Turnstile’s Brendan Yates on Why the Band is Like a Family

In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Brendan Yates of Turnstile explores family, community, identity, creativity, and the relationships that shaped both his life and his music. From growing up outside Baltimore to forming Turnstile with close friends, Brendan reflects on the people, plac…

Meshell Ndegeocello on Family, Music, and Mentorship.

From an Army household in Washington, D.C. to New York’s creative community, Meshell Ndegeocello reflects on the people who shaped her life, and the love that expanded her world. In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Meshell Ndegeocello for a conversation about family, music, i…

The National’s Matt Berninger on Why He Thinks of Himself as a Writer First

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Matt Berninger of The National to explore family, creativity, friendship, and the communities that shape us.   Matt reflects on growing up in Ohio, the artistic influence of his parents, discovering music through his older sister, and the l…

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner on the Origins of Crying in H Mart

In this episode of Identified with Nabil Ayers, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast explores family, Korean identity, mixed-race identity, grief, language, heritage, and belonging. The conversation traces her family’s history, her upbringing in Oregon, and the experiences that shaped her understa…

Bedouine on Growing Up Between Cultures

“Family to me is the feeling of safety without even understanding the concept.” In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Bedouine for a conversation about family, heritage, migration, and belonging. As they begin tracing her family’s history, Bedouine uncovers new details about he…

Show Me the Body’s Julian Pratt on Becoming a Father.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with Show Me the Body's Julian Pratt to explore the people, communities, and experiences that shaped his identity. Growing up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Julian was surrounded by family. With twin mothers, a sprawling network of cousins, and …

Betsy Lerner on Writing Your Truth and The Tension Between Honesty and Fear

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with bestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner to explore identity, family history, and the complicated path to becoming a writer. Betsy reflects on her upbringing, the influence of her family, and how personal experiences eventually sha…

Ryan Kattner on growing up between cultures and finding community through music

Have you ever found community through your art? In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with musician Ryan Kattner to talk about growing up in an Air Force family, moving every three years, and never quite feeling rooted in one place. Ryan reflects on being mixed race, with a Filipino…

Musician Damon McMahon on Processing Family History Through Music

How much of who we are is shaped before we ever have a say? In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with musician Damon McMahon, formally Amen Dunes, to explore how family history, inherited trauma, and cultural identity shape who we become. Damon reflects on growing up between two ve…

Acclaimed Chef Camille Becerra on Her Puerto Rican Roots

What does it mean to raise yourself across cultures—and carry tradition forward through food? In this episode of Identified, chef and author Camille Becerra sits down with host Nabil Ayers for a heartfelt conversation about family, identity, and the life-shaping power of memory. Born in Puerto Rico…