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.
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Episodes
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Maggie Andrew has always claimed her unique identity, style, and outlook on life. She’s daring and brave and in this week’s episode we learn that these qualities have afforded her some pretty amazing experiences. From moving to Los Angeles to pursue music, to establishing herself in the Halifax scene, she is certainly turning heads and stealing hearts with her melodic and punchy sounds. She’s nominated for African Canadian Artist of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards and has the most pro videos, photos, fashion and stories to share. We learn about how some of her past trauma has led to her resilience and success and how music has become a reflection of her state of mind. We loved getting to know Maggie and can’t wait to hang out more! We know you’ll feel the same.
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
Maggie’s instagram: @maggiedandrew
Maggie’s website: https://www.maggiedandrew.com/
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Isla Tompkins has had a special bond with animals since she arrived on planet earth. Her greatest teacher is Jane Goodall and best friends, her rescue animals. We chat about how First Nations communities consider animals part of their family, how climate change is impacting natural habitats and how podcasting has been natural vehicle for Isla to spread her message. She is particularly drawn to marine mammals, and being “the voice” for our friends who can’t necessarily speak for themselves. An inspiring kiddo to say the least!
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
Isla’s podcast: https://whatifwepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Petition to ban Elephant Ivory in Canada: https://www.change.org/p/you-can-make-history-ban-the-sale-of-elephant-ivory-in-canada-ivoryfreecanada?signed=true
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Dillon Garland has accomplished endless film milestones, creating everything from music videos to television to full-length features. He talks about meeting the Town Heroes and how they invited him to NYC for one of his first ever projects, how learning about his own ADHD, anxiety and depression has led to some of his most satisfying creative work, and the importance of discovering your authentic voice. We share a LOT of laughs, stories from the past and our top five recommended films. Get your watch list ready!
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
Dillon’s Twitter: @dillongarland
Links to The Town Heroes music videos we chatted about (all directed by Dillon)
New York City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNj6Q3K1KCQ
Slagheaps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8y47ypui5o
Cambridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzBVWxBAY8
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Pat Murphy is the heartbeat for so many bands, even he lost count of them all! With musical influences ranging in everything from video game soundtracks to “play with a band” karaoke nights in Montreal, his diverse skills make him a man in demand. We chat about his technique, approach to work-life balance, his idea of making it, and how not wearing a shirt shows off his impeccable abs. Pat is the nicest guy on the planet and we loved spending this time together!
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
Pat’s Instagram: @beardyholly
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Cape Breton born Wayne Bedecki is a man of many talents! Hockey brought him to Halifax, but music made him stay. He’s recently released a brand-new album with many of the songs reflecting his struggle with addiction. He’s now celebrating 4-years of sobriety and pursuing all kinds of adventurous things like musical theatre and singing scales through straws. Such a positive, kind and humble guy. We loved this chat!
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
Wayne’s Instagram: @waynebedecki
Wayne’s Website: www.waynebedecki.com
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
We reflect on the past 52 weeks of podcasting and all of the ways that this creative project has changed our lives. We chat about how the episodes have evolved, cracking the top 100 art podcasts in the world and give shout-outs to our guests for the magic they have shared with us. Lots of tips for starting your own podcast and lots of love shared for our world-wide listeners. THANK-YOU!
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
Mike’s Instagram: @michael_s_ryan
Kristen’s Instagram: @kristenherrington.art
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
You all know the sensational Katie Kelly from CTV News and today we turn the tables and learn all about her life! We chat about what a typical day looks like, manifesting dream jobs and our mutual infatuation with Kurt Browning. Katie is every bit as special and sweet as you would imagine and is in her natural element highlighting the accomplishments of others. She’s a recent Music Nova Scotia award recipient for Media Person of the Year AND is nominated for an ECMA. We love this woman!
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
Katie’s Instagram: @katiekellyhali
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
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
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
Wednesday Feb 22, 2023
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/
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
Wednesday Feb 15, 2023
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/
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.