Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality.
Welcome to Make It with Mike and Kristen — where creative people talk about what they make, and what “making it” means to them.
Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or someone simply looking to infuse more creativity into your daily routine, this show is a gathering space to discuss the struggles, triumphs, ideas, and inspirations that come with pursuing your passion.
Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington, Make It explores the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of living a creative life. Mike is a professional musician with nearly two decades of experience on stage and in the studio. Kristen left a six-figure job in politics to become a full-time visual artist. Together, they bring honest conversations, personal stories, and insights from fellow creatives across all disciplines.
Recorded in-person at Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode blends real talk, big ideas, and heartwarming moments that’ll leave you feeling inspired—and maybe a little less alone on your own path.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, this podcast is your reminder to keep going, keep making, and redefine what it means to make it.
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Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality.
Welcome to Make It with Mike and Kristen — where creative people talk about what they make, and what “making it” means to them.
Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or someone simply looking to infuse more creativity into your daily routine, this show is a gathering space to discuss the struggles, triumphs, ideas, and inspirations that come with pursuing your passion.
Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington, Make It explores the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of living a creative life. Mike is a professional musician with nearly two decades of experience on stage and in the studio. Kristen left a six-figure job in politics to become a full-time visual artist. Together, they bring honest conversations, personal stories, and insights from fellow creatives across all disciplines.
Recorded in-person at Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode blends real talk, big ideas, and heartwarming moments that’ll leave you feeling inspired—and maybe a little less alone on your own path.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, this podcast is your reminder to keep going, keep making, and redefine what it means to make it.
Episode 181: Avery Dakin: Where Vintage Soul Meets Modern Heart
Make It with Mike and Kristen
1 hour 4 minutes
4 weeks ago
Episode 181: Avery Dakin: Where Vintage Soul Meets Modern Heart
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: 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
Avery’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/averydakin_
Avery’s Website: https://averydakinmusic.com/
Make It with Mike and Kristen
Creative people make things in an effort to “make it”. But what does making it really mean? Is it selling out stadiums, having your painting in the Louvre, making enough money from your art to pay your bills, or simply having the privilege of getting to create in your spare time? Success looks different for everyone, and we’re here to explore those paths and what it takes to make them a reality.
Welcome to Make It with Mike and Kristen — where creative people talk about what they make, and what “making it” means to them.
Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, or someone simply looking to infuse more creativity into your daily routine, this show is a gathering space to discuss the struggles, triumphs, ideas, and inspirations that come with pursuing your passion.
Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington, Make It explores the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of living a creative life. Mike is a professional musician with nearly two decades of experience on stage and in the studio. Kristen left a six-figure job in politics to become a full-time visual artist. Together, they bring honest conversations, personal stories, and insights from fellow creatives across all disciplines.
Recorded in-person at Hot Jupiter Sounds in Nova Scotia, each episode blends real talk, big ideas, and heartwarming moments that’ll leave you feeling inspired—and maybe a little less alone on your own path.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, this podcast is your reminder to keep going, keep making, and redefine what it means to make it.
