Identified with Nabil Ayers
Nabil Ayers
Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 15, 2024 • 37min
Musician Norman Brannon on Finding Family Among Hare Krishnas and Hardcore Music
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers sits down with musician Norman Brannon to explore his complex journey of identity and family. Norman delves into his difficult upbringing, his departure from home at 16, and his connection with Hare Krishnas. Following a life-changing accident, Norman experienced a breakthrough with his mother, leading to a deeper understanding of his indigenous Mapuche roots. Norman shares his unique perspective on family, emphasizing the innate connection within the queer community, which he considers his primary ethnicity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 8, 2024 • 34min
Renowned Publisher Lisa Lucas on Multicultural Upbringing, Chosen Family, and Finding Connection.
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers speaks with Lisa Lucas, a prominent figure in the publishing world. They explore Lucas's diverse upbringing in a multicultural New Jersey suburb, the intellectual legacy of her family, and how her understanding of family extends beyond traditional biological ties. Lisa shares touching stories about her grandparents, the impact of her father's early death, and why she views family as a practice built through daily interactions. They also delve into the importance of chosen family, dealing with grief, and the underlying need for human connections. Host: Nabil Ayers Guests: Lisa Lucas Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan This episode of Identified was recorded at Bang & Olufsen’s Spring St. store in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 1, 2024 • 23min
Thursday Frontman Geoff Rickly on His Familial Bond with the Band and Adopting the Survival Skills of His Fascinating Ancestors
In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Geoff Rickly, lead vocalist of the band Thursday. They discuss Geoff's intriguing family history, including a relative who burned down a town, and how his uncle influenced his musical journey. Geoff shares stories of caring for his dying grandfather and the surprising revelations of toughness that came from it. The conversation delves into the dynamics of band life, the concept of found family, and personal stories of resilience. Tune in for an intimate look at Geoff's life, musical career, and his debut novel 'Someone Who Isn't Me.’ Host: Nabil Ayers Guests: Geoff Rickly Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan This episode of Identified was recorded at Bang & Olufsen’s Spring St. store in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25, 2024 • 25min
Kismet Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson on the Familial Nature of Running a Restaurant and Business.
Join Nabil Ayers, author and host of Identified, as he delves into the complex world of family and identity with chefs and restauranteurs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson. This episode explores how the duo's business partnership feels more like a familial relationship, how family influenced their culinary journey, and the creation of their restaurant Kismet. Sarah and Sara share insights into their bond, the challenges of running a business together, and the significance of chosen family in their lives. Tune in to learn what family means to these accomplished chefs and how their new book, Kismet, captures their unique journey and friendship. Host: Nabil Ayers Guests: Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 18, 2024 • 32min
Comedian Moshe Kasher on Addiction, Subcultures, and Finding Family in Comedy
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews comedian, actor, and author Moshe Kasher about his unique path through various subcultures and how they shaped his life and comedic voice. Moshe recounts his childhood in Oakland, dealing with addiction, and finding a sense of family and belonging in different communities like the rave scene, Burning Man, stand-up comedy, and more. He also discusses the influences of his hippie mother and orthodox Jewish father, his early struggles with sobriety, and how a pivotal visit to New York introduced him to stand-up comedy through friends like Chelsea Peretti. Through humor and candid storytelling, Moshe explores the impact of these experiences on his personal identity and definition of family. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Moshe Kasher Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 • 31min
Actor Ione Skye on Her Relationship with Donovan, Her Close Bond with Her Mother, and Redefining Family as a Parent.
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews actor Ione Skye about their shared experiences of growing up without their famous musician fathers. Ione shares poignant stories about meeting her father Donovan, her mother's relationships, and how these influenced her perception of family. They delve into the emotional complexities of identifying with absent parents, the interplay of genetics, and how each has redefined family over time. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Ione Skye Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 4, 2024 • 16min
Musician and Comedian Reggie Watts on His Military Childhood, Dealing with Loss, and Turning Friends into Family
Join host Nabil Ayers on Identified as he delves into the concept of family and identity with comedian, actor, and musician Reggie Watts. Reggie discusses his early life moving due to his dad's military career, growing up as a biracial kid in a predominantly white town, and how his friends became his family. They also explore fitting in, personal identity, and dealing with grief. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about unapologetically being oneself and the meaning of family. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Reggie Watts Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27, 2024 • 23min
Foo Fighters' Nate Mendel on Band Brotherhood, His Special Relationship with Taylor Hawkins, and His Non-Traditional Family Upbringing.
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel. Nate shares insights from spending nearly three decades with the band, and the familial bonds formed along the way. He reflects on his unique friendship with the late Taylor Hawkins, the parallel between his band and his non-traditional family upbringing, and his childhood experiences within a diverse family structure. Nate also discusses the impact of his mother’s early passing, his adopted sibling, and his evolving definition of family as he navigates relationships both within the band and his personal life. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Nate Mendel Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 20, 2024 • 31min
KCRW Host Novena Carmel on Reconnecting with Her Musician Father and Navigating Blended Families.
In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers sits down with Novena Carmel, host of KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic and singer in the jazz choir The Voices of Creation. Novena shares her unique perspective on family, drawing from her experiences growing up in the Bay Area, her reconnection with her musician father after many years, and navigating blended families. They also discuss the evolving nature of family, dealing with loss, and balancing professional and personal identities. Novena offers an insightful and personal look into how she defines family and how her understanding has changed over time. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Novena Carmel Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 13, 2024 • 28min
Musician Dawn Richard on Hurricane Katrina, 'Making the Band,' and Her New Orleans Roots.
In this episode, host Nabil Ayers interviews musician Dawn Richard about her life and career, deeply intertwined with the city of New Orleans and her family's experiences. Dawn discusses the profound impact of Hurricane Katrina on her family's life, leading to displacement and significant losses. She reflects on her upbringing in a tight-knit family, her father's influence as a musician, and her journey from being a contestant on MTV's 'Making the Band' to becoming a successful solo artist. The episode also delves into themes of resilience, identity, and the strong family bonds that helped Dawn navigate her challenges and successes. Host: Nabil Ayers. Guest: Dawn Richard. Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji. Production Company: Palm Tree Island. Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
