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.
All content for Make It with Mike and Kristen is the property of Mike and Kristen and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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 172: From Cape Breton to Country Pop Stardom: Taylor Jensen’s Story
Make It with Mike and Kristen
1 hour 24 minutes 37 seconds
2 months ago
Episode 172: From Cape Breton to Country Pop Stardom: Taylor Jensen’s Story
Cape Breton’s latest rising star, Taylor Jensen, joins us for a heartfelt conversation about her music, her roots, and the winding path that’s brought her to this moment.
Taylor’s style is the perfect mix of classic country storytelling with a modern pop-country edge—like a sip of sweet tea with just the right amount of spice. Her debut single End the Road earned her a spot on Spotify’s New Music Friday Country and Fresh Finds Country playlists, and her latest single “Strange” is everything you want in a beautifully executed work of art. She is a gentle spirit with fire and spice in her creative approach.
We dive into:- Growing up in a small Cape Breton town of 1200 and finding her voice in the music scene- Her connection to spirituality and how she’s embracing her “witchy” side- Navigating some of the biggest performances of her career while experiencing the grief of losing her mother- The balance of being soft yet fierce, vulnerable yet resilient
-Her upcoming Songwriter’s Circle at Togetherland Art Gallery (August 30) with collaborators Timothy Hatcher and Avery Dakin
Taylor is an old soul with a youthful heart, and one of the most exciting voices in country music right now. We’re so proud to share her story and can confidently say: she’s absolutely one to watch.
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
Taylor’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsjusttaylorjensen/
Taylor’s Website: https://taylordelaneyjensen.com/home
Songwriter’s Circle at Togetherland: https://kristenherringtonart.com/event/6195507/730065768/songwriters-circle-featuring-taylor-jenson-timothy-hatcher-and-avery-dakin
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.
