Finding Fire Island

Broadway Podcast Network

“Finding Fire Island” is a docu series which brings to life how Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community.  Go behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of Fire Island with folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today. Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Billy Porter, Julio Torres, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Jay Jurden, Paul Rudnick & more! Executive produced by Jess Rothschild.

  1. 1 day ago

    2. Heated Rivalries

    Season 2, Episode 2: Original Pines entrepreneurs Peggy Fears and John Whyte set the stage for competition with Cherry Grove. Plus, architect Horace Gifford's porn-lodge aesthetic, Calvin Klein's Fire Island legacy, and Reflections—a glass palace frozen in 1980s desire. ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Lorraine Gengo, Bob “Rose” Levine, Christopher Rawlins, Chris Lovito, Ron Martin, Kyle Merker, Virun Rampersad, Bob Howard, Amber Martin More: ⁠⁠findingfireisland.com⁠⁠ _____ Executive producer & Host: ⁠⁠Jess Rothschild⁠⁠ Co-producer: The Pines Historical Society Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  2. 1 day ago

    1. Choose Your Own Adventure

    Season 2, Episode 1: Through the lens of share-house culture, first arrivals and longtime residents reveal the rituals that shape Fire Island life. Featuring perspectives from Indian and Black residents, plus, The Doll Invasion — the annual trans takeover festival. ⭐ Watch this episode on YouTube! ⭐ Follow ⁠@jessxnyc⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Chris Lovito, Bob Howard, Jay Jurden, Kyle Merker, Hal Hayes, Ben Rimalower, Grant Rutter, Julio Torres, Mike Balaban, Ron Martin, Judson Morrow, Virun Rampersad, Fran Tirado & Cody Rigsby More: ⁠findingfireisland.com⁠ _____ Executive producer & Host: ⁠Jess Rothschild⁠ Co-producer: The Pines Historical Society Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  3. 4 days ago

    Finding Fire Island Season 2 premieres June 11!

    Finding Fire Island returns for Season 2 on June 11, with two episodes premiering on launch day! This season features interviews with BILLY PORTER, JOHN WATERS, JULIO TORRES, DJ LINA BRADFORD, Broadway Bares creator JERRY MITCHELL, Fire Island icon BOB "ROSE" LEVINE, and dozens of longtime Pines residents whose stories bring Fire Island's hidden history to life. Through 8 brand new episodes, we uncover the historic rivalry between Cherry Grove and The Pines, trace the evolution of Tea Dance, the art of cruising before apps, explore how DJs shaped NYC and Pines nightlife, and meet the Pantry Girls and queer firefighters who keep the island running. ** Watch all episodes on YouTube ** ⭐ findingfireisland.com ⭐ Executive Producer & Host: Jess Rothschild ⭐ Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte ⭐ Co-producer: The Pines Historical Society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 min

  4. 24/08/2023

    9. BONUS

    Bonus episode for Season One! We discuss the “Black Out” weekend, more Provincetown vs. Fire Island, behind the scenes of the Fire Island movie and more anecdotes from our cast of characters.  Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ This episode features: Margaret Cho, Joel Kim Booster, Matt Rogers, Michael Musto, DJ Lina Bradford, Paul Rudnick, Ben Rimalower, Brian Moylan, Tomik Dash, Victor Jeffreys, Christopher Rawlins and Daniel Nardicio More: findingfireisland.com _____ Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  5. 17/08/2023

    8. WINTER

    “Another Winter in a Summer Town” - Grey Gardens We hear stories of fires and hurricanes on Fire Island which often threaten to destroy it. Plus — Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s and how to survive winter on the island with several year-rounders. Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island! ______ This episode features: Bob “Rose” Levine, Paul Rudnick, Ben Rimalower, Parker Sargent, Boudoir LeFleur, Mike Fisher, Julia Sanderson, Phil Chan, Karin Adir, Randy Lauwasser and DJ Lina Bradford More: findingfireisland.com ______ Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  6. 10/08/2023

    7. MEN DIE & WOMEN BUY

    We trace the rise of the HIV/AIDS crisis alongside women having more earning power and buying homes in Cherry Grove. Plus, we explore the emotion around The Meatrack and Fire Island’s response to the crisis with The Morning Party.  Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ This episode features: Margaret Cho, Paul Rudnick, Bob “Rose” Levine, “Panzi,” Parker Sargent, Ben Rimalower, Pixie Aventura, Diane Romano, Randy Lauwasser, Christopher Rawlins and Bobby Bonnano  More: findingfireisland.com _____ Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  7. 03/08/2023

    6. LEGENDS & LORE

    We illuminate tales of Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Andy Warhol, Jerry Herman, Calvin Klein, Robert Mapplethorpe, Truman Capote, Andy Cohen, Sarah Jessica Parker and Madonna on Fire Island. Plus, the filming of “The Normal Heart” and cultural treasure troves discovered in Pines homes.  Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island! More: findingfireisland.com ______ This episode features: Matt Rogers, Bob “Rose” Levine, Paul Rudnick, “Panzi,” Daniel Nardicio, John Dempsey, Parker Sargent, Bobby Bonnano, Karin Adir, Christopher Rawlins and Ben Rimalower ______ Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  8. 27/07/2023

    5. THE INVASION

    We experience the very first Invasion of the Pines in 1976 as told by its leader, “Panzi,” and how the annual July 4th event evolved over the years. We go deeper on the history and evolution of Drag in Cherry Grove and New York City via Lady Bunny’s Wigstock and Drag Race.  Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island! ______ This episode features: Lady Bunny, “Panzi,” Bob “Rose” Levine, Ben Rimalower, Boudoir LeFleur, Pixie Aventura, Diane Romano, Julia Sanderson and Paul Rudnick More: findingfireisland.com ______ Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“Finding Fire Island” is a docu series which brings to life how Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community.  Go behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of Fire Island with folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today. Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Billy Porter, Julio Torres, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Jay Jurden, Paul Rudnick & more! Executive produced by Jess Rothschild.

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