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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
A few weeks ago, Kristen woke up and had gone completely deaf in her left ear. Listen to her 12-year long experience with hearing loss, tinnitus, the medical system and how her disability has impacted her art. You can also guess what ghost is occupying her ear! 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
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Steph Joline is an award-winning filmmaker, though would probably never tell you that herself. She prefers to go against the grain and find success and celebration through storytelling and highlighting social issues. Her recent film “Night Blooms” pays tribute to the 90s and what it meant to grow up in a small town, exploring intimate relationships. She talks about how being in control of life can be both a struggle and a blessing. This candid reflection offers relatable insight to what it means to be an artist. Steph shares how she connects with her Indigenous background and the ways imposter’s syndrome can creep in to that identity.
"Night Blooms" AND "Words Matter" now available for streaming in Canada.
Words Matter: Watch Here
Night Blooms: Watch Here (or wherever you stream your flicks!)
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
Steph Joline social media: @Stephjoline
Night Blooms social media: @night_blooms_movie
Episode Sponsored by: Erin Bulger Photography
Instagram: @erinbulger
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
“Burry” shares their roadmap to becoming a musician in Halifax, how they sent blind emails to established artists and how they seem to only write songs during challenging times. We chat about how Ellis and their partner Sam road-tripped across Canada, discovering new cities and a few homophobic towns along the way. A proud Croc wearer, tattoo collector, arts advocate and talented performer, Ellis offers up their show highlights and what’s on the horizon for their budding music career.
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
Burry social media: @Burryofficial
Episode Sponsored by: Stephanie Warren Hair
Instagram: @stephwarrenhair
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
We spent a month in the middle of nowhere Colombia at a coffee plantation turned artist residency. Among the company of international creatives, Ric Dragon and the rescue doggos we chat about how sometimes a difficult experience is just what the soul needs. We evaluate whether or not we’re “too Canadian,” tell the story of how Mike’s band helped a 13-year old local boy whose life is in danger and reflect on how sometimes life’s surprises are just what you need. PLUS, Mike gets mega sick on Kristen’s 40th birthday and we go boating in New York City!
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
Episode Sponsored by: Art Pays Me
On the web: www.artpaysme.com
Instagram: @artpaysme
GO FUND ME FOR JOSHUA: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fj6rf7-joshua-needs-help
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
The most candid interview we’ve ever done! The now sober Tony Ronalds opens up about his drug and alcohol addiction during the rise and fall of his band “Kilt” and how he didn’t recognise his own roommate at a show. Tony reflects on how age and life experience has led to a new appreciation of his musicianship and how being a new father after a reverse vasectomy has brought a new sense of presence. Funny, honest and a voice that you’ll want to bottle!
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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: "Queen" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Guest: @tonyronaldsmusic
Episode Sponsored by: Aleyah Solomon Photography
Instagram: @aleyahs @hereandtheremag
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Where it all started! This is the first podcast we ever recorded and thought we would take it from the beginning of Mike’s story and what led him to pursue a life and career as a professional musician. We hear about him playing in bars when he was 16, learn how an injury forced him to give up guitar and start singing for the first time, how his entire band dropped out of University and survived on pizza crust and mustard for years and how the ups and downs always feel worth it. A great episode for anyone looking to learn more about the music industry and what to expect. Kristen also describes her headphones as “bready” – what would you compare them to?!
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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
Episode Sponsored by: Baked by Butcher
Instagram: @bakedbybutcher
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
We are joined today by two incredible creatives who specialise in capturing life’s genuine moments through the art of photography. Erin Bulger and Steph McNamara discuss their mentorship relationship, tips for aspiring photographers and how the photos that look like “the ones that your mom took” are always the most meaningful! We recollect the fortunate times we have had to work with this talented duo and think we all tear up at some point over our mutual love and admiration. Hear us laugh, cry, sing and share in this heartfelt conversation.
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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
Episode Sponsored by: Bello Day Spa
Instagram: @bello.day.spa
Interview with @erinbulger and @stephmcnamaraphotography
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Have you ever had a first date go wrong?! In today’s episode we discuss how our first date went awry but we turned it around and used those embarrassing moments to our advantage. After Kristen almost sets her apartment on fire, rents the worst movie of all time, and Mike shows up in a Dole banana t-shirt (on our second date too…) we end up laughing about it all! Let us know if you have any first date disasters and we’ll share your story on a future episode!
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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: "Queen" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Episode Sponsored by: S.A.M. Lightwork
Instagram: @s.a.m.lightwork
Wednesday May 18, 2022
Wednesday May 18, 2022
In today’s episode we are joined by singer-songwriter, George Woodhouse who shares his story of moving to Nova Scotia at 19-years old, though thought he was moving to New Brunswick. He speaks of how he manages the work-life balance of civil service and leading a band and how making the decision to pursue a full-time life in the arts comes with a great deal of emotion. George talks about the loss of his father and how that inspired his new song, “Head Office” and how the birth of his son “Baby John” has brought a new outlook on life. George Woodhouse and the Public Service have their debut album release on May 27 at the Mic Mac AAC Dartmouth. Link to purchase tickets in notes.
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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
Episode Sponsored by: Lyndsay Doyle Photography
On the web: http://www.lyndsaydoyle.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldoylephoto/
Interview with @georgewoodhousemusic
Tickets to May 27 show at the Mic Mac AAC: https://georgewoodhouse.com/home
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
After a wild month, we take a moment to reflect on the wins and losses that we’ve experienced. Mike shares his heartbreak from being nominated for 5 ECMAs but winning only a free shuttle ride and how the night eventually ends up being a beautiful celebration. We talk about how we’ll be picked up by a stranger upon arrival in Colombia who will drive us for 3 hours into the middle of nowhere and our plans to try and relax while we’re there. Stories of ups and downs, how much we love and appreciate our fans and how a loss can always be learned from. Special shout-outs to Flo Sampson, Marion Soroka and Katie Kelly.
Us on the web/Buy our Book "You and Me": www.mikeandkristen.ca
Buy our Audiobook: You and Me (Audiobook)
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: "Queen" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Episode Sponsored by: Art Pays Me
Instagram: @artpaysme
Website: www.artpaysme.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.