The Mics Are Open
A slightly skewed look at life through the lens of a group of radio presenters in Nairobi, Kenya. Every week G Money, Calvin, Neville, Ashley and Andy Young chop it up on topics that they probably have no expertise in, but somehow it works! The Mics Are Open is a random journey that meanders through five very different lives.
Episodes
#369 - This isn't a Drunken Lecture!
Mutinda Kilonzo and Matthias Mwangi of Drunken Lectures are taking serious knowledge out of the classroom and into Nairobi's bars. We talk about how it started, what actually works, and why learning doesn't have to be dull. 🎙️New episodes of The Mics Are Open every Friday. Find Drunken Lectures at drunkenlectures.com and on Instagram at @thedrunkenlectures.
#368 - AI is Saving Relationships!
It's all about AI baby! Kenyans aren’t just using AI for work and homework anymore. They’re taking it their private lives. A new study from Nendo found that 72% of the digitally engaged Kenyans surveyed have used AI to talk through a personal situation, and nearly half use it for things they haven’t told anyone.This week, Mark Kaigwa, Founder & CEO of Nendo and lead author of How Kenyans U
#367 - Girl, that’s not your Bestie!
The gang starts off this week’s episode challenging Calvin to become a teacher, as he gives us tales about his days as a reporter. The crew address the Ebola situation in Kenya, the viral bullying incident involving Jahenda, and Ashley gives us a breakdown of how women do DCI work before going out with a guy. All these, and plenty more on today’s episode. Enjoy.
#366 - The Fakest Hijacking EVER!!
The gang chop up this weeks stories, from Man City maybe doing the right thing to an aborted hijacking. They aren't convinced at all!!
#365 - Linked In Is For Losers!!! - The Mics Are Open
The gang talk about a lot on this episode from the Ed Sheeran Tour to whether or not posting on Linked In makes any sense, we also have a random special guest from the Zoza podcast!
#364 - Calvin's Trip To London - The Mics Are Open
Calvin is back with stories for days from London where he saw Jay Z perform. The gang talk about whether Kenya could host a concert like that and G talks about learning more about how his brain works.
#363 - We Are African and Africa is Our Business!! (Byron's Baby Reveal)
Hilarious episode this week, has our editor Byron secretly fathered a love child? Also how important is marriage if you want to be a politician?
#362 - Eat My Shakshuka!!
This week’s episode begins on a fashion tip, as the crew transition into the dirty games of politics. They react to the late Sharon Otieno’s family’s demands to Former Migori governor Okoth Obado. Would you walk away from 80 million USD if it’s fraudulent? Did adult films give you any trauma? The crew gets into these dilemmas, Open Mics, and plenty more. Enjoy!
#361 - Buy That Man Flowers Before He Dies!!
Why is there a narrative that men are hard to gift. The Gang chop it up on that today plus wade through all your open mics! Plus when did having cash become an ick?
#359 - Nosy Neighbours Need Love!!
G starts the pod ranting about a nosy neighbour! Andy comes up with a list of life's unresolved debates. This is one for the books!!!
#358 - It's Yemi Alade!
Yemi Alade joins us in this special conversation about life, music, what it means to be African and what keeps her going! Really good watch!
357 - My Lucky Summer!
The crew are back in full flow and this is and eposide for the books! G explains what he was doing in Lucky Summer, while the gang once again break down Summertides - The gang then ask, when do we lose our joy?
#356 - Malindi Needed Summertides!!
What's all the fuss about, the gang is back together. G and Andy talk about their Summertides experience and we chop it up about trash in Nairobi, actual trash!
The Mics Are Open - Episode 355
Update
#354 - The Mics Are Open - 3 The HARD Way!!!
The Original Vibes Kartel are back for one week only! G Money, Andy and Calvin discuss death, replacing members of the podcast and much more. Calvin is finding something HARD at the end of the podcast. 😆😆😆
#353 - Hatewatching South Africa While Watching the Polygamist is Wild
Polygamist this, polygamist that. We are all polygamied out, why we acting like cheating is a new thing? Anyway, we don't talk about this - But we do talk about South Africa hate watching and Tanzania
#352 - If Men Could Have Babies Women Would Leave Us!
Everyone is in studio and this week is crazy. G Money recounts his time at the Arsenal Parade and a listener throws in a crazy curveball for the Open Mics!!! - Top Tier Episode, Enjoy - Special Bonus Men's Mental Health Convo at the End.
#351 - We Are The Champions!! - The Arsenal Edition
Well no prizes for guessing what we spoke about today!! Congrats to the Gunners! We talk about Drake's new albums and G Money rants about his caucasian neighbours.
#350- It's Drake Day
Ash is finally back with the crew, and today’s episode kicks off as she talks about her absence and what she got up to. Andy apparently got into it with two women over the Labor Day weekend, and Calvin gives us his weekly dose of stories as the crew talks about the Africa Forward Summit, Drake’s Iceman drop, and so much more. Enjoy!
#349 - What Do You Mean I'm Not On Your Green Circle?
G Money is MORTIFIED that he isn't on Calvin's Green Circle on IG and the gang chop it up about who's on their green circle and why. Aggrey from Turkana passes by and we debate the weeks news circle.
Episode 4 - Thinking About How Mom Loved - The Correction
"This is a special series I'm running called The Correction. It lives separately from TMAO but I wanted to bring it here first. Here's Episode 04."
Episode 03 — Ms Rose Showed Love
"This is a special series I'm running called The Correction. It lives separately from TMAO but I wanted to bring it here first. Here's Episode 03."Episode 03 — The Correction with G MoneyMs Rose showed love by doing things. I watched that. I learned it. I became it.My grandmother didn't talk about love in the abstract. She showed it — food on the table, shoes on your feet, a roof that didn't move.
#348 - 7 Years Deep! The Mics Are Still Open
After 7 years in the cut the squad are reminiscing with a few guests. Grauchi passes through and we launch the new listener website www.themicsareopen.com - Enjoy!
Episode 02 — Someone Asked Me What I Do For Fun
"This is a special series I'm running called The Correction. It lives separately from TMAO but I wanted to bring it here first. Here's Episode 02."Someone asked me a simple question. I couldn't answer it. Not because I didn't want to — but because I realised that everything I do is also work. This is Episode 02 of The Correction. The Correction drops every Monday and Thur
#347 - Choking The Monkey in Space!" - The Mics Are Open
Ashley is back, looking like a million dollars, the conversation ranges from Kenyan DJs, to the recent Space mission to what it would feel like busting a nut in space.Random, yes.
Episode 01 — I Don't Have Friends. I Have Collaborators
"This is a special series I'm running called The Correction. It lives separately from TMAO but I wanted to bring it here first. Here's Episode 01."The one that started everything.A few weeks ago I sat in a therapy session and two words came up — hyper competent. My therapist said it like a diagnosis. My first instinct was to take it as a compliment. And then she finished the sent
#346 - We Love Kanye!!!! - The Mics Are Open
The title says it all, this week the lads chop it up about Kanye being banned in the UK, does racism play a role in how the "industry" has tried to cancel him. We talk about the War in the Middle East, who is the true aggressor and we have an equal amount of Nonsense
#345 - Finally!! I'm Getting Married!!
The lads chop it up this week as they nominate Calvin for marriage and plan his wedding! The conversation ranges from Sakaja, to whether it's truly possible for a man to love a women he hasn't struggled with.
#344 -Older Mandem Are Taking Your Women!!
What did we talk about this week? A whole lot of "stuff" - Calvin tries to banter guys about football, G deflects successfully. Meanwhile G is mad at a 120K bill, Andy is wilding as usual and calls out Ashley! Its a mad thing!
#343 - No More AFCON, Let's have BLACKAFCON
We are tired! What in the madness was that CAF decision to remove Senegal as AFCON champions, We have a lot to talk about! The full squad are back together this Friday! Enjoy!
#342 - Kumi Bila Brake!!
The gang kicks off today’s episode talking about the recent floods and all the damage caused. Big C gets into his storytelling bag, and this rolls over into incompetent government agencies, and then the current US vs. Iran war. All this, and plenty more on today’s episode. Enjoy.
#341 - Get On Your Knee!!
We start off today’s episode with Calvin’s wildest night out, as the rest talk about theirs as well. How did your parents get married? How did they propose? The crew gets into traditional African traditions, and debate which ones should go. They also get into Andy’s games, respond to your Open Mic questions, and so much more. Enjoy.
#340 - I Dont Eat *ss, But I kill some glutes!
The full squad is back and you can tell they missed each. Calvin has the crazy stories as usual and we revisit the conversation about eating each other ... No not like that.
#339 Meatfest in The Bush!!!
This week’s episode starts off with another recap of Calvin’s travels as the crew get into their valentine’s weekend. Do men buy sex toys? Ashley gives her two cents on that as Calvin doubles down on what that means as typical African man. The gang argues about escape rooms verses mazes, whether they would eat Calvin in the event of a crisis, and how they feel about the Kardashian’s empire and inf
#338 “Something for Da Boys!”
This week, the crew talks paintballing, get into Calvin’s trip to Jozi, a rerun at the tipping culture, and Valentine’s Day. The gang also participate in Andy’s games, and answer your questions. Enjoy.
#337 - Andy the Cross Dresser!!
Back with another banger! On this week’s episode, Calvin is not ready to have more kids because books are expensive, the crew gets into the Grammys, Andy confesses to wearing a thong, and so much more. Enjoy.
#336 - Back In Business!! (The Mics Are Bloodcl**t Open!)
We are back like the ex that can't leave you alone! However instead of texts, we are bringing the vibes you've missed. Never take us for granted again LOL!
#335 - Bring The Blankets, We Will bring The Vibes!!
It's December, so we catch up with the Queen of Sherehe, Muthoni DQ the brains behind Kenya's longest running and most successful festival Blankets and Wine, What went wrong and more importantly, what went right. What do event organizers actually go through? It's a dope conversation!!!
#334 - The Return!
Your favourite conversation is back, just in time for Christmas, the gang chop it up on Diddy, Spotify Wrapped and a few other things ... plus open mic is back!
#333 - Scratch To Reveal
We kick things off by dissecting today's marriage culture what's changed, what's stayed the same, and the pressures people face when tying the knot. The conversation then takes a practical turn as we debate whether the grocery store is actually a viable place to meet your potential partner. Forget dating apps; is the produce aisle the new meet cute spot?
#332 - Podcasters Need To Be Beaten!!
Which podcasters would you love to see fight each other? The gang have a wild take on celebrity boxing matches. Plus why are events filled with women, what are the men doing? Ashley has a theory. Enjoy!
#331 - Baba, While You Were Away!!
Well well well, the globe trotting has come to an end. G Money is back and this week we are joined by the amazing Lyzaira an artist out of the Netherlands repping Cape Verde, we hear her story and have a fascinating debate about music and life ... plus what is this I am hearing? Apple's biggest fan boy is switching to Android?
#330 - Skills To Handle That Hammer
Buckle up! Quellie & Hafare are in the building, which means the chaos level is set to maximum for this week's EP 330! With the kids unsupervised, We tackle black men in the dating pool, its not looking good out here. How to execute the perfect heist, and we give our hot takes on whether influencers should have degrees. Plus, we check in on Jamaica under the water and learn the ultimate ma
#329 - That's Blood Money!
This week’s episode was one for the books! Calvin, Ashley, and Byron hit the mics to talk about everything from Raila Odinga’s State Funeral, to an actual Louvre Heist (no, we didn’t do it… probably 👀) and then Ashley turned the tables with some seriously spicy questions for the boyz Tune in, laugh along, and tell us in the comments who handled Ashley’s questions better?
R.I.P Baba
We start today’s episode with the commemoration of the late former Prime Minister, Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, and by extension, former Citizen TV Journalist Kimani Mbugua. The crew transitions into geopolitics, catching up with what Trump has been up to. Who’s the most powerful villain you have watched on film, and who has the best origin story? Also, is political satire dead? All these and plenty m
#327 - No Snakes On My Shoulders!!!
Big C starts off this week’s episode with a lecture on wildlife, and the crew gets into which country has the best meat. Would you risk it with someone who committed a crime and did the time? Also, would you give back money because you believe you’re worth more than that amount? All these, plus plenty more on today’s episode. Enjoy!
#326 - Failure To Launch (featuring Kwambox) - The Mics Are Open
This week on the pod, Kwambox crushes the party with some crazy energy. The crew starts on a random tip about bedroom matters and finishing moves. They get into mandem’s failure to launch and move out of their parents’ house, then give their experience on Blankets & Wine as they roll into artists’ performances. Also, can a man tell that he’s ugly? All these, plus plenty more on today’s episode
#325 - Big C in the Big City!
The gang starts on a random note talking about animals and car horns, classic movies, and feeding vampires. They also address leaking sex tapes, Calvin’s escapades with his uncle, the justice system in Kenya, and what the role of DJ’s and promoters is in clubs.
#324 - Black Super Heroes - Assemble!!
This is probably the wildest edition of the podcast in a long time, we are joined by Aggrey a podcaster from Turkana and friend of the pod Rainer. Wild!
#323 - You Ain't From The Hood!!
Why does everyone want to claim the hood? This weeks podcast is very loud and very fiery. Calvin claims that G and his bro ain’t black black. Andy highlights Calvin’s randomness and Ashley just tries to keep the peace. Exceptional episode today!
#322 - You're My Bro, Don't Text Me Goodnight!!
Where is the love? Why can't a homie text another homie good night? Why all the insecurity. The lads chop it up today as usual on a myriad of things, from eating eggplant to the battle between success and contentment. Enjoy!!
#321 - Your Body Count Doesn't Define You, Your Blocked List Does!!
Who care about someone's body count? You do, that's who! But have you ever thought about why you do? We get into that this week plus if a number of the crew was arrested, what would it be for? Enjoy!
#320 - "I Don't Want To Pay Rent" - The Mics Are Open
Andy is on one today and asks the question that on God's green earth why do we have to pay rent? This is not as crazy as it sounds. Plus, what's your fantasy? ....... Definitely good vibes on the pod today! Enjoy.
#319 " Nairobi Sucks, The Village is Where it's at!" featuring Boutross
Boutross joins the gang this week on the back of the release his new EP. We chop it up about life, food and performing outside of Nairobi. Plus we ask, who's listening to Bongo?
#318 - Do Vegans Swallow? - The Mics Are Open
The full gang are back in the house and the madness ensues, G recounts parts of his trip before he is throughly disgusted by the idea of breast flavoured ice cream... it's a wild one. Enjoy
#317 - Siku njema huonekana chini ya dera!!
As G Money is still globetrotting, the rest of the crew links up for another banger. Calvin talks about his party life, and the gang gets into it about the allowed maximum number of missed calls. What would make someone suddenly become attractive to you? They talk about that, and get into NACADA’s proposed series of regulations aimed at curbing alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya. All this, plus plent
#316 - Ni Hao Fans!! (Chinese Only Fans!)
The crew starts off with an interesting take on religion and the bible. They then get into the Coldplay concert cheating fiasco,and China’s ban on OnlyFans. All this and plenty more on another unhinged episode. Enjoy!
#315 - Lamine Yamal and other SHORT stories
The crew is back with another banger! Was Lamine Yamal in the wrong for allegedly hiring people with Dwarfism for his birthday party? Are there sins you’re too broke to commit? Find out what the gang had to say. They get into the Wireless Festival, UK vs. US rappers clash, and Calvin talks about shaving his hair. All this, plus plenty more madness on today’s episode. Enjoy!
#314 - The "Not Suitable For Work" Edition - (Reel Reviews)
The week the gang share the reels that are giving them life and this spins off into some very random conversations.
#313 - My Barber Shouldn't Touch Me Like That!!
Mandem,, how do you like it, smooth or rough ... We are talking about your barber! Calvin has a revelation and G Money wants to buy a horse .. Confused? We all are! Enjoy!
#312 - The People Shall ..... Win
The gang dissect all the latest happens in the 254, The demonstrations in commemoration of the lives lost on June 16th 2024 plus the insane claim that we don't need Nairobi national park.
#311 - You Can't Kill Us All (#EndPoliceBrutality)
Another week, more deaths, where does it end? It's a mixed bag this week. The guys talk about the Kenyan situation and police brutality. G expresses fear of alien life while Andy expresses hope for a better day.
#310 - Enough is Enough - The Mics Are Open
It's a heavy week in Kenya and the gang chop it up about the killing of Albert Ojwang. When will it end and what's the way forward. It's a really good episode. Enjoy.Rest In Peace Albert Ojwang
#309 - Bien Saved The Breakfast Club!! - The Mics Are Open
We are proud of Bien! But did the Breakfast Club hosts do their homework? Why is Tanzania picking on us and why do our neighbours always have the things that we want!
#308 - Mama’s Boy? So what!?
Still loading the craziness in this episode! We recapped about Mother’s Day, and talked about why men generally don’t go big on celebrating themselves. We also got into Calvin’s business about future tension between his mom and significant other because of his mom’s access and time spent in his house. This led into a conversation about treating parents like human beings. We got into trends as well
#307 - "The Zombies of Kitisuru!!! - featuring Tonio Kibz
Tonio Kibz joins the gang today and the conversation ranges from Kabogo's socks to illicit alcohol. The gang also talk about preserving our history.
#306 - "Shoeless in South Nyanza!! - The Mics Are Open
The gang debates the weeks top story with a dose of humour, what does it feel like to be shoeless in Migori? Calvin decides he will never go to an Usher show to the disgust of the team.
#305 - "And That's Why I Married A Kangaroo! - The Mics Are Open
The gang chop it up this week on some crazy topics. Why do female Kangaroos have 3 vaginas, Who would win if we picked fights with Gorillas and why radio is dead...
#304 - "Lakers in 5, Shannon in Deep" - The Q&A Edition
The gang deep dives into Aviator this week, G learns the game and shows the rest of the team and explains how It could be addictive and how people need to bet responsibly. We also tackle as many of your questions as we can. Plus Shannon Sharp, again ...
#303 - Do You Want Head or Brains? - The Mics Are Open
The gang are back and this week the conversation deep dives into micro chips in the brain. Imagine having unlimited as to information all the time. Andy is here for it, the OG's are less enthusiastic.
#302 - "Wanjiru!!!"
The gang are in full chaos mode today apparently it all goes down in the DM's
#301 - I've Never Seen A Jehovah Witness in A G Wagon!!
Wild episode today where the gang speak on so many things. Anthony Edwards paying 18 years of child support, How unhappy are Kenyan's and Marvin Sapp holding his church hostage. What is the world coming to LOL
#300 - Three Hundred!!
The Mics Are Open hit's 300 episodes and the gang are reminiscing about the last 6 years. The discuss their favourite episodes, the covid years and as usual Andy throws a few curveballs. They are joined by friend of the pod Fabian!
#299 - "Why Have You Married Someone You Don't Like?
The gang are back with an hilarious look at life in Nairobi. The ask the question "Is Baba the most successful politician in Kenya? - It's not as wild as it sounds, also why are you marrying someone you don't like? - There's a lot more but we will leave you to enjoy!
#298 - To Get That Girl, Just Marry Someone Else!!
What does love mean to you? This week the gang chop it up about how much they've grown and how they see love differently. The also discuss Bien's Trace Award win and how that affects the industry.
#297 - Don't Act Like A Saint, We Know You Wanna Hit It!
Explosive episode this week with some really wild takes, we talk about KPLC vs Nairobi County. We also ask if a woman in Nairobi will accept polygamy if the price is right and we ask, do men use women as "confidence boosters"Tune in chill out, let's go!
#296 - "We Are Awake!! Not Woke" - The Mics Are Open
What's the difference between being "awake" and being "woke" - G is back from his tour of South East Asia with all the stories, we talk about Baba's failed AUC bid and we ask about how intentional we are with our friendships.
#295 - Destiny Connector - The Mics Are Open
Ashley’s back after a long break, and she talks about being away! Both her and Calvin talk about our neighbors in the 255 having just visited TZ. They talk about the hospitality,food,maneuvering their airport,and so much more. How long did it take you to know your way around Nairobi CBD? And what other places in the city are hard to navigate? We share our experiences learning what the streets of N
#294 - Valentines isn't a feeling , It's a Weekend!!
The gang are joined by Nyaash from The Wild Card and he finally explains what "Jabroni" means. The guys chop it up about the Grammy's, Kendrick Lamar and ask 'Did Beyonce deserve that award ... They also discuss women crushes and what excuses to use to get out of Valentine's Day
#293 - No Role Models - The Mics Are Open
It’s the end of the month and the boys dissect everything from how the foreign aid freeze by the Trump administration has affected the health sector to the bloody turmoil that’s defined The Congo. The conversations backed by the ever noisy Nyamita from the Sandwich podcast will have you questioning Khalif Kairo's tribulation. This and much more!
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