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 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/
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Wednesday Oct 26, 2022
Creativity flows through Sarah as naturally as the breath through our bodies. She helps others tap into their subconscious to explore sexuality, guidance this same organic creative expression through intuitive art processes. Sarah was the former host of the popular podcast “Momgasm” and now offers beautiful guided sessions, often in collaboration with spiritual leaders, to help reveal our inner calling. “Sanctuary” encourages you to show up and get ugly! This is a truth bomb episode, with a few extra F-bombs for effect.
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
Sarah’s Instagram: @cometosanctuary
Sarah’s website: https://www.cometosanctuary.ca
Nourished event: https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=37570349&owner=22655851
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
This adventurous duo met on a 30-hour kayak trip to Sable Island. The unique (insane) experience was only the beginning of the outdoor thrills that Chris and Jan would eventually share. For more than a decade these Nova Scotian nature enthusiasts have brought awareness to land conversation, mental health through the outdoors, and how their kid’s book “A For Adventure” led them to a life of doing what they love. They also offer a crash course on ticks, so that alone is worth tuning in for!
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
A For Adventure’s Instagram: @a.foradventure
A For Adventure’s website: www.aforadventure.ca
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
A powerful episode as Brenda guides our listeners through an example of what life-coaching can do for our mental health and well-being. Having overcome a serious addiction and feelings of not belonging, we can all benefit from hearing Brenda’s story of discovering her true self. We talk about the importance of perspective, reflection and give tips on how you might apply this wisdom to your own life or business.
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
Brenda’s Instagram: @brendamailer
Brenda’s website: https://www.seabrightspirit.ca/
Meditations and Live Yoga: https://insighttimer.com/brendamailer
Life Coaching Insights, Yoga Videos, and Meditations: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrendaMailer
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Kristine is an accomplished photographer, educator, marketer and entrepreneur. She left the creative corporate world just a few years ago and is already making multi-six figures as an artist. How’s that for taking a chance on yourself?! We talk about what inspired her to make the leap into full-time creativity, how her masterclass has grown beyond her expectations and what motivates her to take photos in the darkest, wee hours of the night. An inspiring episode for anyone who wants to light the creative fire under them!
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
Kristine’s Instagram: @ kristinerosephotography
Kristine’s website: https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/nightscapes
After Dark Podcast: https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Renée Hartleib got her first library card when she was only TWO years old! Is there any doubt that she would become a writer? Her new book is great for people who want to practice their own writing, and the daily exercises ALSO help us to discover the fine details and inner wisdom about ourselves. We learn about Renée’s brave leap into full-time creativity, what helps her clear her mind and stay present, and how she helps others find their authentic writing voice.
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
Renée Hartleib: @reneehartleib
Renée’s website: https://reneehartleib.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.