Watch Kids' Reviews of
MIC DROP

Mic Drop is the perfect way to connect the teenagers of today with real stories from their peers as it covers topics of all kinds that the rising generation can relate to.

Currently a two season podcast, each episode of Mic Drop features the experiences of teens and tweens and their take on mood-swings, dream-chasing, rule-breaking dramas, adventures and experiences. What makes it even better is that there are no adult interruptions. So the stories we hear are true to the source.

This podcast has a real feel as we hear firsthand experiences from numerous teens and hear their thoughts about issues that adults often don't discuss with them. It's personal and seems as if the speaker is simply having a conversation with us, the audience. Kids have a lot more to say than adults often give them credit for and this podcast amplifies the many important stories that are hiding away in the minds of these children. We hear about their dreams, identities and struggles. I love that it promotes a dialogue on many serious issues such as mental health, culture, substance abuse, LGBTQ and more. Growing up can be a dangerous thing; young people are extremely impressionable. It's very common for their struggles to be dismissed by adults who don't take them seriously or encourage positive behaviors. That type of response can be alienating. Mic Drop helps kids that are struggling with issues that the speakers are discussion that they aren't alone.

This podcast talks about some serious issues including violence. The takeaway for teens and tweens listening to this show should be that there are others who are experiencing similar things as them and this podcast promotes taking adults out of the picture for a moment so that kids can connect with each other on a deeper level.

I rate Mic Drop 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 9 to 16. You can listen to Mic Drop on TRAX at https://www.trax.fm/mic-drop

By Anokhi L, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Mic Drop is an exceptionally entertaining podcast that genuinely kept me interested and intrigued throughout all the episodes that I listened to. I got to hear about the experiences that teens younger than me go through. It is comforting to know that we aren't alone, but we are all still going through different experiences that are shaping and forming our personalities and sense of character. This podcast allows the listener to take a break from their own life and imagine what it is like to live as a teen in 2020, if they aren't a teen already. It features stories of kids with varied personalities and stories that are meaningful, to a degree, as well as amusing to listen to.

Mic Drop details certain aspects of teen life varying from fun extracurricular activities to more serious topics such as sexual harassment. I listened to the three latest episodes: Gabriela's, Marty's and Bella's. Gabriela's episode is centered around her love of jiu-jitsu and judo, while also touching on her experience of being sexually harassed by some of her male teammates. In Marty's episode, he discovers punk music and uses it as an escape from the bullying and teasing inflicted upon him by his classmates. In Bella's episode, she discusses her on-and-off relationship with her elementary school boyfriend and the emotional rollercoaster that ensues. Other episodes include "Ben Beatboxes through his Parent's Divorce" and "Taneia brings Black Lives Matter to School."

Listening to Mic Drop allowed me to place myself into these kids' shoes. The stories are well thought out and interesting to listen to. I cared about what they had to say, because it reminds me so much of myself and some experiences that I have gone through. It made me nostalgic to some degree. It is a professionally produced podcast with a fairly high production value that caters to kids and adults alike. Mic Drop overflows with positive messages. It teaches people to always follow their dreams and passions, even if that means having to overcome several obstacles. It also reminds us of what it is like to be a young teen and to live in a world filled with both fun and stressful situations and experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I give Mic Drop 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 10 to 18, because it talks about serious topics such as sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol, some of which parents may not find appropriate for younger kids to listen to. Mic Drop is both a fun and poignant podcast that encompasses what it means to be a teen today. I enjoyed it and believe that many other teens will. You can listen to it on TRAX by PRX at https://www.trax.fm/mic-drop

Reviewed by Ella L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

Mic Drop is a podcast featuring tweens and teens talking about the world and experiences from their lives. These teens have a lot that they want to share about this year, 2020. They want to tell us what these past couple of months have been like for them and their friends, too - with no adult interruptions.

The show's hosts care deeply about so many things that have happened this year. For example, they all really care about what happened to George Floyd and they definitely care a lot about what COVID-19 has done to the world. They share their experiences with their podcast listeners, because 2020 has been a roller coaster year. They tell us what they did, how they acted and anything else on their minds about this year so far.

These teens and tweens want their audience to know about the things that we should all care about right now, whatever age we are. They have had a very different and unusual year and their podcast talks about their lives, adventures and experiences. In future episodes, they will share more in detail. For example, one kid shares how he sold candy at school at the beginning of the year. He admits this was a bad idea, but we don't know specifically why, although I can certainly guess.

A few important messages in this podcast are that you should try to get involved with all of the things that come up in your life. Also, you should try to tell people about what has happened or what you have done this during this past year. You should also listen to what you hear in the world or from your friends and family, so that it can help you later on in your life. That is how we learn and grow.

I give Mic Drop 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. You can listen to this podcast on TRAX by PRX.

Reviewed by Conrad W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

Mic Drop is a youth hosted series that is devoid of adult interruptions and allows children to talk freely among themselves about complicated topics. It is a great way to offer other children that may be enduring similar situations a sort of validation. This podcast does not squander children's thoughts and feelings due to their age; instead it invites youth to be able to discuss more adult topics. As an adult, I enjoyed the topics and discussion and can relate to them as well. It is significant for children to be able to hear other children talk freely about what they are genuinely feeling without having an adult sway or dictate the conversation. Children's ideas and emotions matter just as much as adults.

The youth hosts tackle topics such as Black Lives Matter, divorce and mental health. I enjoyed listening to them express their feelings and emotions in the podcast. Tweens and teens would enjoy this podcast because it is from a child's perspective. It seems easier for a young person to feel included if another child is speaking about something they may be experiencing as well. In many ways it validates their thoughts and feelings.

I love the flow of each podcast episode. It opens with an introduction, a brief anecdote, the feelings of the speaker, and closes with a summary of how they feel in the end after talking. The podcast name, Mic Drop is a smart name. All the topics in the podcast do have a mic drop aspect to them. The speakers drop a bombshell, usually at the beginning or end of the podcast that emphasizes the topic and discussion. Some of the topics regard racism and homophobia. Some parents may not be ready to discuss these particular topics, but you can always skip the ones you don't want to listen to and listen to others instead. However, it is worth noting that tweens and teens are aware of these topics and listening to a discussion of them helps them know how to deal with them.

Production wise, the sound is crisp! I am very impressed with the quality of sound in each episode. The intros start with an upbeat song accompanied by the message: without adult interruption (which I love).

I give Mic Drop 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to 13, even 18 and older. The material offers children the opportunity to not feel discouraged about discussing topics that may deemed suitable for adults only. Some of the episodes give insight for children, and even adults, about topics they may not be well educated about. Reviewed by Tor F., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer

Teens have a lot to say about this complicated world -- are you listening? Mic Drop features first-person stories by tweens and teens sharing their mood-swinging, dream-chasing, rule-breaking dramas, adventures and experiences -- with no adult interruptions. A CBC Original podcast.