Identified with Nabil Ayers
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 12, 2024 • 18min
Musician Sinkane on Sudanese Culture, Early Musical Influences and Finding Community in Family
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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 • 19min
Fabi Reyna of Reyna Tropical on Cross-Border Identities, The Influence of the Ocean, and Transforming Anger Into Creativity
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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 29, 2024 • 19min
Hermanos Gutiérrez Discuss Their Brotherly Bond, Musical Beginnings, and Family Legacy
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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 22, 2024 • 28min
Musician and Broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal on Uncovering Family Histories and Their Influence on Personal and Cultural Identity
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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 15, 2024 • 37min
Musician Norman Brannon on Finding Family Among Hare Krishnas and Hardcore Music
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 8, 2024 • 34min
Renowned Publisher Lisa Lucas on Multicultural Upbringing, Chosen Family, and Finding Connection.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 1, 2024 • 23min
Thursday Frontman Geoff Rickly on His Familial Bond with the Band and Adopting the Survival Skills of His Fascinating Ancestors
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 25, 2024 • 25min
Kismet Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson on the Familial Nature of Running a Restaurant and Business.
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 BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 18, 2024 • 32min
Comedian Moshe Kasher on Addiction, Subcultures, and Finding Family in Comedy
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 • 31min
Actor Ione Skye on Her Relationship with Donovan, Her Close Bond with Her Mother, and Redefining Family as a Parent.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
