Make It with Mike and Kristen

We’re back for round two with the one and only Ria Mae — and just in time for the release of her brand-new full-length album, Two, dropping this weekend!

Ria talks about what’s changed this time around — from promotion to production — and how focusing less on perfection and more on authenticity has shaped both the music and her mindset. She shares how running her career like a small business has brought her clarity (and saved her from buying one from a Boomer), and why that practical shift has been key to her creative freedom.

We chat about cheering on the Halifax Tides women’s soccer team, finding real value in TikTok, and setting boundaries to stay healthy and grounded. As fellow creatives, we also talk about the energy it takes to stay prolific — something Ria manages with ease and intention.

Ria Mae is a JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter known for hits like “Clothes Off” and “Bend.” With Two, she’s showing what happens when you let go of pressure and make art on your own terms.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Ria’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/riaisawake

Ria’s Website: https://www.riamae.com/

Ria’s Tour Schedule: https://www.riamae.com/#shows

This week we’re joined by the remarkable Lisa Nasson — a Mi’kmaq actor, director, and storyteller whose warmth, humour, and depth instantly drew us in. After seeing her perform at Neptune Theatre, we knew we had to have her on the show. Since then, Lisa has become not only an inspiring guest but also a true friend (and yes, we’re still waiting to hear if she and her partner Mitchell found that special spoon rest!).

Lisa recently wowed audiences with her original play “Mischief”, which she wrote, directed, and starred in. The production tells the story of Brooke — a young Mi’kmaw woman torn between her cultural identity, the everyday realities of working in her uncle’s convenience store, and the larger questions of reconciliation and heritage in a society still reckoning with its past. Both hilarious and heartfelt, Mischief asks how one woman can carry the resilience of her ancestors while embracing her existence in the modern world.

In our conversation, Lisa opens up about her upbringing in Millbrook First Nation, growing up around community theatre (where her mom was often the star!), and how the collaborative spirit of writing for theatre has reshaped her creative outlook. We explore what it means to hold space for Indigenous stories, to find joy in the process, and to keep mischief — and laughter — close at hand.

Lisa’s career has taken her from George Brown College to the Stratford Festival’s Birmingham Conservatory, from teaching at Neptune Theatre School and Young People’s Theatre to serving as Associate Artistic Director at Native Earth Performing Arts. Her voice — first heard as Olemaun in Fatty Legs with Xara Choral Theatre — continues to echo through all her work, grounded in gratitude, strength, and the courage of her ancestors.

Join us for an episode filled with laughter, insight, and heart — and a celebration of a woman who’s redefining what it means to create, connect, and make a little mischief along the way.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Lisa’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/lisanasson/?hl=en

Lisa’s Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/lisa-nassan

This week’s guest is the radiant and soulful Avery Dakin, an artist who completely stole our hearts the first time we heard her perform at a songwriter’s circle at Togetherland. Her youthful glow and gentle spirit are beautifully contrasted by vocals that feel timeless — rich, emotional, and wise beyond her years. Avery’s blend of Pop and R&B feels both nostalgic and new, steeped in vintage sensibilities and powerful emotion that draw you right in.

A 2024 East Coast Music Award nominee for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and a Music Nova Scotia nominee for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, Avery is riding a well-earned wave of recognition for her debut album Bloom — a soothing, intimate meditation on growth, self-discovery, and mental wellness. With tracks that shimmer with honesty and heart, it’s easy to see why Canadian Beats called her recent single Too Close “raw, unapologetic, and totally relatable.”

In this episode, we talk with Avery about the life experiences that shaped her music, the warmth and acceptance she’s found within the East Coast arts community, and how she’s learned to define success on her own terms — realizing that, in many ways, she already has made it.

Avery’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and teacher is undeniable — but it’s her kindness, vulnerability, and creative joy that truly set her apart.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Avery’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/averydakin_

Avery’s Website: https://averydakinmusic.com/

This week, we’re honoured to welcome Inverness, Cape Breton’s beloved literary hero, Frank MacDonald — an author whose work captures the rhythm, humour, and humanity of small-town life. Frank shares stories from his adventurous travels and humble beginnings growing up in a coal mining community, and how he’s spent a lifetime borrowing, shaping, and preserving the tales of his neighbours through his writing.

We talk about the enduring impact of his late wife Virginia, his companion and creative collaborator for 38 years, whose love and spirit continue to inspire his words. From his award-winning novels A Forest for Calum and A Possible Madness to his iconic satirical columns in the Inverness Oran, Frank’s storytelling legacy is woven into the cultural fabric of Cape Breton.

This episode also celebrates a major milestone — the 20th anniversary of A Forest for Calum — marked by a special event hosted by the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. 

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Frank’s Website: https://www.invernessarts.com/all-upcoming-events/a-forest-for-calum-20th-anniversary

This week on Make It with Mike & Kristen, we welcome the wonderfully talented Angela Jane Lavender, Togetherland’s guest artist for the month of October. Angela’s mixed media paintings are an expressive dance of colour, texture, and energy — each piece filled with movement, intricate details, and thousands of tiny dots that draw the viewer deep into her vibrant world.

Growing up as the middle child of five in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Angela’s creativity bloomed early (even if it meant decorating the furniture and walls before paper caught her attention). After earning top honours from Sheridan College’s Visual and Creative Arts Program, she has continued to build a thriving art career that balances motherhood, teaching, and professional artistry — all while keeping her curiosity and intuition alive.

In this episode, Angela opens up about the ups and downs of being a full-time artist, finding her audience, and what “making it” means to her. She shares how she finally found her artistic voice — one that captures women, light, and energy — and how she integrates numerology and witchy elements into her creative process.

Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation about perseverance, play, and the power of following your artistic instincts.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Angela’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/angelajanelavender

Angela’s Website: https://angelajanelavender.com/

This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we sit down with the extraordinary Gabrielle Papillon — a multi-dimensional artist with roots in dance, music, theatre, academics, and producing. Despite her long list of accomplishments, Gab speaks honestly about what it means to “make it” as an artist in today’s world, and how her own definition of success continues to evolve.

Her latest project, Mind the Light, is a two-act original queer musical inspired by her family history. Drawing from the story of her great-grandmother’s birth in a storm-battered lighthouse, Gabrielle reimagines a world where her ancestors stayed and fought to keep the light. The workshop concert reading debuts December 10 at The Sanctuary in Dartmouth.

In this raw, authentic, and wide-ranging conversation, Gabrielle opens up about everything from perimenopause to the cultural industries in Nova Scotia, to the joys and struggles of creating ambitious work on her own terms. She’s a true creative spirit, and we’re proud to celebrate her story.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Gabrielle’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabpapillon/

Gabrielle’s Website: https://www.gabriellepapillon.com/

Mind the Light Tickets: https://www.gabriellepapillon.com/mind-the-light

This week’s episode is a bittersweet one. After three years of concerts, workshops, markets, open mics, art-making, and friendship building, we’re officially closing the doors of Togetherland Art Gallery. What started as a temporary home for us after being evacuated from our house grew into a vibrant creative hub that fostered connection, bravery, and joy in our community.

It has been an incredibly emotional summer—filled with feelings of grief, fear, and even failure—but also hope and excitement for what’s ahead. In this conversation, we share the story of closing Togetherland while we’re still in the thick of transition, not just looking back once everything feels comfortable.

If you’ve ever faced a major life change—expected or not—we hope this episode feels like sitting down with friends who understand. Endings are never easy, but they can be the start of something new.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com 

This week we’re joined by writer and comedian Bryn Pottie, who proves that sometimes the best material is hiding right in your hometown. Bryn takes us on a hilarious tour of his journey from “comedy college” in Toronto (where, as he admits, none of the credits transferred) to performing on stages across North America, writing for TV, and eventually returning to Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

We dive into his debut novel, The Great Lunenburglary, a witty love letter to Lunenburg that’s capturing the attention of both tourists and locals alike. It’s a story of how a group of teenagers steal the Bluenose. We can all relate to the mischievous temptation! 

Bryn shares how his comedy roots shaped his storytelling, why being back in Nova Scotia inspired him to finally write his first book, and what it’s like to balance humor, nostalgia, and a touch of mischief on the page.

It’s a conversation full of laughs, local pride, and proof that you really can come home again—especially if you bring a few good punchlines with you.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com 

Bryn’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/brynpottie/?hl=en

Bryn’s Website: https://www.brynpottie.com/

This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we’re joined by the incomparable Richie Wilcox — performer, playwright, and co-founder of the trailblazing performance company, HEIST.

Richie takes us home to New Waterford, Cape Breton, where his latest show Coal Bowl Queen was inspired by the legendary Coal Bowl basketball tournament that’s been bringing teams together since 1982. We talk about the show’s launch at Alderney Landing on September 11, and how Richie’s deep roots continue to fuel his creativity.

From sharing the stage with Rita MacNeil as a child, to placing in the top 10 on Canadian Idol, to meeting his husband Aaron Collier at Halifax’s own Reflections, Richie’s story is one of fearless authenticity and constant reinvention. We explore his decision to leave behind an academic path for a life devoted to art, how he’s carved out space for bold, unconventional work, and why he continues to inspire audiences across Canada.

Funny, thoughtful, and endlessly talented, Richie is a reminder that true artistry comes from living unapologetically and making space for others to do the same.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com 

Richie’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/newwaterfordboy/

Coal Bowl Queen Tickets: https://www.easternfronttheatre.com/coal-bowl-queen

Our guest this week is the wildly talented Stef Bénac — a musician, tarot reader, and all-around energy factory. You might know Stef from her work with Factory Girls, dreamy new project Bring Me Sleep, or her spiritual and creative practice, Bénac Magick.

We dive into Stef’s world of music and meaning — from the influences that shaped her sound to the powerful role of songwriting as deep storytelling. Stef opens up about energy work, reiki, and even ghostly encounters, sharing how intuition and creativity intertwine in both art and life. She even shared a tarot reading with us after the mics shut off. A truly profound experience from one of the best intuitive workers we’ve encountered!

We also explore the origin story behind Factory Girls, how collaboration fuels inspiration, and the values that ground Stef’s unique style and community-driven approach.

An artist who radiates kindness, good vibes, and limitless creativity. This conversation is a reminder of how art, energy, and spirit can lift us all up.

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: [email protected] 

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

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com 

Stef’s IG: Benac Magick: @benac.magick, Bring Me Sleep: @bring.me.sleep, Factory Girls: @factorygirls.band 

Stef’s YouTube (Factory Girls): https://m.youtube.com/@factorygirlsband?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMS2AZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHlebzs0jGoqcjbumXkYXgBYJSd9C2cvzu3VihpxNNY-V9fi-vyXlzT9t9ETr_aem_Zg4picx4RRatQYy02unjOA