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.
Episodes
It’s the end of an era... but not forever! In this final episode of Mike and Kristen (as you know it), we take you along on our adventure through the U.S., sharing highlights from our second time attending SXSW, playing basketball in the rain in LA and how we were greeted with apologies in America. From a terrifying plane ride to an insane Austin bus adventure, we embraced every unexpected twist with open arms.
We dive into the big...
This week, we’re catching up with the one and only Mark Bezanson—a musician, educator, and all-around Nova Scotia treasure! From his early days studying at StFX to a decades-long teaching career (where Kristen even played in his band class!), Mark’s love for music has always been front and center.
Now in his final year of teaching at Middleton High School, he’s riding the emotional rollercoaster of retirement while looking ahead ...
This week, we’re hanging out with one of the biggest champions of East Coast music—Darcy Walsh! If you’re part of the scene, you already know his name. As the co-creator of East Coast DNA Podcast, Darcy has made it his mission to shine a light on the incredible talent coming out of Eastern Canada. Whether through interviews, live performances, or event spotlights, he’s always got his finger on the pulse of the music we love.
In t...
What happens when you mix unstoppable determination, a deep love for life, and a voice that can move a nation? You get Terry Kelly. Blind since childhood, Terry lost his sight but gained a vision for life that’s bigger than most of us could ever imagine. This episode is pure energy, wisdom, and inspiration wrapped up in a conversation with a guy who doesn’t believe in limits.
Terry’s done it all—award-winning musician, world-trav...
This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented Laura Rae—a musician, teacher, producer, and new mom who somehow manages to do it all! Growing up in northern New Brunswick, Laura was raised in a bilingual environment, which has shaped both her teaching career and her work as a musician.
Now based in Dartmouth, she runs The Guest Room, a music studio and rehearsal space where she supports local artists—especially women—through...
This week, we sit down with Tisha Parker Kemp, founder and principal of Shift Ed Academy. With over 25 years of experience in training and education—including more than 20 years in online learning—Tisha is a powerhouse when it comes to building high-quality training programs. Whether you’re looking to launch your own online course, refine your business strategy, or step into leadership, Tisha has the tools and expertise to help you...
This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented Rhys Waters, a documentary filmmaker, television & radio producer for the BBC, and comedy creator from the UK who found a new home—and a new career path—in Nova Scotia. As co-founder of Podstarter and host of Canada is Boring, Rhys has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world, helping creators bring their ideas to life with expert tech, sound, and promotion strategies.
We...
In this episode, we sit down with Sean McMullen—better known as ‘Saltwater Sean’—a passionate photographer, musician, and avid diver who spends his time exploring Nova Scotian waterways in search of hidden treasures. From old bottles to action figures, Sean has uncovered some truly fascinating relics, but today, we're focusing on a different side of his journey.
After a diving accident, Sean was left coping with hearing loss and ...
In this episode, we sit down with our good friend, the one and only David Beatriz, in his home studio for an insightful conversation about American politics, tech, and the importance of community. We first met Dave at SXSW last March and immediately connected over his sharp mind and kind heart. This guy is not just a brilliant tech genius (he went to MIT at 14!), but also an incredible storyteller and thoughtful friend.
During ou...
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Minnikin, one of Nova Scotia’s accomplished and versatile musicians. Gabe has played alongside some of the biggest names in Canadian music, from Blue Rodeo (where he played accordion) to Bahamas, Grammy Award-winning Gordie Sampson, Buck 65, and Kinley Dowling, he’s even changed a string on Travis Good’s (the Sadies) Gretsch guitar. But beyond his musical achievements, Gabe is a kind indivi...
In this episode, we sit down with Beck Keen, a master business coach, risk-taker, and powerhouse who blends spirituality, strategy, and science to guide entrepreneurs to real freedom in their coaching and consulting businesses. Beck opens up about her incredible journey—from sailing the world after a profound connection with the underwater world, to walking away from a "dream job" to pursue her true calling.
Beck shares how trust...
In this episode, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Asif Illyas, a veteran of the Canadian music scene and an ECMA Award-winning composer and musician. Asif has additionally made a name for himself in the world of film and television scoring, blending his classically trained musicianship with intuitive, innovative approaches to composition. A true intellect, we explore the depths of his creative process, spanning across a...
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Deborah Young, a well-known intuitive astrologer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who offers us a deep dive into the powerful energies of astrology and how they’ll shape our lives in 2025 and beyond. Deborah brings her vast knowledge and experience to help us better understand our natal charts, and how we can lean into our own intuition as we prepare for a year of significant change.
2...
Shaina Falcone is a certified group fitness instructor, personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and nutrition coach with a passion for helping people build healthy habits that last. As a mom of two boys, Shaina understands the challenges of balancing health goals with a busy life, making her one of the relatable influencers out there! Her philosophy is rooted in creating manageable, step-by-step changes that fit seamlessly into her c...
Sending holiday wishes to all of our listeners this season! We reflect on our past and current Christmas traditions; from food to films to buying our Charlie Brown tree from Santa Claus himself. Kristen gets her childhood Desert Storm card back and Mike releases a new song called, “Everyone’s Crying on Christmas Day”. From our family to ours, we hope you have a wonderful celebration!
Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca
Jenny Johnson paints what she loves—pop culture, Star Trek, sci-fi, and all things fantasy! Her meticulously crafted oil paintings, born of detailed planning and an undeniable passion for the futuristic and otherworldly, have garnered international attention. From showcasing her work at Hal-Con to connecting with creatives behind the Star Trek franchise, Jenny's art has truly taken off, with custom commissions keeping her booked we...
Meet Jen Boyne, the mastermind behind some of the most dazzling hand-sewn Western and stage wear you’ve ever seen. From rhinestone-studded suits to capes adorned with album-inspired overlays, her designs are pure showstoppers. Jen’s creations have dressed stars like The Trailer Park Boys, Elliott Brood, Christina Martin, and, most recently, Morgan Toney—who shone in her suit at the Boston Tree Lighting!
But there’s more to Jen than...
Ontario based entertainers Cassie Noble and Warren Frank got to know each other on the road! They became fast friends and now cherish similar qualities like taking time in nature, thoughtful conversation and knowing how their styles complement each other in the house concert environment (that is, Gamekeeper balances out Cassie’s classic sad songs!). We talk about the writing process, Cassie’s influences and the brilliant concept be...
Tenille Goodspeed is just under nine months into her new role as Executive Director of Halifax Jazz Fest, one of Halifax’s most prominent cultural celebrations. With a strong background in marketing, music, and community building, Tenille brings a wealth of expertise to this multi-day festival. In our conversation, she shared her passion for bringing people together, the initial spark that drew her to the role, and the importance o...
We first met Jordan and Joelle at the East Coast Music Awards in Charlottetown, PEI, where a brief live-stage interview left us eager for a longer conversation. Recently, we got that chance during their Nova Scotia stop on the album release tour for their latest project, Red Sky. This talented duo from coastal Newfoundland has hosted countless house concerts and artist residencies, making their home a vibrant hub for creativity. De...
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