Mike and Kristen

Episode 159: The Final Episode (For Now): SXSW Recap, Big Lessons & What’s Next

It’s the end of an era... but not forever! In this final episode of Mike and Kristen (as you know it), we take you along on our adventure through the U.S., sharing highlights from our second time attending SXSW, playing basketball in the rain in LA and how we were greeted with apologies in America. From a terrifying plane ride to an insane Austin bus adventure, we embraced every unexpected twist with open arms.
 
We dive into the biggest lessons we learned—about happiness, human connection, extraterrestrials (!), quantum computing, AI, the future of humanity, and what it means to be Canadian on a global stage. We also reflect on sacred moments, like working through life on Venice Pier and feeling the weight of inspiration from some of our greatest role models and thought leaders such as Michelle Obama, John Fogerty, Brené Brown, and Dr. Laurie Santos.
 
And, as we soak in all these experiences, we’ve realized that it’s time to hit pause. We’re stepping back from podcasting—not to say goodbye, but to make space for everything we’ve learned over the past while and come back with a fresh show! We’ll return with incredible guests, creative guidance and Nova Scotia pride. 
 
Thank you for being on this journey with us. We can’t wait to share what’s next! Listen now & stay tuned for our return!
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Episode 158: Mark Bezanson (Better Known as Mr.B) Reflects on 30 Years Teaching Music In the Annapolis Valley

This week, we’re catching up with the one and only Mark Bezanson—a musician, educator, and all-around Nova Scotia treasure! From his early days studying at StFX to a decades-long teaching career (where Kristen even played in his band class!), Mark’s love for music has always been front and center.
 
Now in his final year of teaching at Middleton High School, he’s riding the emotional rollercoaster of retirement while looking ahead to new adventures—travel, performing with Joker’s Right Band, and celebrating his solo album Wire and Wood. We chat about our shared love for the Annapolis Valley, the beauty of Nova Scotia, and the importance of community in both music and life.
 
Mark is one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet, and his passion for music and people shines through in every story he shares. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with someone who was truly born to play!
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk" by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Mark’s Website: https://markbezanson.com/
Mark’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/mbezansonmusic/

Episode 157: Darcy Walsh Is the Heartbeat of East Coast Music

This week, we’re hanging out with one of the biggest champions of East Coast music—Darcy Walsh! If you’re part of the scene, you already know his name. As the co-creator of East Coast DNA Podcast, Darcy has made it his mission to shine a light on the incredible talent coming out of Eastern Canada. Whether through interviews, live performances, or event spotlights, he’s always got his finger on the pulse of the music we love.
 
In this episode, Darcy takes us back to his roots in Pictou County, sharing how his first exposure to music sparked a lifelong passion. We dive into the joy he finds in sharing artists’ stories through East Coast DNA, the platform he built from the ground up—now earning him an ECMA nomination in the Media category!
 
If you love discovering new artists, supporting local music, or just hearing from someone who genuinely lives and breathes the East Coast sound, this one’s for you. Tune in and celebrate the guy who spends his time celebrating everyone else!
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Darcy’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eastcoastdna
Darcy’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastdna/

Episode 156: Terry Kelly is An Award-Winning Musician, Paralympic Athlete, and Order of Canada Recipient – Achieving It All by Seeing Beyond Limitations

What happens when you mix unstoppable determination, a deep love for life, and a voice that can move a nation? You get Terry Kelly. Blind since childhood, Terry lost his sight but gained a vision for life that’s bigger than most of us could ever imagine. This episode is pure energy, wisdom, and inspiration wrapped up in a conversation with a guy who doesn’t believe in limits.
 
Terry’s done it all—award-winning musician, world-traveling performer, motivational speaker, and even a record-breaking athlete. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to connect with people on a heart level. He’s always up for an adventure (whether that’s running a sub-five-minute mile or performing for troops in Afghanistan) and we love that about him!
 
Losing his sight as a child never stopped Terry from seeing the world in his own way. He shares stories of resilience, of finding joy in the journey, and of using his challenges as fuel rather than barriers. His perspective will have you rethinking your own limits and maybe even pushing past a few of them.
 
This one’s a feel-good, can’t-miss conversation with a man who truly embodies what it means to live wide open. Tune in for some laughs, some wisdom, and maybe even a little inspiration to push your own boundaries.
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Terry’s Website: https://www.terry-kelly.com/
Terry’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/terryjosephkelly/

Episode 155: Balancing Music, Motherhood & Mentorship with Laura Rae

This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented Laura Rae—a musician, teacher, producer, and new mom who somehow manages to do it all! Growing up in northern New Brunswick, Laura was raised in a bilingual environment, which has shaped both her teaching career and her work as a musician.
 
Now based in Dartmouth, she runs The Guest Room, a music studio and rehearsal space where she supports local artists—especially women—through recording, production, and French translation. As one of the few female producers in the industry, Laura is carving out space for more inclusivity in the Nova Scotia music scene.
 
Her latest album, Sad Songs, showcases her multi-instrumental talent and deep emotional storytelling. Between teaching in the French school system, running a business, and embracing new motherhood, Laura is an inspiration for anyone juggling multiple creative passions.
 
Laura Rae is a true powerhouse—don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Laura Rae’s Website: https://www.laurarae.ca/
Laura Rae’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/laura_raemusic/?hl=en

Episode 154: Shift Happens: Gaining Confidence and Purpose with Tisha Parker Kemp

This week, we sit down with Tisha Parker Kemp, founder and principal of Shift Ed Academy. With over 25 years of experience in training and education—including more than 20 years in online learning—Tisha is a powerhouse when it comes to building high-quality training programs. Whether you’re looking to launch your own online course, refine your business strategy, or step into leadership, Tisha has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.
In this conversation, we cover:
Defining Your Target Audience – How to connect with the right people and build meaningful engagement. Gaining Confidence in Your Work – Lessons from Tisha’s journey from a secure corporate role to thriving entrepreneurship. Maintaining Passion and Purpose – How to keep your work aligned with what truly excites and fulfills you.
 
Tisha’s story is proof that sometimes, the work finds you! She now teaches and coaches others on how to uncover their own passion-driven paths. Whether you’re considering a career shift, launching your own program, or looking to lead a strong community, this episode is packed with insight to help you take the next step. Tune in, get inspired, and start shaping the future you want!
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Tisha’s Website: https://www.shiftedacademy.ca/
Tisha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tishaparkerkemp/

Episode 153: Rhys Waters Moved from Wales to Nova Scotia to Pursue Adventure, Possibility and Podcasting

This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented Rhys Waters, a documentary filmmaker, television & radio producer for the BBC, and comedy creator from the UK who found a new home—and a new career path—in Nova Scotia. As co-founder of Podstarter and host of Canada is Boring, Rhys has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world, helping creators bring their ideas to life with expert tech, sound, and promotion strategies.
 
We chat about his journey from TV and documentaries to full-time podcast production, the growth of his business in Halifax, and what makes a great podcast stand out. Rhys is also the mastermind behind some of our favourite shows, including Nancy Regan’s Canadian Love Map—which we were lucky enough to be guests on!
 
With his signature humour, storytelling skills, and industry expertise, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start their own podcast or level up their existing show.
 
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a podcast, this episode will give you the inspiration, knowledge, and laughs to get started!
 
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Rhys’s Website: https://www.podstarter.io/
Rhys’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyswaters/

Episode 152: Sean McMullen aka “Saltwater Sean” Explores Nova Scotian Waters for Hidden Treasures. His Brave Experience with Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Make Him a Treasure Himself

In this episode, we sit down with Sean McMullen—better known as ‘Saltwater Sean’—a passionate photographer, musician, and avid diver who spends his time exploring Nova Scotian waterways in search of hidden treasures. From old bottles to action figures, Sean has uncovered some truly fascinating relics, but today, we're focusing on a different side of his journey.
 
After a diving accident, Sean was left coping with hearing loss and tinnitus, the constant ringing in his ear that has become a relentless part of his daily life. In this candid and vulnerable conversation, Sean opens up about his personal struggles with these invisible conditions and the emotional toll they take. His story resonates deeply with our host, Kristen, who also lives with tinnitus, creating an instant bond between the two.
 
Sean's openness sheds light on the challenges of living with a condition that’s often unseen by others. His courage to speak out aims to support anyone who feels isolated by similar experiences, reminding us that even the smallest moments in life can be forever changed by invisible illnesses.
 
This episode is a heartfelt and powerful conversation for anyone navigating difficult times, seeking a sense of understanding, support, and connection. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about resilience, empathy, and the importance of feeling seen.
 
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Sean’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/seandmcmullen/videos
Sean’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_sean/

Episode 151: Our Favourite Floridian David Beatriz Invites Us to His Home Studio to Talk All Things American Politics, How We Met at SXSW and the Importance of Community and Belonging

In this episode, we sit down with our good friend, the one and only David Beatriz, in his home studio for an insightful conversation about American politics, tech, and the importance of community. We first met Dave at SXSW last March and immediately connected over his sharp mind and kind heart. This guy is not just a brilliant tech genius (he went to MIT at 14!), but also an incredible storyteller and thoughtful friend.
 
During our time in Orlando (which aligned with) Trump’s inauguration, we became fascinated with the political landscape in the U.S., and who better to discuss it with than Dave? He shares his perspectives on the current political climate, what it’s really like living in the U.S. right now, and how his journey from coding on his junior high school’s first computer to becoming a leading tech expert shaped his view of the world.
 
We dive into topics like:
How Dave's human-centric values guide his daily interactions
The importance of belonging and community in today’s world
His experience growing up as a young tech prodigy
The state of American politics and what it’s like to navigate it as someone deeply embedded in the tech world
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of politics, tech, and human connection. Dave is one of the smartest and most genuine people we know, and we’re sure you’ll love him just as much as we do.
 
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Dave’s Website: https://soundcloud.com/the-beat-treez 

Episode 150: Gabriel Minnikin Talks All Thing Music, Sobriety, and the Power of Performance

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Minnikin, one of Nova Scotia’s accomplished and versatile musicians. Gabe has played alongside some of the biggest names in Canadian music, from Blue Rodeo (where he played accordion) to Bahamas, Grammy Award-winning Gordie Sampson, Buck 65, and Kinley Dowling, he’s even changed a string on Travis Good’s (the Sadies) Gretsch guitar. But beyond his musical achievements, Gabe is a kind individual with a thoughtful perspective on life and creativity.
 
We dive into Gabe’s creative process, his experiences living abroad, and the personal journey of getting sober. Despite being an introvert at heart, Gabe shares how he finds joy in performing live with his band, revealing the quiet power of music and performance in expressing what words sometimes can’t.
 
Gabe’s latest album, Anne Lorraine, is a heartfelt tribute to his new wife, and in a beautiful twist, they held their wedding on the very day of the album's release! In this episode, Gabe talks about the inspiration behind his new tunes, takes us down memory lane with stories of “the Guthries,” and reflects on how even the most introverted person can speak volumes through their music.
 
 
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative
Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com 
Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo
Intro song: "The Walk"Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Gabriel’s Website: https://gabrielminnikin.ca/
Gabriel’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielminnikin/