Podcast
Mic Drop
Teens have a lot to say about this complicated world — are you listening? Mood-swinging, dream-chasing, rule-breaking dramas and adventures. (Because puberty)
Episodes
Mic Drop Introduces: Tai Asks Why - Season 4
Apr 20 2022
Fifteen-year-old Tai Poole won’t rest until he’s uncovered the mysteries of the universe, one probing question at a time. In Season 4 of his Webby-winning podcast, Tai talks to everyone from NASA scientists to stand-up comedians to his equally curious little brother Kien. If you’ve ever wondered if we can keep eating meat without destroying the planet or if we’re alone in the universe, Tai has you covered. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/taiaskswhy
MIKAEEL’s a class act
Dec 17 2020
The class action lawsuit you’ve heard Mikaeel talk about here is La Rose et al. vs. Her Majesty the Queen. It argues these youth are already being harmed by climate change, and the federal government is violating their rights to life, liberty and security and is failing to protect essential public trust resources. The youth also allege that their government’s conduct violates their right to equality, since youth are disproportionately affected by the effects of the climate emergency. You can re...more
BENJI designs success
Dec 10 2020
Benji is passionate about graphic design and eager to help other young creators get started. He started out using Autodesk Sketchbook and also recommends trying Canva for free templates or ibisPaint for illustrations. His business is called Certified Designs and you can find Benji on Twitter @certifiedbenji_ and on Instagram @Certified.Benji The success of Certified Designs helps Benji support his parents and his three siblings. It also made it possible for him to participate in a trip to the ...more
TALIA takes a stand
Dec 03 2020
Bullies at school target Talia because she is Jewish. It’s a painful struggle that affects her mental health, but Talia fights back in a way that makes school safer for everyone. *Warning* This episode contains descriptions of hate speech, and might be upsetting to some listeners. We advise that you find an adult to talk through any uncomfortable feelings that come up with what you hear.
ALEX connects the dots
Nov 26 2020
“It’s something you normally keep to yourself and don’t really tell anyone.” Alex has noticed there’s stigma around mental health and neurodiversity. She’s heard how some people hide their anxiety, ADHD and Dyslexia. When she receives some results of her own, she’s able to put her fears aside and connect more deeply with her friends when she discovers how common those kinds of diagnoses actually are.
MALIK is the door-to-door sci-fi guy
Nov 19 2020
12-year-old science fiction author Malik Hazell is self-published. For more information about his latest novel, Exile to Obticus, check out his Instagram @writeorflight_
SOPHIA bugs out
Nov 12 2020
Sophia fell in love with insects after a visit to a butterfly conservatory, where a butterfly landed on her and stayed with her. This little buddy on her shoulder opened up a whole world for Sophia. She was hooked. In kindergarten, Sophia was bringing grasshoppers, ladybugs and worms to school, to everyone’s delight. But by first grade, her classmates didn’t think it was so cool anymore. Things got a whole lot worse before they got better. In this episode, you’ll hear 11 year-old Sophia bri...more
HANS' businesses are for the birds
Nov 05 2020
Falcons are amazing birds of prey but they need a lot of space to roam. Growing up in the city doesn’t make the path to keeping a falcon easy for 12-year-old Hans, but he’s working on a plan! Selling candy, shovelling snow and making his own brand of hand sanitizer is his way forward. In this episode, Hans learns several lessons about conflict, ethics, and running his own business while saving up for his future falcon. Visit @cbcmicdrop on Instagram to see photos of Hans with some of the bird...more
Martial arts champ GABRIELA fights sexism in sport
Oct 29 2020
Gabriela loves judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu but training with boys is suddenly different at age 14.
MARTY time travels to the 1980s
Oct 22 2020
When 11-year-old Marty discovered punk rock two years ago, he felt freed. School was no fun, and he was bored with trying to talk to classmates who were wrapped up in their phones and video games. Hear him talk about how exploring old school punk opened up a whole new world of art, music, lyrics and the best way to have fun with his friends. This episode was co-produced by Mike McKinlay. If you want to see Marty in action, check out Mike’s film about Marty here: http://mikemckinlay.com/marty
BELLA says “I do” at recess
Oct 15 2020
Relationships can be tough to figure out. So many ups and downs. Here, Bella reveals her true feelings about what it’s been like for her on that emotional rollercoaster called love. Rings and all!
BEN beatboxes through his parents' divorce
Oct 08 2020
You’ll hear Ben talk about the history of beatboxing in hip hop and some of his influences: pioneers Doug E Fresh and Rahzel.
ELI & ADAM hunt for food during the pandemic
Oct 01 2020
13-year old Eli and 11-year-old Adam are sheltering from the pandemic on the reservation with their grandparents, where they have fun learning about their ancestral traditions in the Pacific Northwest. The boys are proud members of the Umatilla, Cayuse, Nez Perce and Walla Walla Nations. While learning how to dance, sing, drum, they also try to avoid going to grocery stores. Hunting for their own food is not just about putting dinner on the table, it’s about growing up and becoming men. You ca...more
TANEIA brings Black Lives Matter to school
Sep 24 2020
10-year-old Taneia schools her teacher and makes the case to expand Black history education beyond the month of February. The book Taneia mentions is Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids from Bright Confetti Media. Here are some Black history presentations available to schools in Canada: http://owta.org/tracking-black-canada
SE2 Trailer
Sep 21 2020
Thanks for listening throughout the start of this crazy pandemic. Let’s stick together through the next few months as we approach school, family, friends, work and play in new ways. Stay tuned for fresh stories from bold young voices pursuing their passions in this complicated world. Mic Drop SE2 drops right here this Thursday.
Mic Drop 2020
Jan 13 2020
Happy New Year! This month marks two years since we started recording personal stories from Canadian teens for CBC’s award-winning podcast Mic Drop. In this special update, Shari Okeke checks in with some of the teens from the podcast to find out how they’re doing now, and how differently they feel about the situations they brought to us two years ago.
Pushing through
Jun 05 2018
From homelessness to high school degree: one teen talks rebuilding her life by building skateboards in an alternative school. Raven, another teen, says she took herself out of a broken home and built a better family for herself.
Opening up
May 29 2018
Gary looks back on his darkest and scariest times and talks about suicide prevention. Blake and Emma each suffer from complicated mental health issues but their friendship is getting them through.
Between Worlds
May 22 2018
Moving between mom's house and dad's house has Eve wanting to just move OUT. Ben's juggling pro soccer dreams, school demands and the temptation to party. Sarah's living between Korean and Canadian cultures.
Comfort zone
May 15 2018
Gabe and Tristan are identical twins who are both facing stress — but they couldn't be more different. Sara and Emily learn a lot about friendship after dealing with mean girls in a group chat.
My way
May 08 2018
Layla navigates offers of drugs and alcohol at school. Olivia goes down a dangerous path. Gerry follows his dream to rap over parents' wishes.
Who am I?
Apr 30 2018
Evans grapples with growing up far away from his father. Fiona chops her locks to unveil the person she’d always wanted to look like. Aliyah comes to terms with all the different sides of herself.
Not fair
Apr 30 2018
Ava’s doing everything she’s supposed to and yet some people stare at her face without looking her in the eye. Melissa confronts homophobia in her private high school. Whitney loves makeup but many cosmetics companies don't offer her shade.
Trailer
Apr 24 2018
It's about us. What we've been through. What we're going through. Without any adult interruptions. This is Mic Drop.