April 2, 2026 • 31 mins
In this episode of TV Reload, host Benjamin Norris chats with Simon Me, a fan-favorite player from Australian Survivor. They dive into Simon's journey, from his iconic and complicated gameplay to his redemption season. Simon opens up about his experiences, sharing insights into his character, relationships and the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show. They discuss everything from the production process to Simon's thoughts on the new host, David and the dynamics of the game. This conversation is a must-listen for any Survivor fan, offering a unique perspective on the show and its players.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload the podcast last week That Life Yoday. Everyone,
welcome back to TV Reload. My name is Benjamin Norris,
and today we are diving into one of the most
talked about players of Australian Survivor. Today's guest is Simon
me Now, whether you loved him, yelled at your TV
because of him, or just couldn't look away, Simon has
(00:20):
become one of the most iconic and complicated players this
franchise has ever seen, and in this chat nothing is
off limits. We unpacked the huge elimination. Was it Brooks
move to make or did Simon accidentally write his own exit?
We talk about the Simon character. Is he playing it
up for TV or is what we see actually who
he is? Plus the redemption arc. Did Simon really prove
(00:44):
himself this season even without winning? And why he says
this is the version of himself he's always wanted to
show Australia. There's also some great behind the scenes insights,
from what it's actually like to hit one hundred days
in the game, to how production works and what it
I felt like to see David Jane step into the
role as host, and yes, we get into whether Simon
(01:05):
is really done with a Strain and Survivor or if
there's any chance that we'll see him back on the
beach again. This is a really honest, surprising, emotional chat
and if you're a fan of the show, I think
you're going to get a lot out of this one. Anyway, Guys,
this is my conversation with Simon me. How are you?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Yeah, good, good, really good. Yeah, in a really good headspace.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
So yeah, very yeah, just excited, relieved that it's all over.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Congratulations on one hundred days. I mean that's pretty impressive.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, I just I didn't think that the you know,
the boy who walked onto the outback planes in Concurry,
would you know who wanted to you know, the fan
who wanted to play this game and leave a mark
on this game in one way, would have had my
journey kind of play out over three incredible seasons and
be the I don't know loved helpless character that I
(01:57):
have become. Yeah, it's a wild journey. It hasn't been
an easy one, but there's been a memorable one nonetheless.
So so to have like that milestone there and to
sit amongst a very exclusive club. You know, one hundred
days is just wild because it's so shit out there sometimes,
so you know, to get there and get through it
(02:17):
all and to keep turning up with a smile on
my face. I can pretty comfortably call myself the most
resilient Australians Bible player that there has ever been.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
You know, I was talking to a lot of super
fans today about your elimination and the one thing that
everyone had in common was that you were in their
top five favorite players of all time? Is that also
quite amazing that you've become so iconic to the brand.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Yeah, that's not lost on me, Like that's very special. Yeah,
I'm kind of like a little bit like lost for words,
but like to become to be a fan to the
becoming a fan favorite, wow, just yeah, I am kind
of speechless because when I sit back to reflect on
you know, the amount of people who kind of cheer
against me and a lot of people cheered for me
(03:02):
in brainsby Brawn, But like, you know, I've kind of
reframed what that you know, tough male masculine archetype looks like,
and you kind of reframe that and I have worked
hard to you know, to kind of bring that image
along because you've got the game. But there's also like
the social media side of that, which, like which plays
(03:25):
a really important part of how the fans see you.
And like, you know, I've engaged, I've I've given a
lot of myself back to this game, and you know,
to get to that point is just pretty bloody special
and in my heart, in my core, I got that
spot on the beach, and I know that how many
people out there will give an absolute arm and a
leg for it. So I can stand here in front
(03:45):
of the fans and say that I made the most
of every single opportunity and every single moment whoever's spot
I took proud and to ensure that, you know, just
did it for the fans, you know, and that hopefully
one of them can do.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
It as well.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Maybe that's what it is, though, Like I think we
all see ourselves inside you. I don't know, if that's
a strange way, that's probably not the right way. Yeah,
I realize, you know what I was saying there that
that sounds really really weird. And we'll get to talking
about this speedos later just for anyone listening to the podcast,
But like I think that there's something very accessible about you.
(04:20):
I think you're kind of like because you're right and
about talking about how I fi you've sort of brought
masculinity on television because you are the blokey bloke, but
you're also so vulnerable, and I don't know what's your
relationship with the sim and Me character.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I think I'll learn a lot about about what that
was from Dave, you know, Golden God, like knew from him,
like you know, he he played a character, He played
a version of himself and turned it up to eleven
and was very good at bringing that to life.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But then you've got the player that sits outside of that.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
So I like to think that yea, the Simon, the
player is bigger than me, which is really cool, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I think you are this person Simon though, Like yeah,
but David definitely you could tell that David amped it
up and played a character. I don't know if that's you, Like,
I think there absolutely is a character, and there's the
sort of bumbling guy that you know is great at challenges,
but you know, a little bit chaotic with your strategies
and you know, you make a few mistakes that kind
(05:22):
of thing. But I don't think you're a Golden God
type performance.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
No, And I definitely agree with that. And I think
there's an element of like I wanted to just I
wanted to show how much I care about this game
and wear my heart on my sleeve, and I wanted
to lean into the highs, I wanted to lean into
the lows and just yeah, make the most of those
kind of moments there. And it's been quite special being
able to share, you know, just how much it means
(05:47):
to me. And I feel like that that's the thing
that's really resonated with everyone. You know, I haven't been
like I don't cry as much in my in my
normal life, but I mean, you know, the game of Survivor,
you like it's very height and heightened things that you
care about so much, and like, you know, watching like
voting Harry off and watching his dream come to an end,
like that's horrible because I know what it means to me,
(06:08):
I know what it means to him, So you know,
having a front row seat to that, like it's it's
so bloody hard.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
And I think I'm just like appreciative of.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
All those kind of little moments there and have just yeah,
it's been so special being able to like showcase a
little bit of who I am and what I stand
for and for people to see it in me and
you know, and see a little bit of that as
well and then.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Feel connected to me in that way.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
That's just it's just not lost on me, and I
really don't take that for granted.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
When did they start talking to you about doing REDEMT?
I have so many questions, By the way, I don't
feel like I'm just going to jumble these all up,
but I want to know, like when did you hear?
Like how much lead time did you have to prepare
to go back?
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Yeah, I was always I think I believe I was
one of the earlier calls, and it was you know,
my phone rang in April last year. My heart sank
and initially it was like, oh God, like do I
really have another one of these in me? And then
I had a fair bit of family stuff going on
and I only accepted my spot like three weeks out,
so and yeah, the just which just had to be
(07:11):
very considered. But Phoebe and the producers were very good
just holding my spot for me whilst I had to
sort out some personal stuff, which was which was pretty good.
And you know, when I heard about redemption, like it
just like it made sense for me, right, like everything
that I had kind of been through to have an
opportunity to rewrite history. And you know, in a redemption
season where it's a majority of newbies, it's hard to
(07:31):
get some stories that like I truly you know, everyone's
I don't know, I'm a truck driver, or I'm a wrestler,
or I'm you know, I'm like, how do you stand
for redemption in your own life?
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Like what that's what you stand up for versus what?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Like I have a true redemption story that is tied
to this beautiful game, And so it made a lot
of sense for me on paper to see that. But
I also knew it was a giant risk because like
I had a lot to win, a lot to but
I also had a lot to lose. Like if I
had gone out early and fumbled my season like it
would be this season, it would have been a you know,
oh well, new Simon's the hapless, unlucky guy that we
(08:08):
always thought he was. But you know, I knew I
had a chance to change the narrative. So I was
nervous and motivated to kind of do that and make
that happen as well at the same time. And yeah,
to drive that home was such a relief, like to
showcase that and yeah and got it there, which is cool.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Did you think having the redemption being that's the theme,
that there'd be people returning that you would get to
have some redemption with, because that's what I was kind
of expecting to happen. I was expecting there to have
been some people that had wronged you in the past
to have also been on the beach for you to
wrong them back. Did you try and suss out whether
or not there were other returning players and try and
(08:46):
work and who they were, or did you have an
expectation who could be there.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I was nervous, but I also didn't I tried not
to put too much thought into it.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I'm like, there are only four players that I was.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Aware of, you know, going in, So I'm like, oh,
I'm not gonna I'm not gonna put energy into speculating,
like I've got energy that I need to put elsewhere
right now.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
I don't be very you.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Know upfront, like you know, George just played Australaus the world.
I didn't think he was coming back, but I didn't.
I also made it clear that like I just don't
want to play with him again because I just want
to have an experience where it's like it's just me
and I have some like clean air. Like I know
that we've had our journey's very much so tied together,
but it's been nice to have some like you know,
clean space to like flourish and put my own spin
(09:28):
on it and stuff. So I'm very grateful for the
relationship I have, you know, with George and our characters
like going head to head, because there's no sign without George,
no George without Signon. But like it's it's been nice
to have this kind of moment and to get that redemption.
And I felt like it's difficult because not many players
I feel like we'll get their redemption here because there's
only one winner. There's not many players who can say
(09:49):
they get redemption without winning. But I am one who
has a you know, a hapless story kind of coming
in that I leaned into that, like I can win
from this season and have my redemption without actually winning
the title. So it's like it's a very unique kind
of scenario in situation for me and one of the
very few other winners or have any people who have
(10:11):
all do get their redemption by not winning.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
And the other thing I was going to ask you
about was David being you know, he's a friend of
yours and then he's now the host of the show.
When did you find out that was going to happen?
Because I noticed a lot of people talking to me
about that throughout the season, because we'll talk about your
game plan what happened this time, but that was something
that I think a lot of people were interested about.
How you found out about it?
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, I think the news broke while whilst well was
in discussions with production as well. I don't think i'd
accepted my spot yet and the you know, we've seen
the news articles that you know, JLP was no longer
going to be.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
The host that like, so that news had broken and.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Then we obviously everyone had speculations about it being Dave
and then like formerly, we didn't like producers didn't tell
us until we were in Smiler and in lockdown. I
think that's when they kind of announced it to us
to give us bit of our heads up, but like
it was kind of a you know, it was assumed.
I guess I was, like, you know, it's obviously a
new direction for the franchise, and you know, I was
(11:07):
a little bit nervous about it, like you being one
of four attornees, like you know, we like I want
this show to succeed just as much as anyone, and
I was really hoping that, you know, the new direction
with a new host and like the new new returneys,
we'd we'd be able to cook something up. But I
also didn't want to feel responsible if it, like if
it if it fell over. But thankfully, it's been a
fantastic season and like, oh, it's so good to.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
See Dave just absolutely thrive.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Like I have loved him as a player, but it
was so impressed by just how well he was able
to transition into the into the host role.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
He left his ego at the door.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
He just absolutely hit it out of the park and
was so special to see what he was able to
like bring to that role and like make it his own,
but still make it about the players that were there.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
So I was really.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Impressed with just how natural that felt as a as
a player, to be able to play the game and
still play without you know, having I don't know anything
else to like muffle it up, You've got enough going
on out there, you know, to worry about. Then it
just like it was, it was seamless, and I think
that he's absolutely heating it out of the park.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
So I absolutely love what Dave's doing in this season.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
What are the biggest differences? So many? Are there many?
Because like for me as a viewer, it's been seamless,
Like I just think that David's just been amazing and
very much like JLP in a way. What are the
key differences do you think that David brings to it
that's different to JLP?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Just the knowledge, like being there from a player's perspective,
like he knows when we're hurting, he knows that you know,
it's not easy, and like you know, it's one thing
to there's so many there's so much criticism that you
get from people on the couch or who have never
done it before. That like having someone out there who's
telling you to keep pushing or you know, to make
the most of it, when like you know, he's been there,
(12:46):
he knows what it's like.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Like that's really it just just hits in a different way.
And I feel he was really good at just purveying
that and it just holds.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
A little bit more with all the players when he's
saying that, you know, you've made it to merge, like
you go out there and give it hell like you've
got to. You know, you've got to play hard, Like
don't let this slip past you. You know, It's just
it just hits a little bit different, which is pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Does it change the friendship that you have with him? Like,
now that he's the host of the show, does that
change the dynamics of how you would communicate with him normally?
Speaker 3 (13:20):
It's nice to get a couple of little insights into
like you know, peek behind the curtains from that side
of things and tell.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Me more Simon, what do you nothing?
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I'm willing to spell here beddie.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
But it's cool, like, you know, just just just hearing
it because it's you know, it's been a huge transition
for him to you just see what happens as a
as a player, to then see the magic behind, you know,
bringing it to life and stuff.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
It's cool because as.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Someone you know, I came into this game but as
a complete normal I had nothing to do with the
entertainment and TV industry, And then you know.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
I loved watching TV get made.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
I love watching being a part of it or seeing
the logistics around, you know, how you create live you know,
you know reality TV in a environment in the middle
of freaking nowhere, you know, and like just the effort
that goes into walking on the challenges and the wall
of cameras and producers and runners and you know, teams
(14:13):
of logistics, like hundreds of people like making this happen
so you can run around the island, your budget smuggles,
and the player an awesome challenge. Like, there's so much
that goes into getting that there. I think it's just
really cool to see how it actually all happens. And
then on the other side, it's just you know, it's
a bit of magic then for what the audience sees.
And I just have no idea about the the size
(14:34):
of the production and just how big it really is.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think that's the thing you can see with the
new players, just when.
Speaker 3 (14:40):
They have their realization about like, whoa, this is like
a massive, massive thing and I feel like something that
was stuck with me. I think you'll enjoy is that
I heard like before I kind of started that I
don't know how much the production costs is of survivor.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
I heard whispers from being before I had played that.
Speaker 3 (14:59):
I don't know, call it million dollars it cost to
make or whatever, right, say twenty four players, So call
it twenty four million, you know, like that becomes a
million dollar ticket for your experience there with the twenty
four players. And I feel like, you know, yeah, you
may you might win half a million at the end
of the day, but what the cost of actually putting
that production on is so much more valuable, you know
(15:21):
at that point, And like you talk about people, you know,
it's a money can't buy ticket and that's what's so
bloody special about it.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
And you've played three times, like it's crazy, Like you know,
they've spent millions of dollars to have you on TV
three times, and I know, and it just keeps getting
better every I guess this is a hard question for
I think you to answer because redemption. I think you
did get redemption. I think you have and then and
(15:51):
you've redeemed things from previous seasons. But is this your
favorite season that you were a part of.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
I think it does hold a it does hold the
place in my heart. Just given that I think I
get that confessional right the end. This is an assignment
that I wish one point zero and two point zero
could have been and just seeing it all kind of
come together with like, you know, I displayed, you know,
a great well rounded game of a great challenge progress,
(16:17):
great strategic thinking at times, you know, not always bad times,
and then you had some great social moments as well.
So it's like, this is the player that I always
wanted to be and have showcased just a little bit
of that across the board.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So I'm I'm yeah, what's the other ones that? You know?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Brainsby Braun and heroes as villains have been an incredible
part of my journey. There is just something about like
driving this one home and topping it all off, which
will just hold a very special place in my heart.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
I tried to stay away from spoilers, but I have
to tell you this is the funniest thing that someone
who seemed to be in the know told me that
you were eliminated third, and I was like devastated and
then a little bit disappointed that I was going into
this season. I was like, oh my god, someone's going
to go third, And then the fact that you did
so well just every episode that you were still there.
(17:04):
I felt so elated for you, and I can't remember
it was a player. Someone who had been on the
show was like, how did you hear Simon's back but
he goes third, and I was like, what the fuck
did you hear rumors about how well you did? Like
how did they manage to kick? I don't know whether
it's just me. I try not to hear any spoilers,
but how do they keep the survivor spoilers away from people?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:25):
I think there's definitely an element of like the magic
of it all, and you know it's not it's not
feel proof, like it happens, it gets out there and stuff.
But like, I just love the idea of like I
got to go through my journey and now I get
to share it with everyone. So I love not giving
anything away, even to like my nearest and dearest, so
they have to struggle through it, you know, as much.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Who do you tell it? Do you tell anyone? Do
you yourself?
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Well? I mean some like my family kind of here
they find out when it's like, you know, you make
a phone call home when you're in jury and stuff.
But in like some of my friends, like they who's
going to be called up to come to Samoa if
I get close enough kind of thing. So it's like
that they kind of find out. But in terms of
like the broader pitcher, yeah, I try. I try to
(18:10):
avoid as much as I can, but it's there are
there's kind of two camps, right the people want to
know spoilers and they want to be in the nana
and stuff like that. But when I watch other seasons,
like I have players at my fingertips you can dial
into and know exactly what the boot order is or whatever.
But like there's just something so pure after playing that
being able to sit back and watch it and like
for the first time and be like, no, I don't
want to know.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
I don't want to know.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
I don't want to know, Like that's the weird thing.
But I actually think that maybe that person now I'm
thinking live with you right now, I'm like, maybe the
producers were like Ben Norris loves spoilers him and tell
him the wrong order, Like I feel like that must
have happened.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
And here's a ticul enjoy Benny. I think at times,
I think it's a bit of like a.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
I don't really like it, but I can feel like
there's bit of a dick swinging contest at times where
it's like some players who like, no what the ins
and outs are, Like, no, I know the spoilers, I
know the boot order. I'm better connected than you are,
Like here's what I know, and I just don't participate
in that at all.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
And it's so much easier for me to just go,
you know what, I want to remain spoiler free.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
I want to watch it as a fan and just
have those kind of moments there and like, you know,
I don't care that you know what happens, just leave
me out of it. So, yeah, it's.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Pretty it's pretty funny.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I'm being retired, like being like I don't have to
deal with any of the bullshit of pregaming now and
I'm just I'm done.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
So you want my friends, you're not retired? Like, can
I just say we need to move into that, because
I there's going to be in All Stars Too, that's
going to happen, and there is no All Stars Too
without you, So like, what's it going to take to
get you to the beach. You're just gonna have to
get over yourself and to say yes, Like, what are
the obstacles about you saying yes to that because it's
going to happen.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Mate, I love this game so much, and you know
there are the moments of me that, yeah, play again
in a half beat, But like I don't like I
am retired, and you know, the other is my life
I need to focus on.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
And you know, I don't want to get divorced.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I like, I love my wife, I love my family,
and you know, I need to put a lot more
effort into it. Not more effort, but like you know,
I've been very distracted by this big, shiny, beautiful thing.
It's like there is and I've given so much to it,
and it's given so much to me, But there is. Yeah,
there's other areas that I that I love that I
need to put as much effort into Survivor as I
put as much effort into as I have it into Survivor.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I honestly don't know whether or not I'm misreading this,
but I think you come across as the most present
husband father that I can see on my social media
from whatever I'm looking at, a very very good job,
and I love how passionate you are about your family.
That's one of my favorite things about you.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Thank you, and maybe I'll work a little bit harder,
you know, at that, knowing that, like, you know, you know,
I've had this thing where I've made some huge sacrifices.
You know, my family made some huge sacrifices for me,
and I'm very conscious and aware that I need to
give back to that just as much.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Yeah, I know, I still think it's going to happen.
So just going into the game before we wrap up,
because I feel like people are going to come for
me with not unpacking a lot of what's happened this season,
but I just had so many good these questions. But
like Brooks decision to send you home in that final
tribal council, you made this weird speech. Beforehand, we were like,
(21:17):
this is don't have this as a missed opportunity to
make a move. I kind of felt like her ears
pricked up at that point she thought, Oh, yeah, now
I'm going to make that move and it's you. Do
you see any relationship between your exit from the show
and that speech that you made.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
No, I don't feel like that.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
I feel like it was you know, I think Brooks
mom was already made up in the you know, on
the on the revo there ever had to gone that way,
I feel like, you know, for her own game, for
self preservation, for what it meant for you to have
a run through.
Speaker 2 (21:45):
To win challenges.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
You know, I know there are some things that you
can see with like Jackson, like those kind of comments
that can like sway people or whatever, but like you know,
there are sometimes there are otherwise you're a bigger factors
at play, and like, yeah, I do know that I was,
like you know, in terms of for Brook, like the
last one standing in her way, like Kearley obviously a
formidable competitor, but like Keeley and I were probably in
(22:06):
the same position about disgruntling. There's many people in the
jury as well. But Brook, you know, the people's princesses,
has had a very very different experience. Like everyone, you know,
they loved her, like you know, regardless of the fact
I was still targeting her.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
So sometimes when you have like an opportunity like that,
you just have to take it.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
So I you know, will I hold it against her,
like absolutely not, Like do I think it was the
right move for her?
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Like absolutely not. Like on paper, it doesn't make sense.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
And I hope the Brook either goes on to win
and that was the right stepping stone for her, or
she goes.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Out next, and it was like, hey, I told you so, So.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
If she goes out next, I'm going to be so
annoyed because I'm like.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
I will be I will be upset. So you know
what I mean. She's proven herself as a challenge best.
Speaker 3 (22:47):
But she either like she either goes the distance or
she goes out early, like she has to.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Win everything now because like she's got a huge target
on her back. I feel like she's had in some
ways a bigger target on her back than any of
the other returners, the returnees.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Like she also hasn't been exposed at like half as
many like trible counselors as me. She avoided so many
at the start, and then like she's been protected with
so many idols, like I've had a new fight tooth
and nail, like be vulnerable the entire time. And you
know it's I'm not taking away from how easy it
like from her journey, but like she has had protection,
additional protection there which I would absolutely kill for.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
Who do you have, respectful that's left there at the moment,
because we've got Cameron Caleb Jackson, Laws, Sally Keiley like,
who do you have respect? Whose game do you have
the most respectful look?
Speaker 3 (23:34):
You think there's a there's a new this new era
of Survivor feels like you really need to have a
story as opposed to as much of a resume. But
I come from an old school mentality, what are the survivor?
The strain and survivor that I grew up on on
Seasons one to five regume is still hold as a
player players player, I still love the idea. You know,
you still need that in my book, you still need
to move and shake and just you need to dictate
(23:56):
your game and have like, you know, navigate it in
a way that's uniquely you. The differentiation was a huge thing,
and I feel like that's my big criteria. Brooke, Keeley
and Jackson are the ones who have differentiated their game
from everyone else. They really have two feet to stand
on at the end, I feel like at this point
in time, maybe you could probably just throw a blanket
over you know, Cam Kayler, Sally and Laws like, there
(24:19):
isn't a lot a lot there.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
That I saw, Yeah, well yeah that I saw out there.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
So from that, like you know, traditional standpoint of the game,
like they better have a body good story, but like
you know, it's you know, someone who has an old
school mentality, like are they going to win my vote?
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Well, I'll have to wait and see.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
You have to wait and see for that one. And
it also hasn't been recorded. From what I've heard, I
think we're still waiting for that finale, which I think
is amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
It's very cool.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I love a love love live television, but also love
that no one knows, you know at this point, you know,
I'm looking forward to them putting people out of their misery,
you know, being a returnee. When you look at this
season and you think about producers looking at who are
the biggest, noisiest players to bring back again out of
your season of redemption? Who do you think could be
brought back again? That's got an open ended story because
(25:06):
everyone's basically said I've spoken to They're like, I want
to come back.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
You know, they all say they all say that, and
it's probably funny because I, like, you know, stand there
and be like, yay, you just missed your opportunity, like
that was it? Like you had to you know, you
want to go back, like play well the first time
I think there was a couple of really great strong
females from this season that we didn't get to see
enough of Faith just divisive as she kind of was,
(25:30):
and confident, like incredible. Keely being like adopted as a
attorney is very incredible. Lottie was obviously such a great
social player and just got the game from the start.
She'd be she'd be amazing, but it's not for her.
She doesn't want to do it again. And Lot he's
on it like lott He's on a tear like she
is on this like trajectory and her like life with
(25:50):
her art and like you know, survivors. I've been a
nice side quest for her, and you know, anything that
she touches turns to turns to goal because she's just
a legend and the way she kind of goes about it.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
But she would be an incredible character she goes back and.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
Then finally Ben in terms of liking it as a
big character, great Jackson I think as well. But then Asher,
I think, with a little bit of refinement and a
little bit more self awareness and taking the blinkers off,
would be a very great player. If she can work
out a little bit of compromise and stuff. It's just
great to see someone you know, come out of the
gates and play hard. But I feel like we've had
(26:27):
a really strong about half a strong batch of newbies
come through so that you know, would deserve a rerun,
which is great.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
So yeah, I'd love to. I'd love to choose some
of them one in the future.
Speaker 1 (26:36):
Think you could easily end up doing that. You know,
I've run out of time, so I just want to
get to the Speeders because that's where everyone's going to
come for me. But the question I have though, is
have you been given a brand endorsement from Speeders, like
I mean, from what's the budget Smuggler, Budge, smoke clubs
there we go.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Unfortunately, not have you tried.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
Have you reached out to them and said, mate, I'm
your biggest ambassador. I genuinely reckon that their sales go
up every time you go on the show. Not to
say that I've bought them, I haven't, but I'm assuming
that they have.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
I think there's just a general appreciation, you know, for them.
You know, it's been nice having the snuff study coolers
that people are you know, kind of getting around that
matched the match the Budgies. I'm looking at spin fine. Like,
you know, I've had three custom pairs over the years.
You know the donuts with my you know, they had
my wife's name and the dog's name on it.
Speaker 2 (27:24):
Then you know the Purple Villain ones, and.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Now to have like the little the teethy torches, like
just pretty special, right, which is really cool to just
have something that just shows like, you know how much
this game means to me and stuff. But yeah, Noah, unfortunately, Noah,
no brand deals there, so just doing it for the
love of it.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
Unfortunately.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
Did they all get up as well? Did the producers
have a different reaction to you being eliminated? That's a
good behind the scenes secret to finish on is like
because you've completed one hundred days and you've done so well,
you know, is there a different response to someone like
you in the moment when you're torture snuffed?
Speaker 3 (27:59):
It was just pretty cool, Like for the people around,
like and the cameramen that you get out there with,
and like, you know, producers that you've spent so much
time doing ivs with, like they're all invested in these
stories as well, Like you know, it's yeah, it's worked
for them. And yeah, it's you know, it's it's not
a it's a pretty pretty shit environment to be working
at times in the remote beaches of Samoa, but like
it's you form a special connection with these people and
(28:21):
then you're not having conversations with that you know, they're
like cheering you on and they've been such a big
part of the journey and the behind the scenes and
stuff like it's it's nice, like you know when you
catch them you're going on the way to trouble counsel work,
when you're going from jury and you can have a
moment with them, you know, outside the game, outside of
the camera and stuff like that and just say hey,
and you know, just nice to have them.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Support and like, you know, enjoyed.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Like when you're watching along like the fumbles, the you know,
the winds and stuff like that, and you know, you
know that you have a special bond with like the
cameraman that's filming you on a challenge and an individual
challenge and you're like you're giving them my eyes before
you you know, before they call go and stuff, and
you're like they're saying good luck, like you know, because
every camera to be filming the guy who wins, right, like, yeah,
(29:02):
you know, I I think I had Bronger, I think
for a couple of my good wins this season, and
he was my good luck charm. So it's nice to
have like those kind of moments, and they need to
have a bond there with that community, which is just
like so different from my normal world of being a
chippy that you know, you're a Hollywood you feel like
a Hollywood superstar slash a prisoner of war.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
At the same time.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
But it's just this weird, incredible little world that you
can be part of for a little bit before you
disappear and go back to go back to reality because like, yeah,
you have to everyone the things that you go on TV.
Three times you can quit work and go off and
you know you are now just.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
A nobody, like no very much, so like still working.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
People say that to me all the time, Like some
mass people were talking to me and they're like, you know,
when this show finishes in two weeks, you know they've
got all these ambitions, And I'm like, the sooner you
go back to what it is that you do before
you did reality television, the better You've got to get
that stink off. You go back on and get back involved,
because that delusion can go on for as long as
(30:03):
you like, but it would be a massive time wastetud
one hundred percent. And you've got that balance right, you know.
I really get to see that, and we all get
to see that because we see you working and being
with your family and doing all of that on your
social media. So I think your head is well and
truly screwed on.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
And I've been one of the very few Fiber players
that's been able to pivot out of Survivor into something.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
And my pivot has.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
Been into my career into trading influencer, content creator there.
But like the leg up came from Survivor initially, but
then have turned that into a you know, it's I
make more money out of the content creation than I
do out of being a chippy now, which is insane
that like that's an opportunity for me there, and that
came off the back of this game of Survivor, but
like I played the game first and that was a
(30:45):
byproduct of a clever pivot, and you've been able to
do that, but like it, it's insane how I've been
able to get there. And then you hear about those
people on the beach and I can't wait to start
a podcast and this is going to be me and
my big thing and my big break. I'm like, you're
got to play it game first before you even worry
about that, because that's a that's a nice to have,
that is not that is not a given at any
(31:06):
point of time. And those players really gave me the
shits more than anyone out there that like it was,
you know, they thought that was their big break.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
I like, no, your big break is playing the game.
Do that first.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Do the job. Yeah, Simon, I have to let you go.
But I just want to say to you, thank you
so much for being so generous. Thank you for going
back to Survivor. I think you are I think I
like you even more after doing this chat, which I
didn't think was possible. But just revel I think revel
in the fact that in a lot of people's minds,
people look up to you and have learnt from you
(31:39):
and have enjoyed your time on this show.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Oh thanks, Benny. That means a lot.
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload the podcast last week That Life Yoday. Everyone,
welcome back to TV Reload. My name is Benjamin Norris,
and today we are diving into one of the most
talked about players of Australian Survivor. Today's guest is Simon
me Now, whether you loved him, yelled at your TV
because of him, or just couldn't look away, Simon has
(00:20):
become one of the most iconic and complicated players this
franchise has ever seen, and in this chat nothing is
off limits. We unpacked the huge elimination. Was it Brooks
move to make or did Simon accidentally write his own exit?
We talk about the Simon character. Is he playing it
up for TV or is what we see actually who
he is? Plus the redemption arc. Did Simon really prove
(00:44):
himself this season even without winning? And why he says
this is the version of himself he's always wanted to
show Australia. There's also some great behind the scenes insights,
from what it's actually like to hit one hundred days
in the game, to how production works and what it
I felt like to see David Jane step into the
role as host, and yes, we get into whether Simon
(01:05):
is really done with a Strain and Survivor or if
there's any chance that we'll see him back on the
beach again. This is a really honest, surprising, emotional chat
and if you're a fan of the show, I think
you're going to get a lot out of this one. Anyway, Guys,
this is my conversation with Simon me. How are you?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Yeah, good, good, really good. Yeah, in a really good headspace.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
So yeah, very yeah, just excited, relieved that it's all over.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Congratulations on one hundred days. I mean that's pretty impressive.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Yeah, I just I didn't think that the you know,
the boy who walked onto the outback planes in Concurry,
would you know who wanted to you know, the fan
who wanted to play this game and leave a mark
on this game in one way, would have had my
journey kind of play out over three incredible seasons and
be the I don't know loved helpless character that I
(01:57):
have become. Yeah, it's a wild journey. It hasn't been
an easy one, but there's been a memorable one nonetheless.
So so to have like that milestone there and to
sit amongst a very exclusive club. You know, one hundred
days is just wild because it's so shit out there sometimes,
so you know, to get there and get through it
(02:17):
all and to keep turning up with a smile on
my face. I can pretty comfortably call myself the most
resilient Australians Bible player that there has ever been.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
You know, I was talking to a lot of super
fans today about your elimination and the one thing that
everyone had in common was that you were in their
top five favorite players of all time? Is that also
quite amazing that you've become so iconic to the brand.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Yeah, that's not lost on me, Like that's very special. Yeah,
I'm kind of like a little bit like lost for words,
but like to become to be a fan to the
becoming a fan favorite, wow, just yeah, I am kind
of speechless because when I sit back to reflect on
you know, the amount of people who kind of cheer
against me and a lot of people cheered for me
(03:02):
in brainsby Brawn, But like, you know, I've kind of
reframed what that you know, tough male masculine archetype looks like,
and you kind of reframe that and I have worked
hard to you know, to kind of bring that image
along because you've got the game. But there's also like
the social media side of that, which, like which plays
(03:25):
a really important part of how the fans see you.
And like, you know, I've engaged, I've I've given a
lot of myself back to this game, and you know,
to get to that point is just pretty bloody special
and in my heart, in my core, I got that
spot on the beach, and I know that how many
people out there will give an absolute arm and a
leg for it. So I can stand here in front
(03:45):
of the fans and say that I made the most
of every single opportunity and every single moment whoever's spot
I took proud and to ensure that, you know, just
did it for the fans, you know, and that hopefully
one of them can do.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
It as well.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Maybe that's what it is, though, Like I think we
all see ourselves inside you. I don't know, if that's
a strange way, that's probably not the right way. Yeah,
I realize, you know what I was saying there that
that sounds really really weird. And we'll get to talking
about this speedos later just for anyone listening to the podcast,
But like I think that there's something very accessible about you.
(04:20):
I think you're kind of like because you're right and
about talking about how I fi you've sort of brought
masculinity on television because you are the blokey bloke, but
you're also so vulnerable, and I don't know what's your
relationship with the sim and Me character.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
I think I'll learn a lot about about what that
was from Dave, you know, Golden God, like knew from him,
like you know, he he played a character, He played
a version of himself and turned it up to eleven
and was very good at bringing that to life.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But then you've got the player that sits outside of that.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
So I like to think that yea, the Simon, the
player is bigger than me, which is really cool, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I think you are this person Simon though, Like yeah,
but David definitely you could tell that David amped it
up and played a character. I don't know if that's you, Like,
I think there absolutely is a character, and there's the
sort of bumbling guy that you know is great at challenges,
but you know, a little bit chaotic with your strategies
and you know, you make a few mistakes that kind
(05:22):
of thing. But I don't think you're a Golden God
type performance.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
No, And I definitely agree with that. And I think
there's an element of like I wanted to just I
wanted to show how much I care about this game
and wear my heart on my sleeve, and I wanted
to lean into the highs, I wanted to lean into
the lows and just yeah, make the most of those
kind of moments there. And it's been quite special being
able to share, you know, just how much it means
(05:47):
to me. And I feel like that that's the thing
that's really resonated with everyone. You know, I haven't been
like I don't cry as much in my in my
normal life, but I mean, you know, the game of Survivor,
you like it's very height and heightened things that you
care about so much, and like, you know, watching like
voting Harry off and watching his dream come to an end,
like that's horrible because I know what it means to me,
(06:08):
I know what it means to him, So you know,
having a front row seat to that, like it's it's
so bloody hard.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
And I think I'm just like appreciative of.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
All those kind of little moments there and have just yeah,
it's been so special being able to like showcase a
little bit of who I am and what I stand
for and for people to see it in me and
you know, and see a little bit of that as
well and then.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
Feel connected to me in that way.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
That's just it's just not lost on me, and I
really don't take that for granted.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
When did they start talking to you about doing REDEMT?
I have so many questions, By the way, I don't
feel like I'm just going to jumble these all up,
but I want to know, like when did you hear?
Like how much lead time did you have to prepare
to go back?
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Yeah, I was always I think I believe I was
one of the earlier calls, and it was you know,
my phone rang in April last year. My heart sank
and initially it was like, oh God, like do I
really have another one of these in me? And then
I had a fair bit of family stuff going on
and I only accepted my spot like three weeks out,
so and yeah, the just which just had to be
(07:11):
very considered. But Phoebe and the producers were very good
just holding my spot for me whilst I had to
sort out some personal stuff, which was which was pretty good.
And you know, when I heard about redemption, like it
just like it made sense for me, right, like everything
that I had kind of been through to have an
opportunity to rewrite history. And you know, in a redemption
season where it's a majority of newbies, it's hard to
(07:31):
get some stories that like I truly you know, everyone's
I don't know, I'm a truck driver, or I'm a wrestler,
or I'm you know, I'm like, how do you stand
for redemption in your own life?
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Like what that's what you stand up for versus what?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Like I have a true redemption story that is tied
to this beautiful game, And so it made a lot
of sense for me on paper to see that. But
I also knew it was a giant risk because like
I had a lot to win, a lot to but
I also had a lot to lose. Like if I
had gone out early and fumbled my season like it
would be this season, it would have been a you know,
oh well, new Simon's the hapless, unlucky guy that we
(08:08):
always thought he was. But you know, I knew I
had a chance to change the narrative. So I was
nervous and motivated to kind of do that and make
that happen as well at the same time. And yeah,
to drive that home was such a relief, like to
showcase that and yeah and got it there, which is cool.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Did you think having the redemption being that's the theme,
that there'd be people returning that you would get to
have some redemption with, because that's what I was kind
of expecting to happen. I was expecting there to have
been some people that had wronged you in the past
to have also been on the beach for you to
wrong them back. Did you try and suss out whether
or not there were other returning players and try and
(08:46):
work and who they were, or did you have an
expectation who could be there.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
I was nervous, but I also didn't I tried not
to put too much thought into it.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I'm like, there are only four players that I was.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Aware of, you know, going in, So I'm like, oh,
I'm not gonna I'm not gonna put energy into speculating,
like I've got energy that I need to put elsewhere
right now.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
I don't be very you.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Know upfront, like you know, George just played Australaus the world.
I didn't think he was coming back, but I didn't.
I also made it clear that like I just don't
want to play with him again because I just want
to have an experience where it's like it's just me
and I have some like clean air. Like I know
that we've had our journey's very much so tied together,
but it's been nice to have some like you know,
clean space to like flourish and put my own spin
(09:28):
on it and stuff. So I'm very grateful for the
relationship I have, you know, with George and our characters
like going head to head, because there's no sign without George,
no George without Signon. But like it's it's been nice
to have this kind of moment and to get that redemption.
And I felt like it's difficult because not many players
I feel like we'll get their redemption here because there's
only one winner. There's not many players who can say
(09:49):
they get redemption without winning. But I am one who
has a you know, a hapless story kind of coming
in that I leaned into that, like I can win
from this season and have my redemption without actually winning
the title. So it's like it's a very unique kind
of scenario in situation for me and one of the
very few other winners or have any people who have
(10:11):
all do get their redemption by not winning.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
And the other thing I was going to ask you
about was David being you know, he's a friend of
yours and then he's now the host of the show.
When did you find out that was going to happen?
Because I noticed a lot of people talking to me
about that throughout the season, because we'll talk about your
game plan what happened this time, but that was something
that I think a lot of people were interested about.
How you found out about it?
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, I think the news broke while whilst well was
in discussions with production as well. I don't think i'd
accepted my spot yet and the you know, we've seen
the news articles that you know, JLP was no longer
going to be.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
The host that like, so that news had broken and.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Then we obviously everyone had speculations about it being Dave
and then like formerly, we didn't like producers didn't tell
us until we were in Smiler and in lockdown. I
think that's when they kind of announced it to us
to give us bit of our heads up, but like
it was kind of a you know, it was assumed.
I guess I was, like, you know, it's obviously a
new direction for the franchise, and you know, I was
(11:07):
a little bit nervous about it, like you being one
of four attornees, like you know, we like I want
this show to succeed just as much as anyone, and
I was really hoping that, you know, the new direction
with a new host and like the new new returneys,
we'd we'd be able to cook something up. But I
also didn't want to feel responsible if it, like if
it if it fell over. But thankfully, it's been a
fantastic season and like, oh, it's so good to.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
See Dave just absolutely thrive.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Like I have loved him as a player, but it
was so impressed by just how well he was able
to transition into the into the host role.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
He left his ego at the door.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
He just absolutely hit it out of the park and
was so special to see what he was able to
like bring to that role and like make it his own,
but still make it about the players that were there.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
So I was really.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Impressed with just how natural that felt as a as
a player, to be able to play the game and
still play without you know, having I don't know anything
else to like muffle it up, You've got enough going
on out there, you know, to worry about. Then it
just like it was, it was seamless, and I think
that he's absolutely heating it out of the park.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
So I absolutely love what Dave's doing in this season.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
What are the biggest differences? So many? Are there many?
Because like for me as a viewer, it's been seamless,
Like I just think that David's just been amazing and
very much like JLP in a way. What are the
key differences do you think that David brings to it
that's different to JLP?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Just the knowledge, like being there from a player's perspective,
like he knows when we're hurting, he knows that you know,
it's not easy, and like you know, it's one thing
to there's so many there's so much criticism that you
get from people on the couch or who have never
done it before. That like having someone out there who's
telling you to keep pushing or you know, to make
the most of it, when like you know, he's been there,
(12:46):
he knows what it's like.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Like that's really it just just hits in a different way.
And I feel he was really good at just purveying
that and it just holds.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
A little bit more with all the players when he's
saying that, you know, you've made it to merge, like
you go out there and give it hell like you've
got to. You know, you've got to play hard, Like
don't let this slip past you. You know, It's just
it just hits a little bit different, which is pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Does it change the friendship that you have with him? Like,
now that he's the host of the show, does that
change the dynamics of how you would communicate with him normally?
Speaker 3 (13:20):
It's nice to get a couple of little insights into
like you know, peek behind the curtains from that side
of things and tell.
Speaker 1 (13:25):
Me more Simon, what do you nothing?
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I'm willing to spell here beddie.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
But it's cool, like, you know, just just just hearing
it because it's you know, it's been a huge transition
for him to you just see what happens as a
as a player, to then see the magic behind, you know,
bringing it to life and stuff.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
It's cool because as.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
Someone you know, I came into this game but as
a complete normal I had nothing to do with the
entertainment and TV industry, And then you know.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
I loved watching TV get made.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
I love watching being a part of it or seeing
the logistics around, you know, how you create live you know,
you know reality TV in a environment in the middle
of freaking nowhere, you know, and like just the effort
that goes into walking on the challenges and the wall
of cameras and producers and runners and you know, teams
(14:13):
of logistics, like hundreds of people like making this happen
so you can run around the island, your budget smuggles,
and the player an awesome challenge. Like, there's so much
that goes into getting that there. I think it's just
really cool to see how it actually all happens. And
then on the other side, it's just you know, it's
a bit of magic then for what the audience sees.
And I just have no idea about the the size
(14:34):
of the production and just how big it really is.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
I think that's the thing you can see with the
new players, just when.
Speaker 3 (14:40):
They have their realization about like, whoa, this is like
a massive, massive thing and I feel like something that
was stuck with me. I think you'll enjoy is that
I heard like before I kind of started that I
don't know how much the production costs is of survivor.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
I heard whispers from being before I had played that.
Speaker 3 (14:59):
I don't know, call it million dollars it cost to
make or whatever, right, say twenty four players, So call
it twenty four million, you know, like that becomes a
million dollar ticket for your experience there with the twenty
four players. And I feel like, you know, yeah, you
may you might win half a million at the end
of the day, but what the cost of actually putting
that production on is so much more valuable, you know
(15:21):
at that point, And like you talk about people, you know,
it's a money can't buy ticket and that's what's so
bloody special about it.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
And you've played three times, like it's crazy, Like you know,
they've spent millions of dollars to have you on TV
three times, and I know, and it just keeps getting
better every I guess this is a hard question for
I think you to answer because redemption. I think you
did get redemption. I think you have and then and
(15:51):
you've redeemed things from previous seasons. But is this your
favorite season that you were a part of.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah, I think so.
Speaker 3 (15:57):
I think it does hold a it does hold the
place in my heart. Just given that I think I
get that confessional right the end. This is an assignment
that I wish one point zero and two point zero
could have been and just seeing it all kind of
come together with like, you know, I displayed, you know,
a great well rounded game of a great challenge progress,
(16:17):
great strategic thinking at times, you know, not always bad times,
and then you had some great social moments as well.
So it's like, this is the player that I always
wanted to be and have showcased just a little bit
of that across the board.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
So I'm I'm yeah, what's the other ones that? You know?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
Brainsby Braun and heroes as villains have been an incredible
part of my journey. There is just something about like
driving this one home and topping it all off, which
will just hold a very special place in my heart.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
I tried to stay away from spoilers, but I have
to tell you this is the funniest thing that someone
who seemed to be in the know told me that
you were eliminated third, and I was like devastated and
then a little bit disappointed that I was going into
this season. I was like, oh my god, someone's going
to go third, And then the fact that you did
so well just every episode that you were still there.
(17:04):
I felt so elated for you, and I can't remember
it was a player. Someone who had been on the
show was like, how did you hear Simon's back but
he goes third, and I was like, what the fuck
did you hear rumors about how well you did? Like
how did they manage to kick? I don't know whether
it's just me. I try not to hear any spoilers,
but how do they keep the survivor spoilers away from people?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (17:25):
I think there's definitely an element of like the magic
of it all, and you know it's not it's not
feel proof, like it happens, it gets out there and stuff.
But like, I just love the idea of like I
got to go through my journey and now I get
to share it with everyone. So I love not giving
anything away, even to like my nearest and dearest, so
they have to struggle through it, you know, as much.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Who do you tell it? Do you tell anyone? Do
you yourself?
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Well? I mean some like my family kind of here
they find out when it's like, you know, you make
a phone call home when you're in jury and stuff.
But in like some of my friends, like they who's
going to be called up to come to Samoa if
I get close enough kind of thing. So it's like
that they kind of find out. But in terms of
like the broader pitcher, yeah, I try. I try to
(18:10):
avoid as much as I can, but it's there are
there's kind of two camps, right the people want to
know spoilers and they want to be in the nana
and stuff like that. But when I watch other seasons,
like I have players at my fingertips you can dial
into and know exactly what the boot order is or whatever.
But like there's just something so pure after playing that
being able to sit back and watch it and like
for the first time and be like, no, I don't
want to know.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
I don't want to know.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
I don't want to know, Like that's the weird thing.
But I actually think that maybe that person now I'm
thinking live with you right now, I'm like, maybe the
producers were like Ben Norris loves spoilers him and tell
him the wrong order, Like I feel like that must
have happened.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
And here's a ticul enjoy Benny. I think at times,
I think it's a bit of like a.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
I don't really like it, but I can feel like
there's bit of a dick swinging contest at times where
it's like some players who like, no what the ins
and outs are, Like, no, I know the spoilers, I
know the boot order. I'm better connected than you are,
Like here's what I know, and I just don't participate
in that at all.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
And it's so much easier for me to just go,
you know what, I want to remain spoiler free.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
I want to watch it as a fan and just
have those kind of moments there and like, you know,
I don't care that you know what happens, just leave
me out of it. So, yeah, it's.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Pretty it's pretty funny.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I'm being retired, like being like I don't have to
deal with any of the bullshit of pregaming now and
I'm just I'm done.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
So you want my friends, you're not retired? Like, can
I just say we need to move into that, because
I there's going to be in All Stars Too, that's
going to happen, and there is no All Stars Too
without you, So like, what's it going to take to
get you to the beach. You're just gonna have to
get over yourself and to say yes, Like, what are
the obstacles about you saying yes to that because it's
going to happen.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Mate, I love this game so much, and you know
there are the moments of me that, yeah, play again
in a half beat, But like I don't like I
am retired, and you know, the other is my life
I need to focus on.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
And you know, I don't want to get divorced.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I like, I love my wife, I love my family,
and you know, I need to put a lot more
effort into it. Not more effort, but like you know,
I've been very distracted by this big, shiny, beautiful thing.
It's like there is and I've given so much to it,
and it's given so much to me, But there is. Yeah,
there's other areas that I that I love that I
need to put as much effort into Survivor as I
put as much effort into as I have it into Survivor.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I honestly don't know whether or not I'm misreading this,
but I think you come across as the most present
husband father that I can see on my social media
from whatever I'm looking at, a very very good job,
and I love how passionate you are about your family.
That's one of my favorite things about you.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Thank you, and maybe I'll work a little bit harder,
you know, at that, knowing that, like, you know, you know,
I've had this thing where I've made some huge sacrifices.
You know, my family made some huge sacrifices for me,
and I'm very conscious and aware that I need to
give back to that just as much.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Yeah, I know, I still think it's going to happen.
So just going into the game before we wrap up,
because I feel like people are going to come for
me with not unpacking a lot of what's happened this season,
but I just had so many good these questions. But
like Brooks decision to send you home in that final
tribal council, you made this weird speech. Beforehand, we were like,
(21:17):
this is don't have this as a missed opportunity to
make a move. I kind of felt like her ears
pricked up at that point she thought, Oh, yeah, now
I'm going to make that move and it's you. Do
you see any relationship between your exit from the show
and that speech that you made.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
No, I don't feel like that.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
I feel like it was you know, I think Brooks
mom was already made up in the you know, on
the on the revo there ever had to gone that way,
I feel like, you know, for her own game, for
self preservation, for what it meant for you to have
a run through.
Speaker 2 (21:45):
To win challenges.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
You know, I know there are some things that you
can see with like Jackson, like those kind of comments
that can like sway people or whatever, but like you know,
there are sometimes there are otherwise you're a bigger factors
at play, and like, yeah, I do know that I was,
like you know, in terms of for Brook, like the
last one standing in her way, like Kearley obviously a
formidable competitor, but like Keeley and I were probably in
(22:06):
the same position about disgruntling. There's many people in the
jury as well. But Brook, you know, the people's princesses,
has had a very very different experience. Like everyone, you know,
they loved her, like you know, regardless of the fact
I was still targeting her.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
So sometimes when you have like an opportunity like that,
you just have to take it.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
So I you know, will I hold it against her,
like absolutely not, Like do I think it was the
right move for her?
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Like absolutely not. Like on paper, it doesn't make sense.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
And I hope the Brook either goes on to win
and that was the right stepping stone for her, or
she goes.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Out next, and it was like, hey, I told you so, So.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
If she goes out next, I'm going to be so
annoyed because I'm like.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
I will be I will be upset. So you know
what I mean. She's proven herself as a challenge best.
Speaker 3 (22:47):
But she either like she either goes the distance or
she goes out early, like she has to.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Win everything now because like she's got a huge target
on her back. I feel like she's had in some
ways a bigger target on her back than any of
the other returners, the returnees.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Like she also hasn't been exposed at like half as
many like trible counselors as me. She avoided so many
at the start, and then like she's been protected with
so many idols, like I've had a new fight tooth
and nail, like be vulnerable the entire time. And you
know it's I'm not taking away from how easy it
like from her journey, but like she has had protection,
additional protection there which I would absolutely kill for.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
Who do you have, respectful that's left there at the moment,
because we've got Cameron Caleb Jackson, Laws, Sally Keiley like,
who do you have respect? Whose game do you have
the most respectful look?
Speaker 3 (23:34):
You think there's a there's a new this new era
of Survivor feels like you really need to have a
story as opposed to as much of a resume. But
I come from an old school mentality, what are the survivor?
The strain and survivor that I grew up on on
Seasons one to five regume is still hold as a
player players player, I still love the idea. You know,
you still need that in my book, you still need
to move and shake and just you need to dictate
(23:56):
your game and have like, you know, navigate it in
a way that's uniquely you. The differentiation was a huge thing,
and I feel like that's my big criteria. Brooke, Keeley
and Jackson are the ones who have differentiated their game
from everyone else. They really have two feet to stand
on at the end, I feel like at this point
in time, maybe you could probably just throw a blanket
over you know, Cam Kayler, Sally and Laws like, there
(24:19):
isn't a lot a lot there.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
That I saw, Yeah, well yeah that I saw out there.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
So from that, like you know, traditional standpoint of the game,
like they better have a body good story, but like
you know, it's you know, someone who has an old
school mentality, like are they going to win my vote?
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Well, I'll have to wait and see.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
You have to wait and see for that one. And
it also hasn't been recorded. From what I've heard, I
think we're still waiting for that finale, which I think
is amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
It's very cool.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I love a love love live television, but also love
that no one knows, you know at this point, you know,
I'm looking forward to them putting people out of their misery,
you know, being a returnee. When you look at this
season and you think about producers looking at who are
the biggest, noisiest players to bring back again out of
your season of redemption? Who do you think could be
brought back again? That's got an open ended story because
(25:06):
everyone's basically said I've spoken to They're like, I want
to come back.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
You know, they all say they all say that, and
it's probably funny because I, like, you know, stand there
and be like, yay, you just missed your opportunity, like
that was it? Like you had to you know, you
want to go back, like play well the first time
I think there was a couple of really great strong
females from this season that we didn't get to see
enough of Faith just divisive as she kind of was,
(25:30):
and confident, like incredible. Keely being like adopted as a
attorney is very incredible. Lottie was obviously such a great
social player and just got the game from the start.
She'd be she'd be amazing, but it's not for her.
She doesn't want to do it again. And Lot he's
on it like lott He's on a tear like she
is on this like trajectory and her like life with
(25:50):
her art and like you know, survivors. I've been a
nice side quest for her, and you know, anything that
she touches turns to turns to goal because she's just
a legend and the way she kind of goes about it.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
But she would be an incredible character she goes back and.
Speaker 3 (26:04):
Then finally Ben in terms of liking it as a
big character, great Jackson I think as well. But then Asher,
I think, with a little bit of refinement and a
little bit more self awareness and taking the blinkers off,
would be a very great player. If she can work
out a little bit of compromise and stuff. It's just
great to see someone you know, come out of the
gates and play hard. But I feel like we've had
(26:27):
a really strong about half a strong batch of newbies
come through so that you know, would deserve a rerun,
which is great.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
So yeah, I'd love to. I'd love to choose some
of them one in the future.
Speaker 1 (26:36):
Think you could easily end up doing that. You know,
I've run out of time, so I just want to
get to the Speeders because that's where everyone's going to
come for me. But the question I have though, is
have you been given a brand endorsement from Speeders, like
I mean, from what's the budget Smuggler, Budge, smoke clubs
there we go.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Unfortunately, not have you tried.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
Have you reached out to them and said, mate, I'm
your biggest ambassador. I genuinely reckon that their sales go
up every time you go on the show. Not to
say that I've bought them, I haven't, but I'm assuming
that they have.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
I think there's just a general appreciation, you know, for them.
You know, it's been nice having the snuff study coolers
that people are you know, kind of getting around that
matched the match the Budgies. I'm looking at spin fine. Like,
you know, I've had three custom pairs over the years.
You know the donuts with my you know, they had
my wife's name and the dog's name on it.
Speaker 2 (27:24):
Then you know the Purple Villain ones, and.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Now to have like the little the teethy torches, like
just pretty special, right, which is really cool to just
have something that just shows like, you know how much
this game means to me and stuff. But yeah, Noah, unfortunately, Noah,
no brand deals there, so just doing it for the
love of it.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
Unfortunately.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
Did they all get up as well? Did the producers
have a different reaction to you being eliminated? That's a
good behind the scenes secret to finish on is like
because you've completed one hundred days and you've done so well,
you know, is there a different response to someone like
you in the moment when you're torture snuffed?
Speaker 3 (27:59):
It was just pretty cool, Like for the people around,
like and the cameramen that you get out there with,
and like, you know, producers that you've spent so much
time doing ivs with, like they're all invested in these
stories as well, Like you know, it's yeah, it's worked
for them. And yeah, it's you know, it's it's not
a it's a pretty pretty shit environment to be working
at times in the remote beaches of Samoa, but like
it's you form a special connection with these people and
(28:21):
then you're not having conversations with that you know, they're
like cheering you on and they've been such a big
part of the journey and the behind the scenes and
stuff like it's it's nice, like you know when you
catch them you're going on the way to trouble counsel work,
when you're going from jury and you can have a
moment with them, you know, outside the game, outside of
the camera and stuff like that and just say hey,
and you know, just nice to have them.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Support and like, you know, enjoyed.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Like when you're watching along like the fumbles, the you know,
the winds and stuff like that, and you know, you
know that you have a special bond with like the
cameraman that's filming you on a challenge and an individual
challenge and you're like you're giving them my eyes before
you you know, before they call go and stuff, and
you're like they're saying good luck, like you know, because
every camera to be filming the guy who wins, right, like, yeah,
(29:02):
you know, I I think I had Bronger, I think
for a couple of my good wins this season, and
he was my good luck charm. So it's nice to
have like those kind of moments, and they need to
have a bond there with that community, which is just
like so different from my normal world of being a
chippy that you know, you're a Hollywood you feel like
a Hollywood superstar slash a prisoner of war.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
At the same time.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
But it's just this weird, incredible little world that you
can be part of for a little bit before you
disappear and go back to go back to reality because like, yeah,
you have to everyone the things that you go on TV.
Three times you can quit work and go off and
you know you are now just.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
A nobody, like no very much, so like still working.
Speaker 1 (29:43):
People say that to me all the time, Like some
mass people were talking to me and they're like, you know,
when this show finishes in two weeks, you know they've
got all these ambitions, And I'm like, the sooner you
go back to what it is that you do before
you did reality television, the better You've got to get
that stink off. You go back on and get back involved,
because that delusion can go on for as long as
(30:03):
you like, but it would be a massive time wastetud
one hundred percent. And you've got that balance right, you know.
I really get to see that, and we all get
to see that because we see you working and being
with your family and doing all of that on your
social media. So I think your head is well and
truly screwed on.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
And I've been one of the very few Fiber players
that's been able to pivot out of Survivor into something.
Speaker 2 (30:23):
And my pivot has.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
Been into my career into trading influencer, content creator there.
But like the leg up came from Survivor initially, but
then have turned that into a you know, it's I
make more money out of the content creation than I
do out of being a chippy now, which is insane
that like that's an opportunity for me there, and that
came off the back of this game of Survivor, but
like I played the game first and that was a
(30:45):
byproduct of a clever pivot, and you've been able to
do that, but like it, it's insane how I've been
able to get there. And then you hear about those
people on the beach and I can't wait to start
a podcast and this is going to be me and
my big thing and my big break. I'm like, you're
got to play it game first before you even worry
about that, because that's a that's a nice to have,
that is not that is not a given at any
(31:06):
point of time. And those players really gave me the
shits more than anyone out there that like it was,
you know, they thought that was their big break.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
I like, no, your big break is playing the game.
Do that first.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Do the job. Yeah, Simon, I have to let you go.
But I just want to say to you, thank you
so much for being so generous. Thank you for going
back to Survivor. I think you are I think I
like you even more after doing this chat, which I
didn't think was possible. But just revel I think revel
in the fact that in a lot of people's minds,
people look up to you and have learnt from you
(31:39):
and have enjoyed your time on this show.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Oh thanks, Benny. That means a lot.
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