Finding Fire Island

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  Behind The Pine Walk Collection & Running The Hotel (w/ Nate Pinsley & Peter Kriss) 30.07.2026 37dk

  In this special one-on-one episode, executive producer Jess Rothschild sits down with Fire Island Pines residents Nate Pinsley and Peter Kriss, whose decade-long adventure reads like a Fire Island fever dream. Topics: 🏨 Running the Hotel ("The Botel") 🎧 Discovering a forgotten treasure trove of original DJ cassette tapes (now known as The Pine Walk Collection) ✨ Sneaking CHER onto FI as a one-night-only houseguest ❄️ Living year-round in the Pines 🌕 Organizing the elusive Meat Rack Full Moon parties ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠findingfireisland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _____ Executive producer & Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jess Rothschild⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-producer: The Pines Historical Society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  7. A Town Without Pity (feat. John Waters) 23.07.2026 37dk

  Season 2, Episode 7: Filmmaker John Waters reflects on Provincetown, Fire Island, and the art of being an outsider. We explore the legacy of Ice Palace DJ Roy Thode, whose death marked the end of an era in Cherry Grove. Plus, Nikki Lafountaine recalls growing up year-round in the Fire Island Pines— original wooden ferries, icy winters and school mornings. ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: John Waters, Susan Morabito, Robbie Leslie, Jay Jurden, Chris Lovito, Guy Smith, Ron Martin, Judson Morrow, Nikki Lafountaine 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
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  6. Broadway on the Beach 16.07.2026 29dk

  Season 2, Episode 6: Featuring Broadway director Jerry Mitchell and Billy Porter, we explore how Fire Island transformed the AIDS crisis into action through The Morning Party, GMHC and ACT UP, the Fire Island Dance Festival, and the creation of Broadway Bares. Plus, the story of how Joan Rivers fell in love with Fire Island while performing a benefit for God's Love We Deliver. ⭐ Watch this episode on YouTube! ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Billy Porter, Jerry Mitchell, Bob "Rose" Levine, Jay Jurden, Chris Lovito, Ron Martin, Guy Smith, Rob Levy, Hal Hayes, Jovan Dansberry 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
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  5. Pantry Girls & Firefighters 09.07.2026 39dk

  Season 2, Episode 5: Behind every summer is a community that keeps Fire Island alive. This episode explores the history of the beloved Pines Pantry through the eyes of its iconic Pantry Girls, alongside the volunteer firefighters of The Pines and Cherry Grove who protect the island from fires, hurricanes, beach erosion, and an uncertain future. ⭐ Watch this episode on YouTube! ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Jay Jurden, Julio Torres, Bob "Rose" Levine, Ben Rimalower, Cody Rigsby, Kyle Merker, Jordan Cohen, Judson Morrow, Virun Rampersad, Laurie & Eric Schrader, Nikki Lafontaine, Lorraine Gengo, Stephen Moss, Kai Davis, Grant Rutter 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
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  Robin Byrd: Fire Island & Talk Show Queen | 1-on-1 01.07.2026 40dk

  Bonus Episode! Finding Fire Island exec. producer & narrator Jess Rothschild sits down for an intimate one-on-one conversation with Manhattan cable TV pioneer and longtime Fire Island Pines resident Robin Byrd. Topics— Discovering Cherry Grove and The Pines in the 1970s, her present day Tea Dances, the lasting impact of The Robin Byrd Show, her friendship with Sandra Bernhard, how her show helped pave the way for Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker as an executive producer of the HBO documentary Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story, and more. ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠findingfireisland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _____ Featuring: Robin Byrd _____ Executive producer & Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jess Rothschild⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-producer: The Pines Historical Society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  4. DJs and the Dance Floor 25.06.2026 46dk

  Season 2, Episode 4: From the Sandpiper to the Pavilion, Fire Island Pines' dance floors became church. Featuring legendary DJs Robbie Leslie, Susan Morabito, and Lina Bradford, we follow the creation of Beach '79, the roots of the Pines Party, and today's "leave no trace" beach parties—where Joey with the Mustache is reviving the island's spontaneous, communal spirit. ⭐ Watch this episode on YouTube! ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Billy Porter, Julio Torres, Lina Bradford, Robbie Leslie, Susan Morabito, Chris Lovito, Virun Rampersad, Bob Howard, Ron Martin, Guy Smith, Joey with the Mustache, Cody Rigsby, Grant Rutter and Mike Balaban 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
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  3. Sex Before the Internet 18.06.2026 42dk

  Season 2, Episode 3: As the post-Stonewall liberation movement transforms gay life, Tea at the Blue Whale becomes a Fire Island institution. Plus, the art of cruising—from the Meat Rack and the hanky code to the Pines Phone Book, personal ads, and 900 lines. ⭐ Watch this episode on YouTube! ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding Fire Island! _____ Featuring: Billy Porter, Lina Bradford, Julio Torres, Robbie Leslie, Kyle Merker, Chris Lovito, Judson Morrow, Ben Rimalower, Grant Rutter, Hal Hayes, Bob Howard, Mike Balaban, Doug Harris 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
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  2. Heated Rivalries 11.06.2026 43dk

  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
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  1. Choose Your Own Adventure 11.06.2026 45dk

  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
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  Finding Fire Island Season 2 premieres June 11! 08.06.2026 1dk

  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
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  9. BONUS - PROVINCETOWN 24.08.2023 28dk

  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
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  8. WINTER 17.08.2023 39dk

  “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
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  7. MEN DIE & WOMEN BUY 10.08.2023 42dk

  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
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  6. LEGENDS & LORE 03.08.2023 43dk

  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
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  5. THE INVASION 27.07.2023 46dk

  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
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  4. TEA 20.07.2023 51dk

  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
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  3. THE PINES 13.07.2023 50dk

  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
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  2. CHERRY GROVE 06.07.2023 47dk

  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
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  1. GAY SUMMER CAMP 06.07.2023 51dk

  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
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  TRAILER - Finding Fire Island 13.06.2023 2dk

  “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.  Queer history has often been told through the lens of loss and disappearance, but Fire Island has transcended that to survive as a stunning fantasy world and cultural touchstone. 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! Editing & sound design: Caitlin Whyte Cover art: Ceci Bergier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices