Mike and Kristen
Welcome to Mike and Kristen, the podcast where creativity meets community, and soulful conversations pave the path to self-discovery. Hosted by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Mike and Kristen, this show dives deep into the lives of artists, community leaders, and risk-takers who inspire us with their unique journeys and insights. Kristen, who left her six-figure job in politics to be a full-time artist, and Mike, who has nearly 20 years experience as a professional musician, each bring a distinctive outlook to the unfolding of living a creative life. Recorded in-person at the cozy and intimate Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode offers long-form conversations that are as philosophical as they are hilarious, and as heart-warming as they are thought-provoking. Join us as we explore the essence of identity, the courage of creativity, and the power of community through the stories of those who dare to live life on their own terms.
Episodes
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
If you ask anyone in Nova Scotia who their entertainment lawyer is, you’re likely going to hear the name of this week’s guest, Matt Gorman. Although his clients are international, he’s always sharing tips, advice and expertise at the local level. Have you seen his freebie talks on Instagram?! We also dive into AI and the ethical nuances and legalities of the ever-changing entertainment industry. First a musician himself, this Yarmouthian understands the needs of his clients more than most!
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
Matt’s instagram: @oceantownmusic
Matt’s website: members.ditcommunity.com
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
You might know Kyle from his early performance days with The Caravan, who made a mark in the Halifax music scene with fast rhymes and good times. One of the hardest working pals we know, he’s always using his voice to amplify social issues, political unrest and even humour. He’s back in action with his new stage name, “Black Rook” and feels he’s truly found his creative voice. We chat about growing up and feeling like the out of place kid, how racial issues are still prevalent in policing and society and how back in the day Kyle consistently packed the Elephant and Castle with The Town Heroes and Three Sheet. PLUS, he brings us the most thoughtful presents ever!
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
Kyle's Instagram: @Blackrxxk
Kyle's TikTok: @blackrxxk
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Wednesday Apr 26, 2023
Rose Morrison’s first band might not look like your average idea of a touring musical group! She was only 12-years-old when she and three other kids formed the Cottars and rose to fame before even graduating high-school. She has played Carnegie Hall, sailed the open seas, collaborated with Glen Hansard (of the movie Once) and after all of that, found her way back to Big Baddeck where she has rooted her soul. We share laughs, tears and beautiful insights into her 12-step recovery for co-dependency. This episode truly touches our hearts and has wisdom for everyone to gain. PLUS, Rose closes the episode with a song she wrote with her friend Brendan Begley called “Hansard’s Wine.”
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
Rose’s instagram: @rosemorrisonmusic
Rose’s website: www.rosemorrison.com
Little Church Concerts: www.littlechurchconcerts.com
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Maggie Andrew has always claimed her unique identity, style, and outlook on life. She’s daring and brave and in this week’s episode we learn that these qualities have afforded her some pretty amazing experiences. From moving to Los Angeles to pursue music, to establishing herself in the Halifax scene, she is certainly turning heads and stealing hearts with her melodic and punchy sounds. She’s nominated for African Canadian Artist of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards and has the most pro videos, photos, fashion and stories to share. We learn about how some of her past trauma has led to her resilience and success and how music has become a reflection of her state of mind. We loved getting to know Maggie and can’t wait to hang out more! We know you’ll feel the same.
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
Maggie’s instagram: @maggiedandrew
Maggie’s website: https://www.maggiedandrew.com/
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Wednesday Apr 12, 2023
Isla Tompkins has had a special bond with animals since she arrived on planet earth. Her greatest teacher is Jane Goodall and best friends, her rescue animals. We chat about how First Nations communities consider animals part of their family, how climate change is impacting natural habitats and how podcasting has been natural vehicle for Isla to spread her message. She is particularly drawn to marine mammals, and being “the voice” for our friends who can’t necessarily speak for themselves. An inspiring kiddo to say the least!
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
Isla’s podcast: https://whatifwepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Petition to ban Elephant Ivory in Canada: https://www.change.org/p/you-can-make-history-ban-the-sale-of-elephant-ivory-in-canada-ivoryfreecanada?signed=true
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Dillon Garland has accomplished endless film milestones, creating everything from music videos to television to full-length features. He talks about meeting the Town Heroes and how they invited him to NYC for one of his first ever projects, how learning about his own ADHD, anxiety and depression has led to some of his most satisfying creative work, and the importance of discovering your authentic voice. We share a LOT of laughs, stories from the past and our top five recommended films. Get your watch list ready!
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
Dillon’s Twitter: @dillongarland
Links to The Town Heroes music videos we chatted about (all directed by Dillon)
New York City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNj6Q3K1KCQ
Slagheaps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8y47ypui5o
Cambridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzBVWxBAY8
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Pat Murphy is the heartbeat for so many bands, even he lost count of them all! With musical influences ranging in everything from video game soundtracks to “play with a band” karaoke nights in Montreal, his diverse skills make him a man in demand. We chat about his technique, approach to work-life balance, his idea of making it, and how not wearing a shirt shows off his impeccable abs. Pat is the nicest guy on the planet and we loved spending this time together!
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
Pat’s Instagram: @beardyholly
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Episode 53: Wayne Bedecki: Musician, Hockey Player, and Danny Zuko
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Cape Breton born Wayne Bedecki is a man of many talents! Hockey brought him to Halifax, but music made him stay. He’s recently released a brand-new album with many of the songs reflecting his struggle with addiction. He’s now celebrating 4-years of sobriety and pursuing all kinds of adventurous things like musical theatre and singing scales through straws. Such a positive, kind and humble guy. We loved this chat!
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
Wayne’s Instagram: @waynebedecki
Wayne’s Website: www.waynebedecki.com
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Episode 52: Mike and Kristen Celebrate Their ONE-YEAR Podcast Anniversary!
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
We reflect on the past 52 weeks of podcasting and all of the ways that this creative project has changed our lives. We chat about how the episodes have evolved, cracking the top 100 art podcasts in the world and give shout-outs to our guests for the magic they have shared with us. Lots of tips for starting your own podcast and lots of love shared for our world-wide listeners. THANK-YOU!
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
Mike’s Instagram: @michael_s_ryan
Kristen’s Instagram: @kristenherrington.art
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Episode 51: Katie Kelly is Your Entertainment Starlette and Our New Best Friend
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
You all know the sensational Katie Kelly from CTV News and today we turn the tables and learn all about her life! We chat about what a typical day looks like, manifesting dream jobs and our mutual infatuation with Kurt Browning. Katie is every bit as special and sweet as you would imagine and is in her natural element highlighting the accomplishments of others. She’s a recent Music Nova Scotia award recipient for Media Person of the Year AND is nominated for an ECMA. We love this woman!
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
Katie’s Instagram: @katiekellyhali
Mike and Kristen
Kristen quits her 6-figure government job to become a full time artist, Mike offers her tricks and tips from his 12 year career as a musician. The husband and wife duo discuss following dreams, living the life of a ”creative”, and all the ridiculous stories along the way. They share chapters from their travel/relationship book ”You and Me” and interview guests about their path to following their own dream. Hilarious, philosophical, and heart warming all at the same time. All music is Mike’s original songs.