Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show with Bruce Hilliard

Victoria Lye “I’m Like A Flower” and “Everything Is Figureoutable” with Bruce Hilliard

Victoria Lye is a singer/songwriter, wife, and mother with one on the way. She is humble, kind and thoughtful. Always a pleasure to talk to. Fortunately, she speaks five languages and one of them is English or this interview would have consisted of music only. That being the case, she speaks six languages. In Victoria's words... I’m a soul singer, songwriter and pianist in Munich (Germany), originally coming from Novosibirsk (Russia). People say that I sound like Katie Melua or Lisa Ekdah...

Music, Pandemic, Forest Fires and Us with Bruce Hilliard

That was me singing my tribute to Bob Dylan and to rolling stones everywhere. The band Rolling Stones was formed in London in 1962, the song we just heard was released in 1965. The definition of rolling stone is “a person who is unwilling to settle for a long time.” Looking back on my life, that’s me. But it’s always an adventure. Along the way we meet all kinds of people, some stay, some don’t. No matter, the relationships are far beyond gold. It’s mid September 2020, there’s still a pand...

Paint and Songs, “Doesn’t Anybody Fall In Love No More” with Bruce Hilliard

Hey there hi there ho there. Bruce Hilliard here with news on my fourth week at my new job at Home Depot. I’m 65 this month, my hair is crap, my butt fell off and my face looks like a catcher's mitt. I can’t play my music live anywhere. But the world of hardware is beckoning me. So the only logical thing to do was work the paint department at Home Depot because it’s not only a great place to walk your dog but a great place to pick up chicks. Everyone knows that. But Home Depot babes are m...

Teen Angel Featuring Brother Gary with Bruce Hilliard

  Hi, I’m Teen Angel, Bruce Hilliard here and this is a throwback episode taking you back to the fifties and into the sixties. Here’s what happened in 1955. *Rock and Roll gets its name. Disneyland and McDonald’s open. *Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were born. Albert Einstein died. *Tetracycline and polio vaccine invented. *Rosa Parks was arrested for riding on a bus.  All of that in 1955. And onto the the rest of that decade:  *Elvis appeared on Ed Sullivan with his first hit Heartbreak ...

John Oates and the Good Road Band Talks “Live In Nashville” with Bruce Hilliard

John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. Singing from the time he could talk and playing the guitar since the age of five, John Oates was destined to be a musician. Born in New York City, his family moved to a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA in the early 1950s, a move that would change the course of his life. Soaking up the sounds of the 60s, John was influenced by the nascent folk scene, bluegrass, delta blues,...

Board Games, Songwriting and Voodoo Dolls with Bruce Hilliard

Hello with a full tank of coffee, I’m Bruce Hilliard and guess what kids. It’s game night. I just love it when we can all get together and play Pandemic: The Home Game. It can be a riot. I don’t know about you guys but I grew up playing board games. Twister, Operation, Mouse Trap.  Monopoly where you crush your opponents by charging them rent, jacking up their utility bills and gouge them for riding your obsolete train. And, you can bribe your way out of jail. Are you still with me kids?...

Akshay Nanavati, Marine Veteran Talks Making Friends with Fear with Bruce Hilliard

Akshay Nanavati is a United States Marine veteran, speaker, entrepreneur, ultra runner and author. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. His book Fearvana was endorsed by the Dalai Lama and Jack Canfield. Wikipedia

Back to the YMCA, I’m Going Home and Momma Won’t Let You Go with Bruce Hilliard

Hello and welcome to episode 148. I’m feeling real good and feeling like things are returning to something that resembles normal. Because yesterday and today I went to the YMCA to work out. Atrophy is cousins with quarantine. I made a concerted effort to workout for the four months the gym was closed. But it’s just not the same. During the lockdown I was able to run and use my dumbbells. Abs, pushups...all good. But I couldn’t find anything to chin myself on. The local playground had cautio...

Havilah Rand and The LifeSong Project with Bruce Hilliard

The LifeSong Project works to preserve the memories and experiences of our elders and their family and community members in a way that makes an indelible imprint on both the heart and mind. It also strives to acknowledge and honor the voices of our ancestors and their contribution to our rich American history and human experience. By being asked to recount life experiences and having these narratives translated through songs, the individual is given the opportunity to view and acknowledge th...

Joe Louis Walker “Blues Comin’ On” with Bruce Hilliard

Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner celebrates a career that exceeds a half a century. His new album Blues Comin' On cements his legacy as a prolific torchbearer for the R&B and rock. Looking back on his rich history, Walker shares, “I’d like to be known for the credibility of a lifetime of being true to my music and the blues. Sometimes I feel I’ve learned more from my failures, than from my success . But that’s made me stronger and more ad...

Words of Kindness From Jaime Thurston and 52 Lives with Bruce Hilliard

Today’s guest Jaime Thurston, is the founder of one of the most incredibly focused charitable organizations I know, called 52 Lives. And I hesitate to call it a charity. It’s a philanthropic cause in that it provides help for people to help themselves. The 52 Lives process directly defines a problem and a recipient via a third party and based on contributions fulfills the need. Jaime says the most important thing we can learn is that being kind doesn’t have to be about making grand gestures...

Shirley King “Daughter of the Blues” Talks B.B. King and New Album with Bruce Hilliard

I’m Going Home ~ A New Song with Bruce Hilliard

We published a show everyday for about two months and took a few days off while we watched the inevitable happen. You all have been sacked by the media if not actually in the demonstrations. This is not a politically charged show. I have my personal beliefs regarding politics and religion. There is much room for improvement to advance beyond the dark ages. I will take a second to plug my music on Spotify though. It's free and easy. By going to Spotify and playing the songs, saving them to a...

May the Force Be With Us All on 12-String Rickenbacker with Bruce Hilliard

We all have a great big happy decade ahead of us. Let’s get er goin’. Hi, I’m Bruce Hilliard and this is comedians in cars getting coffee. In the immortal words of the Grateful Dead: What a Long Strange Trip It's Been It’s been a while since I did an episode that doesn’t feature a guest or a topic that’s not about me. But there comes a time when I’m left with little choice but to answer a few questions and I talk about myself. Arrogant and self indulgent, maybe so. But anytime you talk ab...

Victoria Lye, Her Song and EP “Child In Me” with Bruce Hilliard

Hi, I’m Victoria Lye. This is how you pronounce my name: |laɪ|. Coming from Novosibirsk, Siberia, I live in Germany since the age of 18. As a child I had no interest in singing at all. I even hated it. Besides I was very bad at it in a music school choir and wasn’t allowed to sing at concerts. Later on I noticed this: when I sing, it’s a magical moment for me. I’m like in a wonderland. My body rejoices because it can produce these voice sounds. I feel like I’m in in the right place and tha...

Michael Coleman the Metropolitan Cowboy and See Your Shadow with Bruce Hilliard

Producer and Songwriter Michael Coleman has been in the creative arts practically his entire life. As the Artistic Director of See Your Shadow Songwriting, Michael has been the driving force behind all the company’s artistic works utilizing the extremely talented vocalists and musicians that make up the See Your Shadow Network of Stars. As a lyricist, Michael’s writing style is filled with imagery and emotion and his lyrics stand alone as pieces of literature earning Michael two nominations ...

Meghan Cary’s River Rock Project with Bruce Hilliard

“The River Rock Project is a celebration of women and all that we’ve achieved in the 100 years since we fought for - and won - the right to vote. And all we still have to achieve. It is about galvanizing women to get out the vote; to raise our voices and be heard. I sing this song for all the women who have been brave and bold enough to speak their truth, even when society doesn’t want to hear it. This is River Rock.” - Meghan Cary What To Do: Make a Video with Your Message Listen to "Rive...

Carmine Appice, Ozzie and Sharon, Guitar Zeus Albums with Bruce Hiilliard

This episode starts off with Carmine's experience working with Ozzie Osbourne and his wife Sharon. A more in depth version of this story is written in Carmine Appice's Stick It--Sex, Drums and Rock'n'Roll book. Appice is also the brainchild behind the Guitar Zeus album series featuring a list of notable musicians you have to hear to believe. Welcome to the Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show. I’m Bruce Hilliard and I’d like to take a second to remind you that today is the official release o...

Hall of Fame Drummer Great Carmine Appice with Bruce Hilliard

Welcome to the Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show. I’m Bruce Hilliard and I’d like to take a second to remind you that today is the official release of my new EP Pawn Shop Boulevard. You’re hearing the song Hold On is the background. The additional four songs are available to add to your playlists on about 20 different streaming platforms. I always refer people to Spotify because that’s the biggie. It's free and easy. By going to Spotify and playing the songs, saving them to a playlist, o...

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”, Author Gillian G. Gaar with Bruce Hilliard

Gillian G. Gaar is a Seattle-based author. Her first book, She's A Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll was published in 1992. In addition to her own books, she has appeared in various anthologies, including The Nirvana Companion, Trouble Girls: The Rolling Stone Guide to Women in Rock, Nirvana: The Complete Illustrated History, Leonard Cohen on Leonard Cohen: Interviews and Encounters, Goldmine: The Beatles Digest (volumes one and two), The Best of the Beatles Book, The Stranger Guide...

"Like a Rolling Stone" Cover by Bruce Hilliard

Welcome to the Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show. I’m still Bruce Hilliard and I’m still waiting to be set free. Set me free, why don’t you babe. That’s a clue for the next guest. I’m meeting with him tomorrow but the episode won’t air for a few more days. He was the drummer of the band that had a hit with You Keep Me Hangin’ On, and he wasn’t in the Supremes. We’ll be talking with him about working with Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart and Vanilla Fudge coming up soon. In case you haven’t figured ...

The May 8th Outdoor Intercourse Day Show with Bruce Hilliard

Mother’s Day is Sunday. I wonder if there will be Corona Day, or month. We could celebrate by running out of toilet paper and avoiding each other. Sounds like a bad camping trip. You’ve heard of social distancing and social intercourse, but have you heard of an outdoor intercourse celebration? Well it’s today and what better time than a global quarantine to go outside and get naked and roll around in the nettles.  Wondering why so many people have a mischievous twinkle in their eye today? ...

He Could Go All the Way, Spotify, and Social Distancing is Awkward with Bruce Hilliard

I’m Bruce Hilliard and I’m sitting here playing covers and reciting Sir Paul McCartney. Stuck inside these four walls, Sent inside forever, Never seeing no one Nice again like you, Mama you, mama you. McCartney wrote this song in response to drug laws that criminalized him and his friends (including fellow "bands on the run" Eagles and Byrds). "We're not criminals," he explained. "We just would rather do this than hit the booze - which had been a traditional way to do it. We felt that ...

Jon Coyne and Teasers From the May 15 Pawn Shop Boulevard EP with Bruce Hilliard

[caption id="attachment_3747" align="alignright" width="200"] Jon Coyne the Hoopsmiles man.[/caption] That was I Have the Virus by Jon Coyne. Jon is actually a relative. A first cousin once removed, aka nephew. You can check out Jon Coyne’s YouTube channel and see the most incredible hula hooper ever. It’s probably easiest to remember Hoopsmiles, that’s the name of his show. Jon is also located on Patreon and I’ll include links on my show notes. Just remember Hoopsmiles and check it. Super ...

Walker’s Cay, Canada’s Rock “Tell Me” and “Why Oh Why” with Bruce Hilliard

Walker's Cay is an original rock band based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Members include Gary LaBarr, (Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar/Keyboards), Mike Swain, (Lead and Rhythm Guitars), Tim Morrissey (bass) and David, "Dave" Pistilli, (Drums). Gary LaBarr has gold and platinum record status for his work in various original band projects, working as a musician, producer, and arranger. Mike Swain is considered to be the "technical wizard" for the band, due to his 30-plus years as a licensed contr...

The Impersonator’s Tom Tikka, “Cloud Nine”, “Broken Snow” with Bruce Hilliard

Having previously been signed to Sony/BMG with Carmen Gray, one of Finland's finest rock bands, Tom Tikka has formed The Impersonators, a two-man project born out their ashes and designed to cut out the politics and strife which come from the rock 'n' roll carnival of band life. Resolutely studio-based, The Impersonators channel the bejeweled power-pop of The Go-Betweens and the immediacy/worldliness of early R.E.M. to deliver timeless alt-pop melodies. Comprising Tom Tikka and lyricist An...

KOSW 91.3 Ocean Shores Surf’s Up Saturday Tommy T Interview with Bruce Hilliard

Please welcome Tommy T, a.k.a. Tom Ferguson, KOSW radio 91.3 The Sound of the Shores. Bruce was a guest on Tommy T’s Saturday morning show at KOSW in Ocean Shores WA Saturday April 18th. Tom started at KOSW shortly after Bruce left in 2016. Tommy T did the interview from a remote in his home because the KOSW station is off limits to most of the radio personalities so he did the home version. They talk about Bruce’s journey from KOSW to the podcast and the May 15th release of EP Pawn Shop B...

“We Are Us”, “Screamersville”… Two Great Voices, Savannah and Bee with Bruce Hilliard

This has been my coronavirus project. To compile five of my songs and release an EP before the end of the decade. FYI if JFK DIY’d an EP ASAP he may not have been DOA and the FBI wouldn’t have said OMG that’s BS he’s MIA BTW. O.K? My dad used to say you can climb the highest mountain but if you do it by yourself it doesn't count. That's what I feel like I'm doing right now. Living out a moment in human history that is unprecedented, I am publishing more internet content than ever and I'm wo...

The Pawn Shop Boulevard EP Went to Distribution Episode with Bruce Hilliard

We’re all homies now! TP shortages, social distancing and a huge run on Viagra. These things don’t belong in the same sentence. I made the Viagra part up. How much longer? What if we return to the routine too soon and there’s a relapse. You can’t just go to the Betty Ford clinic and hit the reset button.  And the virus hair look is getting more and more prevalent. It doesn't matter too much because no one sees me. Trust me, I’m still and always will be the best looking guy on the radio. T...

Lee Oskar, Harmonica, Eric Burdon and War, Talks About the Times with Bruce Hilliard

Originally from Denmark, maybe best known for his harp work with bands War, Eric Burdon and War and songs like Cisco Kid, Low Rider and Spill the Wine. It’s an honor and my pleasure to have guest Lee Oskar. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1948, Oskar was six years old when a family friend gave him his first harmonica. "I came from an area where every kid on the block had a harmonica", he remembers. He grew up listening to Danish radio, enjoying all types of music and cites Ray Charles as th...

Sunny and Warm Staycation Day with Bruce Hilliard

All is well in Mukilteo USA. Here is an episode dedicated to five songs from recent episodes. I had to wear shades.

The Socially Distanced Symphony Show with Bruce Hilliard

The kids aren't going back to school this year. In Washington state 1.2 million students are making history. The president is busy approving drugs and plumbers are dealing with t-shirt clogged toilets. There has been a concern with the at-home news journalists that you can only see from the waist up and I assure you, I’m wearing pants. I was on the fence with that joke just like I am with this episode, the Social Distancing Episode. I’m seeing a reality show pilot here. I’d comment on tha...

Fitzsimon and Brogan — A New Album At Last! — with Bruce Hilliard

[caption id="attachment_2267" align="alignright" width="99"] Songwriter Neil Fitzsimon.[/caption] I’m so happy to have today’s guest, speaking to us from the Isle of Wight in England, musician and songwriter Neil Fitzsimon of Fitzsimon and Brogan. Neil writes the songs and plays the guitars while the love of his life Bee Brogan does the incredible vocals. [caption id="attachment_2268" align="alignleft" width="99"] Vocalist Bee Brogan.[/caption] Neil speaks names like Pat Collier. He’s the...

More Lost Tapes ~ Amberain Plays “Portrait” and “Stolen Space” with Bruce Hilliard

There's a guy outside of my window throwing a knife at a tree. For the love of gaawwwd! Are we watching too much TV? NAAA!! I saw Kelly Clarkson with no makeup (she actually looks better), Jon Bon Jovi singing old and unplugged and news reporters getting a chance to show off their journalistic prowess. Some of the elected officials are showing actual sincere concern and not just lame PR “vote for me” rhetoric. That may be more unprecedented than the outbreak. People are stepping up. The h...

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates and Original Music with Bruce Hilliard

Hi and welcome to the Better Each Day Podcast. I know things will get better each day. We know what to do. I continue to be Bruce Hilliard and I’m up at the usual time, I run in the nearby community soccer area, do my exercises, pet the neighbors’ dogs, then I’m back into my humble apartment. Yep, an apartment. That’s where I record the podcast and all of my music. If you listen closely, you can hear, at least on the podcast, kids screaming, dogs barking, golf balls bouncing off my wall (on...

Burrito Brothers’ Chris James and New Album “Notorious Burrito Brothers” with Bruce Hilliard

Chris James – keyboards, vocals (2010–present) Tony Paoletta – pedal steel guitar (2013–present) Bob Hatter - guitar, vocals (2017-present) Peter Young – drums (2015–2016, 2019-Present) Who are these guys? Why are they no longer "Flying?" Their sound is remarkable and makes you think, “hey, they have ‘that’ sound.” Their new album Notorious Burrito Brothers could possibly never reach the ears of those who need to hear sincere and wholesome Americana music. Songs that make you relax and...

I Don’t Wanna, Swingin’ Big Momma and Wink Dinkerson with Bruce Hilliard

Bruce: And I say to myself What a Wonderful World despite the crap for putting up with right now. But hey, not a big deal we've been through worse. And it could get worse. Who knows? I think the main thing to make note of here is that we're all getting along and making it happen. I have confidence that in time we’ll forget about blame and just get on with it. Fix it! Less rants, more dance. But let’s not get confused and social dance rather than social distance. And to commemorate this nota...

DJ and Hitmaker Wink Dinkerson with Bruce Hilliard

I hope all of my friends out there in podcast land are happy and healthy. And thank you all for participating in this reality staycation sci-fi movie with me. It’s going viral...and I’m sitting here by myself wearing a body condom. I had a productive day in my Mukilteo hideout today. I produced some podcast content, wrote a song and watched Tommy Boy...again. Michelle Brock: Listen up, you little spazoids! I know where you live and I've seen where you sleep. I swear to everything holy that...

“Better Each Day”–The Song and Backstory with Bruce Hilliard

Hey there Corona survivors, Bruce Hilliard here from the Better Each Day music room wishing everyone the best of health. I’m known to make fun of everything, especially myself, but this is one of those times where humor, although a great power, is superseded with a shroud of “be careful, be healthy, be educated” for everyone. So butter my butt and call me a biscuit, make it better each day. And that’s what episode number 117 is about. And what a brilliant segue here. This episode is about t...

Teri Wade “Write Yourself Into Your Dreams” with Bruce Hilliard

Hey friends, Bruce here from the Better Each Day library talking about a book authored by today’s guest Teri Wade. It’s been a while since I’ve hosted an author but this topic seems to be fitting, if not required reading in light of not only myself, but a world that needs to be carefully thinking and writing about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Here’s the basic breakdown...and I’m quoting here: "What if the only thing standing between you and your dreams was your old story?  The p...

Amberain 70s, Buffalo, Hear Me Calling and Sandy’s Birthday with Bruce Hilliard

Hey friends, Bruce here from Better Each Day Land on February 27th, 2020. In this episode we’re going to go back in time to 1976 when I had the honor of working with Amberain, a band comprised of the guy who engineered and mixed these recordings, my brother Gary Hilliard...and Steve Tobeck, Rick Fry, Rich Tippet, brothers Dick and Sandy Murchy, and yours truly. And this is a special Happy Birthday Hallmark card to Sandy, the best vocalist ever and my best bud since kindergarten at the Univ...

"Pawn Shop Boulevard", a Song About Hitting Rock Bottom with Bruce Hilliard

It started with a suggestion to do a slow Wish You Were Here Pink Floydian thing. That song is about 63 BPM...really slow...about the speed of resting heart beat. Ah, Pink Floyd. Other than the tempo and the 12-string guitar, this song has no resemblance to the David Gilmour, Roger Waters title cut. But there is a sneaky theme similarity. The subject is wishing his former wife is still with him. He lost her and the years have passed. Throughout the years he’s worn the diamond wedding ring ...

“Joey”, A Song About Running From the Law with Bruce Hilliard

This was a challenge, and a show in honor of my friends that are requesting different genres. Hard rock, ballads, folk and even bluegrass. People tell me what I sound like, anything from Tom Petty to the Cowsills. And country was the pick of the week. So here it is. I kept this one simple. Drums, bass, a couple of guitars and one vocal. People ask if I use autotune. No I don’t because most of my songs, anyway, to me, need to sound like a human is telling the story. It’s not all about peggi...

“Your Momma Won’t Let You Go”, The Harborena and the New Song with Bruce Hilliard

[caption id="attachment_3497" align="alignright" width="129"] Merrilee Rush.[/caption] Harborena Roller Skating Rink Inc. is a roller skating rink that is family owned and has been around since 1953. Located at the foot of the Hoquiam River Bridge in Hoquiam, WA, it’s been there for birthday parties, private events, family fun and entertainment, business events, holiday parties, and when we were local teenagers, dances. Unless your momma wouldn’t let you go. Listen to this show and I’ll ex...

“Hold On” Old and New–Select Your Favorite Version with Bruce Hilliard

Hi, Bruce Hilliard here with an opportunity to exercise your voting rights. On this show we can do anything we want so let’s have some fun. I know that’s a podcasty thing to say but it’s my show and I’ll ride that pony until I’m impeached.  [caption id="attachment_3474" align="alignright" width="256"] Bruce Hilliard sporting the funky chapeau.[/caption] But don’t get ahead of me here on the voting thing. We’re voting on two versions of a song. That's all. This has nothing to do with me, sa...

Amberain ~ In the Morning, Dear Sissy, I Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye with Bruce Hilliard

Amberain! A group comprised of friends, neighbors, work colleagues and brothers. Rick, Rick, Dick, Steve, Sandy and Bruce. Drummer Rick Tippet, guitarist Rick Fry and manager and impresario Rick Burgess are sadly gone. The Ricks are gone. Rock’n’Roll heaven.  [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Young Street Bridge, now Kurt's memorial park.[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] The rental house/studio up the Wishkah River on 2nd Street.[/caption] These son...

Midnight Arrow, California and Doesn’t Anybody Fall In Love with Bruce Hilliard

Hey friends, Bruce here. In this episode we’re going to talk about three of my songs: Midnight Arrow, California and one called Doesn’t Anybody Fall In Love No More. There has been an unbelievably good audience response with prior episodes that featured my songs. Probably because so many of my listeners have followed the show for over two years and heard me interview others and feature their work but not mine...until recently. The first two songs are going to be coupled together like trai...

Amberain–A Brief History and a Lost Cassette Tape with Bruce Hilliard

Welcome the 20s with a look back to the 70s. Start out with six guys...the Rockles, add sound engineer Gary Hilliard and manager Rick Burgess, shake well and morph into Amberain. (L-R clockwise) Dick Murchy, keyboards; Steve Tobeck, bass; Bruce Hilliard, guitar; Sandy Murchy, lead vocals; Rick Fry, guitar; and Rick Tippet,drums. Everybody added vocals. Everybody added their love to the original material. Please enjoy songs "Everybody", "It's Only For the Best" and "On the Moon", all rescued...

Thanks To 2019, Welcome 2020 with Songs by Bruce Hilliard

Host Bruce Hilliard here. I created the Better Each Day Podcast Radio Show  so there’s a platform and an audience for creative people like you to share your work. It’s the World’s Got Talent Show  where everyone wins. I believe everybody can write and writing our thoughts is a healthy thing to do. Writing music is no different, maybe better. Music and songs have a universal way of connecting with people like no other form of sharing thoughts and emotions. I think the backstories about the s...

Bill Protzmann, Music and Health with Bruce Hilliard

Bill started piano lessons at three years old. He grew up playing and performing and realized very early on that the discipline of playing the piano was also a behavioral healthcare practice. When he began seeking non-traditional audiences — Alzheimer’s patients and people struggling with physical or emotional injuries, stressed-out business people, parents, caregivers — he began to understand the true power of music as a tool. He has been a witness to the power of music throughout his life...