What does "making it" look like when the path you were on is suddenly gone? In this compelling live episode of Make It with Mike and Kristen, we sit down with writer, filmmaker, musician, and cultural force Tara Thorne, whose creative journey took an unexpected turn—and ultimately led her to new forms of artistic freedom.

Captured live at Togetherland Art Gallery during the STAGES Theatre Festival, this episode was recorded in front of a beautiful, engaged audience—some of whom ask their own questions at the end of the interview!

Tara is a pillar of the Nova Scotia arts community. With nearly two decades at The Coast and 15 years with CBC Radio, she’s been a relentless champion for local creatives across media, music, and film. 

We dive into:

- Her latest film Lakeview – a queer comedy set during a divorce celebration at a lakeside retreat starring Screen NS award-winning actress Nicole Steeves

- Her long-standing contributions to the East Coast music scene

- Identity, reinvention, and what happens when your career is redirected overnight

- Why she continues to fight for the voices of underrepresented artists in Nova Scotia

-Her thoughts on modern media and who to trust

This conversation is full of honesty, humour, vulnerability, and the fire of a woman who doesn’t back down. We close with a special moment as Tara performs an original song featured in her latest film, Lakeview. 

Huge thanks to:

• Tara Thorne for her time, truth, and tireless contribution to the arts in Nova Scotia


• Our live audience at Togetherland


• Eastern Front Theatre and the STAGES Festival


• The Province of Nova Scotia’s Creative Industries Fund for making this series possible


• Artistic Director Kat MacCormack

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

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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 

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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

Tara’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorneyhfx/?hl=en

Tara’s Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5639685/