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 173: Andrew MacLeod: Teacher, Songwriter, Musician, Basketball Coach, Best Friend of Mike
Make It with Mike and Kristen
1 hour 32 minutes 42 seconds
2 months ago
Episode 173: Andrew MacLeod: Teacher, Songwriter, Musician, Basketball Coach, Best Friend of Mike
This week we’re joined by Andrew MacLeod, frontman of the Windsor-based rock band Years of Ernest. Growing up in Cape Breton as the youngest of seven, Andrew reflects on the creative influence of his father, award-winning Canadian author Alistair MacLeod, and his equally inspiring mother who helped shape his artistic mind. Now a full-time teacher, Andrew is home for a summer visit and found time to join us in the Hot Jupiter Sounds studio!
Andrew and Mike go way back—bonding first on the basketball court before starting a band together and eventually chasing music full-time after a fateful summer decision to quit school. In this episode, you’ll hear hilarious tales from the early “Billy’s Flick” days, stories of shenanigans on and off the stage, and how their lifelong friendship has been woven through both The Town Heroes and Years of Ernest songs.
Andrew’s thoughtful reflections, quick wit, and genuine storytelling make this a deep dive into a brilliant (and busy) mind.
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
Andrew’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/yearsofernest/?hl=en
Andrew’s Website: https://yearsofernest.bandcamp.com/album/sort-it-out
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.
