Fire Island: The Tea

Nick Ammaturo and Marc Christensen
  • 4.6 (9)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Fire Island: The Tea, a storytelling platform and publication.  The brainchild of the Naughty Pine and Books and Boys.  A collection of interviews, stories, and anecdotes about the life, times, and happenings of queer Fire Island–follow along for a glimpse into the unseen and untold.  From the boardwalks to your bedroom, the Tea is hot and ready to serve.

  1. 11/01/2024

    The Phoenix: A conversation with trans photographer and model Lea Duque.

    Lea shares a personal history and de-transition story. A discussion around gender and recognizing our own masculine/feminine energy as a spectrum that can help to heal.  Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    52 min

  2. 11/01/2024

    Community 101: A conversation with award-winning architect Charles Renfro.

    An insight into his origins, Texan connections, renting Fire Island during the Aids crisis, reviving a Horace Gifford, sustainability in design and community living, and a sneak peek at the soon-to-come Aids Memorial.  Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    48 min

  3. 11/01/2024

    A Return to the Pines: A conversation with Jari Jones, a plus-size trans model, actress, activist, and producer.

    A Return to the Pines: a conversation with Jari Jones, a plus-size trans model, actress, activist, and producer. Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    1 hr

  4. 11/01/2024

    Tea time with Gil Neary in conversation with Jack Parlett.

    A sunny Sunday afternoon conversation over tea with writer, poet, and scholar Jack Parlett and the late Fire Island Icon Gil Neary. A coming together from across different places and generations.  We are fortunate to have recorded this episode while our beloved neighbor and mentor, Gil, was alive and well. A true steward of the Pines and the LGBTQ+ community in and around NYC, Gil shares his perspective, insights, antics, and stories he was famous for.  In memory of Gil Neary (1957-2024). Don't miss Gil's "Final Bow" and Jack's "Choose your own Adventure" in our printed publication of Fire Island Tea: The Second Edition | Summer 2024 Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    42 min

  5. 12/14/2023

    Sunday Tea: Crayton, the Beginning

    Fate brought Crayton Robbie to Fire Island; he graduated from Howard University on a Saturday, moved to New York City on Sunday, met his partner Ed on Tuesday, and was out on Fire Island by Friday. Not to mention in the midst of the AIDS crisis. Listen to his perspective on coming to the Pines, as a person of color, during the most stressful and least inclusive time we have witnessed. Crayton is a natural storyteller and connector, demonstrated by his production and direction of the documentary “When Ocean Meets Sky” and his involvement in all things Fire Island. This is our initial conversation with Crayton, and he’s promised he’s in for more. Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    41 min

  6. 11/20/2023

    Sunday Tea: Iman and Finding Asylum

    After fleeing persecution and abuse in Egypt, achieving asylum in the United States was only the beginning for Iman Le Caire. Listen to her story as she finds herself through her transition, finds love in her husband, and finally finds a home on Fire Island. A true trailblazer and activist who started the petition to create Trailblazers Park in the Pines Marina, Iman is no longer silent. She has taken action through the creation of her non-profit Trans Asylias, dedicated to providing resources for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) asylum seekers to escape from their home countries, where they face persecution, and resettling them in countries that are safer for TGNB communities. Iman has been working on Fire Island to make it more inclusive for all. Follow Iman and Jean Manuel at: @imanlecaire @transasylias @jean_manuel_le_caire Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    1h 10m

  7. 11/07/2023

    Sunday Tea: Adam Klesh, Berlin to the Beach

    Get to know Adam Klesh, aka “Papa Bear.” A multi-faceted producer and global bar owner who puts community first. Working hard to bridge the divide between the Pines and Cherry Grove, and creating more inclusive spaces. From Berlin to Cherry Grove to Hell’s Kitchen, learn how Adam finds the energy to be in what seems like multiple places at once. A fellow producer of the Pines Party, we have seen Adam put his entire self, even injured, into our community. Meet “Papa Bear,” he doesn’t bite–unless you want him to. Follow Adam at: @adampapabear @icepalacefireisland @redeye_ny @tipsy_bear_berlin Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    55 min

  8. 10/09/2023

    The Issue at Hand: Beach Erosion

    The boys at Fire Island Tea speak with the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) President Henry Robin. Henry shares his candid and transparent management of all the various governmental agencies and efforts that have been put in motion to get the Fire Island Pines beach replenished. The fragility of the island is exposed and the complexities of how we got here are discussed. There are critics who are attacking FIPPOA and Henry personally for not doing enough or poking the wrong bear, but after this cup of tea, they might think otherwise. Follow the  Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association. Disclaimer: This podcast was recorded prior to the impact of September 2023 Tropical Storm Ophelia and Hurricane Lee.  Since then, Henry has worked with Suffolk County and the New York State DEC, who subsequently submitted a second (stand-alone) request to the Army Corp of Engineers to provide emergency repair of the Eastern Fire Island communities.  This is the second of three beach repair options Henry will discuss in the podcast. Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Fire Island: The Tea, a storytelling platform and publication.  The brainchild of the Naughty Pine and Books and Boys.  A collection of interviews, stories, and anecdotes about the life, times, and happenings of queer Fire Island–follow along for a glimpse into the unseen and untold.  From the boardwalks to your bedroom, the Tea is hot and ready to serve.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Ammaturo and Marc Christensen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Fire Island: The Tea
  • Show Website
    Fire Island: The Tea