This week we’re joined by the remarkable Lisa Nasson — a Mi’kmaq actor, director, and storyteller whose warmth, humour, and depth instantly drew us in. After seeing her perform at Neptune Theatre, we knew we had to have her on the show. Since then, Lisa has become not only an inspiring guest but also a true friend (and yes, we’re still waiting to hear if she and her partner Mitchell found that special spoon rest!).
Lisa recently wowed audiences with her original play “Mischief”, which she wrote, directed, and starred in. The production tells the story of Brooke — a young Mi’kmaw woman torn between her cultural identity, the everyday realities of working in her uncle’s convenience store, and the larger questions of reconciliation and heritage in a society still reckoning with its past. Both hilarious and heartfelt, Mischief asks how one woman can carry the resilience of her ancestors while embracing her existence in the modern world.
In our conversation, Lisa opens up about her upbringing in Millbrook First Nation, growing up around community theatre (where her mom was often the star!), and how the collaborative spirit of writing for theatre has reshaped her creative outlook. We explore what it means to hold space for Indigenous stories, to find joy in the process, and to keep mischief — and laughter — close at hand.
Lisa’s career has taken her from George Brown College to the Stratford Festival’s Birmingham Conservatory, from teaching at Neptune Theatre School and Young People’s Theatre to serving as Associate Artistic Director at Native Earth Performing Arts. Her voice — first heard as Olemaun in Fatty Legs with Xara Choral Theatre — continues to echo through all her work, grounded in gratitude, strength, and the courage of her ancestors.
Join us for an episode filled with laughter, insight, and heart — and a celebration of a woman who’s redefining what it means to create, connect, and make a little mischief along the way.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen
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: “A Day in the Life"
Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords
Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com
Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com
Lisa’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/lisanasson/?hl=en
Lisa’s Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/lisa-nassan
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