This episode is a first for The Bilby + Ella Show. It’s just us, Hill and Willie, sitting down to reflect on the year behind us and talk about what we’re building moving forward.

We look back on our creative journeys, from college and football to Nashville, music, and collaboration, and share what we’ve learned about identity, ambition, failure, and letting go of perfection in pursuit of peace. We talk honestly about the tension between loving the work and chasing outcomes, and what it means to feel grounded in the process even when the future is still unfolding.

We also take time to lay out the heart behind this show. Why collaboration matters. Why human connection matters. And why pulling back the curtain on the real creative process is something we care deeply about.

Consider this episode a foundation. If you’re a songwriter, musician, creative, or someone curious about what life in the music world actually looks like, this conversation sets the tone for everything ahead.

Thanks for being here. We’re excited about what’s coming next.

00:00 Intro and end-of-year reflection

01:20 Looking back on 2025 and creative alignment

02:45 Feeling “at home” in your creative journey

04:20 Peace over perfection

06:05 Ambition, work ethic, and enjoying the plateau

07:15 Moving to Nashville and setting roots

09:00 Our creative backgrounds and how this friendship formed

11:10 Why this podcast started

12:40 The intention behind the Bilby + Ella Show

14:55 Creativity, purpose, and collaboration

16:20 Perfectionism and where it comes from

18:10 Football, failure, and identity

22:00 Losing the role and learning to let go

27:45 How perfectionism shaped our creative process

30:30 Paying bills while pursuing music

33:20 Releasing work without fear

36:00 Who this show is really for

38:15 Pulling back the curtain on the music industry

40:10 Being a bridge between insiders and listeners

42:00 The future of the show and creative collaboration

46:30 What we hope listeners take away

48:00 Audience question and Spotify Wrapped

52:25 Closing thoughts and what’s next

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