Daily Inspiration: Meet Darrian Lynch (TURKBISH)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrian Lynch (TURKBISH).

Darrian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Darrian Montavias Lynch, known to the world as TURKBISH, is the visionary creator and host of the internationally acclaimed, chart-topping podcast TALK WITH TURK. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and raised in Hollister, NC, Darrian’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. After the tragic loss of his birth mother as an infant, he was lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle—who later became his adoptive parents—instilling in him strength, compassion, and an unwavering sense of identity.

While attending Warren County High School, Darrian was given the nickname “Turkey” by his close friend Alexia Gyant, later shortened to the now-iconic moniker TURK—a name he proudly credits and embodies. From a young age, he was captivated by music, performance, and celebrity culture, knowing deep down he was destined for greatness.

Darrian’s academic journey took him from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, to earning his Associate’s Degree in Arts and General Studies from Guilford Technical Community College, and finally graduating from North Carolina A&T State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Social Work. While in Greensboro, he immersed himself in the world of Ballroom culture, LGBTQ+ nightlife, social media content creation, and student-led production with Couture Productions—all of which helped cultivate the bold, authentic persona of TURK.

In 2021, he earned a Master of Public Health from Liberty University, further establishing his expertise in health education, infectious disease, counseling, and case management across mental health, substance use, behavioral health, and public health sectors.

After experiencing the heartbreaking losses of both his adoptive mother and grandfather, Darrian turned pain into power with the creation of TALK WITH TURK—a bold and dynamic podcast that offers personal commentary on music, entertainment, celebrity culture, politics, love, health, and healing. The podcast quickly gained traction, ranking in the Top 5% of over 3 million podcasts globally, charting in over 60 countries, and consistently appearing on the Top 200 Entertainment News charts on Apple Podcasts.

TALK WITH TURK has seen Darrian chart alongside—and often above—major industry powerhouses such as TEA-G-I-F, Hollywood Unlocked, The Breakfast Club, FOX Soul, and Tamar Braxton’s Under Construction. His talent has led to interviews with notable figures including Ashley Tamar Davis, Billboard Baby, Jerome Trammel, Tiyon Christian, Sapphire Eden, Tabitha Brown, Jasmine Masters, Angelica Ross, and many more. His in-person networking spans artists like Nicki Minaj, Monica, Ledisi, Maxwell, Flo Milli, FLO, and K. Michelle.

The success of the podcast landed him a role as a radio DJ host on Power 109 Radio in Denver, CO. Now in its sixth season, TALK WITH TURK has expanded into a visual podcast, produced in partnership with THE CMPND, Inc.

Despite enduring unimaginable challenges—including the loss of both biological parents, surviving sexual assault at age 13, a hate crime at age 19, and a suicide attempt at age 20—Darrian Lynch has emerged as a powerful, inspirational voice. He has found love in his new fiancé and soon to be husband Hezikia, up and coming NC music artist. Through his artistry, advocacy, and unapologetic authenticity, TURKBISH continues to break barriers and redefine success—not just for himself, but for every voice that has ever felt unheard. Although he has more hidden talents such as songwriting and recording, dancing/choreography, and photography, TALK WITH TURK is only the beginning to display the talented mind and persona of TURKBISH.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although experiencing great trauma, there are many other challenges and obstacles I must face. This includes learning how to be an independent adult without having that direction from my birth parents and adoptive mother. At times, I may feel as if I am alone in the process of reaching success and having the fulfillment from the desire to make my parents proud. Although I grew up in a home in which I would consider myself priveledged from being in a loving two parent household in which I was provided a great lifestyle, outside in the world, I am fighting financially and mentally to maintain sanity while fulfilling those dreams.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I work in Social Work and Public Health in which I have specialized in various sectors including health education, infectious disease, counseling, and case management across mental health, substance use, and behavioral health. My certifications include:

Community Event Organizer (National Women and Girls Awareness Day, World AIDS Day) | Business Development Training-Allison Web-Based Training | Member of National Association of Social Workers-NC | C3 Cultural Diversity Training-Greensboro, NC | NC HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Trainer- NC Dept. of Health & Human Services – Wilmington, NC | Phlebotomy and Blood borne Pathogen Training- NC Dept. of Health & Human Services – Fayetteville, NC | Certified Health Coach| HIPPA Professional Training| Certified Social Worker in Healthcare| Call Center Management Certification|

I am most proud of being one of the few graduates from college within my family. My aim is to provide inspiration and motivation for others to do the same.

What sets me apart from others is that I am not only talented professionally with a career from my education, but I am talented creatively engaging in music, entertainment news, and creating relationships with celebrities through my vibrant personality.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a sheltered child. I engaged in church activities such as youth choir, Usher board, and bible study/VBS activities. I stayed to myself a lot and listed to music, learning social media as it was beginning, and creating music on my computer. I was vibrant growing up and I always had dreamed about being a “STAR.” Some people have the gift of discernment and speaking things into existence and as a child, I didn’t know that me affirming things would lead to them to become true in present day. I also had and still possess spiritual gifts in which I can feel and see things that relate to spirit, whether guardian angels or those who have passed on. Within those spiritual gifts, I practice numerology. This spiritual connection allows me to manifest those numbers in a multitude of ways and interpreting them as a sign or red flag, whether for good or bad. This spiritual connection does not mean I do not believe in God, because I am very connected to God, alongside this gift and recognizing it as a gift given by Him for good. All in all, I always wanted to be alone in my room creating or pretending that I was a huge star on stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/turkbish
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turkbish/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turkBISH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrian-lynch-mph-bsw-qp-938547130/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TURKBISH_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/turkbish10
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/turkbish2017
• Other: https://turkbish.myspreadshop.com