Make It with Mike and Kristen

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
 

Episode 93: Year End Review with Mike & Kristen

We wrap up 2023 by reflecting on what we’ve learned from guests, career highlights, mental health ups and downs, adventures and the wonderful new friends we’ve made along the way! Our intention was to record a “quick” episode, but it’s the same length as all the rest LOL. We reveal some exciting news about the podcast for 2024, plus our new year’s intentions. Thank you for being here with us! Lots more to come, friends xo
 
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 92: “In Your Head”: Kristen Interviews Mike About the Making of His New Hit Single

The Town Heroes have been making music for over a decade and are now discovering fresh voices, sounds and songs. We wanted to do justice to the latest single from the band’s new album by dissecting the process, inspiration, compilation and life message. An important perspective on how we can let go of the daily chatter from our inner critic and step back for the broader view on our lives. Learn about the nuances of the lyrics, how the song came to Mike in a dream and how the fine-tuning was established over the light of a kerosine lantern. 
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
The Town Heroes Instagram: @thetownheroes

Episode 91: Carli Jeffrey is a Spiritual Therapist Who Has the Most Important Training of All: Personal Experience!

In this important chat with Carli Jeffrey we cover everything from processing grief to book publishing to psychedelic therapy. A woman who has already lived 1000 lives it seems shares stories of how holding space for others led to burnout and how taking care of herself looks a little different than most alternative therapies. An honest, candid and reflective episode that will help you consider your own spiritual practice. 
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
Carli’s Instagram: @carlijeffrey_yourbrilliantmind
Carli’s Website: https://www.yourbrilliantmind.ca/privacy-policy
 

Episode 90: From Funeral Director to Award-Winning Songstress, Terra Spencer Has Discovered a Whole New Life of Music, Touring and Taking Things as They Come

Terra Spencer didn’t grow up with the dream of singing in front of sold-out audiences, touring the world sharing her creativity or accepting multiple awards for her talents, but that’s exactly what happened to her! She listened to the clues along the way and has always been open to making a cold-call that might lead to the next exciting adventure. Her hilarious personality and humble approach to taking on a new career path mid-life had us instantly enamoured. Learn why she loves the colour orange, how she’s building confidence and what cool gifts she brought us! 
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
Terra’s Instagram: @orangeterra
Terra’s Website: https://terraspencer.ca/
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show with Elyse Aeryn, Skunk Motel, and Jackson Weldon: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/

Episode 89: Skunk Motel is the Friend Group We All Wished We Had. On a Rapid Rise in the Music Industry, This Girl Band is Loud on Stage and Soft in the Studio

Bonded by shared values, the Skunks show up exactly as they are and invite their fans to do the same. Sarah Ellen Morrison (vocals), Maya Taraschi (drums), Sara Eve (bass) and Katelyn Bo (guitar) share stories of representing women, feeling seen, sweating on stage and how doing it together is the band’s priority. We even had all four of them in the studio, Sara Eve on Facetime! Just over a year old (with an undetermined anniversary date!) Skunk Motel tells us about their dreams, mentors, style and how they came up with this catchy name. We love this band and their important message. New music on the 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
Skunk Motel’s Instagram: @skunkmotel
Skunk Motel’s Video, “Pretty Good For a Girl”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruRW1vgLjHU
Tickets to Mike AND Skunk Motel's Dec 8th show: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/
 

Episode 88: Dustin Harvey of Secret Theatre Is the Yoda of the Industry. We Chat About Using Public Spaces for Stages, AI In the Arts and How Pushing Boundaries Has Led to Special Experiences

Dustin Harvey approaches his work with a wide lens, considering the philosophical “whys” and experiential outcomes. His audience is often incorporated into the performance, connecting for moments, feeling both present and pleasant. We learn about how sports offered an early-influence of challenging himself and how lessons from coaches and athletics are instilled in the creative process too. Secret locations, touring, grants, experiments and creating tension in the mainstream all packed in this episode 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
Secret Theatre’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xosecrettheatre/
Dustin’s Website: http://xosecret.org
Links to Dustin’s Work
(We) Are Here - a live film made by hand:
https://vimeo.com/secrettheatre/wearehere
 
Farewell - a goodbye party for a city:
https://vimeo.com/41254465
 
Landline - a game of unlikely rendezvous:
https://vimeo.com/270431709
 
Less + More - a performance created with the help of an audience:
https://vimeo.com/363904686
 
How Quickly Things Change - a life story told through a costume quick change:
https://vimeo.com/720399030
 
Alone Together - self-generated theatre:
https://vimeo.com/secrettheatre/attrailer
 
Tickets to Mike's Marquee show Dec 8th: https://www.showpass.com/the-town-heroes-the-marquee/