In the premiere of Identified Season Two, Nabil Ayers speaks with musician and activist Tom Morello about his extraordinary upbringing and journey toward understanding his identity. Tom shares stories about his trailblazing mother—an adventurous white teacher from a small Illinois town who raised him alone as a Black child in a segregated suburb—and the complex legacy of his absent Kenyan father.

Their conversation traverses generational resilience, the racism Tom faced growing up in Libertyville, Illinois, and the emotional reckoning of meeting his father for the first time at age 30. Tom discusses finding belonging in unexpected places: among childhood friends, through music, and ultimately, with the Kenyan family he never knew he had. He also opens up about being a sperm donor in the '90s—and the surprising family connections that have surfaced in recent years.

This episode explores what it means to define family on your own terms, and how connection can transcend distance, time, and silence.

Host: Nabil Ayers

Guests: Tom Morello

Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji

Production Company and Network: Palm Tree Island

Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan

Palm Tree Island Team: Sophia Moore & Asli Pehlivanli

In the premiere of Identified Season Two, Nabil Ayers speaks with musician and activist Tom Morello about his extraordinary upbringing and journey toward understanding his identity. Tom shares stories about his trailblazing mother&mdash;an adventurous white teacher from a small Illinois town who raised him alone as a Black child in a segregated suburb&mdash;and the complex legacy of his absent Kenyan father.
Their conversation traverses generational resilience, the racism Tom faced growing up in Libertyville, Illinois, and the emotional reckoning of meeting his father for the first time at age 30. Tom discusses finding belonging in unexpected places: among childhood friends, through music, and ultimately, with the Kenyan family he never knew he had. He also opens up about being a sperm donor in the '90s&mdash;and the surprising family connections that have surfaced in recent years.
This episode explores what it means to define family on your own terms, and how connection can transcend distance, time, and silence.
Host: Nabil Ayers
Guests: Tom Morello
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji
Production Company and Network: Palm Tree Island
Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan
Palm Tree Island Team: Sophia Moore &amp; Asli Pehlivanli

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.

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.

Identified with 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.

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