James Deen Offers Advice to New Grads for Good Magazine

LOS ANGELES — Adult film star James Deen offered some words of wisdom to recent college graduates through Good Magazine's new online feature "Real Talk for New Graduates."

The magazine asked 13 young professionals from different walks of life for some real-world advice on life after graduation, talking to an astrophysicist, a couple of comedians and a political blogger, among others. Deen was the only porn performer surveyed.

In the introduction to the piece, Associate Editor Nona Willis Aronowitz writes, "There's no nice way to put it: Commencement speeches aren't all that helpful. They're full of platitudes and vague advice, usually delivered by someone who's too old and famous to remember what it's like to be young and broke.

"So instead of quoting the same old lines this year, we dug up candid advice you can actually use from people who recall their graduation like it was yesterday. Here's some post-grad real talk from some of our favorite young, successful smarties."

Deen, the 2010 XBIZ Male Performer of the Year who has appeared in close to 1300 adult movies, told graduates to keep their eyes on the prize.

"Commit," said Deen, who is No. 13 on the Good list. "The world is a tough place no matter what you are doing. Focus on what you truly want to do as a career and don't get distracted by whatever job may be paying your bills in the interim. The last thing you want is to be the most successful person at a job you hate and fantasizing all day about doing what you love." 

He continued, "Balance your determination with a healthy amount of down time. You will have a long life — don't feel rushed to figure out what it is that you need to be doing. If need be, take time off between college and the working world and get to know yourself.

"Find hobbies and make yourself happy, so even if you never are able to find a career that thrills you on a daily basis, you will be able to have personal happiness. Personal internal happiness is more valuable than anything else and it is something that no one can give or take away from you."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

XBIZ 2026 Conference to Debut All-New Company Lounges, Community Track

The event website for XBIZ 2026 is now live, offering information about North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15.

Maria May Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Maria May stars with her husband Jeff, Hollywood Cash, and Jamie Knoxx in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Alexis James Stars in Latest BAM Visions Scene

Alexis James stars alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in a new scene co-directed by Blue and Maestro Claudio, aka BAM Visions, from Evil Angel.

Charlotte Sins Performs Her 1st Gangbang for Adult Time

Charlotte Sins performs her first gangbang in the latest release from Adult Time.

Cutting Edge Testing Joins PASS as New Partner

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has added Cutting Edge Testing (CET) as a new testing partner.

Andylynn Payne, Emma Rosie Topline Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active 32'

Andylynn Payne and Emma Rosie headline director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active 32” from Evil Angel.

Mymember.site Integrates VR Functionality

Mymember.site has added virtual reality playback capability to its website management platform.

Texas Patti to Launch Fetish Platform 'EmpireDom'

Performer and content creator Texas Patti is launching a new platform for doms and fetish creators, EmpireDom.com.

Vince Karter Discusses Directing for Evil Angel

After 13 years on screen, Vince Karter has taken his talents to the other side of the camera. He recently made his studio directing debut for Evil Angel, where five scenes helmed by the two-time Euro XMAs Male Performer of the Year are already streaming on the site.

WIFEY Names Serenity Cox Brand Ambassador

Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY has named Serenity Cox as its brand ambassador.

Show More