This podcast is sponsored by Ex-Job Recruitment and Ex- Job Services

Simon began his life in blogging about 10 years ago when he launched a fake news website called Southend News Network. This unconventional venture was born out of a desire to entertain while simultaneously critiquing the absurdity of modern media. With a clever mix of satire and social commentary, Simon got people motivated, and to his astonishment, celebrities began mentioning the site. One standout moment was when Katie Hopkins, a prominent media figure known for her controversial views, announced that the M25 would be closed for a running race—a headline that quickly went viral. Another memorable incident involved a whimsical story about a child in a cow onesie being removed from a vegan children’s party. These absurd tales, all fake news crafted for humour, captured the public's imagination and highlighted the fine line between reality and satire in the digital age.

Though he never intended to be malicious, as time passed, the satirical sites began to diminish, caught in the crossfire of an evolving media landscape that was increasingly wary of satire. Simon found himself in a unique position. While his peers sought to grow their influence on multiple platforms, he settled into a rhythm with Facebook, using it to carry out his day-to-day social media work. He has amassed an impressive 279k followers on his Facebook page, “Man Behaving Dadly,” where he shares relatable parenting anecdotes, humorous observations, and the occasional cheeky meme. Simon states that social media companies tweak their algorithms to ensure that there is a spend by contributors, a reality that many creators face as they navigate the often-unforgiving landscape of online engagement.

Simon’s journey took an unexpected turn when he became involved in a campaign for Essex County Council. As a contracted social media strategist, he was tasked with driving viewers to the ECC social media platforms. His role was to transform the ever-changing messages from central government into digestible memes and posts for the public. This creative approach garnered attention, but it also labeled him as a prankster by the press. Anecdotes of Simon brainstorming with his team, bouncing ideas off each other over coffee, and laughing at the absurdity of their tasks often surface in conversations with friends. The thrill of taking complex governmental messages and distilling them into something both entertaining and informative was a challenge he relished.

Simon had the opportunity to collaborate with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), but this was dismissed by Essex County Council on the basis that it had already been subject to scrutiny.

Cllr Aidan McGuran, , and Cllr Mackrory have been scathing of Simon's work, yet, ironically, they frequently utilize his creations in their day-to-day operations. This duplicity highlights the often contradictory nature of political relationships, where those who criticize can also be reliant on the very creativity they disparage.

In 2022, Simon was contacted by Meta (Facebook) and asked to attend a meeting at their HQ in King's Cross. There, he was given the unique opportunity to present his work to none other than King Charles. The experience was surreal, a moment that Simon had only dreamed of as a child watching television from his living room couch. Despite this recognition, Simon has found himself in a digital battleground, facing the vitriolic behaviour of individuals who hide behind fake accounts. These anonymous attackers hurl insults and misinformation, yet Simon remains steadfast, choosing to focus on the positive connections he has fostered within his community.

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