Mike and Kristen

About 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.

Publisher

Mike and Kristen

Category

arts · business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

6 Mar 2022

Latest episode

11 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

194 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Episode 193: Adam Nimmo on Drummer to Drummer and Giving Drummers the Spotlight

   This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Adam Nimmo — touring drummer, creative force, and the mind behind the project Drummer to Drummer. The concept is beautifully simple: a drummer talks to a drummer… and then they drum together. Through Drummer to Drummer, Adam has carved out space for the musicians who keep the heartbeat of bands alive but don’t always get the spotlight. He’s sat down with some of the drumming greats, including Josh Trager (Sam Roberts Band), Loel Campbell (Wintersleep), and Steve Lamos (American Football), capturing conversations that are equal parts technical, personal, and deeply human. As a successful touring drummer himself, Adam recognized a gap in music media — drummers are often overshadowed by singers and front-of-stage personalities. This project is his answer: a platform that celebrates the craft, the discipline, and the community of drummers. In this episode, we dig into Adam’s wild touring adventures, dreams that unexpectedly came true, and how values and ambitions shift as we age. We talk about what “making it” really means, how that definition evolves over time, and the passion that keeps artists going long after the novelty wears off. This conversation is full of heart, rhythm, and reverence — not just for the instrument, but for the people who dedicate their lives to it. Whether you’re a drummer, a music lover, or someone navigating your own evolving dreams, this one hits deep. 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 Adam’s YouTube site: https://youtube.com/drummertodrummer Adam’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/adamcaldwellnimmo/?hl=en Drummer to Drummer IG: https://www.instagram.com/drummertodrummer/?hl=en

2. 

   28 Jan 2026

   Episode 192: How a Pair of Skates Sparked a Novel: Shawn Lawlor on Boom Road

   This week on the podcast, we sit down with first-time novelist Shawn Lawlor, author of Boom Road — a darkly funny, tender, and at times violent debut novel set in rural New Brunswick in 1982. Boom Road follows Jackie O’Connor, a sawmill worker living a simple life along the banks of the Miramichi River. Jackie believes in one thing above all else: keeping your word. But when he unexpectedly inherits a large sum of money, his quiet world is thrown into chaos. Old ghosts resurface, trust becomes slippery, and suddenly everyone wants something from him. With his dog Ruby by his side and a canoe beneath him, Jackie navigates a rapidly shifting moral landscape, trying to keep both his balance and his integrity intact. Shawn joins us to talk about the very ordinary moment that sparked the first line of the book — spotting a pair of skates hanging in someone’s garage during a COVID-era walk — and how what began as a simple writing exercise slowly revealed itself to be something much bigger. Before he knew it, he was working with a publisher and holding a novel in his hands. We also talk about: Growing up in Miramichi, New Brunswick, and how hometowns quietly shape our creative instincts Writing characters and places that feel deeply familiar — the kinds of people we all recognize from our own communities Shawn’s creative life outside of writing, including theatre, music, and stand-up comedy His time teaching in Japan and how living abroad influenced his perspective and storytelling Why you don’t need to be a full-time artist to make meaningful, resonant work Shawn is funny, generous, and a natural storyteller, and this conversation is a reminder that creativity often begins not with ambition, but with attention — noticing the small details, trusting curiosity, and following the thread wherever it leads. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s room in your life to make something creative alongside everything else, this episode is for you. 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 Shawn’s site: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/boom-road/9781998122073.html Shawn’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/shawnlawlor/?hl=en

3. 

   21 Jan 2026

   Episode 191: Intuitive Astrologer Deborah Young Offers a 2026 Cosmic Forecast

   Episode 191: Intuitive Astrologer Deborah Young Offers a 2026 Cosmic Forecast This week on the podcast, we sit down with intuitive astrologer Deborah Young to explore the cosmic energies shaping 2026. With deep astrological knowledge and spiritual insight, Deborah helps translate what the universe has in store — and why this year may be unlike anything we’ve experienced before. In this conversation, we explore: The January New Moon and what it signals for personal beginnings, intention-setting, and making space for what’s next The February Eclipse and its role as a catalyst for deep transformation on both personal and collective levels What it means to be entering the Year of the Fire Horse, a cycle associated with momentum, courage, and accelerated change Astrological chart readings for the United States and Canada, offering insight into the collective themes emerging in each country Why 2026 brings cosmic activity we have never experienced before, and how to meet it with awareness rather than fear Deborah encourages us to remain hopeful, to see ourselves as global actors, and to step into the fullest expression of who we are. This is a powerful and grounding conversation that invites listeners to prepare for the year ahead from a place of clarity, presence, and trust. Key Takeaways: 2026 carries rare and potent astrological energy that supports transformation when approached with grounded awareness Seeing ourselves as participants in collective evolution allows us to engage with uncertainty more consciously Astrology can serve as a practical and spiritual tool for navigating change with confidence and hope About Deborah Young: Deborah Young is a psychic and karmic astrologer whose work bridges sacred symbolism and practical insight. She believes each person’s birth chart reveals their unique purpose and spiritual intentions, and she draws on classical, mundane, predictive, and psychological astrology to help people better understand their life path. Deborah is also versed in numerology, runes, auras, tarot, and intuitive work, integrating these tools into her readings to support healing, self-awareness, and movement from pain into purpose. 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 Deborah’s site: https://www.deborahyoungastrology.com/ Deborah’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/deborah_young_astrology/

Who has been a guest on Mike and Kristen

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Joel Plaskett
• Luke Boyd
• Classified
• Kim Boyd
• Moira

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

170,865

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

65 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 90 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

95

Social presence

94

YouTube

82

Engagement

85

Contact Mike and Kristen

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Mike and Kristen