Identified with Nabil Ayers

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.

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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 Island

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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 Pehlivanli

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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.

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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.

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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 Brennan

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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 Brennan

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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 Brennan

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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 Brennan

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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 Brennan

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