Finding Fire Island

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. ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for everything Finding...

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...

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. ⭐ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@jessxnyc⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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,...

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 Rawli...

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,...

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 un...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...