Make It with Mike and Kristen – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, we sit down with none other than Luke Boyd, a.k.a. Classified – legendary Canadian rapper, record producer, and proud Nova Scotian – and his incredible wife Kim, who joins us for her very first podcast interview (and totally nails it). She declares, "I run the ship," and Luke replies, "I am the ship," and this pretty much sums up their dynamic and success!

We dive deep into:

- Luke’s lifelong relationship with Hip-Hop and staying grounded in Enfield, Nova Scotia - His rise to fame, working with icons like Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, DJ Premier, and more

- The stories behind his latest album "Luke’s View" - The power of family, fatherhood, and the rock-solid partnership he shares with Kim - The whirlwind of awards, accolades, and staying true to self, amidst it all

With over 285 million streams, multiple JUNO Awards, being a JUNO host, and a trophy shelf full of Much Music Video Awards and East Coast Music Awards, Classified has solidified his place as a Canadian hip-hop trailblazer. And behind the beats and bars is a tight-knit family, a deep respect for where he comes from, and a wife who keeps the whole thing moving.

We’re beyond grateful to have had both Luke and Kim join us for this heartfelt, hilarious, and honest conversation. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you’ll walk away loving them even more than you thought possible.

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

We’re joined by the effortlessly charming sister duo Moira & Claire, whose lighthearted indie folk-pop is winning hearts from coast to coast. Born on one side of Canada and now rooted in Halifax, Nova Scotia, these two have been singing together since long before they started releasing music—and yes, they do break into harmonies during this episode. It’s like a second language for them!

We caught their sets at SXSW and knew we had to get them on the podcast. In this conversation, we talk about:

• The first songs they ever wrote 
• How going viral with cover songs helped open creative doors
• The delicate juggle of day jobs, passion projects, and defining success on your own terms
• Why sometimes, you don’t realize you’ve “made it” until you’re living in the moment

Moira & Claire bring joy, humour, and a fresh perspective to what it means to pursue a creative life. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your artistic journey, this episode will leave you smiling—and maybe humming along.

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

Their site: https://moiraandclaire.bandcamp.com/

Moira & Claire’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/moiraandclaire/?hl=en

This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented Rhys Waters, a documentary filmmaker, television & radio producer for the BBC, and comedy creator from the UK who found a new home—and a new career path—in Nova Scotia. As co-founder of Podstarter and host of Canada is Boring, Rhys has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world, helping creators bring their ideas to life with expert tech, sound, and promotion strategies.

We chat about his journey from TV and documentaries to full-time podcast production, the growth of his business in Halifax, and what makes a great podcast stand out. Rhys is also the mastermind behind some of our favourite shows, including Nancy Regan’s Canadian Love Map—which we were lucky enough to be guests on!

With his signature humour, storytelling skills, and industry expertise, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start their own podcast or level up their existing show.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a podcast, this episode will give you the inspiration, knowledge, and laughs to get started!

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Rhys’s Website: https://www.podstarter.io/

Rhys’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyswaters/

This episode is perfect for anyone searching for their best-suited career path, or businesses looking to recruit the ideal employee! Jen manages her business the same way she approaches her life: off the beaten path. She considers not only your hard career skills but prioritizes what excites you, what you value, what you want your lifestyle to look like. We walk through some sample questions and considerations to ask yourself, plus she offers (free) weekly strategy calls to explore her style and offerings. A valuable chat jam packed with self-reflection. And a little sports talk for fun ☺

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Jen’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenwarrington/

Jen’s Thursday Strategy calls: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYofuCqpzwsE9LlbwOZNGAatYSzJ8bMhNtd?_x_zm_rtaid=EL8caapURnumFkG27IezVQ.1684865487938.af7cd066d75a5a635b4b4ff8fe07f97c&_x_zm_rhtaid=227#/registration

These energetic fellas make up 2/3 of a Halifax band on the rise, Kids Losing Sleep. Having gone through some recent changes in the composition of their band, they feel they’re in a better spot both personally and creatively – “in the flow” as we chat about! We share stories of how life as an artist was impacted by a global lock-down, how finding common values is a priority in the synergy of a group and what the formula was for finding each other. Lots of laughs and insights shared on this episode!

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Kids Losing Sleep instagram: @kidslosingsleep

Kids Losing Sleep website: https://www.kidslosingsleep.com/

June 9 show tickets: https://www.showpass.com/kids-losing-sleep-ep-release-party-the-seahorse/

If you ask anyone in Nova Scotia who their entertainment lawyer is, you’re likely going to hear the name of this week’s guest, Matt Gorman. Although his clients are international, he’s always sharing tips, advice and expertise at the local level. Have you seen his freebie talks on Instagram?! We also dive into AI and the ethical nuances and legalities of the ever-changing entertainment industry. First a musician himself, this Yarmouthian understands the needs of his clients more than most!

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Matt’s instagram: @oceantownmusic

Matt’s website: members.ditcommunity.com

You might know Kyle from his early performance days with The Caravan, who made a mark in the Halifax music scene with fast rhymes and good times. One of the hardest working pals we know, he’s always using his voice to amplify social issues, political unrest and even humour. He’s back in action with his new stage name, “Black Rook” and feels he’s truly found his creative voice. We chat about growing up and feeling like the out of place kid, how racial issues are still prevalent in policing and society and how back in the day Kyle consistently packed the Elephant and Castle with The Town Heroes and Three Sheet. PLUS, he brings us the most thoughtful presents ever! 

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Kyle's Instagram: @Blackrxxk

Kyle's TikTok: @blackrxxk

Rose Morrison’s first band might not look like your average idea of a touring musical group! She was only 12-years-old when she and three other kids formed the Cottars and rose to fame before even graduating high-school. She has played Carnegie Hall, sailed the open seas, collaborated with Glen Hansard (of the movie Once) and after all of that, found her way back to Big Baddeck where she has rooted her soul. We share laughs, tears and beautiful insights into her 12-step recovery for co-dependency. This episode truly touches our hearts and has wisdom for everyone to gain. PLUS, Rose closes the episode with a song she wrote with her friend Brendan Begley called “Hansard’s Wine.” 

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Rose’s instagram: @rosemorrisonmusic

Rose’s website: www.rosemorrison.com

Little Church Concerts: www.littlechurchconcerts.com

Maggie Andrew has always claimed her unique identity, style, and outlook on life. She’s daring and brave and in this week’s episode we learn that these qualities have afforded her some pretty amazing experiences. From moving to Los Angeles to pursue music, to establishing herself in the Halifax scene, she is certainly turning heads and stealing hearts with her melodic and punchy sounds. She’s nominated for African Canadian Artist of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards and has the most pro videos, photos, fashion and stories to share. We learn about how some of her past trauma has led to her resilience and success and how music has become a reflection of her state of mind. We loved getting to know Maggie and can’t wait to hang out more! We know you’ll feel the same. 

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Maggie’s instagram: @maggiedandrew

Maggie’s website: https://www.maggiedandrew.com/

Isla Tompkins has had a special bond with animals since she arrived on planet earth. Her greatest teacher is Jane Goodall and best friends, her rescue animals. We chat about how First Nations communities consider animals part of their family, how climate change is impacting natural habitats and how podcasting has been natural vehicle for Isla to spread her message. She is particularly drawn to marine mammals, and being “the voice” for our friends who can’t necessarily speak for themselves. An inspiring kiddo to say the least! 

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: "The Walk" Outro song: "The Jam" both by Mike’s band The Town Heroes - www.thetownheroes.com

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Isla’s podcast: https://whatifwepodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Petition to ban Elephant Ivory in Canada: https://www.change.org/p/you-can-make-history-ban-the-sale-of-elephant-ivory-in-canada-ivoryfreecanada?signed=true