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 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
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
We sit down with Lindsay MacPhee to chat about her past, present and future as a community wellness advocate, corporate gigger turned entrepreneur and how her recent 40th birthday was celebrated with Conan O’Brian! In this episode we discuss the importance of following your true calling and how a good dance party offers the best re-set. Lindsay shares her honest feedback on managing a service-based business and how inclusion and creativity are held at the highest standard.
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: Steph McNamara Photography
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephmcnamaraphotography/
Interview with @lindsayfloats from @thefloatcentre
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
We play chapters from our audiobook (that are not for the faint of heart) and then have a discussion on the embarrassing details of our worst travel poops. Kristen’s story will make you say, “not a chance in hell did she do that, right?!” and Mike’s story will basically make you lose consciousness. Kristen talks about using “Queen Anne’s Lace” as T.P. as a kid, and Mike tells a story about pooping his pants while making out with a girl. If you want to get a little more personal with us, there’s no better episode! We tell it like it is and then some. And if you’ve been playing our drinking game, “DUMP” I’m sure there’s an opportunity to incorporate that somewhere in here ;)
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: Room 152 Clothing Boutique
On the web: https://room152boutique.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/room_152/
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Mike and Kristen dig into their individual ideas of what “making it” as artists looks like. Mike talks about how that vision has evolved since he started a career in music and how it’s the artist’s responsibility to teach and communicate back to the world. Kristen reflects on how feeling good day-to-day is a priority and how creating community is an important step in the journey to success. They talk about tangible examples, dancing to Rod Stewart, lofty dreams and how making it is really a work in progress.
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: Forget Me Not Hair Studio
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgetmenothairstudiobedford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgetmenothairstudio/
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
We sit down with photographer and author Lyndsay Doyle for a compelling chat about her life and journey from working as a government employee to making her living as a full-time creative. We talk about how people view artists (often in a negative light), rejection, inspiration from anger, her work as an advocate for women in sport — her book “Strong and Free” highlights amazing adult female athletes in Canada. She talks about using her platform to showcase and highlight the ideas and people she’s interested in, the values and work ethic learned from playing sports and how it helps you later in life, learning how to win and lose, and so much more. We loved this chat and hope you will too. For more on Lyndsay and how to purchase "Strong and Free"Website: http://www.lyndsaydoyle.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldoylephoto/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDoylePhotography
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: The Floatation Centre
On the web: https://thefloatationcentre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloatcentre/
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Mike and Kristen talk about growing up in small towns and how that shaped them to be the people and artists that they’ve become. Right off the bat, if you want to make this a drinking game (why not???) have a drink every time we say “dump”… it will all make sense later.
Kristen tells a story about helping deliver a cow that ended up being named after her — “Kristen the Cow”. Mike quits swimming lessons as an 8-year-old to see a dead shark. We talk about how having a lack of lessons helped us learn on our own. We had to “learn how to learn”, and how lack of opportunity can help shape who you become. Kristen talks about shaping her imagination, playing “runaway”. We talk about developing feel through learning on your own, and how it’s the most important part of being an artist in any form. Mike talks about how our home province of Nova Scotia is the joke place on American TV, and he’s always seen himself as an underdog. We talk about creative and resourceful problem solving we learned from our parents, and tell probably one too many “Dump Anecdote”.
SHOW NOTES
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.caInstagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreativeContact: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com
Review our book 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 bys.a.m. light workInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.a.m.lightwork/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samlightwork
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.