Ep. 2: Richie Sessions | Ego Death, Gold Dust, and Coming Home to Yourself

Richie Sessions is a singer-songwriter, minister, and storyteller whose life and work bridge the worlds of music, faith, and the deep places of the human heart. Over the years, he’s shared stages with some of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters, preached in churches across the country, and created art that speaks to the wounded and the searching.In this conversation, Richie sits down with Hill and William to unpack a lifetime of chasing “the carrot” in the music industry, the ego deaths that shaped him, and the beauty of discovering that the fruit you grow is never for you—it’s for others. With honesty and humor, he opens up about jealousy, the inner critic, unconditional love, and the healing that comes when you stop running from your story and start owning it.From the Gollum-like grip of needing affirmation to the gold dust moments of connection with God and people, Richie reminds us that art at its best is an act of service. Whether you’re a songwriter, a seeker, or someone wrestling with identity, this episode is an invitation to grow down deep—so you can grow up and out.00:00 Introductions & navigating conflicting creative advice01:01 Surrendering ambition to God02:15 Chasing the dream in Nashville & the “carrot” thatkeeps moving08:10 When art becomes identity10:24 Rooting identity in God’s love14:45 Ego death & creative freedom16:00 Ego death as a daily practice26:11 Facing the inner critic28:57 Turning your story into strategy40:29 Love, just because you’re alive43:08 The beginning of coming home to yourself47:39 What do you want to be remembered for?51:27 Growing down to grow up52:42 The fruit is never for you58:01 Art as service, not self1:00:13 Spiritual growth & creativity1:01:18 Current projects with Tom Douglas1:04:41 Closing thoughts & gratitudeFollow The Bilby + Ella Show:⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok