Convos with Cody

Cody Malloy

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Sharing my perspective one pod at a time.

9 hr ago

Ex-MLB Catcher on CBA Negotiations and Player Rights | #31 - Josh Thole

Josh Thole is the Chief of Staff for Sports Solidarity, an organization dedicated to empowering athletes and consulting with sports unions on collective bargaining, organizing, and contract servicing. Josh played in the Major Leagues from 2009 to 2016, spending four seasons with the New York Mets from 2009 to 2012 and four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2013 to 2016. A respected catcher known for his skill handling knuckleballers, he notably caught Johan Santana's historic no-hitter in 2012—the first in Mets franchise history. In this episode of Convos with Cody, Josh reflects on his transition from behind the plate to executive leadership, breaking down the business, legal, and operational realities of professional sports. Drawing from his background as an MLBPA player representative during the 2011 and 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, Josh offers a rare, inside look at labor relations, player advocacy, and athlete empowerment. In this episode, we cover: Josh Thole’s transition from Major League Baseball to Chief of Staff at Sports SolidarityThe core mission of Sports Solidarity and its work empowering athletes in smaller and startup leaguesWhat fans misunderstand about collective bargaining and labor negotiations in professional sportsJosh’s firsthand experience serving as an MLBPA player representative for multiple CBA negotiationsThe impact of minor league unionization on player living conditions, housing, and compensationBehind-the-scenes dynamics and clubhouse culture during the Toronto Blue Jays' 2015 and 2016 playoff runsThe unique mental and physical stress of catching R.A. Dickey’s famous knuckleballWhat current athletes miss most about post-game camaraderie and life off the field Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-thole-05740422b/ Chapters: (00:00) Introduction & Welcome(00:52) Post-Retirement Realities & Joining Sports Solidarity(03:53) Balancing Family Life vs. Coaching(04:58) Josh’s MLB Career Timeline(06:25) Mission of Sports Solidarity & Athlete Empowerment(07:17) Unionizing Minor League Baseball Players(08:07) Consulting for Startup Leagues & Other Sports(10:00) Player Rights, Buses & Minor League Conditions(11:54) Upgraded Facilities, Housing & Player Investment(14:50) Serving as an MLBPA Player Rep(16:10) Negotiations, Strategy & Posturing(18:08) MLB Books & Understanding Leverage(23:39) What Fans Misunderstand About Collective Bargaining(26:06) Predictions for Future MLB CBA Negotiations(28:46) Why MLB CBAs Use 5-Year Terms(30:40) Josh's Role as Chief of Staff(31:50) Managing Personalities & The Backup Catcher Mindset(34:49) Travel, Team Bonding & Managing Clubhouse Egos(37:36) What Makes a Winning Team Gel in October(39:14) Keeping Egos Out of Union Negotiations(40:47) Post-Game Camaraderie vs. Modern Player Culture(43:16) What Josh Misses Most About Playing(43:54) The Stress of Catching R.A. Dickey’s Knuckleball(45:19) Mental Pressure & Handling Slumps(47:16) Transitioning to Toronto & Navigating Behind-the-Scenes(49:49) Building Chemistry in the 2013 Roster Turnover(50:49) The 2015 Trade Deadline Shift & Winning Mindset(52:35) Reaching the Postseason & 2015 ALDS Game 5 Memories(57:32) Carrying the Winning Culture into 2016(1:00:18) Locker Room Pranks & Traffic Banter with Kevin Malloy(1:04:49) Relationships, Clubbies & Final Reflections
1 day ago

I Completed the 100-Day #HigherUpWellnessChallenge | #30

For 100 days in a row, I posted a video to my socials every day speaking at least 60 seconds to become a better communicator. The #higherupwellnesschallenge is a challenge created by Michael Smoak's community. Michael preached for months about how if you stuck with it how it'd change your life in some way. After contemplating doing the challenge for long enough, I finally dove in and had no idea where it'd take me. I can't even begin to describe how thrilled I am that I struck with it to the end. This solo pod covers the many thoughts and reflections I've had since completing the challenge: Overcoming perfectionismBias for actionPrioritization and discipline Limiting filler words Overcoming fear of judgment Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Chapters: (00:00) Intro & 100-Day Challenge Complete (00:28) Podcast Housekeeping & Guest Episodes (01:10) What is the HigherUp Wellness Challenge? (01:35) Improving Communication & Eliminating Filler Words (02:40) Mindset: Slowing Down & Embracing Silence (03:20) How the Content Evolved (Mindset to Music) (04:21) Social Growth & Audience Engagement (05:04) Action over Perfection & Daily Discipline (06:33) Analyzing Content: Recency & Timing (07:36) Prioritizing Content Creation (08:06) Developing Thicker Skin & Overcoming Trolls (09:41) Upcoming Vacation to Victoria, BC (10:36) Podcast Workflow & Short-Form Content Strategy (11:54) Final Thoughts on the Public Speaking Challenge (12:28) Entrepreneurship, Business Cash Flow, & Wrap Up
12 Sept

The Art of Reading the Room & Mixing Live | #29 - DJ DvS (Rehan Ahmad)

DJ DvS (Rehan Ahmad) is a full-time DJ based out of Mississauga, Ontario with over 30 years of experience and Managing Partner of Amplify DJ Management. In this episode of Convos with Cody, I sit down with veteran DJ Rehan Ahmad (DJ DvS). With over three decades of experience behind the decks, Rehan breaks down the hidden art, technical mastery, and business side of DJing. From reading a room and executing on-the-fly music pivots to building a DJ management agency and spinning private sets for the Toronto Blue Jays, Rehan shares an unfiltered look into what it really takes to build a 30+ year career in the music industry. In this episode, we cover: Behind the decks and the hidden chaos of live mixingOrigin of DJ DvS and his 33 year careerReading the crowd and pivoting sets on the flyUsing hospitality experience to build a business advantageVinyl records to digital crates STEMs and AI toolsLaunching Amplify DJ Management and scaling a agencySpinning private sets and batting practice for the Blue JaysNavigating seasonal income swings and life as an entrepreneur Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ DJ DvS' socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@djdvs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdvstoronto/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djdvstoronto/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dj.dvs/ X: https://www.x.com/djdvstoronto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdvs/ Chapters: (00:00) Intro & Welcome (00:31) What the Average Person Doesn't See in the DJ Booth (02:43) Origins of DJ DVS & The Movie 'Juice' (04:03) The 15,000 Record Collection & Record Pools (05:13) How He Landed on the Name 'DJ DVS' (07:06) The Night He Cleared a Dance Floor with One Song (09:32) Breaking New Songs vs. Reading the Crowd (12:21) Going Full-Time & Past Careers in Hospitality (16:17) How Hospitality Experience Made Him a Better DJ (19:33) Prepping Gigs: Vinyl Crates vs. Digital Crates (22:06) How to Read the Room in Lounges & Nightclubs (26:38) How DJs Use Turntables & Mix Songs Live (29:03) Live Remixing with STEMs Technology (31:15) Evolution of DJ Tech: CDs, Serato, & AI (34:27) Scaling Amplify DJ Management (36:49) Delegating & Managing Other DJs (39:11) Favorite Gigs: Celebration Square & Opening for Jazzy Jeff (42:34) DJing Internationally & The Dubai Way of Life (48:00) The Pros & Cons of Entrepreneurship (52:45) DJing for the Toronto Blue Jays & Clubhouse Stories (59:50) Pivoting to the Hitting Cages & Learning Strategy (01:03:18) Attending Rüfüs Du Sol & Appreciating New Genres (01:05:37) Wrap Up & Final Thoughts
9 Sept

I Almost Quit Being My Own Boss | #28 - Matt Chung

Matt Chung is a commercial filmmaker, photographer, and content creator who documents his journey in entrepreneurship and creative storytelling on YouTube. Matt joins me for a deep conversation on navigating creative ambivalence, the hidden trade-offs of running a commercial production business, and finding alignment between money and meaning. Reflecting on our creative retreat in Northern Norway 14 months prior, Matt breaks down why he transitioned toward long-form YouTube documenting, how he handles self-doubt and imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur, and what he learned from networking with 7-figure founders in France. We also dive into why taste is the ultimate competitive advantage in the age of AI, the importance of real-world community, and how to embrace the awkward "cringe" phase to master your craft. In this episode, we cover: How a Northern Norway retreat sparked major career pivotsBalancing high-paying commercial work with creative fulfillmentManaging imposter syndrome and the mental toll of entrepreneurshipKey mindset takeaways from hanging out with 7-figure foundersWhy human taste and storytelling will always beat AIShifting from short-form social media to long-form YouTubeWhy real-world community drives true creative growthRedefining success beyond revenue and follower counts Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Matt's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithchunger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithchunger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.chung.96930/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithchunger Chapters: (00:00) Introduction & Connecting with Matt Chung (00:47) Reflecting on the Creator Retreat in Norway (02:20) Shifting to Intentional Personal Development & Branding (03:59) How Norway Changed Cody’s Content Direction (05:08) The Obsession with Creative Ideas (06:26) The Power of Workflows, Mindset & In-Person Community (09:35) Balancing Work, Play, and Purpose in Business (12:25) Fast-Tracking Relationships & Overcoming Unknowns (13:26) Why You Can't Grow in a Vacuum (14:28) Exploring Senya & Reconnecting in Norway (16:53) Takeaways from a 100-Founder Retreat in France (18:33) Realizing Everyone is Just Trying to Figure It Out (19:21) Cody’s Approach to Podcasting & Building Community (20:47) Networking with 7-Figure Founders (21:49) How Matt Generates Revenue as a Creative Entrepreneur (24:13) The Importance of Storytelling & Human Taste (26:08) Landing First Paid Creative Clients in Iceland (28:07) Fighting Through the "Cringe Stage" of Content (30:17) Documenting Personal Growth on YouTube (33:22) Why YouTube Beats Short-Form Social Media (35:13) Meeting Audience Preferences & Embracing Guest Interviews (37:34) Navigating Creative Ambivalence & Agency Trade-offs (40:17) The Power of 1-on-1 Mentoring (41:33) Money vs. Meaning in Commercial Production (44:40) Reframing Struggles as Transformative Growth (47:50) The 100-Day Speaking Challenge & Doubling Down on Strengths (49:13) Facing Insecurity & Imposter Syndrome (51:00) The Ping Pong Ball Analogy for Managing Self-Doubt (53:25) Dealing with Negative Comments & Moving On (54:55) How Matt Defines True Success & Freedom (58:00) Daily Indicators of Success & Financial Adjustments (01:01:16) Developing Creative Taste in the Age of AI (01:04:12) The Psychological Toll of Entrepreneurship (01:07:21) Unlocking New Opportunities & Embracing the Long Grind (01:11:00) Finding Sustainable Consistency You Enjoy (01:14:17) Closing Thoughts & Final Remarks
6 Sept

How Will You Use the Last Four Months of 2026? | #27

My first solo rip in two weeks. In this episode, I cover: - Recent pods, concerts, shows, etc. - 100-day public speaking challenge (#higherupwellnesschallenge) - Overwhelming phone notifications - LEGO - Getting out of your routine Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction & Channel Updates (0:32) Recent Concerts: Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Marilyn Manson & Rob Zombie (2:39) First EDM Concert: Rüfüs Du Sol (4:25) 100-Day Public Speaking Challenge Progress (7:00) Pivoting Content & Sharing Other Passions (7:45) Looking Ahead: The Final 4 Months of the Year (8:18) Law Practice Revenue Growth (9:06) Overcoming Phone & Message Overwhelm (11:16) Podcast Guest Observations (12:05) Debunking "Free Healthcare" in Canada (13:01) Lego Hobby & Upcoming Builds (13:34) Breaking Out of Daily Routines (14:54) Upcoming Travel Plans: Victoria, Nova Scotia & Japan (18:28) Balancing Law Practice & Content Creation (20:00) Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Episodes
1 Sept

Law School Pitfalls & Complex International Arbitration | #26 - Prof. Troy Harris

Troy Harris is a Professor of Law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he teaches arbitration, sales (and cross-border sales), contracts, construction law and alternative dispute resolution. He also serves as an arbitrator, mediator and counsel at Harris Arbitration. Prof. Harris holds a BA and MA from the University of Kansas, JD from the University of Michigan, PhD from the University of Chicago, and a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London. In this episode of Convos with Cody, I sit down with my former law professor, Troy Harris. With a PhD in Legal History from Chicago, years in big-law practice at King & Spalding, and a career arbitrating complex international construction disputes, Professor Harris brings a unique perspective on learning, practicing, and understanding the law. In this episode, we cover: From Academia to Big Law: Professor Harris’s career path from a PhD in Legal History to international construction arbitration.US vs. Canadian Law: Key structural differences, from court attire to Supreme Court jurisdiction and cross-border litigation.Law School Survival & Bar Prep: The biggest mistakes 1Ls make, getting comfortable with "grey areas," and how close reading prepares you for the bar exam.Real-World Leverage & Contracts: Why transaction costs matter in negotiations and basic contract principles every non-lawyer should understand (unilateral offers, valet parking bailments, and "not responsible" store disclaimers).Inside Classroom Jokes Explained: Settling the origin story behind the famous "Would the real offer please stand up?" line (it's not Eminem!), plus his Supreme Court bobblehead collection. Whether you're an aspiring law student, a practicing lawyer, or simply interested in how contracts govern everyday life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and great humour. Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Prof. Harris' socials: X: https://www.x.com/HArbitration/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisarbitration/ Chapters: (00:00) Intro & Welcome (01:18) Academic Background & PhD in Legal History (02:27) Growing Up, Moving to Atlanta & Bar Admissions (04:13) Cody’s Baseball Career & Kansas City History (08:39) Why Pursue a PhD & Transitioning to Teaching (12:09) BigLaw Practice at King & Spalding (15:22) Getting Into Arbitration & Construction Law (18:47) Arbitrating Complex Infrastructure Disputes (Gordie Howe Bridge) (21:35) Construction Financing Risks & International Parties (22:52) Why Parties Choose Arbitration & The New York Convention (26:54) High-Stakes Pressure, Dollars vs. Consumer Cases (30:25) The Power of Leverage & Pain Points in Negotiations (36:31) US vs. Canadian Legal System & Courtroom Attire (40:15) Camera Rules, Elected Judges & Supreme Court Jurisdiction (46:04) Common Law School Misconceptions & Living in the "Gray Area" (51:08) Multiple Choice Strategy, Professional Intuition & Close Reading (55:11) Reading Assignments: Reading Like a Hawk (56:53) Unilateral vs. Bilateral Offers & Acceptance by Conduct (1:00:28) Contract Law Rules for Everyday Life (Valets, Disclaimers & Signs) (1:04:08) Negotiating Severance & Protecting Your Rights (1:05:27) "Would the Real Offer Please Stand Up?" Joke Origins (1:08:56) The Eminem Birthday Coincidence & Game Shows (1:10:07) Supreme Court Bobbleheads (1:11:30) Law School Exam Anxiety & Overcoming Self-Doubt (1:14:36) How Tough Exams Prepare You to Pass the Bar
27 Aug

From Blue Jays Bat Boy to Las Vegas Lights Sporting Director | #25 - Gianleonardo Neglia

Gianleonardo Neglia is the Sporting Director for the Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship). Gian was previously the Assistant Sporting Director for Venezia FC (Serie A). Before entering the soccer world, Gian was a Clubhouse Assistant with the Toronto Blue Jays (2008-2021), which included acting as the team’s Ball Boy (2008) and Bat Boy (2009-2016). In this episode of Convos with Cody, I sit down with old friend Gianleonardo Neglia, Sporting Director for the Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship). From picking up Jose Bautista’s infamous bat after the 2015 ALDS "Bat Flip" as a Toronto Blue Jays Bat Boy to overseeing entire roster operations in professional soccer, Gian breaks down his unique journey through the sports industry. Gian shares what it really takes to transition behind-the-scenes MLB clubhouse experience into high-stakes sports management. The conversation dives deep into: Roster decisions & character: Why locker room chemistry and player intangibles often outweigh raw talent when building a squad.The business of soccer: How sponsorships, travel logistics, and hidden operational costs directly impact on-field choices.Leadership & delegation: What top-level decision-makers learn on the fly about managing personalities, budget constraints, and owner dynamics (including working alongside club owner Jose Bautista).Unfiltered stories: Reliving iconic Blue Jays moments, bench-clearing brawls, and the reality of life inside professional sports. Whether you are a sports fan, interested in the business side of athletics, or looking to build a career in sports management, this episode offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at running a modern sports franchise. Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ GIan's socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gneglia88/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianleonardo-neglia/ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction & Welcome (0:44) Blue Jays to Soccer: Transferable Skills & Lessons (3:22) Locker Room Culture & Assessing Player Character (8:45) Front Office Realities: Learning on the Fly (10:21) The Art of Delegation in Sports Management (13:48) Career Pivot: Schooling in Europe & Landing in Venice (18:57) The Business of Soccer: Sponsorships & Asset Management (22:02) Collaboration Between Sporting & Business Departments (25:04) Roster Budgeting & Unexpected Operating Costs (27:58) Running a Pro Franchise in Las Vegas: Pros & Cons (32:07) Working with Owner Jose Bautista (34:28) Pressure, Tough Choices, & Developing Leadership (40:07) What He Misses Most About Baseball (42:10) Reliving the 2015 "Bat Flip" Game (45:21) MLB Locker Room Stories & Bret Hart (46:46) Ending Up in the 2015 ALDS Bench-Clearing Brawl (49:08) The Vic Carapazza Umpire Story (51:19) Final Thoughts & Advice for Aspiring Executives
24 Aug

12 Things I'd Tell My Younger Self | #24

My first solo rip in three weeks. In this episode, I cover: Recent concerts, shows, etc.Love for my recent podcast guests 12 things I'd tell my younger self A couple random observations Cody's socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cody_malloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_malloy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.malloy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cody_malloy/ X: https://www.x.com/cody_malloy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycmalloy/ Chapters: (0:00) Welcome Back & Commitment to Consistency (0:35) Support the Show (Follow, Like, Comment) (1:04) Unsolicited Feedback & Listener Messages (2:36) Social Fatigue, Concert Highlights & Guitar Loop Pedals (3:24) Pop Culture Recs: Scooby-Doo, Batman Beyond, Stand-up & N64 (4:53) Core 64 & Golden Eye Covers in Toronto (5:47) Recent Guest Highlights (Tennis, Golf, Law, Tech & Naturopathy) (8:21) Upcoming Guests & Rogan-Style Releases (8:45) Lessons Learned: Things I Wish I Knew Earlier (9:53) Lesson 1: Time is Your Most Valuable Asset (10:57) Lesson 2: The Danger of Group Think (12:02) Lesson 3: Get Uncomfortable (The 100-Day Challenge) (13:18) Lesson 4: Get Good at Something (14:56) Lesson 5: Fitness as a Life Cheat Code (15:35) Lesson 6: Create Your Own Luck (16:28) Lesson 7: Carving Your Own Path at 33 (18:21) Lesson 8: Overcoming Fear of Rejection (19:50) Lesson 9: Reach Higher & Ditch Narrow Niche Thinking (21:56) Lesson 10: Mistakes Are Teaching Opportunities (22:18) Lesson 11: Live Life Fully (We All Die Someday) (23:19) Concert Pet Peeve: FaceTime Calls (23:36) Mindset vs. Music Content (24:23) Final Thoughts & Earning Your Attention

Sharing my perspective one pod at a time.

Creator

Cody Malloy
Years Active

2026
Episodes

31
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Cody Malloy
Show Website

Convos with Cody