vernoff [00:49:23] Ahhh, yes.

Erin Simon [00:49:23] It's fun and it's a little bit competitive, but like, it's not where. I can chill and play it. Like there's certain games that I can chill and play. That's definitely one of them. It's been a game where Tony Hawk Pro Skater series is something that I've played when I, even before. And it's just a very chill experience. So probably that one for reason, because a lot of other games I play are kind of competitive. So I just wanna chill, so I'll play that.

Kaili Vernoff [00:49:53] And snacks while you game or no snacks.

Erin Simon [00:49:56] Oh, snacks. OK, I'm. It's funny that I'm going to say this snack before any others. Fruit. I love fruit. I'm such like

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:04] Oh my God, me too.

Erin Simon [00:50:05] My mom calls me a fruit fly and that's like my nickname. I love fruit, I'll choose fruit sometimes over like candy or anything like that like. But I do love me some ice cream and cake and if there's any opportunity eat ice cream too. I definitely will eat it during that time as well. But I usually try to resort to fruit because, you know, try to be healthy.

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:27] I feel like you and I would have a really fun time hanging out. So I'm just putting that out there.

Erin Simon [00:50:30] Yes!

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:30] When the world gets back, maybe we can have some fruit and some ice cream together.

Erin Simon [00:50:37] Yes.

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:37] Like a strawberry sundae.

Erin Simon [00:50:39] I am all for that. Oh, that sounds good. I kind of an ice cream for now.

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:43] Yeah, me too! Thank you so much for making time for this today.

Erin Simon [00:50:47] Yeah! Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it. And, you know, it's always interesting for me to be on the other end of interviews. So I always enjoy it.

Kaili Vernoff [00:50:59] Yeah, I know it's been really fun to talk to you. You are fabulous guest.

Erin Simon [00:51:03] Thank you.

Kaili Vernoff [00:51:03] Alright, darling! Bye.

Erin Simon [00:51:03] Bye.

Kaili Vernoff [00:51:10] You guys, Erin is such an inspiration to so many young people in gaming, and after talking with her today, I totally get why. To see Erin's content, streams and broadcasts, be sure to check out the show notes for Erin’s social, Twitch, and YouTube links. Erin is currently partnering with Cxmmunity on the Amplify streaming series, a new charity focused on raising money to support the new HBCU Esports League. If you'd like to learn more or contribute to the fundraiser, check out the episode description and show notes on the*gameHERs website. And now a message from the*gameHERs:

OK, everyone. It is time to recognize women in all aspects of gaming for their dedication to creating content, building communities and empowering each other. The*gameHERs Awards honors exceptional women in gaming in 17 different categories nominated by you, the*gameHERs community. So it is your time to make your voice heard and vote for who you think should win each gameHERs award. Anyone can participate, so head to thegamehers.com. That's t h e g a m e h e r s dot com and click on awards to cast your vote. And be sure to tune in on November 19th to watch the awards show live on the*gameHERs' Twitch Channel. You know I'll be watching and I cannot wait to see who wins. See you there.

Verta Maloney [00:52:29] Thanks for listening. Let's play was brought to you by the*gameHERs. A community that connects all types of women gamers and welcomes every human who supports this. Let's Play was produced by Kaili Vernoff and co-produced by the*gameHERs team, Laura Deutsch, Rebecca Dixon, Verta Maloney, Heather Ouida and Alexis Wilcock with sound design done by Frank Verderosa. Please visit thegamehers.com for show notes to access exclusive bonus material and to learn more about the*gameHERs community. And we'd so appreciate if you subscribed and gave us a five-star review. Thanks again for listening.

Let's Play Podcast

S2 #4: Erin Ashley Simon (Multimedia Personality/Host)

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