Make It with Mike and Kristen
Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality. Welcome to Make It with Mike and Kristen — where creative people talk about what they make, and what “making it” means to them. Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or someone simply looking to infuse more creativity into your daily routine, this show is a gathering space to discuss the struggles, triumphs, ideas, and inspirations that come with pursuing your passion. Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington, Make It explores the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of living a creative life. Mike is a professional musician with nearly two decades of experience on stage and in the studio. Kristen left a six-figure job in politics to become a full-time visual artist. Together, they bring honest conversations, personal stories, and insights from fellow creatives across all disciplines. Recorded in-person at Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode blends real talk, big ideas, and heartwarming moments that’ll leave you feeling inspired—and maybe a little less alone on your own path. No matter where you are in your creative journey, this podcast is your reminder to keep going, keep making, and redefine what it means to make it.
Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality. Welcome to Make It with Mike and Kristen — where creative people talk about what they make, and what “making it” means to them. Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or someone simply looking to infuse more creativity into your daily routine, this show is a gathering space to discuss the struggles, triumphs, ideas, and inspirations that come with pursuing your passion. Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington, Make It explores the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of living a creative life. Mike is a professional musician with nearly two decades of experience on stage and in the studio. Kristen left a six-figure job in politics to become a full-time visual artist. Together, they bring honest conversations, personal stories, and insights from fellow creatives across all disciplines. Recorded in-person at Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode blends real talk, big ideas, and heartwarming moments that’ll leave you feeling inspired—and maybe a little less alone on your own path. No matter where you are in your creative journey, this podcast is your reminder to keep going, keep making, and redefine what it means to make it.
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
The Town Heroes have been making music for over a decade and are now discovering fresh voices, sounds and songs. We wanted to do justice to the latest single from the band’s new album by dissecting the process, inspiration, compilation and life message. An important perspective on how we can let go of the daily chatter from our inner critic and step back for the broader view on our lives. Learn about the nuances of the lyrics, how the song came to Mike in a dream and how the fine-tuning was established over the light of a kerosine lantern.
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
The Town Heroes Instagram: @thetownheroes

Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
In this important chat with Carli Jeffrey we cover everything from processing grief to book publishing to psychedelic therapy. A woman who has already lived 1000 lives it seems shares stories of how holding space for others led to burnout and how taking care of herself looks a little different than most alternative therapies. An honest, candid and reflective episode that will help you consider your own spiritual practice.
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
Carli’s Instagram: @carlijeffrey_yourbrilliantmind
Carli’s Website: https://www.yourbrilliantmind.ca/privacy-policy

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Terra Spencer didn’t grow up with the dream of singing in front of sold-out audiences, touring the world sharing her creativity or accepting multiple awards for her talents, but that’s exactly what happened to her! She listened to the clues along the way and has always been open to making a cold-call that might lead to the next exciting adventure. Her hilarious personality and humble approach to taking on a new career path mid-life had us instantly enamoured. Learn why she loves the colour orange, how she’s building confidence and what cool gifts she brought us!
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
Terra’s Instagram: @orangeterra
Terra’s Website: https://terraspencer.ca/
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show with Elyse Aeryn, Skunk Motel, and Jackson Weldon: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Bonded by shared values, the Skunks show up exactly as they are and invite their fans to do the same. Sarah Ellen Morrison (vocals), Maya Taraschi (drums), Sara Eve (bass) and Katelyn Bo (guitar) share stories of representing women, feeling seen, sweating on stage and how doing it together is the band’s priority. We even had all four of them in the studio, Sara Eve on Facetime! Just over a year old (with an undetermined anniversary date!) Skunk Motel tells us about their dreams, mentors, style and how they came up with this catchy name. We love this band and their important message. New music on the way!
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
Skunk Motel’s Instagram: @skunkmotel
Skunk Motel’s Video, “Pretty Good For a Girl”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruRW1vgLjHU
Tickets to Mike AND Skunk Motel's Dec 8th show: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Dustin Harvey approaches his work with a wide lens, considering the philosophical “whys” and experiential outcomes. His audience is often incorporated into the performance, connecting for moments, feeling both present and pleasant. We learn about how sports offered an early-influence of challenging himself and how lessons from coaches and athletics are instilled in the creative process too. Secret locations, touring, grants, experiments and creating tension in the mainstream all packed in this episode too!
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
Secret Theatre’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xosecrettheatre/
Dustin’s Website: http://xosecret.org
Links to Dustin’s Work
(We) Are Here - a live film made by hand:
https://vimeo.com/secrettheatre/wearehere
Farewell - a goodbye party for a city:
https://vimeo.com/41254465
Landline - a game of unlikely rendezvous:
https://vimeo.com/270431709
Less + More - a performance created with the help of an audience:
https://vimeo.com/363904686
How Quickly Things Change - a life story told through a costume quick change:
https://vimeo.com/720399030
Alone Together - self-generated theatre:
https://vimeo.com/secrettheatre/attrailer
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Now in the role of producer, accomplished singer-songwriter and ROCK-STAR John Mullane reflects on his creative process. He is someone who allows his gut to guide him, and isn’t afraid to challenge himself. John has a beautiful wisdom when it comes to the music industry and lives his life with equal parts self-awareness! Did we mention he’s the guy with the delicious coffee supply at all the music conferences?! Another inspiring chat with one of the greats!
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
John’s Instagram: @future.dad.music
John’s Website: http://www.futuredadmusic.com
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Krista McNally guides us through the nine Enneagram types, evaluating each of the qualities discovered in each personality. This type of model unlocks and supports your journey of self-discovery and uncovers the patterns of behaviour that subconsciously drive and motivate us to behave in certain ways. Krista not only facilitates guided discovery session for individuals and couples, she also hosts international retreats, offers hot stone restorative sessions with Lawrencetown Wellness and has launched her own podcast with Deedee Morris called Heartventures. A beautiful chat for self-discovery and insight.
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
Krista’s Instagram: @kristamcnally
Krista’s Website: http://teambuildagency.com/about
Heartventures podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/heartventures/id1712505501
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Leith Fleming-Smith recognizes the most important part of a performance is simply being yourself! Starting piano lessons with his next-door neighbour in small town Hubbards has since led to stadium shows, tours across the country, sold out venues and an adoring fan base. Leith shows us a different side to his life and how his guiding philosophy is embodied both on and off stage. A man who cherishes friendship, has music in his veins, and is always the sweetest person in the room. We’re so lucky to sit down with one of the greatest souls in Canadian 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
Leith’s Instagram: @leithfs
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Occupational Therapist by day and performing musician in every other spare moment, Max Bujold is simply having a great time. Prioritizing friendship and family have rooted him in northern New Brunswick where he and his band are touring, making videos and being nominated for awards already! Max talks about going through personal struggles and witnessing close friends experience mental health challenges. These life happenings have led him to both work in mental health and look for avenues to include humour and kindness into his work. A super great guy that we’re so happy to have met!
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
Max’s Instagram: @maxbujold
Krista’s website: https://www.maxbujoldmusic.com

Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Inspired by the resilience and bravery of her rescue pup Stella, Krista Keough has just released her first children’s book that outlines the story of how this special connection was made between human and dog. She dreamed of this very circumstance, this very dog, and together they have created a beautiful story complimented by illustrations from Gina Stavrou. With a long history in artist management, grant writing and teaching, we talk about how playing the role of the artist is a whole new experience. A great episode for anyone with an adoration for animals or those needing an uplifting reminder of true love!
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
Krista’s Instagram: @kristakeough
Krista’s website: https://www.kristakeough.com
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Mike and Kristen
Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality.







