Make It with Mike and Kristen

Episode 103: Jonathan Torrens Has Been Joining us in Our Living Rooms Since He Was Just a Kid! He’s Now a Proud Father, Animal Lover and Forever a Canadian Legend

JT, Jonovision, J-Roc, we know him by many names but he’s consistently known as our favourite Canadian icon. Jonathan Torrens started an acting career at just 15-years-old on Street Cents and we have been celebrating him ever since in shows such as Trailer Park Boys, Moonshine and Vollies. One of the kindest, funniest, most intelligent guests we’ve ever had the privilege of spending time with. We chat about living in other parts of the world (and how that stacks up to Nova Scotia!), how he met his wife, values, fame and so much more. Forever grateful for the opportunity to meet one of our idols. At his incredible home, no less! 
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
Jonathan’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0868474/
Jonathan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjonathantorrens/

Episode 102: Dale Murray is the Support Man Everyone Wants in Their Band! A Lifelong Musician, Producer, Performer and Friend, We’re So Thrilled to Have This Legend in the Studio

Dale Murray has performed with the best – everyone from Matt Mays to Christina Martin, to his famous aunt – Nova Scotia royalty, Anne Murray. His intention is to support others to help them sound and perform to their top potential. A humble approach to the music industry. Dale’s unique spectrum of talent makes him the perfect guest to reflect on the creative process, stories from the road, taking care of himself as age creeps up on up, AND he got a new haircut for the occasion! A true gentleman, Dale brings humour, light and friendship to this week’s conversation. 
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
Dale’s website: https://dalemurray.bandzoogle.com/
Dale’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalemurraystudio/

Episode 101: Steve Luxton Is Teaching Today’s Youth About Music After Spending a Lifetime as a Student Himself

Though born and raised in Ontario, Steve Luxton now calls Nova Scotia home. Blame it on meeting a girl and falling in love! We’re happy to have his expertise in the music community, in particular his students at Nova Scotia Community College, who cherish his talent and guidance. We chat about his time spent at esteemed Humber College to running his own studio in Cape Breton. Steve has loads of stories, insights and pro tips to share in this episode! 
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
Steve’s website: https://www.steveluxton.ca/
Steve’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_luxton/

Episode 100: 100-Year-Old Shirley Hilchie Helps Us Celebrate our 100th Episode!

For our 100th episode we wanted to share a very special chat with our new friend, Shirley. Shirley reflects on her long and vibrant life, sharing bits of advice on longevity, hard-work, family, friendship and how it all changes with age. This inspiring centenarian found the love of her life in her early school days and shares how much their marriage offered purpose and adventure. Thank you Shirley (and Shannex) for this wonderfully special 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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
 

Episode 99: Mike Morrison of Fire Valley Fire Has Been Marching to the Beat of His Own Drums for Over Twenty Years

Music has been a part of Mike Morrison’s life since he was just a kid, influenced by the talents of his father. He has played with many bands, including Rock Ranger with the late Jay Smith and now with some of his closest friends in Fire Valley Fire. We talk about musical “feel,” how he doesn’t know the origin story of his band name (LOL) and the release of a brand-new album. Have a listen to this seasoned Cape Bretoners stories of family, fun and what’s so come!
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
Fire Valley Fire’s website: https://firevalleyfire.bandcamp.com/album/fire-valley-fire
Fire Valley Fire’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firevalleyfire/?hl=en
 

Episode 98: Jennifer Blair of Urban Fusions Tells Us About Stumbling Into A Creative Life Centred Around Melted Glass and Happiness

There’s nothing like a good break-up to set life on a new path, and that’s exactly what led Jennifer Blair to a glass shop in Toronto. It wasn’t long before she was “secretly” learning the art of glass fusion and has since launched her successful business of turning glass “blobs” into beautiful masterpieces. Learn about the process of glass fusion, how Jen’s family made a major life change during covid and how remining in a place that feels content is the secret to happiness. This market mastermind has loads of great life and business tips! 
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
Urban Fusions’ website: http://www.urbanfusions.ca/
Urban Fusions’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanfusions/

Episode 97: Jah'Mila is a Jamaican-born Canadian Reggae Musician Who is Moving Mountains With Her Magnetic Presence, Lyrics and Personality

Multi award-winning artist, Jah'Mila discovered the Nova Scotia music scene during a visit with her mom, who had moved to eastern Canada to work in nursing. She found friendship, creative collaboration and loads of adoring fans in the place she now calls home. Her father – “Chinna” – played with Bob Marley’s “The Wailers” and was a strong influence on his children’s creative lives. But Jah’Mila has carved out her own path and established herself as one of the most powerful and impactful names in Reggae. An inspiring story of resilience, persistence and big dreams to come!
 
Our current Fundraiser!!! https://mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
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
M & K Fundraiser: https://mikeandkristen.ca/
Jah’Mila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahmilasings/?hl=en

Episode 96: 17-Year-Old Sophia Rae Advocates for Teen Mental Health Through Public Speaking, Podcasting, Yoga, Writing and Most Recently, Music

Buckle up for this chat with the incredibly articulate, talented and soft-souled young woman, Sophia Rae. This grade 12 École Secondaire Du Sommet student reflects on her personal experience with trauma and mental health after losing her aunt in the Portapique massacre in 2020. Realizing that other teens were struggling with tools and conversations around mental health, she began offering her own public talks in effort to support her peers. She’s now an accomplished entrepreneur who is song-writing with the likes of Meaghen Smith, balancing school work with creative work. 
An astonishingly intelligent, compassionate and grounded soul whose wisdom is that of an elder. We’re blown away by Sophia’s approach to life. Her self-awareness and grounded nature shine!
 
Our Fundraising Campaign: www.mikeandkristen.ca/fundraiser
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
Sophia Rae’s website: https://sophiarae.ca/
Sophia Rae’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiarae_official/
 

Episode 95: Musician, Filmmaker, Podcaster and Writer Carmel Mikol Has Reinvented Her Life After Leaving the Jehovah Witnesses Faith

A profound conversation with multi-faceted artist Carmel Mikol as we dive into stories from her past. Leaving her patriarchal faith after suffering domestic abuse, Carmel shares details about the Jehovah Witnesses religion and how telling her personal experience through film (Apostate) has been a powerful way of adopting a new identity. We learn about the structure, history and inequities of being a “Witness” and how Carmel has been able to make a positive impact on the lives of so many others through her art. With a new album in the works, she’s leaning into her creative side.  
 
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
Carmel Mikol’s website: https://www.carmelmikol.com/
Carmel Mikol’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmelmikol/
Apostate film: https://www.carmelmikol.com/film

Episode 94: Curiosity Club Offers Creative Consulting, Event Hosting, Facilitating Artistic Dreams and a Little Company for Like-Minded Weirdos

How do you explain something that doesn’t yet exist on the creative business landscape? This chat will help explain the background, concept and intentions of the “Curiosity Club”. Curiosity Club is a trio of professional artists and entrepreneurs who specialize in facilitating creative experiences. Erin Bulger, Kristen Herrington and Steph McNamara met in 2020 and have been curating one-of-a-kind experiences ever since. Each woman offers a unique skill-set and area of expertise with the shared mission to help bring your idea to life. 
If you are looking for support in event management, photography, hosting, developing your creative "why" or one on one guidance, the club is here to help!  On January 17, they will be launching their first virtual program. A 12-week online community to work through the infamous teaching of Julia Cameron's, "The Artist's Way" . 
 
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
Curiosity Club website: https://curiosityclubcreative.com/
Curiosity Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiosityclubcreative