Cody Ko
Early Life and Athletic Background
Cody Michael Kolodziejzyk was born on November 22, 1990, in Calgary, Alberta. His parents, Greg and Helen Kolodziejzyk, are endurance athletes who established a rigorous standard for physical achievement. Greg Kolodziejzyk holds world records for the greatest distance traveled in 24 hours by human power on both land (1,041 km) and water (245 km).
This environment of extreme discipline influenced Cody’s early focus on competitive sports. He attended Springbank Community High School in Calgary, where he graduated in 2008.
Kolodziejzyk enrolled at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, in 2008. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and earned a certificate in Markets and Management. During his tenure at Duke, he competed on the varsity swimming and diving team, specializing in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events.
By his senior year, he served as team captain. In 2012, he placed sixth in the 3-meter event at the NCAA Zone Diving Championships, marking a significant collegiate athletic achievement.
Software Engineering and "I'd Cap That"
While completing his computer science degree, Kolodziejzyk developed an iOS application named "I'd Cap That." Released in March 2012, the app automatically added captions to user-uploaded photos. The application gained traction quickly due to its integration with social media platforms.
By May 2012, it secured the "Free App of the Week" designation on the Apple App Store and amassed over 4 million users within four months.
The success of "I'd Cap That" drew attention from Silicon Valley investors. A few months after launch, the startup Iddiction acquired the application. Reports from 2021 indicate the sale price was in the low six-figures, paid in a mix of cash and equity.
Following the acquisition, Kolodziejzyk relocated to San Francisco to work as an iOS engineer for Iddiction. He later transitioned to a role at Fullscreen, a media company, where he continued his work in software engineering before shifting his focus to content creation.
Timeline of Early Career and Education
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | High School Graduation | Graduated from Springbank Community High School, Calgary. |
| 2008, 2012 | Duke University | Varsity Diver, Team Captain. B.S. in Computer Science. |
| 2012 | App Launch | Created "I'd Cap That," reaching 4 million users. |
| 2012 | Acquisition | App sold to Iddiction; Kolodziejzyk moved to San Francisco. |
| 2014 | Backpacking Trip | Traveled Southeast Asia with Devon Townsend; began Vine content. |
Application Development and "I'd Cap That"

Following his graduation from Duke University, Kolodziejzyk immediately entered the software industry by capitalizing on the mobile application boom. In March 2012, he developed and released "I'd Cap That," an iOS application designed to automatically generate crude, meme-style captions for user-uploaded photographs.
The application achieved viral status rapidly, securing the title of the App Store's "Free App of the Week" in May 2012. Within four months of its launch, the platform amassed over four million users. This success drew the attention of Silicon Valley investors, leading to the app's acquisition by the startup Iddiction later in 2012.
Kolodziejzyk disclosed in a 2021 interview that the sale netted him a "low six-figure" sum, structured as a split between cash and equity.
The acquisition necessitated his relocation to San Francisco, where he worked as an iOS engineer for Iddiction for two years. During this tenure, he was responsible for maintaining the app's functionality and integrating new features to sustain user engagement.
In 2014, he resigned from his position to travel through Southeast Asia with friend and collaborator Devon Townsend.
During this eight-month hiatus, the pair continued to prototype software, launching minor projects such as a physical greeting card service and "Weather Candy," a weather application that paired forecasts with images of dogs or attractive people to drive ad revenue.
Senior Engineering Roles (2015, 2016)
Upon returning to the United States in January 2015, Kolodziejzyk resumed his engineering career in Los Angeles. He secured a position at Victorious, an online media platform, where he worked as a developer for eight months.
His tenure at Victorious was marked by a conflict between his professional responsibilities and his growing interest in content creation, as he frequently required time off for auditions. Recognizing this friction, his talent manager, who was simultaneously employed by Fullscreen, facilitated his hiring at the entertainment company.
In 2016, Kolodziejzyk joined Fullscreen as a Senior iOS Developer. This role proved pivotal, not only for his technical contributions to the company's subscription service code also for the professional flexibility it offered.
Unlike previous employers, Fullscreen's culture, which was centered around the creator economy, accommodated his need to leave midday for video production and auditions. It was during this period at Fullscreen that he met Noel Miller, a web designer and marketer working in the same open-plan office.
Their proximity, seated across from one another, facilitated the creative partnership that would later evolve into the Tiny Meat Gang.
| Period | Company / Project | Role | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | I'd Cap That | Founder / Lead Developer | 4M+ users; acquired by Iddiction |
| 2012, 2014 | Iddiction | iOS Engineer | Maintained app post-acquisition |
| 2015 | Victorious | Developer | 8-month tenure in digital media tech |
| 2016 | Fullscreen | Senior iOS Developer | Developed subscription service; met Noel Miller |
Departure from Tech

By August 2016, Kolodziejzyk's income from social media sponsorships and ad revenue began to rival his engineering salary. Consequently, he made the decision to resign from Fullscreen to pursue content creation full-time. even with leaving the industry, he has frequently his computer science background as a competitive advantage in the digital media.
In interviews, he noted that his engineering literacy allowed him to "look under the hood" of platforms, understand algorithmic behaviors, and maintain technical independence.
This skillset enabled him to self-produce podcasts and manage digital assets without reliance on external technical teams, a factor he credits for the high profit margins of his subsequent media ventures.
Vine and Early Social Media Career (2013, 2017)
Cody Ko's ascent in digital media began with the short-form video hosting service Vine, where he established a comedic style characterized by deadpan delivery and observational satire. He posted his video to the platform on April 3, 2013.
His breakthrough came with the viral hashtag #6secondauditions, a series in which he performed absurdly miscast auditions for famous roles, such as Mary Poppins. This format encouraged widespread participation from other users and cemented his status as a top creator on the app.
By the time Vine shut down in January 2017, Ko had amassed approximately 2 million followers and generated over 1 billion loops.
Parallel to his early content creation, Ko worked as a software engineer, a background that distinguished him from of his contemporaries. In 2012, he developed and released the iPhone application "I'd Cap That," which automatically added captions to user photos.
The app gained significant traction, acquiring over 4 million users within months of its launch and earning the title of "Free App of the Week" on the Apple App Store. This success led to the app's acquisition by the mobile technology company Iddiction.
Transition to Fullscreen and Meeting Noel Miller
In 2016, Ko accepted a position as a Senior iOS Engineer at Fullscreen, a media company and multi-channel network based in Los Angeles. While employed as a developer, he continued to produce content, balancing a dual career in technology and entertainment. It was at Fullscreen that Ko met Noel Miller, a fellow employee working in web design and marketing who also had a background in content creation.
The two began collaborating on comedic videos during their lunch breaks and after work hours. Their chemistry relied on a shared skepticism of influencer culture and a mutual appreciation for "cringe" humor. This partnership proved pivotal when Vine announced its discontinuation.
Unlike "Viners" who struggled to migrate their audiences to long-form platforms, Ko and Miller successfully pivoted to YouTube by adapting their quick-witted commentary into extended formats.
YouTube Growth and The Tiny Meat Gang

Following the closure of Vine, Ko shifted his primary focus to YouTube. He launched his podcast, Insanely Chill, on December 20, 2016, featuring interviews with friends and fellow creators. yet, his most significant growth vector was the commentary genre. Ko and Miller formalized their creative partnership under the banner Tiny Meat Gang (TMG).
They launched the Tiny Meat Gang Podcast in October 2017, which quickly became a staple in the comedy podcast charts.
Their YouTube series, frequently titled "That's Cringe," involved the duo reacting to awkward or bizarre internet content, such as "Instagram comedians" and overly dramatic youth content.
This format resonated with audiences who had outgrown the slapstick humor of Vine, allowing Ko to retain his existing fanbase while expanding into a demographic interested in cultural critique.
By late 2017, Ko had successfully transitioned from a software engineer with a side hobby to a full-time entertainer, with his YouTube channel subscriber count crossing the 1 million mark in June 2018.
| Date | Platform | Milestone / Event |
|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2013 | Vine | video uploaded |
| May 29, 2014 | YouTube | Channel created ( video: "My #firstpost on YouTube dot com!") |
| 2016 | Corporate | Hired as Senior iOS Engineer at Fullscreen |
| December 20, 2016 | Podcast | Launch of Insanely Chill |
| January 17, 2017 | Vine | Platform shutdown (approx. 2 million followers) |
| October 2017 | Podcast | Launch of Tiny Meat Gang Podcast with Noel Miller |
| June 2018 | YouTube | Surpassed 1 million subscribers |
YouTube Career
Cody Ko transitioned from Vine to YouTube in 2014, establishing a channel that would eventually define the "commentary" genre on the platform. While his early content consisted of vlogs and lifestyle videos, he found his niche in 2017 by reacting to internet culture with a dry, deadpan comedic style.
His partnership with Noel Miller and the creation of the That's Cringe series propelled him to mainstream digital fame, accumulating billions of views and multiple industry awards before a significant controversy in 2024 altered his career trajectory.
Early Content and Transition (2014, 2016)
Ko created his YouTube channel on May 29, 2014, uploading his video, "My #firstpost on YouTube dot com!" shortly after. Initially, the channel served as an extension of his Vine persona, featuring short skits and vlogs documenting his life as a software engineer and aspiring entertainer in Los Angeles.
During this period, he collaborated with fellow Vine alumni to retain his audience as the six-second video platform declined. By 2016, Ko began experimenting with longer-form commentary, a format that allowed him to use his editing skills to punctuate jokes, a technique that became a staple of his later work.
"That's Cringe" and Viral Growth (2017, 2019)
The channel experienced explosive growth with the introduction of the That's Cringe series, co-hosted by Noel Miller. The series launched in August 2017 and featured the duo reacting to awkward or bizarre internet content. Their chemistry, characterized by Ko's straight-man persona and Miller's quick wit, resonated with audiences.
The series produced several viral hits, most notably the "Girl Defined" edition. Published on March 28, 2018, the video criticized the rigid advice of a Christian influencer channel and amassed over 35 million views, becoming the most-watched video on Ko's channel.
Another pivotal moment occurred in 2018 when Ko and Miller released a commentary video on Jake Paul's "teacher" series. The video garnered over 28 million views and solidified Ko's status as a premier commentary YouTuber. By May 11, 2018, Ko reached the 1 million subscriber milestone. His subscriber count doubled to 2 million by January 2019 and surpassed 4 million by November of the same year.
| Metric | Data Point | Date / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Creation | May 29, 2014 | upload shortly after |
| 1 Million Subscribers | May 11, 2018 | Achieved during That's Cringe peak |
| Most Viewed Video | 35. 3 Million | That's Cringe: Girl Defined Edition |
| Peak Subscribers | ~6. 2 Million | Early 2024 |
| 2024 Subscriber Loss | ~300, 000+ | Following July 2024 allegations |
Tiny Meat Gang and Podcast Expansion
Parallel to his main channel success, Ko and Miller launched the Tiny Meat Gang (TMG) podcast in October 2017. Originally a low-budget recording in a closet, the show grew into a top-charting comedy podcast. In 2019, the duo won the Shorty Award for Best Podcast.
Capitalizing on this success, they founded TMG Studios in 2021, a podcast network that produced multiple shows including Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast and Emergency Intercom.
Ko also hosted a solo podcast, Insanely Chill, which launched its YouTube channel on April 20, 2017. The show featured interviews with creators and entrepreneurs, further diversifying his content portfolio beyond reaction videos. By 2023, the TMG network had become a multi-million dollar media operation, with Ko and Miller touring internationally to sold-out venues.
2024 Allegations and Hiatus
In mid-2024, Ko's career faced a severe downturn following the resurfacing of statutory rape allegations made by influencer Tana Mongeau. Mongeau alleged that she and Ko had a sexual relationship in 2016 when she was 17 and he was 25. While the claim had been mentioned previously, a viral video by commentary YouTuber D'Angelo Wallace in July 2024 brought renewed scrutiny to the incident.
The backlash was immediate. Ko lost over 300, 000 subscribers within weeks. On July 29, 2024, TMG Studios released a statement announcing that Ko would step down from all day-to-day operations to "remove any effect this is having on the professional and personal lives" of the network's staff and hosts. Noel Miller assumed creative leadership of the studio.
Ko entered an indefinite hiatus, ceasing uploads on all personal channels.
Return to Platform (2024, 2025)
Ko broke his silence in December 2024, five months after the controversy began. He uploaded a video titled "The Train" to his secondary channel, Cody Trains, rather than his main channel.
In the 21-minute video, he briefly addressed his absence and the allegations, stating he understood if viewers' opinions of him had changed, before pivoting to content about his marathon training. The return was met with mixed reactions; while loyal fans welcomed him back, serious commentary regarding the brevity of his address concerning the allegations.
As of early 2025, Ko continues to upload sporadically, primarily focusing on fitness and lifestyle content on his secondary channels, with his main channel activity remaining significantly reduced compared to his peak years.
Tiny Meat Gang
The creative partnership between Cody Ko and Noel Miller, known shared as Tiny Meat Gang (TMG), began in October 2017. Initially launched as a comedy podcast to offset revenue losses from YouTube demonetization, the project evolved into a multimedia production company and musical act.
The flagship Tiny Meat Gang Podcast anchored the brand, which expanded into TMG Studios, a network that produced multiple shows and garnered over 300 million downloads by May 2024.
Music and Discography
Beyond podcasting, Ko and Miller produced satirical hip-hop under the TMG moniker. Their debut EP, Bangers & Ass, was released on December 14, 2017, followed by the full-length album Locals Only on December 20, 2018. The duo's musical output combined comedic lyricism with professional production, leading to a signing with Arista Records in October 2019.
Notable singles included "Walk Man," "Short Kings Anthem" (featuring Blackbear), and "Broke Bitch." The music arm of the brand facilitated live performances, bridging the gap between their digital content and traditional entertainment venues.
Touring and Live Events
TMG translated their online popularity into live touring, performing a mix of stand-up comedy, musical sets, and live podcast segments. Their "Global Domination Tour" commenced in February 2020, with scheduled stops across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
| Date | City | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2020 | Liverpool, UK | Eventim Olympia | Performed |
| Feb 8, 2020 | London, UK | Hackney Empire | Performed |
| Feb 29, 2020 | Melbourne, AUS | Palais Theatre | Performed |
| Mar 1, 2020 | Sydney, AUS | Enmore Theatre | Performed |
| Mar 13, 2020 | El Cajon, CA | The Magnolia | Cancelled (COVID-19) |
| Mar 21, 2020 | Chicago, IL | The Chicago Theatre | Cancelled (COVID-19) |
TMG Studios Expansion
In October 2021, Ko and Miller formally launched TMG Studios as a production company. The network expanded its roster beyond the flagship show to include Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast, The Zach and Wahlid Show (formerly Foul Tip), and Insanely Chill, a solo podcast hosted by Ko. By late 2022, the studio employed 12 full-time staff members and operated out of a dedicated facility in Los Angeles.
The network received industry recognition, winning the Shorty Award for Best Podcast in 2019 and being named an Honoree at the 2020 Webby Awards. At its peak, the studio's Patreon membership generated estimated monthly revenues exceeding $29, 000, with thousands of paying subscribers accessing bonus content.
2024 Allegations and Departure
The structure of TMG Studios shifted significantly in July 2024 following public allegations made by Tana Mongeau regarding a past relationship with Ko. On July 29, 2024, TMG Studios released a statement confirming that Ko would step down from all day-to-day operations to minimize the impact on the company's staff and other hosts.
The controversy caused immediate roster changes. The podcast Emergency Intercom, hosted by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips, severed ties with the network shortly after joining. Production on Ko's solo podcast, Insanely Chill, ceased, with the final episode airing on July 5, 2024.
Restructuring and Final Episode
Following Ko's exit, Noel Miller assumed sole ownership of TMG Studios, a transition confirmed in August 2025. Miller restructured the network, adding five new shows including Upstairs Neighbors and Crash Dummies to diversify the content slate.
The flagship Tiny Meat Gang Podcast continued with Miller as the sole host for over a year before concluding its run. The final episode aired on November 28, 2025, marking the end of the show after eight years and more than 770 episodes. As of early 2026, TMG Studios continues to operate under Miller's leadership, with a YouTube subscriber base of approximately 1. 18 million.
Music Career

Cody Ko's transition from digital commentary to music began in 2017 with the formation of the comedy rap duo Tiny Meat Gang (TMG) alongside collaborator Noel Miller.
Initially conceived as a satirical project mocking the "SoundCloud rapper" archetype, the group quickly evolved into a legitimate musical act with high production values and substantial streaming numbers.
By 2019, the duo had signed a record deal with Arista Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, marking a rare crossover from YouTube comedy to the major label music industry.
The duo released their debut extended play, Bangers & Ass, on December 14, 2017. This project established their lyrical style, which blended absurdist humor with competent flow and trap-influenced beats. They followed this with the full-length project Locals Only on December 20, 2018.
The album featured tracks such as "No Flex" and "Intro," which began to garner millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
In June 2019, TMG achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of two singles that dominated their discography. "Walk Man," a self-produced track, accumulated over 98 million streams on Spotify and 23 million views on YouTube. Simultaneously, they released "Short Kings Anthem," a collaboration with mainstream recording artist blackbear.
The song, an ode to men of shorter stature, amassed over 64 million streams on Spotify and bridged the gap between their internet fanbase and the broader pop-rap audience.
On October 24, 2019, Ko and Miller officially signed with Arista Records. The deal was viewed as a validation of their musical viability beyond the "YouTuber music" stigma. Under this partnership, they released the single "Broke Bitch" in January 2020, which became one of their most popular tracks with over 59 million Spotify streams.
The song showcased a more aggressive, bass-heavy sound and was accompanied by a high-budget music video.
Subsequent releases included "Sofia" in October 2020 and "Daddy" in April 2021, the latter featuring vocalist Quinn XCII. "Daddy" accumulated over 15 million streams, further demonstrating the duo's ability to secure high-profile features. After a hiatus from music releases to focus on their podcast network, TMG returned in December 2023 with the single "Washed," featuring Canadian rapper bbno$.
Beyond recording, Ko and Miller toured extensively as a musical act. Their "Global Domination Tour" in 2020 included dates across North America and Europe, blending stand-up comedy with live musical performances. They also secured spots at major music festivals, including Outside Lands in San Francisco and the Nashville Comedy Festival.
In 2023, Ko expanded his individual musical footprint by launching a professional DJ career under the name "DJ Cody Ko." He performed sets at high-profile venues, including a residency at the Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas throughout 2023 and 2024. His sets featured a mix of house music and electronic dance tracks, distinct from the hip-hop focus of Tiny Meat Gang.
Discography and Streaming Metrics
| Title | Type | Release Date | Spotify Streams (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangers & Ass | EP | Dec 14, 2017 | N/A (Combined Tracks) |
| Locals Only | Album/Mixtape | Dec 20, 2018 | 22M+ ("No Flex") |
| Walk Man | Single | June 7, 2019 | 98. 3 Million |
| Short Kings Anthem (feat. blackbear) | Single | June 21, 2019 | 64. 6 Million |
| Broke Bitch | Single | Jan 24, 2020 | 59. 1 Million |
| Sofia | Single | Oct 2, 2020 | 24. 2 Million |
| Daddy (feat. Quinn XCII) | Single | Apr 30, 2021 | 15. 3 Million |
| Washed (feat. bbno$) | Single | Dec 8, 2023 | Verified Release |
Tiny Meat Gang and TMG Studios
In October 2017, Kolodziejzyk and fellow former Viner Noel Miller launched the Tiny Meat Gang (TMG) podcast. Initially created to circumvent YouTube's demonetization policies regarding profanity, the project quickly evolved into a lucrative multi-media network.
By 2019, the show had garnered significant serious acclaim, winning the Shorty Award for Best Podcast. The duo capitalized on their chemistry to launch nationwide live tours, including the "Tiny Meat Gang Live" tour, though their planned "Global Domination Tour" in 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In October 2021, Kolodziejzyk and Miller formalized their operations by founding TMG Studios, a production company based in Los Angeles. The studio was established to develop new intellectual property and support other creators.
By late 2021, the network was generating over $100, 000 in monthly revenue through Patreon alone, ranking among the platform's top earners. The studio expanded its roster to include several successful shows, most notably Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast, hosted by Brooke Averick and Connor Wood, which launched in 2022.
Network Roster and Evolution
TMG Studios aggressively expanded its programming between 2021 and 2024. A key early addition was The Trillionaire Mindset, a finance and comedy podcast hosted by Ben Cahn and Emil DeRosa. The show ran until June 2023, when Cahn and DeRosa departed the network following contract disputes to launch their independent show, Pay Pigs.
During their tenure, the four hosts frequently collaborated on 8 Balls, a monthly special episode available exclusively to paid subscribers.
In May 2024, the studio announced the acquisition of Emergency Intercom, a popular podcast hosted by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. yet, this partnership was short-lived, ending abruptly in July 2024 following public allegations against Kolodziejzyk. Other shows under the TMG banner included Stretch & Fade, hosted by Hunter Hancock (MeatCanyon), which concluded its run in July 2024.
Departure from TMG Studios
In July 2024, following allegations of statutory rape made by Tana Mongeau, Kolodziejzyk stepped down from his role at TMG Studios. On July 26, 2024, the company released a statement confirming he would no longer be involved in day-to-day operations.
By August 2025, it was confirmed that Noel Miller had acquired full ownership of the studio, with Kolodziejzyk holding no financial or operational interest in the company he co-founded. Under Miller's sole ownership, the network rebranded and launched a new slate of programming, including Upstairs Neighbors and Crash Dummies.
Venture Capital and Business Interests

Beyond content creation, Kolodziejzyk established himself as an active angel investor, focusing on the creator economy and tech sectors. His investment portfolio includes in several startups between 2020 and 2023.
| Company | Sector | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lolli | Fintech | Bitcoin rewards application for online shoppers. |
| JuneShine | Beverage | Hard kombucha brand based in California. |
| Metafy | Gaming | Platform connecting gamers with expert coaches. |
| Agentio | AdTech | AI-powered platform for creator advertising deals. |
| Surf | Data | Consumer data platform rewarding users for browsing history. |
Kolodziejzyk also generated revenue through direct merchandise lines, including "The Hollywoods" collection sold through TMG Studios. His business strategy frequently involved leveraging his audience to drive user acquisition for the companies he backed, particularly in the fintech and gaming spaces.
Personal Life
Kolodziejzyk resides in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where he has lived since relocating from Silicon Valley in the mid-2010s. While he maintains his Canadian citizenship, his personal and professional life is centered in California. His return to endurance athletics in his thirties mirrored the discipline of his parents, culminating in the completion of an Ironman triathlon in May 2023.
Relationships and Family
In June 2017, Kolodziejzyk met Kelsey Kreppel, a preschool teacher turned content creator, at a house party in Los Angeles. The couple announced their engagement on December 18, 2021, following a proposal in Malibu. They married on February 4, 2023, at the Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells, California.
The couple has one son, Otis, born in January 2024. In February 2026, they announced they were expecting their second child. Kreppel frequently appears in Kolodziejzyk's content, and the pair co-hosted the podcast Couples Cringe, which documented their domestic life and relationship.
Real Estate
Kolodziejzyk has made significant investments in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market. In 2020, he and Kreppel purchased a property in the "Silver Triangle" neighborhood of Venice, California, for approximately $4. 3 million. They sold this residence in 2023.
In May 2023, the couple acquired a 1. 86-acre estate in Malibu for $7. 7 million. The property, located in the foothills above Zuma Beach, was previously owned by actress Reese Witherspoon. The compound includes a main residence, a guest barn, and equestrian facilities. In February 2026, following Kolodziejzyk's withdrawal from public media operations, the couple listed the Malibu estate for sale at $9. 275 million.
Athletics
After a hiatus from competitive sports following his collegiate swimming career at Duke, Kolodziejzyk returned to endurance training during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. He documented this process on a dedicated YouTube channel, Cody Trains. His training regimen focused on long-distance running and triathlon preparation.
On May 7, 2023, he completed the Ironman Australia triathlon in Port Macquarie. He finished the 140. 6-mile course, consisting of a 2. 4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26. 2-mile run, with a total time of 11: 51: 14.
2024 Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In mid-2024, Kolodziejzyk faced serious allegations regarding a past relationship with influencer Tana Mongeau. During a live recording of her podcast Cancelled on May 30, 2024, Mongeau stated that she and Kolodziejzyk engaged in a sexual encounter when she was 17 years old and he was 25. The incident allegedly occurred at a "Playlist Live" event in Florida, where the age of consent is 18.
The allegations gained widespread attention in July 2024 following a viral investigative video by commentary YouTuber D'Angelo Wallace, which criticized Kolodziejzyk's silence on the matter. The controversy resulted in immediate professional consequences.
On July 26, 2024, TMG Studios announced that Kolodziejzyk would step down from all day-to-day operations and ownership duties at the network he co-founded. He did not problem a direct public rebuttal to the specific claims at the time of his departure.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In mid-2024, Cody Ko faced serious allegations of statutory rape and sexual misconduct involving fellow YouTuber Tana Mongeau. The controversy centered on a sexual encounter Mongeau alleged occurred when she was 17 years old and Ko was 25.
While Mongeau had alluded to the incident in previous years, the specific details gained widespread public traction in May 2024 during a live taping of her podcast, Cancelled, in Sacramento, California. When asked about her past hookups, Mongeau named Ko, stating, "I can say that. I was literally 17.".
Mongeau later elaborated on the encounter in a June 2024 episode of her podcast, claiming the incident took place at Playlist Live in Orlando, Florida. Under Florida law, sexual activity is prohibited when one partner is under 18 and the other is 24 or older.
Mongeau further alleged that fellow creator Gabbie Hanna had explicitly warned Ko of her underage status prior to the encounter.
even with the of the claim, the allegations initially received limited coverage until commentary YouTuber D'Angelo Wallace published a detailed video investigation on July 14, 2024, titled "An Uncomfortable Conversation About Cody Ko.".
Public and Professional Consequences
Wallace's video, which garnered millions of views within days, catalyzed a massive backlash against Ko. In the weeks following the video's release, Ko lost over 300, 000 subscribers across his YouTube channels. Prominent collaborators and media entities moved quickly to distance themselves.
The media company Cut removed episodes of their popular series The Button that featured Ko, and fellow creator Brittany Broski deleted collaborative content from her channels. also, the podcast Emergency Intercom, which had joined Ko's podcast network TMG Studios, announced their departure from the network shortly after the controversy erupted.
The scandal caused a significant fracture in Ko's business operations. On July 26, 2024, TMG Studios issued a statement signed by Ko and his long-time business partner Noel Miller.
The statement announced that Ko would step down from all "day-to-day operations" at the studio to manage the "personal problem." This marked the end of the duo's on-screen partnership, which had been a staple of internet comedy for nearly a decade.
2024 Controversy Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2024 | Tana Mongeau names Cody Ko during a live Cancelled podcast show, stating she was 17 during their encounter. |
| July 14, 2024 | D'Angelo Wallace releases a video essay detailing the allegations and the age gap, bringing the story to mainstream attention. |
| July 26, 2024 | TMG Studios announces Ko step down from operational roles; Ko begins an indefinite hiatus from the internet. |
| November 28, 2024 | Noel Miller officially announces the end of the Tiny Meat Gang Podcast. |
| December 23, 2024 | Ko breaks his silence in a video on a secondary channel, briefly addressing his absence without directly admitting to the specific allegations. |
Response and Aftermath
For months following the allegations, Ko maintained complete public silence. He did not problem a direct apology to Mongeau or address the specific claims regarding the age of consent. His silence drew criticism from both fans and industry peers, who viewed it as a tacit admission or an attempt to wait out the news pattern.
In August 2025, Noel Miller confirmed he had become the sole owner of TMG Studios, signaling a permanent professional separation.
Ko eventually returned to YouTube on December 23, 2024, posting a video to his secondary channel, Cody Trains, focused on marathon training. In the final minutes of the video, he vaguely addressed his absence, stating he wanted to be the "best person" for his family and acknowledged that viewers' opinions of him might have changed.
He did not explicitly mention Mongeau or the sexual misconduct allegations. As of late 2025, Ko continues to produce content on a smaller, though his standing as a premier commentary YouTuber remains significantly diminished.
Discography and Filmography
Cody Ko's creative output extends beyond commentary into a verified music career and acting roles in digital and traditional media. His discography is primarily defined by his work as one half of the comedy rap duo Tiny Meat Gang (TMG) alongside Noel Miller, though he established a consistent solo presence in the electronic and dance genres starting in 2022.
His filmography is anchored by his long-running role in The Real Bros of Simi Valley, which concluded with a feature film in 2024.
Tiny Meat Gang (TMG)
Formed in 2017, Tiny Meat Gang began as a satirical response to the "SoundCloud rapper" phenomenon quickly evolved into a legitimate musical act with high production value. The duo released their debut extended play, Bangers & Ass, on December 14, 2017.
This project included tracks like "Keep Ya Dick Fat" and "Super Xan," which parodied contemporary hip-hop tropes while garnering millions of streams. They followed this with a second EP, Locals Only, released on December 20, 2018.
In October 2019, TMG signed a record deal with Arista Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. This partnership marked a shift toward more polished production and high-profile collaborations. Their 2019 single "Short Kings Anthem," featuring Blackbear, became one of their most streamed tracks, accumulating over 100 million plays on Spotify.
The duo continued to release singles through 2023, including collaborations with artists such as Quinn XCII and bbno$.
| Year | Title | Type | Collaborators / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Bangers & Ass | EP | Debut EP; includes "Super Xan" |
| 2018 | Locals Only | EP | Includes "No Flex" |
| 2019 | "Walk Man" | Single | Self-released |
| 2019 | "Short Kings Anthem" | Single | feat. Blackbear; Arista Records debut |
| 2019 | "Club Poor" | Single | Arista Records |
| 2020 | "Broke Bitch" | Single | Arista Records |
| 2020 | "Sofia" | Single | Arista Records |
| 2021 | "Daddy" | Single | feat. Quinn XCII |
| 2023 | "Washed" | Single | feat. bbno$ |
Solo Music Career
Beginning in 2019, Ko expanded his musical repertoire into solo work, initially with comedy-centric tracks like "Sadboi Watermelon Party" and "Fuck Halloween." By 2022, his focus shifted toward electronic dance music (EDM) and house production.
He released a series of non-comedic singles, frequently collaborating with electronic artists such as Space Rangers and Sunday Scaries. His 2025 releases, including "Need Your Lovin'" and "2SWEET," solidified this pivot to serious music production.
| Year | Title | Collaborators |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | "Sadboi Watermelon Party" | Solo |
| 2022 | "Moderation" | with Space Rangers |
| 2022 | "Knock it Off" | Solo |
| 2022 | "Fiat" | with Matt Miggz |
| 2023 | "Bop It" | with Space Rangers |
| 2023 | "Not Going Home" | with Sunday Scaries |
| 2024 | "NIGHTMARE" | with Young Nut |
| 2025 | "Need Your Lovin'" | Solo |
| 2025 | "2SWEET" | Solo |
| 2025 | "My Mind" | Solo |
Filmography
Ko's acting career is defined by his portrayal of Wade Sanders in the mockumentary series The Real Bros of Simi Valley. Created by Jimmy Tatro, the series premiered in 2017 and ran for three seasons on Facebook Watch. Ko played a central role as one of the four main "bros," a character characterized by his absence of ambition and skater aesthetic.
The franchise concluded with a feature-length film, The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie, which was released on The Roku Channel on July 5, 2024.
Outside of this franchise, Ko appeared in the 2017 go90 series The Boonies as Teddy, a role that required a more dramatic performance within a mystery-thriller context. He also starred in the 2016 Vine-produced long-form series Camp Unplug, which was nominated for a Streamy Award.
| Year | Title | Role | Format / Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Camp Unplug | Himself | Web Series (Vine) |
| 2017 | The Boonies | Teddy | Web Series (go90) |
| 2017 | GOAT Rodeo with Cody Ko | Host | Web Series (Fullscreen) |
| 2017, 2020 | The Real Bros of Simi Valley | Wade Sanders | Web Series (Facebook Watch) |
| 2024 | The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie | Wade Sanders | Feature Film (Roku Channel) |
Kids’ Online Safety Tools: Effectiveness audits and data risks
Online safety tools are crucial for protecting children from online threats. Despite their availability, the effectiveness of these tools remains a topic of debate. Digital technology has revolutionized access to information…
Read Full ReportResource-Backed Loans: The collateral clauses that mortgage futures
January 14, 2026 • All
Resource-backed loans are a significant financial mechanism in developing countries, involving pledging future resource revenues as collateral. While offering immediate financial relief, these loans can…
State secrets laws: When national security blocks accountability
December 31, 2025 • Intel, All
State secrets laws are increasingly used to limit transparency, affecting national security and public accountability. The surge in invoking these laws, seen in countries like…
Scandalous Big Tech Tax Evasion in Ireland: Explosive Investigation Reveals Scheme
October 11, 2025 • All, Technology
Ireland's status as a corporate tax haven for multinational technology firms is under intense scrutiny due to low tax rates and loopholes attracting Big Tech.…
Shocking Crisis: Gender-Based Violence in Post-Conflict Africa Exposed
October 8, 2025 • All, Trackers
Gender-based violence in post-conflict Africa is a silent emergency that often goes unnoticed. Survivors in war-torn regions like the DRC, South Sudan, and CAR face…
Dispossessed: How Corporate Land Grabs in Africa Devastate Its Indigenous Communities
October 2, 2025 • All
Indigenous communities in Africa are facing systematic displacement through corporate land acquisitions. Foreign corporations, with the backing of African governments, have seized over 12.3 million…