That's a wrap on Season One of Identified. In this final recap episode, Nabil Ayers revisits memorable conversations with guests. Highlights include Ione Skye's poignant connection with her musician father, Geoff Rickly's stories of family legacy and rebellion, Dawn Richard's reflections on the impact of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina on her identity, and Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel's evolving relationship with the late Taylor Hawkins.  Identified will be back in early 2025 for Season Two.

In the season finale of Identified Season One, Nabil Ayers interviews activist Nelini Stamp. In their conversation, Nelini reflects on her upbringing with a large but disconnected network of half-siblings from her father's side in Belize, contrasted with a close-knit Puerto Rican family on her mother's side. The conversation delves into cultural and political histories of Belize and Puerto Rico, addressing themes of race, class, and identity. Nelini discusses her complicated family dynamics, the community that supported her and her mother, and her personal experiences with grief and identity.

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers talks with musician and record label founder Mac McCaughan. They discuss the various ways McCaughan defines family, from his upbringing in South Florida to his influential music career with Superchunk and Merge Records. Mac shares personal stories about performing music with his father and son, the impact of moving to North Carolina, and the evolution of his band and record label. The conversation delves into McCaughan's musical journey, family traditions, and the challenges and joys of maintaining personal and professional relationships. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Mac McCaughan Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with graphic novelist, tattoo artist, and filmmaker, James Spooner. They delve into the nuances of family dynamics, the complexities of growing up in non-traditional households, and the unexpected bonds formed with both family and friends. Spooner shares stories about his diverse family background, his journey discovering over 20 siblings, and the continuous challenge of building a meaningful relationship with his own children. Through candid conversations, they unpack the importance of trust, community, and the inevitable cycles of family life. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: James Spooner Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews Ukrainian chef and food writer, Olia Hercules. Olia reflects on her efforts to document family history and the challenges faced due to lost records from the Soviet era. She shares poignant family stories of displacement, survival, and the strong sense of community that characterized her upbringing. The conversation touches on the importance of food and cooking, highlighting traditional recipes and the skills passed down through generations. Olia also discusses coping with current hardships in Ukraine by drawing strength from her ancestors' resilience.  Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Olia Hercules Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews Ahmed Gallab, the musician behind Sinkane. Ahmed shares his multicultural upbringing, spanning London, Sudan, Boston, and Provo, Utah, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of family. He recounts his first encounter with music through his grandfather's religious chanting and his journey into hardcore music in Ohio. Ahmed discusses the significance of community in his life, the challenges of fitting in, and the cultural traditions that continue to influence him. Tune in to explore the intricate connections between music, identity, and family. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Sinkane Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers sits down with Fabi Reyna, founder of She Shreds Media and musician behind Reyna Tropical. They discuss Fabi's upbringing in Mexico, her complex relationship with her father, and her journey to amplify the voices of women and non-gender conforming people through her art. From childhood memories to her love for touring, Fabi shares how movement and music shape her identity. Tune in as they delve into themes of family, tradition, and chosen kinship. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Fabi Reyna (Reyna Tropical) Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers explores the deep familial connections and musical journey of the brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez, known collectively as Hermanos Gutiérrez. The Gutiérrez brothers share insights into their childhood, the influence of their cultural heritage, and the profound impact of their sibling bond on their lives and music career. The episode delves into their creative process, their unique relationship, and their reflections on family and identity. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Hermanos Gutiérrez Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews the accomplished musician and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal. Nabihah reflects on her family history, untold stories from World War I and the Partition of India, and her own experiences growing up in a large immigrant family in London. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her family connections and highlights the challenges faced by non-white individuals in various professional fields, including the music industry. This conversation sheds light on the profound influence of family and history on personal and cultural identity. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Nabihah Iqbal Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

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.

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.

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.

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 Brennan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers interviews Hrishikesh Hirway, the renowned musician and podcaster behind Song Exploder. They discuss Hrishikesh's family background, including his parents' arranged marriage, the influence of an immigrant upbringing, and the evolution of family traditions. The conversation delves into the impact of loss and grief, particularly the passing of Hrishikesh's mother, and how this shaped his understanding of family. They also touch upon the themes of loneliness, the decision not to have children, and the role of music in processing personal experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on the unconditional love and obligations that define family life. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Hrishikesh Hirway Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company: Palm Tree Island Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.

In the inaugural episode of 'Identified,' host Nabil Ayers introduces the podcast's mission to explore family and identity through personal stories and interviews. Drawing from his 2022 memoir 'My Life in the Sunshine' and his experiences with distant relatives and newfound connections, Ayers delves into the essence of what truly defines family. This episode recounts his journey of uncovering his lineage, the profound email exchange with Karen Ayers, and their eventual face-to-face meeting. Ayers emphasizes the evolving notion of family, extending beyond bloodlines to shared experiences and mutual understanding. Join Ayers as he continues to explore these complex themes with diverse guests. Host: Nabil Ayers. Guest: Karen Ayers. Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji. Production Company: Palm Tree Island. Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. Dive into the intricate world of family and identity as Nabil explores his mixed-race heritage, his distant relationship with jazz legend Roy Ayers, and the universal quest for family connections. Each episode features heartfelt conversations on cultural histories, non-traditional childhoods, and the bonds that shape us. You'll hear personal stories tackling loss, grief, and the unique ties that define family. Through these narratives, we seek to answer the profound question: What is family?