Page 11 of The Close-Up
“Love the way you put that,” I say. “Things took off quickly for you, then.”
“Not gonna lie, my camming background helped me gain a bit of a following at first.”
“How so?” I’m shocked Simon mentions it. I figured based on the disclaimer he posted on his website, that topic would be off-limits.
“I honestly think a lot of people started attending my lectures initially out of morbid curiosity. I think they assumed the guy who used to have sex on a webcam couldn’t possibly be a competent therapist.”
I shake my head. “I don’t get that. We’re not all one-dimensional people who are only interested in one thing. Most of us are multifaceted, complicated human beings who crave different experiences. And that extends to our careers.”
When Simon pauses to stare at me for a second, I suddenly feel self-conscious. God, that must sound like such an amateur analysis of the human condition to a guy who spent ten years studying psychology and counseling.
But then he smiles. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
I feel my cheeks warm at his compliment. “I figured you wouldn’t want to talk about camming in this interview.”
He shrugs, easy smile on his face. “I don’t mind talking about it when it’s relevant to the conversation. I fully admit that I wouldn’t have the successful practice I have today at thirty-four if I hadn’t cammed in my twenties. In a way it’s kind of made me a unique provider in this space. Like, here I am, this guy who comes from an unconventional background with my camming work, using unconventional methods to reach out to people—by holding seminars aimed at men to help them become more comfortable with their emotions and openly admit where they’re falling short in their relationships.”
“Do you think the other side of that is a benefit to you, though? Like, maybe because of your background and your methods, you’re able to reach a demographic of people who wouldn’t normally consider therapy or relationship counseling?”
I mention his use of YouTube and social media to promote himself early on in his career.
He smiles shyly. “Maybe. I never really thought of it in that way.”
“I think it’s clear you have. When I was researching for this interview, I noticed that your audience and clientele skews relatively young—a good chunk of your clients and couples are in their late twenties to thirties. I think that’s worth noting that your work resonates with younger people who maybe wouldn’t think to reach out to a therapist when they’re having personal issues or relationship issues. And it ends up being a good thing that they do know you through camming because they probably see you as sex-positive and nonjudgmental, and feel more comfortable opening up to you because of it.”
He takes a second, his expression turning thoughtful. “That’s incredibly insightful.”
I realize that this sounds more like a conversation between friends than an interview. I ask him about what his long-term career goals are.
His face takes on a thoughtful edge. “I love what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“There’s nothing else you want to try?”
“I’m down to try almost anything.”
I could swear he gently wags one of his eyebrows, but I can’t be one hundred percent sure. I bite my lip, feeling strangely intrigued.
I ask him the rest of my questions about upcoming seminars and if there’s anything else he wants to add.
“There’s no shame in seeking out therapy or counseling. We all need it from time to time. I see a therapist too, periodically. It can help your relationship and marriage immensely. That and foreplay. Lots and lots of foreplay.”
I burst out laughing.
“That’s the last time I throw back to my camming days, I swear,” he says.
“Oh, anytime you want to revisit them, I know a few million people in the Bay Area who would be thrilled about it.”
“There are enough of my old videos floating around online still. No need to add more.” He chuckles.
“Your old site is still active?”
“No, but some old videos still circulate online on random sites. Even though I’m focused on different things now, I’m not ashamed of what I used to do.”
“You shouldn’t be.”
His shy smile is back. This feels a hell of a lot like flirting.
I shove the thought aside as we finish, then I pack up my gear, confident this interview is going to be a hit. Simon was a dreamboat with his openness and honesty, and that confidence-without-cockiness he wears like a well-tailored suit.
