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: 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

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: 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

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

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

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

Whether you’re brand new to making things, stuck in a creative rut, or just looking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with quick, practical tips that have personally worked for us.

We’re sharing our top six ways to spark creativity—covering everything from carving out dedicated time to create, to why simply starting is the most important step, to rethinking what creativity can look like beyond traditional art forms.

Fast, fun, and full of takeaways to get you moving on your next creative idea!

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

This week’s guest is the incomparable Hughie Batherson—a man who doesn’t just talk about what matters to him, he acts on it. From learning French as an adult to becoming a bilingual performer, Hughie embodies dedication, curiosity, and courage. His first-ever attempt at standup comedy? He won a Juste pour rire (Just for Laughs) competition. Since then, he’s become a sought-after comic and motivational speaker across the country.

Hughie shares how he doesn’t consider himself funny in his day-to-day life, but brings infectious energy to the stage—where humour becomes his tool for connection, education, and impact. A former teacher and professor with a Master’s in Education focused on the role of humour in learning, Hughie brings both heart and hilarity to every audience he meets.

We chat about language, taking creative risks, and the power of storytelling—and we were surprised and thrilled when he gifted us a signed Drake Batherson jersey (his NHL-star nephew!). We also chat about his Cape Breton roots, his recent performance at Togetherland Art Gallery’s Open Mic night and how we all know we’ll be friends well beyond the show!

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

Noel’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/hughie.batherson/?hl=en

Hughie’s Website: https://hughiebatherson.com/biography

In this episode, we’re joined by Noel Morgan, an aspiring musician based in the Annapolis Valley whose soulful, feel-good energy radiates through both his music and his everyday life. Noel has been steadily making waves across Nova Scotia, performing with his 6-piece band Noel Morgan & The Salty Groove, delivering modern blues tunes inspired by the likes of Bahamas, Joel Plaskett, and The Grateful Dead.

We chat about the delicate balance of making music while working construction jobs, and how the contrast between physical labour and artistic creation helps keep him grounded—and inspired. Noel opens up about his creative process, his love for collaboration and community, and how he's carving out a path in an ever-changing music industry.

Noel recently released a unique 8-song, 8-music video visual album, described as a complete film. It's a visually rich, creatively ambitious project that showcases not only his songwriting but his commitment to storytelling and artistic vision. And of course, we talk about what making it means in today’s industry!

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

Noel’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/noelmorgangroove/

Noel’s Website: https://www.noelmorgan.ca/

The Salty Groove: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRTJjTPI5Uk&list=RDmRTJjTPI5Uk&start_radio=1

In this week’s heartfelt episode, we explore something we never set out to build—but has become the foundation of everything we do: community.

From Togetherland to touring, podcasting to painting, we’ve realized that the thread running through all of our creative pursuits is the people around us. We didn’t plan to be “community builders,” but here we are—surrounded by a web of connection, support, and shared purpose.

Join us as we chat about:

• The difference between community and audience
• How being from small towns shaped our understanding of showing up for each other
• The role of the arts in gathering people and sparking connection
• The magic of people who have supported us time and again—whether in person or online
• Why maintaining and giving back to community is critical to “making it” as an artist

This episode is both a reflection and a thank-you—to you, our community. Your presence and support fuel our creative journey every single day.

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