The Mics Are Open

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.

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 Use AI, joins us on The Mics Are Open. We get into why people trust AI more on legal and money questions than on family ones, what he calls the “AI workbench” and why access is spreading faster than advantage, and what it will take for AI to actually understand Kenyan culture, Kiswahili and Sheng. Enjoy!

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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?

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!

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?

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!!!

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!

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?

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!

Update

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. 😆😆😆

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

"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."

"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 Money

Ms 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. Ms Rose's love was a verb, not a noun. And she was the most powerful person I have ever known.

So I became her. The utility. The constant showing up. The need to be useful to earn my place.

But somewhere in this episode I ask a question I can't stop sitting with — is there a difference between showing love through doing, and only feeling worthy when you're doing something?

Same behaviour. Very different root.

That's Entry 03 of The Correction.

The Correction is a podcast about unlearning the habit of leading with utility — and learning to just be present instead. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

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!

"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 Thursday. Full series at conradgray.com

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.

"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 sentence.

This is Episode 01 of The Correction. I read the first entry in the series and talk around it — what was happening when I wrote it, what I didn't write, and where this thread is going.

No guests. No agenda. Just honest.

The Correction drops every Monday and Thursday.

Read the full series at conradgray.com

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 influence. This, and so much more, on today’s episode. Enjoy.

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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!

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?

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!

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?

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 marital rule from the woman who ended her marriage after her husband ate a cake slice: seriously, don't eat your wife's cake 👀!

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?

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 more on today’s episode. Enjoy.

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!

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. Enjoy.

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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.

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?

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

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 plenty more madness as usual, on today’s episode. Enjoy!

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!

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!

The week the gang share the reels that are giving them life and this spins off into some very random conversations.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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, including the amapiano and oontz movement that’s swept the Kenyan scene. The crew also settled the greatest vegetable debate. All this,and plenty more on today’s episode.

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.

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.

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...

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 ...

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.

The gang are in full chaos mode today apparently it all goes down in the DM's

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 Nairobi are like. The crew also talks Kendrick’s Super Bowl Half Time performance and what they thought about it. This being Valentines weekend, when’s the best time to cut someone off before the big day? And can relationships stay healthy without a side piece? All this, plus plenty more on today’s episode.

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

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!

The gang is joined by the Pod god Hafare and Malik from the Straight Out of Turkana Podcast.

New week, new episode! This time around we have Malik and Hafare, super subs and in an epic way. The conversation goes from how insults are the quickest way to start to learn a foreign language to Kiswahili, a pain point. Donald Trumps inauguration speech and Hafare saying that Elon is on some …. Foreign aid pause and how it will affect Africa and more so Turkan which is Malik’s yard. Of course Andy has to thrown in some good questions and theories, this time around it’s about women and friendships, enjoy!

First guest of the year! DJ Shinski is in the building and we chop it up on a variety of subject, some how we end up in the confession booth of a catholic church .. Enjoy.

2025 begins with G Money getting into a fight with AI. The lads recap their festive season and catch up on the first pod of the year.

Join us on the pod this week with special guest, former Homeboyz Radio presenter “Fuego” - we talk about the Chris Brown Show in SA and G asks why a women would want to sleep with 100 men to break a world record? We dip into OnlyFans and round up by asking “Is God Fair?” - Enjoy

Pornhub says that Monday evening is it's busiest times followed by Sunday morning, of course we had to test the data... no not like that you filthy beast. We discuss the Jay Z story plus whether boarding schools make sense in this day and age.

What does it take for a man to experience love? What is love in the first place? The gang chop up that topic today and a few other bits and pieces. Also, should DJs be vetted?

This week, Calvin’s wild TZ stories take a turn (what did that Uber driver offer?!), and the crew debates if “abusive” words can really be endearing. What’s on your IG explore pages? Ladies, Pick up a controller to understand men. Ashley’s “client list” has us questioning hit lists.

This week we talk about the recently concluded US elections and what it means for Kenya, we also discuss Khaligraph Jones new house. Plus what are the things you've struggled with to get to where you are?

Back by popular demand, it's the Wheneversode, this week Ricardo is back with those jewels. Enjoy!

You asked for it and here it is. Great conversation this week and Ricardo is back ... again with the pearls of Wisdom!

The guys give an early analysis of the recently concluded US elections, G reveals what he's been struggling with and we have to talk about our Equatorial Guinea guy!

Not a midnight trip across Nairobi for you to tell me you're not in the mood? Is this even fair? Maybe it is. The crew discuss late night link ups and whether it's okay to flirt via text all day and then just wanna cuddle when we meet LOL. We discuss Calvin's blended family and other short stories too!!

Picture the scenario, you're all grown up adn your Mom's single but yet, you don't want her to date. Welcome to the wild world of the Mics are Open. This week we talk about prostate health and how choking the monkey is good for you ... apparently. So much more to unpack and we discuss music .. again.

The lads chop it up about life and ask each other "are you really likeable?" - They discuss the Impeachment and whether the smartest kid at school amounted to anything.

The last time Ricardo was on the pod, it became our most viewed episode. We are telling you that before he does. Great watch as we find out what he's been up to and he digs deep into the gang ... pause. Great watch!

Do men with beards cheat more than follically challenged ninjas? Is this a thing? G Money changes his mind on 2.0 Vybz Kartel. The lads discuss the Walker Town fiasco and ask who's to blame. Plus Cardi and Offset go at it! The guys discuss ...

From Diddy, to Shxts and Giggs, to In office Romance!! It's all here! - Enjoy!

Everyone's favourite podcast is in the eye of a storm right now and the gang discuss cancel culture. They also work how how Nyash + Conflict makes great TV and Calvin is back with banger after banger!

Why would you send nudes if you didn't want me to put them to good use, trust Andy to drop a banger! Have you heard about about AI porn? And why are porn story lines so boring? The gang chop it up today.