Podcasts > You Should Know Podcast > Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

By Peyton Hardin

Join hosts Peyton Hardin and Pierce Simpson on the "You Should Know" podcast as they delve into Simpson's unique path to broadcasting, beginning with an unexpected career from policy production intern to assistant manager at Hat World, and eventually landing on the airwaves with Nice Kicks in 2014. Simpson shares his revelatory musings on education and the almost accidental way he found his calling in broadcasting, attributing it to his resonant voice. His views challenge orthodox thinking by suggesting that a college education, while enriching one's personal development, isn't necessarily a must-have certificate for a career in broadcasting.

In an informative and engaging discourse, Simpson provides first-hand insights into the world of Complex News. While revealing the dynamics of show creation and the importance of maintaining a balance between personal brand growth and team harmony, Simpson also shares some memorable experiences; from his initial rejection by Complex News that spurred him to pursue improvement relentlessly, to unforgettable interviews that solidified his place in the industry. His candid outlook, interview-era philosophies, and future ambitions make this episode well-worth your time. Listen as the You Should Know Podcast uncovers the 'Simpson Approach' to professional broadcasting!

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

1-Page Summary

Simpson's Career Journey: From Insurance Intern to Broadcasting

Pierce Simpson's unexpected career trajectory from being a policy production intern at an insurance company, to Hat World's assistant manager, and eventually a broadcaster at Nice Kicks in 2014 unfolds in the podcast episode "Life Working At COMPLEX NEWS ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-". In a discussion with Peyton Hardin, Simpson reveals his transition into broadcasting was accidental, ignited by an opportunity that arose due to his impressive voice. He shares insightful beliefs on education, highlighting that a college education, while invaluable for bolstering personal development and life skills, isn't an absolute necessity to establish a career in broadcasting.

Learning Experiences: The Role of Rejection

In the intricate journey towards success, Simpson talks about the role of rejection in shaping his professional path. When Complex News initially rejected him, such a significant setback encouraged him to refine his skills, relocate to Los Angeles and remain persistent in his pursuit.

Inside Complex News: Role and Responsibilities

Simpson provides an insider’s perspective on his daily functions at Complex News. He often finds himself interviewing top celebrities, a fact that continues to amaze him daily.

Behind the Scenes: Operations and Culture at Complex News

Demystifying Show Creation: A Joint Effort

He explains that the creation of the show concepts at Complex is a joint effort, balancing the creativity of many involved in the process.

Walking the Tightrope: Personal Growth and Team Harmony

Simpson notes the importance of maintaining a fine balance between personal brand growth and team harmony.

Interviewing Philosophies: Treating All Guests with Respect

Career-defining Interviews and Experiences

Aside from regular duties, Simpson recollects several remarkable experiences from his career. Among them, receiving guidance from a colleague named Sean to improve his interviewing skills, and moderating a panel discussion with attendees like Kevin Hart and other influential people were the start of establishing his place in the industry.

Maintaining Professional Standards: The Simpson Approach

Stressing on Simpson's approach to interviewing, he underlines treating all interviews, public or private, with equal fervor and respect, a principle that elevates professional standards.

Looking Forward: Future Prospects and Podcast Conclusion

Future Ambitions: Career and Personal Evolution

Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation shifts towards Simpson's future plans. He discusses his commitment to ongoing development in his career and personal evolution in 2021 and takes into account the constructive feedback from the viewers.

Shared Admiration and Potential Collaborations: Concluding Thoughts

Finally, Peyton and Simpson mutually recognize and appreciate each other's work, expressing hopes for potential collaborations in the future. The podcast concludes on a note of shared camaraderie and ambition, with Simpson predicting a bright future for Peyton in podcasting, and Peyton thanking Simpson and the audience for their involvement.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Complex News is a division of Complex Networks, an American media and entertainment company focusing on youth culture. Complex News covers a wide range of topics such as style, sneakers, music, and pop culture through various platforms including online articles, videos, and social media. The division is known for its coverage of popular and emerging trends, as well as its interviews with celebrities and influencers. Complex News operates within the larger umbrella of Complex Networks, which was founded as a magazine and has since expanded into a multimedia company.
  • Kevin Hart is an American comedian and actor known for his stand-up comedy and roles in various films and TV shows. He has gained recognition for his comedic talent and has been featured in a wide range of projects throughout his career. Hart has also ventured into creating his own content through platforms like the Laugh Out Loud Network.

Counterarguments

  • While Simpson's career change was sparked by his voice, it's important to recognize that many factors contribute to a successful career transition, including hard work, networking, and being in the right place at the right time.
  • Arguably, a college education can provide a structured learning environment and access to resources that may not be available otherwise, which could be crucial for some individuals in broadcasting.
  • Rejection can be a motivator, but it can also discourage and dissuade individuals from pursuing their goals; the impact of rejection is subjective and varies from person to person.
  • Interviewing top celebrities regularly may not necessarily reflect the depth or quality of a journalist's work, as engaging with less prominent but potentially more impactful individuals can also be significant.
  • The joint effort in show creation is essential, but the unique vision of individual creators can sometimes be the driving force behind innovative content.
  • Balancing personal brand growth with team harmony is important, but there may be situations where prioritizing one's personal brand is necessary for career advancement.
  • Treating all guests with respect is a noble approach, but there may be ethical considerations in journalism that require a more critical stance towards certain interviewees.
  • Career-defining experiences are subjective, and what may be significant for one person might not hold the same value for another.
  • Commitment to ongoing development is commendable, but it's also important to recognize the value of contentment and recognizing one's current achievements without constant focus on future ambitions.
  • Mutual admiration and discussion of potential collaborations are positive, but it's also critical to maintain objectivity and not let personal relationships cloud professional judgment.

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

Simpson's Career Journey: From Insurance Intern to Broadcasting

Peyton Hardin probes Pierce Simpson about his varied career journey. It started from being a policy production intern at an insurance company, before transitioning to Hat World's assistant manager, and eventually a broadcaster at Nice Kicks in 2014.

Simpson's interesting transition into broadcasting was accidental, spurred by an opportunity that arose due to his commanding voice. Aside from his professional growth, it's noteworthy that his jobs underwent a functional change. They initially acted as a financial bridge across his college days before leading him to his broadcasting career.

Further, Simpson illuminates his belief that a college education, while enriching personal development and life skills, doesn't enforce itself as an absolute prerequisite for a career in broadcasting.

Learning Experiences: The Role of Rejection

Simpson shares a significant setback he faced on his road to success—his initial rejection from Complex News. This experience, acknowledged by Simpson as a harsh blow to his morale, acted as a propellant for him.

Simpson decided to refine his skills and relocate to Los Angeles, remaining dedicated to his broadcasting journey. This course of action played a pivotal role in shaping his professional path.

Inside Complex News: Role and Responsibilities

Simpson provides insight into his role at Complex News. Along with the prestige of interviewin ...

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Simpson's Career Journey: From Insurance Intern to Broadcasting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Complex News is a division of Complex Networks, an American media and entertainment company focusing on youth culture. It reports on various trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports, and pop culture. Complex News is known for its coverage of current events and interviews with celebrities, providing insights and updates ...

Counterarguments

  • While Simpson's career path is inspiring, it may not be replicable for everyone, as not all individuals may have the same opportunities or personal attributes, such as a commanding voice, that can lead to an accidental career in broadcasting.
  • The idea that college education is not an absolute prerequisite for a career in broadcasting could be challenged by emphasizing the benefits of formal education in providing a structured learning environment and networking opportunities.
  • The narrative that rejection from Complex News acted as a propellant for Simpson's career might overlook other factors that contributed to his success, such as his personal determination, support from others, or even luck.
  • The pivotal role of relocating to Los Angeles in shaping Simpson's professional path might not be a feasible option for everyone due to financial, personal, or family constraints.
  • The focus on interviewing top celebrities as a measure of success in broadcasting could be seen as perpetuating a celebrity-centric view of media, which might overshadow other important aspects of journalism and broadcasting.
  • The gratitude Simpson feels to ...

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

Behind the Scenes: Operations and Culture at Complex News

Shedding light on the operations at Complex News, Simpson explains show concepts at the company. This process is not the sole responsibility of an individual. Instead, it involves a joint creative effort, balancing the inputs of many parts of the organization.

Furthermore, Simpson draws attention to the importance of maintaining a balance between personal brand growth and team harmony when working within a large establishment like Complex News. These insights provide an understanding of the complex institutional dynamics within the company.

Demystifying Show Creation: A Joint Effort

He explains that the creation of the ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
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Behind the Scenes: Operations and Culture at Complex News

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Complex News creates show concepts through a collaborative effort involving multiple team members. These concepts are developed collectively, drawing on the creativity and input of various individuals within the organization. The process of creating show concepts is not the responsibility of a single person but rather a joint endeavor that aims to balance different perspectives and ideas. This collaborative approach ensures that the shows produced reflect a diverse range of inputs and perspectives, contributing to the dynamic content offered by Complex News.
  • At Complex News, balancing personal brand growth with team harmony involves ensuring that individuals can develop their personal reputations while also working collaboratively and maintaining positive relationships within the team. This delicate balance requires individuals to focus on their ...

Counterarguments

  • While a joint creative effort is often beneficial, it can sometimes lead to a dilution of innovative ideas due to the need to compromise and satisfy multiple stakeholders.
  • The emphasis on team harmony might sometimes suppress individual creativity and prevent unique personal visions from being fully realized.
  • Balancing personal brand growth with team harmony could potentially create conflicts of interest, where individuals prioritize their own brand over the team's success or vice versa.
  • The process of show creation as a joint effort may not always be the most efficient, as it can lead to longe ...

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

Interviewing Philosophies: Treating All Guests with Respect

Career-defining Interviews and Experiences

Aside from regular duties, Simpson recollects several remarkable experiences from his career. Among them, receiving guidance from a colleague named Sean to improve his interviewing skills, and moderating a panel discussion with attendees like Kevin Hart and other influential people were the start of establishing his place in the industry.

One memorable experience was a 2016 episode where he moderated a panel discussion with comedian Kevin Hart and some other influential people. Despite feeling intimidated as he was fairly new to his job, Simpson faced the challenge head-on, which boosted his confidence.

Moreover, he shares his experience of interviewing Floyd Mayweather and his mixed feelings about Mayweather's then-upcoming fight with Logan Paul.

Maintaining Professional Standards: The Simpson Approach

Stressing on Simpson's approach to interviewi ...

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Interviewing Philosophies: Treating All Guests with Respect

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Simpson is a professional in the media industry, specifically working in the field of journalism and interviewing. He has had notable experiences moderating panel discussions with influential figures like Kevin Hart and interviewing celebrities like Floyd Mayweather. His career involves maintaining high professional standards in conducting interviews and treating all guests with respect, regardless of their public status. Simpson's approach emphasizes the importance of professionalism and respect in his interactions with interviewees and colleagues.
  • Complex News is a digital news platform that covers pop culture, music, fashion, and entertainment. It is known for its coverage of celebrity interviews, industry news, and cultural events. In the text, the mention of Complex News highlights the professional environment where the protagonist, Simpson, works and the standard of journalism he upholds. Simpson's reference to his colleagues at Complex News emphasizes the collective effort and respect within the ...

Counterarguments

  • Treating all interviews with equal fervor and respect is an ideal, but it may not always be practical or beneficial; some interviews might inherently require a different approach due to the subject matter or the interviewee's personality.
  • While Simpson's approach to interviewing may elevate professional standards, it could be argued that adaptability and flexibility in style can also be a mark of a skilled interviewer.
  • The idea that Simpson's approach reflects respect for the work of other interviewers at Complex News assumes that all interviewers share the same values and standards, which may not be the case.
  • The relationship with Dwayne Wade being grounded in professional respect is commendable, but building personal rapport with interviewees can sometimes yield deeper insights and more engaging interviews.
  • The emphasis on professional standards and respect might overshadow the importance of critical questioning and holding interviewees accountable, which are also key components of high-qualit ...

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Life Working At *COMPLEX NEWS* ft. Pierce Simpson -You Should Know Podcast-

Looking Forward: Future Prospects and Podcast Conclusion

Future Ambitions: Career and Personal Evolution

Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation shifts towards Simpson's future plans. He discusses his commitment to ongoing development in his career and personal evolution in 2021, taking into account the constructive feedback from the viewers.

He reflects on successfully completing his first season and viewing himself as work in progress, aiming for further improvement. Simpson specifically cites his interactions with the late Nipsey Hussle and the redemption he felt in his second interview with Pharrell.

After believing his first meeting hadn't been successful, this redemption likened to Kobe Bryant's career where initial failures gave way to greater successes.

Shared Admiration and Potential Collaborations: Concluding Thoughts

Finally, Peyton and Simpson mutually recognize and appreciate each other's work, expressing hopes for potential collaborations in the future.

Peyton acknowl ...

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Looking Forward: Future Prospects and Podcast Conclusion

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Simpson, Nipsey Hussle, Pharrell, and Kobe Bryant are individuals mentioned in the podcast. Simpson is the host or a participant in the podcast. Nipsey Hussle was a rapper and entrepreneur known for his community work. Pharrell is a well-known musician and producer. Kobe Bryant was a legendary basketball player.
  • Peyton and Simpson are individuals involved in the podcast discussed. Peyton is likely the host or a key figure in the podcast, while Simpson is a guest or another important participant. Their dynamic involves discussing various topics, sharing insights, and expressing mutual admiration for each other's work. The podcast's conclusion hints at potential future collaborations between them.
  • The shared camaraderie and ambition in the conclusion of the podcast highlight the mutual respect and admiration between the hosts, Peyton and Simpson. It signifies their positiv ...

Counterarguments

  • Simpson's commitment to career and personal evolution, while commendable, may not necessarily lead to the desired outcomes without specific goals and actionable plans.
  • Viewing oneself as a work in progress is a positive mindset, but it's important to also celebrate achievements and not just focus on the need for constant improvement.
  • While Simpson's redemption in the second interview with Pharrell is a positive narrative, it's also important to acknowledge that not all perceived failures can or need to be redeemed.
  • Likening Simpson's redemption to Kobe Bryant's career trajectory could be seen as an over-simplification of both individuals' unique experiences and challenges.
  • Mutual admiration between Peyton and Simpson is positive, but it's also beneficial to have a diversity of opinions and constructive criticism to foster growth.
  • Peyton's acknowledgment of Pierce's skills is a subjective opinion and others may have different perspectives on what constitutes insightful and quality questioning.
  • Pierce's projection of a successful future for Peyton in podcasting ...

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