Mike and Kristen are back—with a fresh look, renewed perspective, and big plans for the podcast! In this kickoff episode, we introduce the season’s new theme: Make It—a double entendre that explores both the act of making things and the evolving idea of “making it” as an artist or creative.

Today’s conversation centers around the importance of the pause. Whether it’s a five-minute breather, a weekend retreat, or stepping away from a major project (like... a podcast), we break down the value in slowing down to speed up.

We share personal stories of rest, recalibration, and how stepping back often brings the clarity needed to move forward with more intention and energy. From burnout recovery to creative breakthroughs, we unpack the ways intentional pauses have impacted our own journeys—and how you can integrate simple, sustainable pauses into yours.

In this episode:

• Why we paused the podcast—and what we learned
• The many forms a creative pause can take
• How short, medium, and long breaks can benefit your work and well-being
• Real-life strategies to help you integrate rest and reflection into your routine
• Our new vision for the show and what you can expect going forward

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