Podcast Summary: "Hot Diggity Dog with Benito Skinner (S2 E9 'Old Dogs, New Dicks')"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Are You A Charlotte?
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Hot Diggity Dog with Benito Skinner (Season 2, Episode 9: "Old Dogs, New Dicks")
• Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction of the Guest: Benito Skinner

In this engaging episode of Are You A Charlotte?, host Kristin Davis welcomes special guest Benito Skinner, affectionately known as "Benny Drama." The conversation kicks off with Kristin sharing how her niece suggested Benito as the perfect guest:

Kristin Davis [03:36]: "Back when I was planning the podcast and I hadn't started, I asked my niece who should I have on? And her words were Benny drama."

Benito responds with enthusiasm, acknowledging his connection to Kristin and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

Journey to the Podcast and Mutual Connections

Kristin and Benito reminisce about their initial meeting at Paris Fashion Week, highlighting the high-profile nature of the event and their mutual admiration for industry peers like Simone:

Benito Skinner [04:22]: "I looked around Versailles and I go, where's my girl?"

Their playful banter establishes a comfortable rapport, setting the tone for an open and heartfelt discussion.

Navigating Fame and Online Presence

One of the focal points of the conversation revolves around Benito's experience with social media and coming out as gay. He shares his early days of creating lip-sync videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube to mask his sexuality:

Benito Skinner [08:24]: "I was still in the closet in college... I did lip sync videos because I didn't want anyone to hear my voice. Cause I was like, the Internet will know I'm gay."

Kristin delves into the challenges of handling online negativity, reflecting on how both have faced harsh comments and the impact it has on their personal lives. Benito offers practical strategies for managing negative interactions, such as responding to positive comments to foster meaningful connections:

Benito Skinner [13:51]: "If you see a mean comment, go and respond to a nice one. Then you're connecting with someone who went out of their way to say something nice."

Reflecting on Industry Changes and Personal Growth

The duo discusses the evolution of the entertainment industry, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation and the importance of having safe spaces on set. They emphasize the role of intimacy coordinators in creating respectful and comfortable environments for actors:

Kristin Davis [22:24]: "And that's what a good intimacy coordinator is doing. Like, what is your concern? What do you want me to watch for?"

Benito adds his perspective on maintaining authenticity while navigating industry expectations, highlighting the balance between personal expression and professional demands.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories from "Sex and the City"

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about filming "Sex and the City." Kristin shares humorous and challenging anecdotes, such as dealing with extreme weather conditions during shoots and navigating costume mishaps:

Kristin Davis [48:40]: "We decided to bring an ice cream truck, but we were on the roof of a very tall building... carrying boxes up and up."

Benito complements her stories with his own experiences, discussing the pressures of delivering perfect performances under scrutiny and the camaraderie among the cast:

Benito Skinner [55:16]: "We knew this would happen. Everyone in my life knew this would happen."

Style, Costumes, and Character Development

The conversation naturally flows into discussions about the stylistic choices that define Charlotte York's character. Kristen recounts the struggles with her hair color and wardrobe to stay true to Charlotte's persona while adhering to production requirements:

Kristin Davis [52:15]: "I had to go get my hair colored with highlights. I had never done it. I knew nothing."

They explore the intersection of personal style and character authenticity, emphasizing how subtle changes contribute to character depth and audience perception.

Launching Benito Skinner's Show: "Overcompensating"

Benito transitions into sharing his journey of creating his own show, "Overcompensating." He outlines the inspiration behind it—his experiences of being in the closet—and the proactive steps he took to bring his vision to life through online platforms:

Benito Skinner [40:14]: "I wrote this show called Overcompensating, and it was a standup show about me being in the closet in high school and college."

Kristin expresses admiration for his initiative and the role the internet plays in providing alternative avenues for storytellers:

Kristin Davis [41:50]: "You very smartly put your stuff on YouTube."

Impact of Social Media on Career Growth

Benito elaborates on how social media served as a catalyst for his career advancement, allowing him to connect with audiences and industry professionals alike:

Benito Skinner [33:35]: "I was editing videos for a startup... I would go and buy a coffee and make my videos for the rest of the night until like 1:00 am."

Kristin and Benito discuss the shift from traditional media gatekeeping to the democratization of content creation, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling in today's digital landscape.

Handling Public Scrutiny and Maintaining Personal Well-being

Both hosts acknowledge the toll that public scrutiny and relentless fan interactions can take on personal well-being. They stress the importance of finding supportive communities and prioritizing mental health amidst the pressures of fame:

Benito Skinner [12:03]: "You find your people and that's really all that matters."

Kristin adds a personal touch by sharing her own struggles with body image and societal expectations, reinforcing the podcast's theme of vulnerability and growth.

Conclusion: Embracing Growth and Community

As the episode draws to a close, Kristin and Benito reflect on their shared experiences and the bonds they've formed through their careers. They advocate for resilience, emphasizing that growth comes from overcoming challenges and supporting one another:

Kristin Davis [53:27]: "We grow, we learn. Society changes. Sometimes for better, sometimes not for better."

Benito echoes this sentiment, highlighting the enduring nature of their friendship and professional collaboration.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristin Davis [03:56]: "It is my favorite color in the world."
• Benito Skinner [12:04]: "Exactly."
• Kristin Davis [22:11]: "This was something Charlotte would love."
• Benito Skinner [40:57]: "I'm like, this is another way to access."
• Kristin Davis [53:31]: "Keep it together."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Are You A Charlotte? offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of two influential figures in the entertainment industry. Through candid conversations, Kristin Davis and Benito Skinner explore themes of authenticity, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether it's navigating the complexities of fame or pioneering new pathways in content creation, their dialogue serves as both inspiration and reassurance for listeners seeking fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.