After asking so many of our guests “What does it mean to make it?”, it felt like time to answer the question ourselves.

In an honest, raw, and personal conversation, we sit down—just the two of us—to reflect on what making it means right now in our own lives. We talk about the reality of being full-time creatives, how our definitions of success have shifted, and why some parts of life feel magnificent... while others feel messy, uncertain, and a little scary.

We touch on:

• The impact of the global economy on the arts (and our own projects)
• The invisible pressures of creative entrepreneurship
• Our evolving relationship with money, meaning, and momentum
• What’s been bringing us joy—and what’s been keeping us up at night
• Why vulnerability can feel like a risk and a relief

This episode is an invitation to sit with us in the in-between. To hear us reflect—not as polished hosts or curated guests—but as humans trying to make art, make sense of the world, and still, somehow, make it.

If you’ve ever questioned your path or wondered if anyone else feels like they’re still figuring it out—this one’s for you.

You're not alone. And we’re glad you’re here.

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, 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