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 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
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Daniel James McFadyen felt a connection to Nova Scotia at the early age of 14. His family was on a road trip from Ontario and gave the highlight reel of all that eastern Canada had to offer! He was accepted to Acadia University a few years later and has been making history and music in the Annapolis Valley ever since. We chat about pre-show rituals, his cleverly named barn studio and how preparation can allow new parts of the brain to expand on stage. A candid and light-hearted chat with our hard working, super-talented, song-writer friend.
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
Daniel’s Instagram: @danieljamesmcfadyen
Daniels’s website: https://danieljamesmcfadyen.com/
This episode is sponsored by Made With Local and their DELICIOUS and NUTRITIOUS bars. Find more info here: https://www.madewithlocal.com/
Ticket Link to December 2 show at the Marquee: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-daniel-james-mcfadyen-the-marquee/
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
A creative force and friend in Halifax, Estelle Thomson is known for her magical presence and ability to create community. She shares her emotional story of grief and how she has found ways to open the doors of communication for others on this topic. Estelle uses movement to express herself and is consistently offering us whimsical paintings to reflect her inner-self. BONUS: polar bear shake, designing our castles and taking on new projects in our 40s! You’ll see!
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
Estelle’s Instagram: @estelle.thomson
Estelle’s website: http://www.estellethomson.com/
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
We love a good inspiration story and Kristen Martell delivers! With the goal of living without regrets, this mother of two has been working hard to create a new routine of musicianship. Her new album “Every Season” brings relatable themes of overcoming challenges, new beginnings and inevitable change. We acknowledge the overlooked “behind the scenes” struggles faced by artists and how hardships can act as motivation.
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
Kristen’s Instagram: @kristenmartellmusic
Kristen’s website: https://kristenmartell.com
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Wednesday Nov 09, 2022
Fresh off a tour with the Crash Test Dummies, Cape Breton born Carleton Stone is happy to be back on the road. We chat about the importance of warming up the audience as the opening act, co-writing in Nashville with both strangers and old friends and how the energy of a live performance stays in your body. This lifetime musician offers his inspiring journey on how he’s managed to stick it out as a professional artist.
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
tickets to Mike's Dec 2nd show at The Marquee - https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-daniel-james-mcfadyen-the-marquee/
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Carleton’s Instagram: @carletonstone
Carleton’s website: https://carletonstone.com/
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Former CTV host, Nancy Regan taps into her vulnerability and shares how being present has led her to a life of authenticity. Her new book, “From Showing Off to Showing UP” is a universal message of courage, honesty and how our relatable fear of “being” can hold us back from our greatest life. Nancy names Mike’s studio mascot, we have a sing-a-long and talk about our favourite Autumn game: apple baseball. A magnetic, marvelous and magical soul!
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
Nancy’s website: https://www.nancyregan.ca/
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.