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.

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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.

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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 heartfelt conversation about unapologetically being oneself and the meaning of family.

Host: Nabil Ayers

Guest: Reggie Watts

Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji

Production Company: Palm Tree Island

Music: Nouela and Patricia Brennan.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.