Hot Takes & Deep Dives

Jess is joined by Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana Matronic (@msanamatronic)! Topics— first meeting JAKE SHEARS at The Slipper Room, STUART PRICE producing their "Night Work" album, the highs (and frustrations) of scoring a massive hit with "Let's Have a Kiki" while still failing to satisfy their record label, and why Ana chose not to reunite with the band on its current tour. Plus— Ana discusses losing her father to AIDS in 1990 and her work today as a Fire Island DJ and historian.

⭐ IG: @jessxnyc | @msanamatronic

⭐ Jess' docu-series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.

Jess is joined by Ben Rimalower and Boy Toy Mike Fernandez to review Madonna's Confessions II! Topics: Sean Penn lore, could "Danceteria" have been the "Abracadabra" of the album, Ben & Mike's first listen midnight journey, each of our Top 3, songwriting camps & more! 

IG: @jessxnyc | @benrimalower | @mrmikefern

Jess' docu-series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.

We will have our comprehensive review of CONFESSIONS II next week! But first, Jess joined by Mark Snyder & Kenny Finkle (All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna) and Tony Trius (MLVC) for a culture debate — MADONNA EDITION! Topics: our unpopular opinions, best live performance, best Truth or Dare moment, Tears of a Clown, how to fix Madonna, was longtime collab Mirwais trying to sabotage her? … and more!

IG: @jessxnyc | @tonytrius | @markbsnyder2026 | @mynameisfinkle

Jess' docu-series FINDING FIRE ISLAND about the history, mystique and lore of Cherry Grove & The Pines.

Jess is joined by David Kennerley to pour over his coffee-table book (Getting In) showcasing more than 200 flyers he collected from NYC queer bars & clubs of the 1990s (ie: Limelight, Splash, The Saint, Pyramid, The Roxy), with commentary from Michael Musto, Linda Simpson, Lady Bunny, Chip Duckett, Ernie Glam, Mark Allen and more! Topics: the "Disco Sucks" era, backrooms during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and more. 

⭐ IG: @jessxnyc | gettinginclubbook.com

⭐ Jess' docu-series on the history, mystique & lore of Fire Island — Finding Fire Island

ANNOUNCEMENT! 🌲🍒

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 uncover the historic rivalry between Cherry Grove and The Pines, trace the evolution of Tea Dance and the art of cruising before apps, explore how DJs shaped NYC and Pines nightlife, and meet the Pantry Girls and queer firefighters who keep the island running.

⭐ Subscribe to Finding Fire Island wherever you podcast! 

⭐ Watch all episodes on YouTube

⭐ ⁠findingfireisland.com

⭐ @jessxnyc