Identified with Nabil Ayers

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 d...

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...

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...

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...

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 gen...

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 he...

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 fami...

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...

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...

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 Hrishike...

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 j...

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 chi...