Make It with Mike and Kristen

Episode 188: Holiday Hugs, House Hopping and Hockey Fights

This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we’re easing into the holidays the way we know best: with stories, laughter, food, and a reminder that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate this season.
 
We chat about our own holiday traditions (and how they’ve changed over time), visits with friends and family, and a very local hockey game where—let’s be honest—the fights were half the reason the crowd showed up. We also talk about cooking a full-on Indian food feast, because sometimes the most meaningful traditions are the ones you make up as you go.
And of course, we celebrate a very important date in our household: Mike’s Christmas Eve birthday. You’re all invited to join us—at least in spirit—for an oval skate to mark the occasion.
 
This episode is a gentle reminder that Christmas can look wildly different for everyone. Big gatherings, quiet moments, chosen family, solo rituals, cultural traditions, or opting out altogether—it’s all valid. We hope this conversation encourages you to celebrate in the ways that actually work for you, not the ways you think you’re supposed to.
 
Make it cozy. Make it yours. And as always—thanks for making it with us.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Episode 187: Bridget O’Donnell and The Email That Changed Everything

This week, we sit down with the incomparable Bridget O’Donnell — multi-instrumentalist, singer, poet, painter, and hands-down the kindest podcast fan we’ve ever met. When we hit a moment of doubt about the value of this show, Bridget took days to write us the most thoughtful, deeply researched, personal email. It was a genuine work of art — one that shifted our entire perception of what we’re doing here. Naturally, we had to invite her on the podcast.
 
In this heartfelt conversation, Bridget shares her creative journey and how she found her people through Curiosity Club, Togetherland open mics, and the broader community of artists who gather around curiosity and experimentation. She talks about the contrast between her day job in the military and her life as an artist, how “living slowly” has become her steadying philosophy, and why taking one small step at a time is her best advice for anyone pursuing a creative dream.
 
We talk about our friendship, family, and the power of letting others know how you feel. Bridget reminds us of what truly matters — showing up, paying attention, and letting creativity lead the way. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives and for the spirit of generosity she brings to every room she enters.
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Bridget’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulbybodonnell/
Bridget’s Substack: https://substack.com/@bodonnell?r=3nupnh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

Episode 186: Seeing the World Through Patrick Doyle’s Lens

This week, we sit down with the wildly accomplished Patrick Doyle, a veteran camera and Steadicam operator with more than 30 years of experience working across the TV and motion picture industry. Pat has collaborated with some of the biggest studios in the world—MGM, Disney, 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Warner Bros, A&E, Sony Entertainment, Hallmark—and worked shoulder to shoulder with iconic performers like William Shatner, Julianna Margulies, Adrien Brody, Charles Dance, Liam Cunningham, and Tom Ellis.
 
But despite his remarkable résumé, Pat remains deeply grounded in the place he calls home: Sydney River, Cape Breton/Unama’ki.
 
What struck us most during this conversation is Pat’s pure, unfiltered passion for his craft. He speaks about camera work not just as a technical skill, but as a creative point of view—the way he sees and feels the world. We spent time reassuring him (lovingly) that he is an artist, and that his instincts, sensitivity, and strong visual identity absolutely count.
 
And now, after decades of telling other people’s stories, Pat is stepping into a new chapter: developing his own TV series. The anticipated project is inspired by Cape Breton’s own Frank MacDonald and his book The Smeltdog Man, a full-circle moment after Frank recently joined us on the podcast. Pat hopes this series will help strengthen the film industry on Cape Breton Island, creating opportunities and shining a brighter light on a place he deeply loves.
 
This conversation is a reminder of what it feels like to be grateful, intentional, and awake to the creative path you’ve chosen. Pat’s humility, humour, and heart make this one of those episodes that leaves you feeling lighter and more inspired to begin your own next chapter.
 
A beautiful chat about craft, home, and seeing the world with curiosity.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Patrick’s Instagram: @doylecam
Patrick’s website: https://screennovascotia.com/production-guide/members/patrick-doyle-operator/

Episode 185: Revisiting Our Why and A Hard Look at “Making It”

This week, we sit down for a vulnerable check-in and ask the question every artist quietly carries: Are we actually making it? Several months after our rebrand, we reflect on how the show is feeling, what’s working, what’s shifting, and where we’re still finding our footing.
 
With so many creatives struggling in the current climate, we talk openly about our place in the industry—what we’re contributing, how we’re showing up for our audience, and whether or not we’re nurturing our art. It leads us into a conversation about legacy: the difference between the accomplishments that fill a CV and the qualities that would fill a eulogy. Ultimately, the latter feels far more important.
 
If you’re feeling pushed away by life or as though the world is making things harder than usual, this episode might offer the perspective you need. We explore motivation, meaning, and the mindset shifts that keep us going even when the path gets rocky.
 
A gentle, honest, soul-level episode for anyone walking the artist’s road—especially those wondering whether to keep going.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Episode 184: Anne Lévesque: From Government Desk to Creative Quest

This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we sit down with the wonderfully thoughtful Anne Lévesque — writer, poet, and author of Lucy Cloud and The Secret Lives of Public Servants.
Born in Rimouski, Québec and raised in a small working-class town north of Lake Superior, Anne’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and reinvention. She shares what led her to Nova Scotia — and why, after some early challenges, she chose the wild beauty of Cape Breton Island as home.
 
We talk about her shift from a career in the federal government to full-time creative life, how that leap of faith mirrors Kristen’s own journey, and the ways Anne weaves creativity into her every day. Her insight into writing, identity, and belonging is both grounding and inspiring — especially for anyone standing on the edge of change.
 
Anne also tells us about her latest book, her cross-province tour, and the serendipity that brought her near our studio just in time to record this conversation. A perfect listen for anyone drawn to stories of art, risk, and rediscovering your place in the world.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Anne’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/riaisawake
Anne’s Website: https://writers.ns.ca/member/anne-levesque/
 
 

Episode 182: Ria Mae: Take Two

We’re back for round two with the one and only Ria Mae — and just in time for the release of her brand-new full-length album, Two, dropping this weekend!
 
Ria talks about what’s changed this time around — from promotion to production — and how focusing less on perfection and more on authenticity has shaped both the music and her mindset. She shares how running her career like a small business has brought her clarity (and saved her from buying one from a Boomer), and why that practical shift has been key to her creative freedom.
 
We chat about cheering on the Halifax Tides women’s soccer team, finding real value in TikTok, and setting boundaries to stay healthy and grounded. As fellow creatives, we also talk about the energy it takes to stay prolific — something Ria manages with ease and intention.
Ria Mae is a JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter known for hits like “Clothes Off” and “Bend.” With Two, she’s showing what happens when you let go of pressure and make art on your own terms.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Ria’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/riaisawake
Ria’s Website: https://www.riamae.com/
Ria’s Tour Schedule: https://www.riamae.com/#shows

Episode 182: Lisa Nasson: Mischief, Mi’kmaw Roots, and Making Space for Story

This week we’re joined by the remarkable Lisa Nasson — a Mi’kmaq actor, director, and storyteller whose warmth, humour, and depth instantly drew us in. After seeing her perform at Neptune Theatre, we knew we had to have her on the show. Since then, Lisa has become not only an inspiring guest but also a true friend (and yes, we’re still waiting to hear if she and her partner Mitchell found that special spoon rest!).
 
Lisa recently wowed audiences with her original play “Mischief”, which she wrote, directed, and starred in. The production tells the story of Brooke — a young Mi’kmaw woman torn between her cultural identity, the everyday realities of working in her uncle’s convenience store, and the larger questions of reconciliation and heritage in a society still reckoning with its past. Both hilarious and heartfelt, Mischief asks how one woman can carry the resilience of her ancestors while embracing her existence in the modern world.
 
In our conversation, Lisa opens up about her upbringing in Millbrook First Nation, growing up around community theatre (where her mom was often the star!), and how the collaborative spirit of writing for theatre has reshaped her creative outlook. We explore what it means to hold space for Indigenous stories, to find joy in the process, and to keep mischief — and laughter — close at hand.
 
Lisa’s career has taken her from George Brown College to the Stratford Festival’s Birmingham Conservatory, from teaching at Neptune Theatre School and Young People’s Theatre to serving as Associate Artistic Director at Native Earth Performing Arts. Her voice — first heard as Olemaun in Fatty Legs with Xara Choral Theatre — continues to echo through all her work, grounded in gratitude, strength, and the courage of her ancestors.
 
Join us for an episode filled with laughter, insight, and heart — and a celebration of a woman who’s redefining what it means to create, connect, and make a little mischief along the way.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Lisa’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/lisanasson/?hl=en
Lisa’s Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/lisa-nassan
 

Episode 181: Avery Dakin: Where Vintage Soul Meets Modern Heart

This week’s guest is the radiant and soulful Avery Dakin, an artist who completely stole our hearts the first time we heard her perform at a songwriter’s circle at Togetherland. Her youthful glow and gentle spirit are beautifully contrasted by vocals that feel timeless — rich, emotional, and wise beyond her years. Avery’s blend of Pop and R&B feels both nostalgic and new, steeped in vintage sensibilities and powerful emotion that draw you right in.
 
A 2024 East Coast Music Award nominee for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and a Music Nova Scotia nominee for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, Avery is riding a well-earned wave of recognition for her debut album Bloom — a soothing, intimate meditation on growth, self-discovery, and mental wellness. With tracks that shimmer with honesty and heart, it’s easy to see why Canadian Beats called her recent single Too Close “raw, unapologetic, and totally relatable.”
 
In this episode, we talk with Avery about the life experiences that shaped her music, the warmth and acceptance she’s found within the East Coast arts community, and how she’s learned to define success on her own terms — realizing that, in many ways, she already has made it.
 
Avery’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and teacher is undeniable — but it’s her kindness, vulnerability, and creative joy that truly set her apart.
 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Avery’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/averydakin_
Avery’s Website: https://averydakinmusic.com/

Episode 180: Frank MacDonald: The Heart of Inverness and the Stories that Shaped Him

This week, we’re honoured to welcome Inverness, Cape Breton’s beloved literary hero, Frank MacDonald — an author whose work captures the rhythm, humour, and humanity of small-town life. Frank shares stories from his adventurous travels and humble beginnings growing up in a coal mining community, and how he’s spent a lifetime borrowing, shaping, and preserving the tales of his neighbours through his writing.
 
We talk about the enduring impact of his late wife Virginia, his companion and creative collaborator for 38 years, whose love and spirit continue to inspire his words. From his award-winning novels A Forest for Calum and A Possible Madness to his iconic satirical columns in the Inverness Oran, Frank’s storytelling legacy is woven into the cultural fabric of Cape Breton.
 
This episode also celebrates a major milestone — the 20th anniversary of A Forest for Calum — marked by a special event hosted by the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. 
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Frank’s Website: https://www.invernessarts.com/all-upcoming-events/a-forest-for-calum-20th-anniversary

Episode 179: Angela Jane Lavender The Mixed Media Arts Witch

This week on Make It with Mike & Kristen, we welcome the wonderfully talented Angela Jane Lavender, Togetherland’s guest artist for the month of October. Angela’s mixed media paintings are an expressive dance of colour, texture, and energy — each piece filled with movement, intricate details, and thousands of tiny dots that draw the viewer deep into her vibrant world.
 
Growing up as the middle child of five in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Angela’s creativity bloomed early (even if it meant decorating the furniture and walls before paper caught her attention). After earning top honours from Sheridan College’s Visual and Creative Arts Program, she has continued to build a thriving art career that balances motherhood, teaching, and professional artistry — all while keeping her curiosity and intuition alive.
 
In this episode, Angela opens up about the ups and downs of being a full-time artist, finding her audience, and what “making it” means to her. She shares how she finally found her artistic voice — one that captures women, light, and energy — and how she integrates numerology and witchy elements into her creative process.
 
Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation about perseverance, play, and the power of following your artistic instincts.
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
 
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
 
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Angela’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/angelajanelavender
Angela’s Website: https://angelajanelavender.com/