Make It with Mike and Kristen

• Episode 160: The Power of The Pause

  Mike and Kristen are back—with a fresh look, renewed perspective, and big plans for the podcast! In this kickoff episode, we introduce the season’s new theme: Make It—a double entendre that explores both the act of making things and the evolving idea of “making it” as an artist or creative.   Today’s conversation centers around the importance of the pause. Whether it’s a five-minute breather, a weekend retreat, or stepping away from a major project (like... a podcast), we break down the value in slowing down to speed up.   We share personal stories of rest, recalibration, and how stepping back often brings the clarity needed to move forward with more intention and energy. From burnout recovery to creative breakthroughs, we unpack the ways intentional pauses have impacted our own journeys—and how you can integrate simple, sustainable pauses into yours.   In this episode: Why we paused the podcast—and what we learned The many forms a creative pause can take How short, medium, and long breaks can benefit your work and well-being Real-life strategies to help you integrate rest and reflection into your routine Our new vision for the show and what you can expect going forward   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

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• Episode 159: The Final Episode (For Now): SXSW Recap, Big Lessons & What’s Next

  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 biggest lessons we learned—about happiness, human connection, extraterrestrials (!), quantum computing, AI, the future of humanity, and what it means to be Canadian on a global stage. We also reflect on sacred moments, like working through life on Venice Pier and feeling the weight of inspiration from some of our greatest role models and thought leaders such as Michelle Obama, John Fogerty, Brené Brown, and Dr. Laurie Santos.   And, as we soak in all these experiences, we’ve realized that it’s time to hit pause. We’re stepping back from podcasting—not to say goodbye, but to make space for everything we’ve learned over the past while and come back with a fresh show! We’ll return with incredible guests, creative guidance and Nova Scotia pride.  Thank you for being on this journey with us. We can’t wait to share what’s next! Listen now & stay tuned for our return!   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

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• Episode 158: Mark Bezanson (Better Known as Mr.B) Reflects on 30 Years Teaching Music In the Annapolis Valley

  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 to new adventures—travel, performing with Joker’s Right Band, and celebrating his solo album Wire and Wood. We chat about our shared love for the Annapolis Valley, the beauty of Nova Scotia, and the importance of community in both music and life.   Mark is one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet, and his passion for music and people shines through in every story he shares. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with someone who was truly born to play!   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" by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com Mark’s Website: https://markbezanson.com/ Mark’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/mbezansonmusic/

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• Episode 157: Darcy Walsh Is the Heartbeat of East Coast Music

  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 this episode, Darcy takes us back to his roots in Pictou County, sharing how his first exposure to music sparked a lifelong passion. We dive into the joy he finds in sharing artists’ stories through East Coast DNA, the platform he built from the ground up—now earning him an ECMA nomination in the Media category!   If you love discovering new artists, supporting local music, or just hearing from someone who genuinely lives and breathes the East Coast sound, this one’s for you. Tune in and celebrate the guy who spends his time celebrating everyone else!   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 Darcy’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eastcoastdna Darcy’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastdna/

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• Episode 156: Terry Kelly is An Award-Winning Musician, Paralympic Athlete, and Order of Canada Recipient – Achieving It All by Seeing Beyond Limitations

  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-traveling performer, motivational speaker, and even a record-breaking athlete. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to connect with people on a heart level. He’s always up for an adventure (whether that’s running a sub-five-minute mile or performing for troops in Afghanistan) and we love that about him!   Losing his sight as a child never stopped Terry from seeing the world in his own way. He shares stories of resilience, of finding joy in the journey, and of using his challenges as fuel rather than barriers. His perspective will have you rethinking your own limits and maybe even pushing past a few of them.   This one’s a feel-good, can’t-miss conversation with a man who truly embodies what it means to live wide open. Tune in for some laughs, some wisdom, and maybe even a little inspiration to push your own boundaries.   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 Terry’s Website: https://www.terry-kelly.com/ Terry’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/terryjosephkelly/

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