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.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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Introducing: Identified.

Introducing: Identified.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

Foo Fighters' Nate Mendel on Band Brotherhood, His Special Relationship with Taylor Hawkins, and His Non-Traditional Family Upbringing.

Foo Fighters' Nate Mendel on Band Brotherhood, His Special Relationship with Taylor Hawkins, and His Non-Traditional Family Upbringing.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KCRW Host Novena Carmel on Reconnecting with Her Musician Father and Navigating Blended Families.

KCRW Host Novena Carmel on Reconnecting with Her Musician Father and Navigating Blended Families.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician Dawn Richard on Hurricane Katrina, 'Making the Band,' and Her New Orleans Roots.

Musician Dawn Richard on Hurricane Katrina, 'Making the Band,' and Her New Orleans Roots.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Song Exploder's Hrishikesh Hirway on Music's Healing Power.

Song Exploder's Hrishikesh Hirway on Music's Healing Power.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Family? The Inaugural Episode of Identified.

What is Family? The Inaugural Episode of Identified.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Identified.

Introducing: Identified.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.