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Finding Fire Island

Jess Rothschild & Broadway Podcast Network 20 Episodes Jul 30, 2026

Finding Fire Island is a documentary series that explores how Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines became a modern queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. It goes behind the scenes of the mystique, legends, and lore of Fire Island, featuring interviews with people who witnessed their evolution from the 1950s to today. The series stars notable guests including Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Billy Porter, and Julio Torres, among others. It is executive produced by Jess Rothschild.

Episodes

Behind The Pine Walk Collection & Running The Hotel (w/ Nate Pinsley & Peter Kriss) Jul 30, 2026 2224 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

7. A Town Without Pity (feat. John Waters) Jul 23, 2026 2271 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 everyt

6. Broadway on the Beach Jul 16, 2026 1770 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 episod

5. Pantry Girls & Firefighters Jul 9, 2026 2352 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@je

Robin Byrd: Fire Island & Talk Show Queen | 1-on-1 Jul 1, 2026 2441 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

4. DJs and the Dance Floor Jun 25, 2026 2775 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 You

3. Sex Before the Internet Jun 18, 2026 2539 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 Bradfo

2. Heated Rivalries Jun 11, 2026 2613 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 Raw

1. Choose Your Own Adventure Jun 11, 2026 2735 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 Howa

Finding Fire Island Season 2 premieres June 11! Jun 8, 2026 80 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

9. BONUS - PROVINCETOWN Aug 24, 2023 1727 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 Moy

8. WINTER Aug 17, 2023 2366 “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 Sarge

7. MEN DIE & WOMEN BUY Aug 10, 2023 2576 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 Rima

6. LEGENDS & LORE Aug 3, 2023 2615 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 feat

5. THE INVASION Jul 27, 2023 2795 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” Levi

4. TEA Jul 20, 2023 3073 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

3. THE PINES Jul 13, 2023 3041 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

2. CHERRY GROVE Jul 6, 2023 2844 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, C

1. GAY SUMMER CAMP Jul 6, 2023 3099 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

TRAILER - Finding Fire Island Jun 13, 2023 141 “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 c

Finding Fire Island

Episodes

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