Mike and Kristen

Episode 50: Craig Mercer is a Lifetime Musician Who is Now Giving Back to the Next Generation

Having spent over 20 years on the road, selling out shows and singing his guts out with The Jimmy Swift Band, Craig Mercer is an accomplished musician and innovator in the music industry. A respected teacher of the business and now a creative industries expert at the Nova Scotia Community College, Craig lends his experience in important ways. We learn how he almost met Iron Maiden on the soccer field and how becoming a dad was his favourite life-decision to date. From the JSB to Scientists of Sound to Maximum Overdrive, Craig’s diverse talents will keep you rockin’! 
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
 
Craig’s Instagram: @scientistsofsound

Episode 49: Rudy Pacé and T.J. Ploughman of Electric Spoonful Share Their Wild Side Both On and Off Stage

Cape Breton born punk-rock-crazy-crowd-pleasing-award-winning music legends join us for a candid chat about what it’s like recording and performing punk-metal mayhem for a career! Coming from small towns didn’t stifle the ambition and creative expression of this (now) Halifax-based band. They bring their authentic personalities to the stage, though they spend most of the time immersed with the crowd, getting covered in various fluids and pummelled by adoring fans. Hear about their upcoming weekend festival, “Spoonapalooza” and how a sense of belonging has kept them motivated. 
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
 
Electric Spoonful’s Instagram: @electricspoonful
 
Electric Spoonful’s website: https://electricspoonful.bandcamp.com/
 

Episode 48: Wendy Brookhouse of Black Star Wealth Expands and Challenges Our Money Mindset in Ways You’ve Never Considered Before

What was your first memory of money? Why do we worry about always having enough? How do you make decisions on where and how much money to spend? We dig into these big questions and the idea that while we may never have been taught about money, we learned about it subconsciously! It’s time to question some of those old beliefs and start living a life of financial freedom. Wendy teaches us the importance of finding our “why” and how to prioritize spending habits. We learn how artists can “smooth” their spending and live without worry. A must listen for entrepreneurs!  
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
 
Wendy’s Instagram: @blackstarwealth
 
Wendy’s website: https://blackstarwealth.com/

Episode 47: Naturopathic Doctor, Ashley Margeson Teaches Us How to Optimize Our Energy Bank Accounts and Prevent Burnout

Have you ever identified your energy deposits and withdrawals? Dr. Ashley Margeson of Cornerstone Naturopathic helps us keep our bank accounts in order! She shares the signs and symptoms of burnout, explains how our hormones change with age and how opinion based social media health advice is only confusing our well-being. Dr. Ashley has her own podcast, “The Superwoman Code” where you can hear tips and advice from the experts AND has an upcoming virtual course for all you hard-working entrepreneurs out there. 
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
 
Dr. Ashley’s Instagram: @drashleymargeson
 
Dr. Ashley’s website: https://www.ashleymargeson.com/
 
Superwoman Code podcast: https://thesuperwomancode.com/podcast/
 
Cornerstone Naturopathic: https://cornerstonenaturopathic.ca/
 
PROMO CODE to save 25% on all of Dr. Ashley’s courses: Mike&Kristen25 (enter at check-out)

Episode 46: Former Nova Scotia Premier, Iain Rankin Talks About His Rise in Politics and His Connection to Community

Only in his 30s, Cape Breton born Iain Rankin climbs the political ladder from community MLA to Premier! We chat about the challenges of being in the public eye, his proudest achievements, being a new father to Freya and how his wife Mary earns more money playing the bagpipes than him! Always calm and collected, Iain shows up with honesty and transparency. 
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
 
Iain’s Instagram: @iainrankin
 
Iain’s website: https://www.iainrankin.ca
 

Episode 45: Visual Artist Chanelle Jefferson Teaches Us How Knowing Yourself is The Most Powerful Creative Tool of All

Having overcome a number of life-changing obstacles and emotional traumas, Chanelle epitomizes what translating your soul onto the canvas truly means. Her self-awareness and creative spirit required a great deal of self-reflection, openness and a little guidance from her dog Maggie, who Chanelle claims saved her life. You’ll learn from this episode how simply being yourself can lead to the most profonde outcomes. 
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
 
Chanelle’s Instagram: @ chanellejefferson_
 
Chanelle’s website: https://www.chanellejefferson.com/
 

Episode 44: Musicians Elyse Aeryn and Garrett Taylor are Partners Both on and Off the Stage and They’re Rising Like Wild Fire!

If you want to hear from two of the hardest working musicians in the industry, look no further! Elyse Aeryn left her corporate career to pursue a dream of writing, singing and sharing the stage with her life-partner Garrett Taylor. Together, they are magic makers! We chat about how growing up in “big-city” Cape Breton influenced their impressive work ethic, local pride and drive to show others that designing an ideal day is there for the taking. Check out their new music video, “Under My Skin” for an elegant and opulent experience. 
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
 
Elyse’s Instagram: @elyseaeryn
https://www.facebook.com/elyseaeryn
https://www.tiktok.com/@elyseaeryn_
https://music.elyseaeryn.com/listen
Garrett’s Instagram: @taylor12_
 
Elyse’s website: https://www.elyseaeryn.com
 

Episode 43: Dr. Mallory Ryan, ND Takes Us on a Trip Down the Vagus Nerve Highway

This episode is jam packed with helpful tips and tricks to optimize brain health. Get your pencil ready to take notes! We learn how to stimulate serotonin and dopamine, how the exhale can help us relax and how having a seizure as a little girl led to a lifelong curiosity about holistic health. A wealth of knowledge, Dr. Mal welcomes our endless questions and curiosities! 
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
 
Mal’s Instagram: @dr.mallory
 
Mal’s website: https://www.drmalloryryan.com/
 

Episode 42: Canadian Music Icon Matt Mays Shares a Side of Himself That You’ve Never Heard Before

Who isn’t a fan of Matt Mays’ music? We can now say we are bigger fans of Matt Mays the man. He opens up about pursuing sobriety and trading in alcohol for alpacas; his conviction for making beautiful songs, his authentic way of caring for others, and his determination to tackle life in a meaningful way has inspired us beyond words. You’ll really feel this one, folks. What an honour. 
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
 
Matt’s Instagram: @mattmaysmusic
 
Matt’s website: https://www.mattmays.com/
 

Episode 41: Laura Simpson of Side Door Access Connects Musicians and Artists with Cozy House-Concert Style Venues. And They Just Recieved 500k on Dragon’s Den.

Defending the artist has always been at the core of Laura Simpson’s quest for creative justice. With a background in journalism, she has made it her life’s work to share stories and create opportunities for live music and performing arts. It was during a backyard party at her own house that her lightbulb moment led to the wildly successful and supportive business, Side Door Access. The company she co-founded with Dan Mangan has booked more than 1200 acts and also brought us together for countless virtual house parties during the pandemic. 
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’s Instagram: @novascotiamusic
 
Side Door Access website: https://sidedooraccess.com