Mike and Kristen

Make It with Mike and Kristen

Arts EN ↓ 193 episodes

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...

Author

Mike and Kristen

Category

Arts

Podcast website

mikeandkristen.podbean.com

Latest episode

Feb 11, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 92: “In Your Head”: Kristen Interviews Mike About the Making of His New Hit Single 20.12.2023

The Town Heroes have been making music for over a decade and are now discovering fresh voices, sounds and songs. We wanted to do justice to the latest single from the band’s new album by dissecting the process, inspiration, compilation and life message. An important perspective on how we can let go of the daily chatter from our inner critic and step back for the broader view on our lives. Learn ab...

Episode 91: Carli Jeffrey is a Spiritual Therapist Who Has the Most Important Training of All: Personal Experience! 13.12.2023

In this important chat with Carli Jeffrey we cover everything from processing grief to book publishing to psychedelic therapy. A woman who has already lived 1000 lives it seems shares stories of how holding space for others led to burnout and how taking care of herself looks a little different than most alternative therapies. An honest, candid and reflective episode that will help you consider you...

Episode 90: From Funeral Director to Award-Winning Songstress, Terra Spencer Has Discovered a Whole New Life of Music, Touring and Taking Things as They Come 06.12.2023

Terra Spencer didn’t grow up with the dream of singing in front of sold-out audiences, touring the world sharing her creativity or accepting multiple awards for her talents, but that’s exactly what happened to her! She listened to the clues along the way and has always been open to making a cold-call that might lead to the next exciting adventure. Her hilarious personality and humble approach to t...

Episode 89: Skunk Motel is the Friend Group We All Wished We Had. On a Rapid Rise in the Music Industry, This Girl Band is Loud on Stage and Soft in the Studio 29.11.2023

Bonded by shared values, the Skunks show up exactly as they are and invite their fans to do the same. Sarah Ellen Morrison (vocals), Maya Taraschi (drums), Sara Eve (bass) and Katelyn Bo (guitar) share stories of representing women, feeling seen, sweating on stage and how doing it together is the band’s priority. We even had all four of them in the studio, Sara Eve on Facetime! Just over a year ol...

Episode 88: Dustin Harvey of Secret Theatre Is the Yoda of the Industry. We Chat About Using Public Spaces for Stages, AI In the Arts and How Pushing Boundaries Has Led to Special Experiences 22.11.2023

Dustin Harvey approaches his work with a wide lens, considering the philosophical “whys” and experiential outcomes. His audience is often incorporated into the performance, connecting for moments, feeling both present and pleasant. We learn about how sports offered an early-influence of challenging himself and how lessons from coaches and athletics are instilled in the creative process too. Secret...

Episode 87: John Mullane of Award-Winning “In-Flight Safety” Chats About Dad Life, Following His Intuition and Cherishing Time Above All Else 15.11.2023

Now in the role of producer, accomplished singer-songwriter and ROCK-STAR John Mullane reflects on his creative process. He is someone who allows his gut to guide him, and isn’t afraid to challenge himself. John has a beautiful wisdom when it comes to the music industry and lives his life with equal parts self-awareness! Did we mention he’s the guy with the delicious coffee supply at all the music...

Episode 86: Discover Your Enneagram Personality With Krista McNally, A True Creator of Experiences, Self-Awareness and Adventure 08.11.2023

Krista McNally guides us through the nine Enneagram types, evaluating each of the qualities discovered in each personality. This type of model unlocks and supports your journey of self-discovery and uncovers the patterns of behaviour that subconsciously drive and motivate us to behave in certain ways. Krista not only facilitates guided discovery session for individuals and couples, she also hosts...

Episode 85: Legendary Leith Fleming-Smith Reminds us That Each Moment is an Opportunity to Learn, Grow, and Make Someone Else in the Room Feel Groovy 01.11.2023

Leith Fleming-Smith recognizes the most important part of a performance is simply being yourself! Starting piano lessons with his next-door neighbour in small town Hubbards has since led to stadium shows, tours across the country, sold out venues and an adoring fan base. Leith shows us a different side to his life and how his guiding philosophy is embodied both on and off stage. A man who cherishe...

Episode 84: Max Bujold is a Rising Star in the New Brunswick Music Scene, Attributing Kindness, Karma and Connection to His Success 25.10.2023

Occupational Therapist by day and performing musician in every other spare moment, Max Bujold is simply having a great time. Prioritizing friendship and family have rooted him in northern New Brunswick where he and his band are touring, making videos and being nominated for awards already! Max talks about going through personal struggles and witnessing close friends experience mental health challe...

Episode 83: Krista Keough is a Legend in the Creative Industries, Recently Taking on the Role of the Artist! Her New Book “Dear Diary, It’s Me Stella” Will Bring You to Tears 18.10.2023

Inspired by the resilience and bravery of her rescue pup Stella, Krista Keough has just released her first children’s book that outlines the story of how this special connection was made between human and dog. She dreamed of this very circumstance, this very dog, and together they have created a beautiful story complimented by illustrations from Gina Stavrou. With a long history in artist manageme...

Episode 82: Cape Breton Musician, Aaron MacDonald Has Decades Worth of Experience, Family Values, Funny Stories from the Road and a Beautiful Outlook on Life 11.10.2023

This interview reveals a completely new perspective on musicianship and the music industry. Aaron MacDonald reflects on his career in music, sharing stories of using calling cards and pay phones to communicate with gig venues, how rehearsing a song isn’t always the most authentic approach to entertainment and how having a family has shifted his values. A true inspiration, Aaron speaks of the joy a...

Episode 81: Galactic Pie Opening Night. Mike & Kristen Talk About Their Collaboration, the Universe, God, Death and the Significance of October 7 04.10.2023

After an intense period of creation, out newest collaborative show “Galactic Pie” is almost ready. We explore ideas of connectivity, inclusion, what happens after we die, how we feel about religion and why this show in particular is a full-circle moment. This special show has taught us new things about ourselves and hope it does for you as well. Shout outs to our friends Sara Mader and Erin Lacerr...

Episode 80: Emcee Expedyte AKA Matt Kliffer of Three Sheet is Now a Professional Firefighter and Being a Rapper Helped Him Get the Gig 27.09.2023

Newlywed Matt Kliffer is fresh off a band reunion tour this summer with his beloved Halifax band “Three Sheet” that has recently released some fresh re-mixes (cleverly called Re-Sheet). We chat about the band’s fast success, awards won and how they always felt they were best experienced live. Mike reminiscences about Three Sheet Thursdays at Elephant and Castle and Kristen asks Matt to read lines...

Episode 79: Canada Adopts British Stand-Up Comic James Mullinger! Or Did He Adopt Us? 20.09.2023

We would describe James Mullinger as a risk-taker, boot-strapper and socially awkward kid turned life of the party. Oh, and he’s HILARIOUS!!! A true story of career determination and love for his family led James from London to Saint John, New Brunswick. Or was it Rothsay? Either way, he’s a true Canadian now and we’re so grateful to share this chat about the rocky entertainment industry road, how...

Episode 78: Deedee Morris Shows Up Raw and Real, Just Like Her Approach to Photography 13.09.2023

“Who cares?” is Deedee Morris’ response to everyone suddenly having a camera in their pocket. It’s the person, the approach and the commitment to the craft that sets photographers like her apart from the rest. Finding home in Nova Scotia, Deedee embraces nature and authenticity in her work. We chat about being seen through the lens, understanding a client’s emotion and how making time and space fo...

Episode 77: Comedian, TV Show Host and Producer Kristyn Green Hasn’t Yet Started Bottling Her Energy but We Sure Hope She Does SOON! 06.09.2023

Kristyn Green is the definition of a FIRECRACKER! She has followed the breadcrumbs to create an exciting and diverse career. Growing up in a small town made her feel like BEING ON TV wasn’t necessarily an option. Fast forward life and she is a successful stand-up comedian, television show host (Maritime Ink), live events host, producer and we imagine, everyone’s best friend. We chat about learning...

Episode 76: Sensational Sister Duo Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Tobin Are “Hearts of Kin” With Hearts of Gold 30.08.2023

Cape Breton born and based siblings wouldn’t want to partner with anyone else! Their connection is apparent having established their strengths, values and sound in an incredibly short period of time. We chat about the benefits of being faced with challenges and how those hardships help us grow into better versions of ourselves. Hearts of Kin’s music is authentically representational of the kindest...

Episode 75: Salt Sky Studio Dream Team, Kate & BJ Brown Are on a New Adventure Making Vibrant, Glowy, Unique Artwork 23.08.2023

Kate (Harnish) grew up in the iconic Shore Club Hubbards family and when she met her now husband BJ in high school, he too became part of the dance halls’ electric fun. Fast-forward twenty years and the two now run their own business! BJ, an HRM firefighter cuts intricate wood pieces that Kate then paints with bright, Nova Scotia scenes and inspirations. Their collaborative approach results in the...

Episode 74: Tommy Green Jr. Steals Our Hearts With His Charm, Entertainment and High-Vibe Energy 16.08.2023

A true showman, Tommy Green Jr. is what you might call the ideal podcast guest! Honest, funny and sweet as a family of pea-pods, we adored this time together!  We chat about psylocibin exploration, what’s it’s like to undergo a creative lull, working on cruise ships, singing and skating with the Halifax Mooseheads and so much more! An energetic conversation with one of Nova Scotia’s most celebrate...

Episode 73: Jackson Weldon is BACK For a One-Year Check-in On How Life As a Professional Musician Is Going 09.08.2023

Only 19-years old, this young-gun has stolen the hearts of many, including ours! On the heels of releasing his first single track (played at the end of the episode!), his first ticketed show and lots of press, we wanted to follow-up with Jackson on how the perception of this creative life measures up against the reality. We chat about the highs and lows, managing nerves and how youthful perspectiv...

Episode 72: We Are Young’s Katie Mahoney and Brad Farquhar of Purple Cow Internet (and S1 Winner of CBC’s Canada’s Ultimate Challenge) Will Make You Feel Like No Dream Is Too Big 02.08.2023

Allow us to introduce to the definition of power couple! Clear visions and intentional goal setting have led Katie and Brad to appreciate a shared spirit. Katie founded the “We Are Young” (WAY) Organization as a way of highlighting and celebrating our senior population through funding experiential “wishes”. Her recognition of these special souls has resulted in almost 50 fulfilled dreams for local...

Episode 71: We Chat With Award-Winning Musician Nicole Ariana About Going Through Transitions, Musical Influences, and How To Prioritize Peace 26.07.2023

2023 has been GOOOOOOD to Nicole Ariana whose sister is building her a shelf to hold all of her well-deserved hardware! Her provocative music videos, powerful lyrics and creative breadth have led this Nova Scotia singer to amazing accomplishments. We dig into the big stuff – what it’s like being in the middle of a transition and wanting people to see all sides of ourselves; how to balance work and...

Episode 70: Alicia Simms’ Resume is a Scroll! Tattoo Artist, Television Host, Blogger and Van Life Thriver 19.07.2023

Originally from Newfoundland, Alicia Simms found her Nova Scotian home in Truro and has been celebrating the small-town vibe ever since! Her tattoo artwork has a recognizable style and she has certainly paid her dues in establishing herself in the industry. She started highlighting small businesses and towns SO WELL, she was offered her own TV show to keep doing more of the same. We love this orga...

Episode 69: Sarah Irwin is a Whimsical Person Whose Wild and Wonderful Spirit Is Captured in Her Art 12.07.2023

A lifetime painter, sculpture, writer, gardener and inspiration leader, Sarah Irwin has no shortage of creative projects and stories. Her quirks and humour are reflected in the imaginative paintings she makes, and her sweet advice to other aspiring artists resonates deep. A long-time member of the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts (PCAFA), represented artist at 14 Bells Gallery and even a tre...

Episode 68: Hope Swinimer AKA ”Hope For Wildlife” is THE Nova Scotian Wild Animal Whisperer! 05.07.2023

We spend an unforgettable day on location of Hope For Wildlife’s animal rehabilitation facility in beautiful Seaforth, Nova Scotia. Hope shares her journey to developing the infrastructure, staff and philosophy that sees over 7000 wild animals a year! Hope talks about everything from funding to food to furry favourites, recorded live from her impressive sanctuary. We’re so grateful for this unique...

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