Finding Fire Island cover art

Finding Fire Island

Finding Fire Island

By: Jess Rothschild & Broadway Podcast Network
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“Finding Fire Island” is a docu series which brings to life how Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community. Go behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of Fire Island with folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today. Starring: Joel Kim Booster, Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers, Billy Porter, Julio Torres, DJ Lina Bradford, Brian Moylan, Ben Rimalower, Jay Jurden, Paul Rudnick & more! Executive produced by Jess Rothschild.Jess Rothschild & Broadway Podcast Network Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 3. Sex Before the Internet

    3. Sex Before the Internet
    Jun 18 2026
    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. ⭐ 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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    42 mins
  • 2. Heated Rivalries

    2. Heated Rivalries
    Jun 11 2026
    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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    44 mins
  • 1. Choose Your Own Adventure

    1. Choose Your Own Adventure
    Jun 11 2026
    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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    46 mins
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