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.
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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.
Episode 166: “A Stroke of Luck” with Author Bruce Hughes: Rock, Resilience, and Real Talk About Surviving A Near Death Experience
Make It with Mike and Kristen
1 hour 24 minutes 35 seconds
3 months ago
Episode 166: “A Stroke of Luck” with Author Bruce Hughes: Rock, Resilience, and Real Talk About Surviving A Near Death Experience
This week, we sit down with Bruce Hughes—author of the bestselling memoir A Stroke of Luck: Music, Medicine, and a Miraculous Recovery. Bruce's story begins in May 2017, when a series of rare strokes left him paralyzed from the neck down. What followed was an extraordinary journey of healing, hope, and yes—luck. But Bruce is quick to point out: the real miracle wasn’t divine intervention—it was the strength of community, expert medical care, and a deep belief in possibility.
Now a passionate advocate for stroke survivors, Bruce serves as the Patient Experience Advisor of Therapeutic Services at Horizon Health. He shares his lived experience with compassion, humour, and a desire to pay it forward—offering support to others who are facing the unthinkable.
We talk about how his book, published through our friends at Purple Porcupine Publishing, climbed to the top of the Atlantic Canadian Best Sellers List for three consecutive months—two of those at number one. But Bruce never set out to "make it" as an author or musician. For him, the fact that he’s here—writing, speaking, playing music—is more than enough.
Speaking of music, Bruce is also the rhythm guitarist for The UnHeard, a 70s-style rock band that brings his love of storytelling to the stage. He’s a songwriter, a singer, and a lifelong believer in the power of a good tune—and a good team.
In this episode, Bruce opens up about:
The terrifying moment everything changed
His path to recovery and the people who made it possible
Why he doesn’t see himself as a miracle, but a product of care and connection
The making of A Stroke of Luck and how it’s helping others
And how rock ’n’ roll is still very much part of the healing
Plus, we meet Willow—Bruce’s four-legged lifesaver—and reflect on what it really means to "make it." This is a story about resilience without ego, survival with soul, and the way music and medicine can sometimes dance together in unexpected harmony.
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
Bruce’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/purpleporcupinepublishing
Bruce’s Website: https://nimbus.ca/store/a-stroke-of-luck.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqrP7jY1IW_lA0oxScplUznNtBGwdY-GJU7BsGXzQyGlXjC1y5O
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.
