Identified with Nabil Ayers

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers is joined by Laura Lee, founding member and bassist of the globally acclaimed band Khruangbin, for a vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation about family, ancestry, identity—and what it means to raise a child while on tour. Laura shares the emotional story of her parents’ abrupt separation when she was just six years old, a rupture that left her bouncing between homes and questioning the meaning of “family.” She talks about the pain of being labeled a “rebel” as a teen when she was simply hurting—and how the emotional safety she found in her grandparents’ home shaped her sense of belonging more than anything else. The episode also dives into her Mexican and Spanish lineage, including a fascinating (and literal) claim to South Padre Island through a centuries-old lawsuit. Now a mother herself, Laura talks candidly about touring with her baby and partner, carving a path for motherhood in an industry with no blueprint. She calls her Khruangbin bandmates her family, describing their deep trust, creative intimacy, and the joy her daughter has brought to the entire touring crew. This is a story about making peace with the past, building your own version of home, and finding family in both bloodlines and bandmates. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Laura Lee (Khruangbin) Executive Producer: Kieron BanerjiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with acclaimed artist, author, and entrepreneur, Chase Jarvis, for a candid and deeply reflective conversation about family, memory, and the evolving nature of connection. Chase talks about growing up as an only child in a tightly knit but unusually small family—no cousins, no siblings, and early exposure to adult conversations. He reflects on a childhood full of contrasts: thrift and sacrifice at home, but also travel across Europe thanks to his parents’ clever savings and his dad’s unexpected connections to pro athletes and musicians. Much of the conversation centers around grief. Chase opens up about the recent loss of his mother to Alzheimer’s and how it’s changed his understanding of family, purpose, and presence. He shares the strange beauty of feeling closer to her now than he did in the decade before she died, and what it’s like stepping into a new role of caretaker and companion for his father. Through stories of childhood creativity, repressed artistic urges, and a life that’s circled back to his creative roots, Chase brings warmth, honesty, and insight into the evolving role of family—how it’s inherited, how it’s chosen, and how we hold onto it, even as it changes shape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this profoundly personal episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers speaks with musician, actor, and visual artist Tunde Adebimpe—best known as a founding member of TV on the Radio—about identity, ancestry, and surviving deep personal loss. Tunde traces his journey from growing up between Pittsburgh and Nigeria, through his family’s expectations, to building an unconventional artistic path grounded in music, animation, and punk culture. He shares vivid memories of his Nigerian roots, his father’s gentle influence, and his extended family’s blend of spiritual traditions—from Baptist Christianity to Yoruba priestesses. Much of the conversation centers around grief. Tunde opens up about the heartbreaking losses of his father, his older brother, his bandmate Gerard Smith, his closest friend, and most recently, his younger sister. He reflects on how creativity, community, and fatherhood have helped him navigate the void—and how his daughter’s compassion gave him a reason to keep moving forward. This is an episode about what it means to lose family—and to hold on even tighter to those who remain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers is joined by acclaimed musician and author Neko Case for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about inherited silence, cultural disconnection, and what it means to choose your own family. Neko shares the experience of growing up with emotionally unavailable parents—her mother absent by choice, her father quietly burdened by trauma—and the deep loneliness that shaped her early years. She reflects on the generations of silence in her Ukrainian family, including the erasure of language and identity, and the heartbreak of losing family records in a house fire. In a surprising and moving twist, Neko recounts discovering a great-aunt—professional wrestler Ella Waldek—through a documentary. Their connection offered a rare sense of validation, visibility, and power within a lineage that otherwise remained unspoken. The conversation explores found family, the responsibilities of being a stepparent, and how Neko has redefined her role within a fractured past. Host: Nabil Ayers Guest: Neko Case Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji Production Company and Network: Palm Tree IslandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 PehlivanliSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.