Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrian Lynch (TURKBISH).
Hi Darrian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Darrian Montavias Lynch—known globally as TURKBISH—is the visionary creator and host of the internationally recognized, chart-topping podcast Talk With Turk. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and raised in Hollister, NC, Darrian’s life story is rooted in resilience, purpose, and self-discovery. After the loss of his birth mother in infancy, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, who later adopted him and instilled values of strength, compassion, and an unshakable sense of self.
While attending Warren County High School, Darrian was affectionately nicknamed “Turkey” by close friend Alexia Gyant—a name that evolved into the now-signature moniker TURK, which he proudly carries and credits to this day. From an early age, he gravitated toward music, performance, and celebrity culture, guided by an innate belief that his voice was meant to be heard.
Darrian’s academic path includes studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earning an Associate Degree in Arts and General Studies from Guilford Technical Community College, and graduating from North Carolina A&T State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Social Work. During his time in Greensboro, he became deeply immersed in Ballroom culture, LGBTQ+ nightlife, student-led production through Couture Productions, and social media content creation—experiences that helped shape the bold, authentic persona of TURK.
In 2021, Darrian earned a Master of Public Health from Liberty University, further solidifying his professional expertise in health education, infectious disease, counseling, and case management across mental health, substance use, behavioral health, and public health systems.
Following the devastating losses of both his adoptive mother and grandfather, Darrian transformed grief into purpose by launching Talk With Turk—a fearless, engaging podcast centered on personal commentary surrounding music, entertainment, celebrity culture, politics, love, health, and healing. The show quickly gained international traction, ranking in the Top 5% of over 3 million podcasts worldwide, charting in more than 60 countries, and consistently landing in the Top 200 Entertainment News category on Apple Podcasts.
Through Talk With Turk, Darrian has charted alongside—and often surpassed—industry giants, leading to interviews with notable figures such as Ashley Tamar Davis, Billboard Baby, Jerome Trammel, Tiyon Christian, Sapphire Eden, Tabitha Brown, Jasmine Masters, Angelica Ross, and more. His in-person networking spans acclaimed artists including Nicki Minaj, Monica, Ledisi, Maxwell, Flo Milli, FLO, and K. Michelle.
The podcast’s success opened doors to radio, earning Darrian a role as a DJ host on Power 109 Radio in Denver, Colorado. Now in its sixth season, Talk With Turk has expanded into a full visual podcast produced in partnership with THE CMPND, Inc.
Despite enduring profound adversity—including the loss of both biological parents, surviving sexual assault at age 13, a hate crime at 19, and a suicide attempt at 20—Darrian Lynch has emerged as a deeply inspiring and unapologetic voice. He has found love and stability with his fiancé and soon-to-be husband, Hezikia, an emerging North Carolina music artist.
Through his artistry, advocacy, and fearless authenticity, TURKBISH continues to break barriers and redefine what success looks like—creating space not only for himself, but for every voice that has ever felt unseen or unheard. With additional talents spanning songwriting, recording, dance and choreography, and photography, Talk With Turk is only the beginning of a much larger creative legacy. Now rooted in North Carolina while building strong connections throughout Georgia, New York, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, TURKBISH is steadily expanding his impact—one conversation at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Despite having endured significant trauma, I continue to face ongoing challenges and obstacles. One of the most difficult has been learning how to navigate adulthood independently, without the guidance of my birth parents or my adoptive mother. There are moments when the journey toward success feels isolating, especially when driven by a deep desire to honor my parents and make them proud.
While I was raised in a loving, two-parent household and recognize the privilege of having my needs met and a stable upbringing, the reality beyond that home has been far more complex. Financial and mental struggles persist as I work to maintain balance, protect my well-being, and stay committed to the dreams I carry. Each step forward requires resilience—not only to survive, but to keep believing in the future I am building.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I work across Social Work and Public Health, with specialized experience in health education, infectious disease prevention, counseling, and case management within mental health, substance use, and behavioral health sectors. My professional training and certifications include Community Event Organization (National Women and Girls Awareness Day, World AIDS Day), Business Development Training (Allison Web-Based Training), membership with the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina, C3 Cultural Diversity Training (Greensboro, NC), North Carolina HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Trainer certification through the NC Department of Health & Human Services (Wilmington, NC), Phlebotomy and Bloodborne Pathogen Training through the NC Department of Health & Human Services (Fayetteville, NC), Certified Health Coach, HIPAA Professional Training, Certified Social Worker in Healthcare, and Call Center Management Certification.
One of my greatest accomplishments is being among the few members of my family to graduate from college. This milestone fuels my commitment to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others pursuing higher education and professional growth.
What truly distinguishes me is my ability to merge professional expertise with creative talent. In addition to my work in social services and public health, I am deeply engaged in music, entertainment commentary, and relationship-building within the media and celebrity space. My dynamic personality and communication skills have contributed to the international success of my podcast, Talk With Turk, which has charted in over 70 countries, as well as to my work as a radio host on Power 109 Radio in Denver, Colorado, alongside DJ Blaze and DJ Shadoe. This unique blend of professionalism and creativity allows me to connect with diverse audiences while making meaningful, lasting impact.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are many individuals whose presence, love, and guidance have profoundly shaped the person I am today—Darrian Montavias Lynch, also known as TURKBISH. Above all, I give honor and gratitude to God, first and foremost. My faith continues to restore me, ground me, and fuel my hunger to grow, evolve, and pursue purpose beyond circumstance.
I acknowledge my birth mother, Michelle, may she rest in eternal peace, for giving me life and continuing to guide and protect me spiritually each day. My birth father, James Darrin Skinner, thank you for loving me unconditionally, rest in peace. I also give my deepest thanks to my adoptive parents, Daisy Brown (RIP) and Alvis Brown. Daisy, who was my birth mother’s aunt on my grandfather Eddie Lynch’s side—may he also rest in peace—made the life-altering decision to raise me as her own. She gave me love, structure, and a clear sense of direction, laying the foundation for what would ultimately become a successful and purposeful life. She poured everything she had into me, not only as a child but as a creative. She saw my gifts early on, nurtured them, and believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Her recognition and encouragement were instrumental in shaping who I am today.
I also recognize the educators who helped mold me mentally and professionally, particularly Ms. Pamela Jordan of Warren County High School. Through her emphasis on professionalism, presentation, and marketing skills, she helped open my vision beyond my immediate surroundings and prepared me for success outside of the county. Her influence planted seeds that continue to bear fruit in my career today.
Along this journey, I have built many friendships and meaningful relationships, but few compare to the bond I shared with my Upward Bound family, including—though not limited to—Alexia Gyant, De-Kisha Hendricks, Ariel Robinson, Jacobi Bennett, Isaiah Clark, Iesha Bryant, Hamilton Terry, Tre’shawn Judkins, and Danielle Patterson. These relationships reflect the true heart of “Turkey” as a person, “Turk” as a personality, and “TURKBISH” as the full persona.
Special acknowledgment to Faith Hedgepeth, may she rest in peace. A best friend indeed who helped me accept myself fully in high school. From drivers education to car pooling to school to chicken biscuits with TEXAS PETE HOTSAUCE. I miss you so much and there’s not a day I don’t think about you. But I keep you close anytime I’m driving on the road and I STILL love me some Texas Pete.
To Caridad Aguilar, Tyler Jones, Camia Pulley, and Lashay Silver, you all have been a saving grace in my life early on and I’m forever grateful. Love you all for life.
I also extend acknowledgment to my college friendships—regardless of where we may stand today—that played a critical role in helping me navigate my identity as an LGBTQ+ individual beyond the comfort of home. Those friendships include Darrell Tuck (Nicole), Victus Rose Jr., Valencia Lipscomb, Robert Green, Daryl Kinnard (Pepsi), Cameron Blount, Stevie Jordan (Kaino), Antonio Zimmerman (Zimmy), Darnell Monroe (Vegas), Blair Brown, Shonni Asali, Jawan Robinson (Jeune x Jawan), Devontee Tanner (Mango), Antonio Grisby (Cobra), and others I may have unintentionally omitted. Those years were complex, transformative, and at times challenging—but I endured, learned, and grew.
Special love and appreciation go to my closest best friends—Michelle Shelton, Jerrod Britt (Steven), Danielle Fields (Dannie), and Destin Otis (Andy Blue). I love you all for life. My college circle played an essential role in helping me build confidence, recognize my self-worth, and truly understand how to tap into my strengths. I also want to acknowledge Denzel Fleming (NoNotWashington), Christian Kornegay (CDK On The Mic), Khalil Miles (Frack), Victor Chiles (Froe), and the entire Couture Productions family at North Carolina A&T State University, whose creative collaboration and brotherhood/sisterhood left a lasting imprint during those formative years.
I must also acknowledge my “gay children”—Jamond Davis, Kweisi Morrow (Slim), and Mario Foster. Though I may not have been as present as I would like in recent times, you will forever hold a place in my heart. You taught me how to step fully into the role of a leader and role model, and I am incredibly proud of the success each of you has achieved. Time and distance will never diminish my love, guidance, or commitment to you.
Most importantly, I give love and gratitude to my family—my cousins who are more like sisters and brothers: Lorenzo Wilkins (LJ), and the EDDIE LYNCH GANG: Khadijah, Niya, Elijah, Derenike (DJ), Tremaine (Bud), Chrystal, Keenan, Aaliyah, Jermaine (Maine, RIP), Lucy, Reginald (Reggie), and Montrell. Special love to my sister Kameshia Michelle Lynch and my beautiful nephews, as well as to my niece and nephew Ceyanna Harrison and CJ Rosser. While I may not have always been the best uncle, I am working relentlessly to ensure that my efforts today create security, stability, and opportunity for you tomorrow.
This acknowledgment may be lengthy, but it is necessary. None of this journey has been walked alone, and every person mentioned here has contributed—directly or indirectly—to the man, the mission, and the legacy I continue to build.
Pricing:
- HBCU and LGBTQ+ Inspired Merch: $10-$150 (Customization + All Sizes Available): https://turkbish.myspreadshop.com/
- Sponsors Discounts Available (20%-30% off): https://mydeals.page/1xuc
- Savage x Fenty Sponsor (60% off): https://tr.ee/Dt3cBA0Fj8
- Doc Marten Sponsors (30% off): https://tr.ee/9EIeqTVRBO
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/TURKBISH
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turkbish
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealTurkBISH/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TURKBISH_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/turkbish10
- Other: https://talkwithturk.codeadx.me/
Image Credits
Image and Video Credits: Darrian Montavias Lynch and The CMPND, Inc. of Winston Salem, NC
