10 episodes

“Finding Fire Island” is a docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. 
We will take you behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGBT communities (Cherry Grove and The Pines), from folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today.
Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Paul Rudnick & more! Executive produced by Jess Rothschild and presented by Broadway Podcast Network.

Finding Fire Island Broadway Podcast Network

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 577 Ratings

“Finding Fire Island” is a docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. 
We will take you behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGBT communities (Cherry Grove and The Pines), from folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today.
Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Paul Rudnick & more! Executive produced by Jess Rothschild and presented by Broadway Podcast Network.

    1. GAY SUMMER CAMP

    1. GAY SUMMER CAMP

    We are introduced to the two oldest LGBT communities in the US -- Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines. Our cast of characters describe their Fire Island origin stories and we quickly see how what plays out here is like "gay adult sleep-away camp." We also observe how racial and socio-economic pressures are felt on the island.
    Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
    _____
    This episode features: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Brian Moylan, Bob “Rose” Levine, “Panzi,” Ben Rimalower, Parker Sargent, Daniel Nardicio, Boudoir LeFleur, Zach Stafford, Jeanette Cincotta, Katherine Grainger, Tomik Dash and Victor Jeffreys
    More: findingfireisland.com
    _____
    Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild
    Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte
    Cover art: Ceci Bergier
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 51 min
    2. CHERRY GROVE

    2. CHERRY GROVE

    We explore how Cherry Grove became the birthplace of Drag and Disco, contrast the quaint cottages to the Pines’ mansions, landmark venues of The Ice Palace and The Monster and the queer female population.
    Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
    _____
    This episode features: Margaret Cho, Bob “Rose” Levine, “Panzi,” Parker Sargent, Daniel Nardicio, Boudoir LeFleur, Diane Romano, Christopher Rawlins, Mike Fisher, Bobby Bonnano, Jeanette Cincotta, Katherine Grainger, Brian Moylan and Ben Rimalower 
    More: findingfireisland.com
    _____
    Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild
    Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte
    Cover art: Ceci Bergier
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 47 min
    3. THE PINES

    3. THE PINES

    We trace The Pines’ closeted past to its present day sex and party-forward atmosphere. We explore the architecture of Pines homes via Horace Gifford and the impact of Pines owner John Whyte who brought celebrity. Plus — The Meatrack, The Pavilion, the Pines Pantry and history of Tea at The Blue Whale. 
    Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
    _____
    This episode features: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Paul Rudnick, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Parker Sargent, Bobby Bonnano, John Dempsey, Karin Adir, Tomik Dash, Victor Jeffreys and Christopher Rawlins
    _____
    Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild
    Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 50 min
    4. TEA

    4. TEA

    We focus on the legendary parties Fire Island is known for, beginning with the history of The Tea Dance and DJ Lina Bradford’s 10-year reign in The Pines. We detail The Morning Party, The Underwear Party and The Pines Party. Plus, the thriving sober communities which balance it out. 
    Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
    _____
    This episode features: DJ Lina Bradford, Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Paul Rudnick, Daniel Nardicio, Ben Rimalower, Pixie Aventura, Jeanette Cincotta, Katherine Grainger, Julia Sanderson and Brian Moylan
    _____
    Executive producer & Host: Jess Rothschild
    Editing & Sound design: Caitlin Whyte
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 51 min
    5. THE INVASION

    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

    • 46 min
    6. LEGENDS & LORE

    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

    • 43 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
577 Ratings

577 Ratings

JamieKenter1 ,

Cannot wait for this SUMMER!!!

Currently listening to this through for the 2x and dreaming of summer 2024 to return back to the island… this transports me there! 🏖️🍒🔥❣️

blue-moon-23 ,

Wow!

- Friends were raving about this series during the last week of my share and finally consumed all this week. Should be required listening for all the young Fire Island gays who need to LEARN THEIR HISTORY! 👏🏽
- Production is A+
- Music choices, interview subjects and narration throughout is hilarious, informative and moving

send DUNES ,

Well researched, highly entertaining!

Feels like a juicy audio map of Fire Island.. production & sound design is stellar and Jess is a phenomenal and trusted narrator - huge fan of her other series Hot Takes and Deep Dives. Now binging that!

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