Fire Island: The Tea

Lea shares a personal history and de-transition story. A discussion around gender and recognizing our own masculine/feminine energy as a spectrum that can help to heal. 

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

An insight into his origins, Texan connections, renting Fire Island during the Aids crisis, reviving a Horace Gifford, sustainability in design and community living, and a sneak peek at the soon-to-come Aids Memorial. 

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

A Return to the Pines: a conversation with Jari Jones, a plus-size trans model, actress, activist, and producer.

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

A sunny Sunday afternoon conversation over tea with writer, poet, and scholar Jack Parlett and the late Fire Island Icon Gil Neary. A coming together from across different places and generations. 

We are fortunate to have recorded this episode while our beloved neighbor and mentor, Gil, was alive and well. A true steward of the Pines and the LGBTQ+ community in and around NYC, Gil shares his perspective, insights, antics, and stories he was famous for. 

In memory of Gil Neary (1957-2024).

Don't miss Gil's "Final Bow" and Jack's "Choose your own Adventure" in our printed publication of Fire Island Tea: The Second Edition | Summer 2024

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

Fate brought Crayton Robbie to Fire Island; he graduated from Howard University on a Saturday, moved to New York City on Sunday, met his partner Ed on Tuesday, and was out on Fire Island by Friday. Not to mention in the midst of the AIDS crisis. Listen to his perspective on coming to the Pines, as a person of color, during the most stressful and least inclusive time we have witnessed. Crayton is a natural storyteller and connector, demonstrated by his production and direction of the documentary “When Ocean Meets Sky” and his involvement in all things Fire Island. This is our initial conversation with Crayton, and he’s promised he’s in for more.

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

After fleeing persecution and abuse in Egypt, achieving asylum in the United States was only the beginning for Iman Le Caire. Listen to her story as she finds herself through her transition, finds love in her husband, and finally finds a home on Fire Island. A true trailblazer and activist who started the petition to create Trailblazers Park in the Pines Marina, Iman is no longer silent. She has taken action through the creation of her non-profit Trans Asylias, dedicated to providing resources for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) asylum seekers to escape from their home countries, where they face persecution, and resettling them in countries that are safer for TGNB communities. Iman has been working on Fire Island to make it more inclusive for all.

Follow Iman and Jean Manuel at: @imanlecaire @transasylias @jean_manuel_le_caire

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

Get to know Adam Klesh, aka “Papa Bear.” A multi-faceted producer and global bar owner who puts community first. Working hard to bridge the divide between the Pines and Cherry Grove, and creating more inclusive spaces. From Berlin to Cherry Grove to Hell’s Kitchen, learn how Adam finds the energy to be in what seems like multiple places at once. A fellow producer of the Pines Party, we have seen Adam put his entire self, even injured, into our community. Meet “Papa Bear,” he doesn’t bite–unless you want him to.

Follow Adam at: @adampapabear @icepalacefireisland @redeye_ny @tipsy_bear_berlin

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

The boys at Fire Island Tea speak with the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) President Henry Robin. Henry shares his candid and transparent management of all the various governmental agencies and efforts that have been put in motion to get the Fire Island Pines beach replenished. The fragility of the island is exposed and the complexities of how we got here are discussed. There are critics who are attacking FIPPOA and Henry personally for not doing enough or poking the wrong bear, but after this cup of tea, they might think otherwise.

Follow the  Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association.

Disclaimer:
This podcast was recorded prior to the impact of September 2023 Tropical Storm Ophelia and Hurricane Lee.  Since then, Henry has worked with Suffolk County and the New York State DEC, who subsequently submitted a second (stand-alone) request to the Army Corp of Engineers to provide emergency repair of the Eastern Fire Island communities.  This is the second of three beach repair options Henry will discuss in the podcast.

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

Moments that Matter: Pump & Dump follows the narrator's life-changing journey, catalyzed by an invitation to a Fire Island birthday celebration. Initially hesitant due to personal struggles and misgivings, the narrator's evolving relationship with Fire Island mirrors their path of self-discovery and liberation. Amid a pandemic, a seemingly casual online encounter takes an unexpected turn, redefining the narrator's perspective on relationships and life. As they navigate from a conservative upbringing to embracing their queerness, Fire Island becomes a backdrop for transformation, culminating in discovering extraordinary partners who mirror their journey. With a vibrant portrayal of growth and self-acceptance, "Pump & Dump" celebrates the liberating power of embracing oneself and finding love in unexpected places.

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.

Join Bambi Sue and step into the glittering world of Fire Island, where history, scandal, and unapologetic queerness collide. In this episode, we're diving into the heart of why telling and preserving queer stories on Fire Island matters more than the sequins on a drag queen's gown. Fire Island, the enchanting haven nestled between The Pines and Cherry Grove, isn't just a sandy escape – it's a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. Come along with Bambi Sue as she unravels how these shores have become a sanctuary for self-expression, resilience, and unbridled celebrations of love.

Follow Nick and Marc, as well as The Naughty Pine, Books and Boys, and Fire Island Tea on Instagram and Twitter. Podcast edit, mix, and theme music by Zach Wachter.