Finding Fire Island

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

The Bonus episode! 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