All Of It Podcast Summary: Episode Featuring Cynthia Nixon

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart from WNYC, actress Cynthia Nixon joins to discuss the finale of two significant series she stars in: "The Gilded Age" and "And Just Like That." The conversation delves into the cultural impact of these shows, character development, and broader societal themes.

Farewell to "The Gilded Age" and "And Just Like That"

Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting the convergence of finales for two major shows set in New York City, separated by nearly 140 years. Cynthia Nixon portrays Ada Moore in "The Gilded Age," a 19th-century narrative exploring old money and societal power dynamics, and Miranda in "And Just Like That," a contemporary series about friendships and personal growth.

Key Points:

• "The Gilded Age" Finale: The season concludes with pivotal life shifts triggered by grand Newport balls, signaling significant changes for the characters without major fatalities. (00:09 - 01:07)
• "And Just Like That" Finale: The series about close-knit friends wraps up, providing a true ending to the beloved story. (00:09 - 01:07)

Ada Moore’s Journey and Reflections on Wealth

Cynthia Nixon delves into her character Ada Moore's evolution, particularly focusing on her sudden inheritance after her husband’s death and its implications.

Notable Insights:

• Ada’s Financial Transformation: Ada transitions from financial insecurity to becoming the mistress of the household, grappling with newfound wealth and its responsibilities. (03:14 - 05:24)

  "Ada has spent her entire life as a poor relation... for the first time, she became the mistress of the household." (03:24)

• Gratitude vs. Power: Initially overwhelmed by the ability to fund charitable works, Ada later recognizes the social status that money can confer, contrasting her sister Agnes's concern over social standing. (03:24 - 05:24)

Handling Grief Through Ada’s Character

The discussion shifts to how "The Gilded Age" portrays grief through Ada’s experiences.

Key Points:

• Personal Loss: Ada faces profound grief after her husband's death, which challenges her typically optimistic demeanor. (05:24 - 07:48)

  "Ada speaks about feeling suicidal... she grabs by both hands and sets off on a quest." (05:41 - 07:48)

• Activism as Healing: Ada channels her grief into activism, first through the temperance movement and later suffrage, reflecting her desire to honor her husband's legacy. (05:41 - 07:48)

Character Development: Ada and Agnes

Cynthia elaborates on the character arcs of Ada and her sister Agnes, highlighting their growth and complexities.

Notable Highlights:

• Agnes’s Evolution: Agnes transforms from a shy, deferential sister to a determined individual who subtly manipulates situations to achieve her goals. (07:58 - 10:23)

  "She is good at going around the back and getting what she wants." (08:08)

• Power Dynamics: Ada’s newfound authority leads her to adopt more assertive, and at times manipulative, behaviors, revealing the complexities of wielding power. (09:20 - 10:23)

Transition to "And Just Like That" and Miranda’s Story

Cynthia discusses her role as Miranda in "And Just Like That," exploring why she chose to revisit the character and the show's focus on women in their 50s.

Key Insights:

• Representation: The show addresses the scarcity of narratives centered on women in their 50s, offering depth and diversity in their experiences. (14:10 - 14:18)

  "There are not a lot of shows about women in their 50s... we actually have a chance to change that." (14:18)

• Character Continuity: Miranda remains devoted to her friends and retains her strong opinions, depicted as both determined and occasionally needing to reassess her actions. (16:03 - 17:49)

  "Miranda is somebody who always charged in guns blazing and then had to sort of backtrack a little bit." (16:11 - 17:49)

Iconic Moments: The Silver Jumpsuit

A memorable scene involving Miranda’s choice of attire—a sparkly, one-shouldered silver jumpsuit—is discussed, symbolizing her vibrant personality and commitment to making unforgettable moments.

Discussion Highlights:

• Costume Significance: The jumpsuit represents Miranda's desire to bring joy and excitement to a friend's farewell party, contrasting her usually conservative fashion sense. (17:52 - 19:20)

  "It was the antithesis of how we think Miranda being... more masculine." (18:11)

Emotional Reflections on the Series Ending

Cynthia expresses her sadness over the conclusion of "And Just Like That," acknowledging the show's potential to continue in the future despite the current ending.

Key Points:

• Emotional Attachment: Cynthia reveals her deep connection to the characters and disappointment over the abrupt ending, hoping for future continuations. (19:20 - 20:12)

  "I am very sad. Miranda had such fun things that were being teed up for the future." (19:22)

Political Engagement and Civic Responsibility

The conversation shifts to Miranda's political inclinations, specifically her support for Zoran Mamdani, and the broader implications for New Yorkers.

Notable Quotes:

• Policy Impact: Cynthia emphasizes the significance of policies like free childcare and improved public transportation in enhancing urban livability. (20:14 - 22:19)

  "Zoran's free childcare from ages 6 months to 5 years is such a game changer..." (20:43)

• Voter Reflection: She encourages voters to consider the city's affordability and governance integrity when casting their votes. (22:29 - 22:48)

  "Do you want the city to be more affordable and more available for people, or do you want to have the city run by a person who is kowtowing to Trump..." (22:29 - 22:48)

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Cynthia expressing her admiration for Alison Stewart and WNYC, highlighting the personal connections and enduring relationships within the entertainment community.

"I'm just keeping it in my heart right now." (23:03)

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a profound exploration of Cynthia Nixon's roles in two culturally significant series, reflecting on character development, societal themes, and personal growth. Through insightful dialogue and compelling anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between entertainment and cultural discourse.