Simon Miller is one of the most charismatic and entertaining personalities in media today. A standout for the incredibly popular WhatCulture.com, Simon reviews and discusses professional wrestling on his weekly “Ups & Downs” and “Why?” YouTube series.
A physically fit aspiring professional wrestler himself, Simon talks both on his “Simon Miller’s Pro-Wrestling Podcast”. A self-proclaimed “Positive Pete”, his voice really picks up when he’s expressing warm regards and being genuinely kind to his worldwide audience.
Simon Miller took time out his busy schedule to answer our “2020 Twenty Questions” questionnaire! We hope THIS INTERVIEW entertains and inspires you.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you to be alive?
10!
While, when you think about it, being alive is kind of terrifying. There’s so many tragedies that happen you’ve got to appreciate every day.
I get that sounds over the top, but it’s true and not a bad way to live. I wouldn’t say every day is a 10 – that’s impossible – but the fact I get to experience the 1s and 2s is still pretty good.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A wrestler! No joke.
From the moment I saw the then WWF on TV I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It inspired me to go to the gym; inspired me to try and be more creative; inspired me to perform all the moves on my friends.
That last one wasn’t great, but it really did sink its claws into me very young and that was that. I loved it and I always have.
What was your favorite cartoon?
Hardest question ever. He-Man, Thundercats, Jayce And The Wheeled Warriors, The Simpsons, South Park, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales!
I still like cartoons now because I’m a child, but why grow up?
Tell us your favorite song as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult.
The earliest memory I have of loving a song was when I was younger and “Gangster’s Paradise” by Coolio was popular. My mum bought me that after I had good feedback from Tuesday classes!
Today, it changes depending on what Metallica song I’m in the mood for. “Master Of Puppets”, “One”, “Creeping Death”! I heard them when I was 16 years old and it was like a light switch going off. I’d never heard metal music before, and it was simply the best.
What’s an album that means more to you now than it did when you first heard it?
The Black Album.
When I went on my Metallica binge I bought all their albums and was so pumped for it as everyone said it was great. As my ear wasn’t adjusted to heavier music, I didn’t get it. But in a few weeks it all clicked and it opened up the door for me to seek out tunes that were as loud and noisy as possible. Now there’s no limit!
What are your 3 favorite movies?
They kinda change all the time, but [off the] top of my head I’d go with The Shawkshank Redemption, Bridge Of Spies and The Naked Gun.
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy is in there, too, but I believe they’re so good, they transcend movies! That’s so dumb but I believe it. They’re more like guides to life.
What’s the last film that made you cry or almost cry, and what scene did it?
Forrest Gump was on and I decided to watch it ‘til the end. Usually I just stop halfway through and forget about the third act. Horrible.
What’s your all-time favorite TV show?
Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David is my secret hero. If people were actually like that in reality the world would explode. But for a TV show I think it’s wonderful. Maybe we could all be more direct as a society.
Seinfeld also rocks.
Which character on that show do you identify with most?
Larry David. Nurtz …
What makes you laugh out loud or smile uncontrollably every time you see it or hear it?
Homer Simpson’s brain abandoning him when talking to Ned Flanders about the difference between apple juice and cider. Every damn time.
Who in your family served you the most delicious, unforgettable dish you’ve ever eaten?
In my family? Only my mum. No one else has a clue what they’re doing in the kitchen. My dad once cooked chips. They turned black and yet weren’t burned. It still makes no sense.
Tell us the most nutritious thing you’ve fed your mind.
The best thing to do is something 10 years ago or right now.
When did you start to understand your value?
I don’t think I’m there yet. I feel like it’s a constant aim. “Knowing your worth” is so important, but being aware of that and actually executing it are two different things.
Who is the G.O.A.T. of your profession?
If we’re talking about wrestling, Bret Hart. He got me into it and there’s not a match of his I don’t enjoy. I think he gets better with age because all his bouts look like fights. They’re so easy to buy in to. He rocks.
Do you aspire to be like them or more like someone you have a stronger personal connection to?
I look to a lot of people for inspiration, but I always want to be me. There’s no point trying to copy Bret Hart because he’s done it and did it far better than I ever could.
Recall for us the first time you failed. What lesson did you learn from that?
I can’t remember the first time, but I know it’s happened time and time again, and thank goodness it has.
“Dare to fail” are the three most important words in the dictionary. If you don’t take risks, you won’t grow and will likely end up regretting things. You have to embrace uncomfortable situations and then it doesn’t matter about success or failure.
The success part comes in the fact you bet on yourself to begin. No one has ever regretted that.
In what way have you evolved over the last 12 months?
I’m always trying to make sure I grow in some sense by putting myself in uncomfortable situations, like I mentioned before. I feel that’s always going to allow you to evolve in some sense because you see how you react with no real experience.
Whether or not I’ve done this over the last year I’m not entirely sure. I practice humility as much as I go to the gym – but I will always try.
When was a time that someone you didn’t know did something nice for you? What did they do?
I get nice emails from people who watch my YouTube content nearly every day, and every time I smile and wonder how on earth I got into this position. It is truly lovely.
How would you explain to someone the importance of valuing their time?
I think I’d focus more on the fact that time should be enjoyed. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re having fun and doing whatever you have to in order to not have regrets, then carry on down that path. It usually goes the right way.
What’s been the biggest blessing of your life?
Too many to mention. My friends, my family, the career I’ve somehow been allowed to have. I’m a lucky guy, and I try and remind myself of that every day. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker and Alex aka Grand Kai]
