Identified with Nabil Ayers – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers talks with Youngmi Mayer—comedian, author, and host of the acclaimed Feeling Asian podcast—about growing up biracial in South Korea, the long shadow of generational trauma, and the unresolvable contradictions that shape our identities.

Youngmi, who was born in Korea to a Korean mother and white American father, opens up about the deep stigma around mixed-race children in Korean society—stories that include institutional rejection and even state violence in recent history. She shares how being “slightly different” in appearance made her feel completely othered, despite speaking Korean fluently and being raised in Korean culture.

The conversation travels through her complex ancestry—including the discovery of Jewish lineage through a 23andMe test that rewrote part of her family history—and the paradox of being descended from both Jewish people and German Nazis. Mayer speaks candidly about intergenerational trauma, including a family legacy shaped by war, loss, and silence, and how these inherited narratives continue to affect how she views success, emotion, and even motherhood.

As a single mother co-parenting her son with her ex-husband, Youngmi reflects on building a version of family that defies tradition. She’s blunt, funny, and brilliant as she challenges romanticized notions of family, while still admitting to the deep, inescapable bonds that tether her to her roots.

This episode is a powerful meditation on biracial identity, cultural belonging, and what it means to both honor and critique the families that raised us.

Host: Nabil Ayers
Guest: Youngmi Mayer
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji

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In this standout episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers sits down with EGOT-winning artist, activist, and cultural icon John Legend to talk about family, race, ancestry, and the stories that shape who we are.

John opens up about growing up in a tightly knit Black church community in Ohio, being surrounded by music, and taking piano lessons from age four—learning gospel by ear from his grandmother and classical from a local teacher. But behind the harmony was hardship. He shares how the early loss of his grandmother led to his mother’s decade-long absence and how that trauma shaped his sense of home, responsibility, and resilience.

The conversation traces his family lineage, including revelations from his appearance on Finding Your Roots—stories of enslaved ancestors, a great-grandmother who could have passed for white, and a landmark court case in Ohio that secured his family’s freedom generations ago. It’s a deeply personal look at the complexities of Black American identity.

John also talks about raising four children with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, and what it means to parent a multicultural, multiracial family in the spotlight. From Thai temples to Black church traditions, he reflects on how he and Chrissy are teaching their children to embrace their mixed heritage and proudly identify as Black, Asian, and Blasian.

This is an episode about legacy—musical, cultural, and personal—and what it means to know where you come from, even when some stories were almost lost.

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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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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 Brennan

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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 Brennan

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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.

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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.

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