About the host and the bears
Welcome to Mali on the Mic with the Bears, . Created by Jaedon Leo right here in Newark, New Jersey, this classroom podcast helps 6th graders uncover the epic history, wealth, and culture of the medieval Mali Empire.
Meet your host, Jaedon Leo
Hey everyone, I am Jaedon Leo, student and creator of Mali on the Mic website. I built this website to make West African history thrilling, engaging, and unforgettable for me and other 6th graders. From Mansa Musa's legendary gold caravan to the scholars of Timbuktu, we bring ancient history directly to the microphone.
Who are the bears and classroom teams?
Our podcast is co-powered by the amazing students representing our team groups: the Bears, Together, we ask the big questions, unpack fascinating stories, and challenge ourselves to explain what we learned about the Mali Empire from each episode.
Why the Mali Empire matters
Exploring medieval Mali reveals profound achievements in trade, education, governance, and architecture. By engaging with these stories through audio storytelling, our Newark 6th graders connect past triumphs to modern lessons while building critical thinking and listening skills.
"What did you learn about the Mali Empire from the podcast? Listening in class turned ancient history into our favorite discussion of the week."
6th Grade Classroom Crew, Newark, New Jersey