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 Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
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)
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
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
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
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/
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
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
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
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/
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
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/
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
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
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Award-winning musician, podcaster and all around creative, Christina Martin uses her platform to discuss important issues like mental illness, accessibility and human connection. Her hobbies include dialling 911, playing with her cat Mama and touring the world with her BFF/hubs Dale, playing the sweetest songs. Her sense of humour won us over and we know she’ll steal your hearts 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
Mike’s Christmas Video!!!! - https://thetownheroes.com/product/861509
Christina’s Instagram: @xtinamartinmusic
Christina’s website: https://www.christinamartin.net/
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Award-winning author (and Mike’s cousin!) Tom Ryan shares his unbelievable story of a fateful encounter that led to him collaborating on his own television series. He’s been a panelist with R.L. Stine, gained global recognition for his young adult novels and managed to crystalize a childhood dream. Tom reflects on his creative upbringing and has a good laugh over the time that Mike’s voiceover stole his thunder at family dinner.
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
Tom’s Instagram: @tomryanauthor
Tom’s website: http://www.tomryanauthor.com
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Lifelong athlete Nikole MacLellan is equipped with an abundance of knowledge when it comes to the human body. She teaches us about injury recovery, breathing, and how there are more important health metrics than body composition. We chat about the differences between alternative, naturopathic approaches and traditional medicine. Plus, Dr. Kokes has experimented with all kinds of diets (except for the white bread diet, but we might have her convinced to try it) making her the perfect resource to clarify some of our health myth questions.
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
Nikole’s Instagram: @sportsdockokes
Nikole’s website: http://www.drkokesnd.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.