Tosh Show Episode Summary: "My Favorite Dodgers Employee - Mike Choi"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Tosh Show
• Host: Daniel Tosh (iHeartPodcasts)
• Episode: My Favorite Dodgers Employee - Mike Choi
• Release Date: June 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode kicks off with Daniel Tosh introducing the guest, Mike Choi, who juggles multiple part-time jobs with Los Angeles' top baseball and basketball teams. Tosh humorously sets the tone by discussing Mike's impressive yet unconventional career path.

Daniel Tosh [13:36]: "You've got to pick one team locally here that you adopt. And it was the Dodgers, mainly because I liked Vin Scully."

2. Mike's Professional Journey and Career Transition

Mike shares his journey from the entertainment industry to sports, highlighting his burnout and passion for sports as primary motivators for the switch.

Mike [20:23]: "Ultimately, I was so burnt out from working in the entertainment industry, I knew I wanted to change, get a change in kind of pursue something different."

He explains how he secured his position with the Dodgers by attending an open house interview, which Tosh likens to a "speed dating" experience.

Daniel Tosh [21:04]: "What's crazy is that there were kids showing up just wearing T-shirts and sweats."

3. Working with the Dodgers: Roles and Responsibilities

Mike delves into his role within the Dodgers' marketing promotions department, detailing responsibilities such as managing activations like bobbleheads, national anthems, and interactive fan experiences.

Mike [23:43]: "We get to the game roughly three hours before and are typically done around the seventh, eighth inning."

He elaborates on unique fan interactions, including handling disgruntled fans during promotional giveaways.

Mike [23:56]: "People come to our stations to yell at us for why don't you guys have enough bucket hats?"

4. Fan Services and Memorable Moments

Mike recounts memorable moments, such as managing the fan services team during high-demand promotions like the Father's Day bucket hats giveaway. He shares an anecdote about a fan recognizing him as a relative of a celebrity, adding a humorous twist to his interactions.

Mike [23:25]: "He’s the cousin of Jason Bateman. But I don’t feel like cousin at a certain point."

5. Transitioning to the Clippers and Comparing Roles

Expanding his sports portfolio, Mike discusses his role with the Los Angeles Clippers. He compares the operations with the Dodgers, emphasizing the similarities in fan engagement and the unique environment of the Clippers' venue.

Mike [34:03]: "For the Clippers, we sell experiences like playing on the court before the game."

He highlights the technological advancements and awards the Clippers' stadium has received, showcasing his enthusiasm for the innovative aspects of his job.

Mike [34:18]: "It's been winning all sorts of awards for being innovative in technology."

6. Engaging Fan Promotions and Activities

Mike describes various fan engagement activities, including selecting children for first pitches and organizing interactive promotions like the Anthem Buddies program. He emphasizes the joy these activities bring to both fans and the team.

Mike [26:30]: "We randomly select eight kids who get to do a first pitch and interact with their assigned players."

He also discusses the challenges of managing large-scale promotions and ensuring smooth operations during high-stakes events.

Mike [27:07]: "We genuinely choose kids who are big Dodger fans, not trying to sell them anything."

7. Mike's Appearance on The Price Is Right

A standout segment of the episode is Mike's recounting of his experience on The Price Is Right, where he won significant prizes in the Plinko game. Tosh and Mike humorously dissect his strategies (or lack thereof) and the competitive nature of the game show.

Mike [42:02]: "I won almost $60,000 in Plinko."

Mike details his bidding strategy for the Showcase Showdown, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability of game outcomes.

Mike [47:21]: "My only strategy was to bid a dollar higher or go a little more."

The anecdote is peppered with laughter and playful teasing between Tosh and Mike, showcasing their rapport.

Daniel Tosh [44:53]: "You don't get to talk to the models at all."

8. Personal Insights and Hobbies

Beyond his professional life, Mike shares glimpses into his personal interests, including gambling on football and his blog about the hidden sides of California. This segment adds depth to his character, revealing his multifaceted personality.

Mike [36:32]: "I enjoy gambling on football... I love it."

He also discusses family life, emphasizing the balance between work and personal responsibilities.

Mike [37:02]: "Having a wife and kid actually gives me more of a push and drive to do better."

9. Memorable Interactions and Humor

Throughout the conversation, Mike and Tosh engage in humorous exchanges, particularly about sports traditions and fan behaviors. Their banter adds an entertaining layer to the discussion, making the episode both informative and amusing.

Daniel Tosh [27:14]: "But, like, I actually am a Dodger fan. You should wear those shirts."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Tosh and Mike exchange light-hearted remarks about improving fan experiences and joke about potential promotional ideas. Tosh thanks Mike for his participation, highlighting the enjoyable and insightful conversation.

Daniel Tosh [53:30]: "Mike, thanks for being on the show. I appreciate it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike on Career Burnout:

  Mike [20:23]: "I was so burnt out from working in the entertainment industry, I knew I wanted to change, get a change in kind of pursue something different."

• Daniel Tosh on Ticket Strategies:

  Daniel Tosh [32:14]: "My hack is I don't care how much it cost, and I'm gonna leave before the game ends."

• Mike on Fan Engagement:

  Mike [26:30]: "We randomly select eight kids who get to do a first pitch and interact with their assigned players."

• Daniel Tosh on The Price Is Right:

  Daniel Tosh [44:53]: "You don't get to talk to the models at all."

• Mike on Family Support:

  Mike [37:02]: "Having a wife and kid actually gives me more of a push and drive to do better."

Key Insights and Discussions

• Multi-Industry Experience: Mike's transition from entertainment to sports underscores the versatility required in today's job market and the importance of following one's passions.

• Fan Engagement Strategies: Both the Dodgers and Clippers prioritize unique fan experiences, from interactive games to special events, enhancing fan loyalty and satisfaction.

• Challenges in Sports Promotions: Managing large-scale fan promotions presents logistical challenges, especially during high-demand events, highlighting the need for effective team coordination.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Mike emphasizes the role of family in driving his professional success, illustrating the personal sacrifices and support systems behind career achievements.

• Humorous Take on Game Shows: Mike's appearance on The Price Is Right serves as a humorous interlude, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of game shows, and fostering a relatable connection with listeners.

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of the Tosh Show, Daniel Tosh and Mike Choi provide listeners with an inside look into the world of sports promotions and fan engagement. Through humorous anecdotes, personal reflections, and insightful discussions, the episode captures the essence of Mike's multifaceted career and his dedication to enhancing the fan experience for Los Angeles' premier sports teams.