Podcast Summary: "I Want Candace... More with Candace Bushnell" Episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" by iHeartPodcasts Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction and Guest Introduction ([03:29] – [03:47])
Kristen Davis welcomes the episode by introducing the special guest, the creator of Sex and the City, Candace Bushnell. She expresses her excitement about delving into untold stories and behind-the-scenes insights of the iconic show.
Origins of Sex and the City and Candace Bushnell’s Writing Journey ([03:47] – [08:22])
Discussion Points:
- Candace’s Early Career: Candace shares her experience writing for the New York Observer, focusing on women's relationships, sex, and societal roles in the 1980s.
- Creation of the Column: When asked how she came to write the Sex and the City column, Candace explains that it was a natural extension of her work, blending themes of sex and society to mirror her analyses of New York City's dating scene.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “It was Sex and the City. It had one foot in sex, one foot in society, and it was really pretty much the same as what I'd been writing in the 80s.” ([06:02])
Character Development and Real-Life Inspirations ([08:22] – [15:41])
Discussion Points:
- Inspiration Behind Characters: Candace discusses how her real-life friends inspired characters like Samantha and Miranda, altering their names and traits to fit the narrative.
- Christine's Real-Life Experiences: She recounts personal anecdotes, such as dealing with roommate issues and relationships, which fed into the show's authentic storytelling.
- Meeting Darren Star: Candace narrates her meeting with Darren Star, the show's creator, highlighting his sense of humor and collaborative spirit that eventually led to the optioning of her book for television.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “He has the best sense of humor.” ([16:21])
- Candace Bushnell: “I took Darren for the first time to the Hamptons...and it was really a big step in turning my column into a TV show.” ([15:13])
Transition from Column to Television ([15:41] – [19:10])
Discussion Points:
- Optioning the Book: Candace details how Darren convinced her to move forward with HBO, noting the allure of creative freedom that the network offered compared to other studios.
- Adapting the Content: She explains the challenges of translating her column into a television format, ensuring that the essence of her writing was preserved while adapting to the medium's demands.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “Having a showrunner like Darren is incredible.” ([17:57])
- Candace Bushnell: “We don’t want it to be about plumbing... it's about the things that go around sex.” ([19:10])
Impact of Sex and the City on Society and Women's Empowerment ([19:10] – [31:03])
Discussion Points:
- Cultural Shifts: Candace reflects on how Sex and the City pushed boundaries, making conversations about women's lives and sexuality more mainstream and empowering.
- Evolution of Relationships: She discusses the changing attitudes toward heterosexual relationships, noting a growing skepticism and desire for more equitable partnerships among women.
- Singlehood and Female Friendships: The podcast explores how the show normalized being single in your 30s and emphasized the importance of female friendships in navigating life in New York City.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “Sex and the City... has made women so much more aware and emboldened.” ([29:25])
- Candace Bushnell: “There are now more and more single women, which is great. I think it's like 51% of the population.” ([53:02])
Behind the Scenes and Personal Reflections ([31:03] – [43:38])
Discussion Points:
- Reception and Success: Candace shares her surprise and joy at the show's Emmy nominations, reflecting on how unexpected the widespread acclaim was.
- Personal Relationships vs. On-Screen Characters: She delves into her real-life relationship with the inspiration behind Mr. Big, paralleling it with the on-screen tumultuous romance.
- Growth of the Series: The conversation covers the show's development beyond initial seasons and how it maintained relevance through authentic storytelling and relatable characters.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “I thought it seemed very normal. But I wasn’t right.” ([50:59])
- Candace Bushnell: “It was really incredible that the show kept going, and it's still going.” ([43:38])
Modern Dating Landscape and Societal Changes ([43:38] – [57:43])
Discussion Points:
- Changes in Dating Norms: The podcast examines how dating has evolved since the show's inception, highlighting the shift from traditional courting methods to modern challenges like digital interactions.
- Breadcrumbing and Relationship Dynamics: Candace discusses contemporary dating behaviors such as breadcrumbing, contrasting them with the more straightforward relationships depicted in Sex and the City.
- Women’s Autonomy in Relationships: She emphasizes the increasing agency women have in relationships today, questioning the necessity and structure of traditional heterosexual partnerships.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “Now there are more and more single women... women have just changed their attitude so much.” ([53:12])
- Candace Bushnell: “There is still this dichotomy where the romance is bigger than ever, but women are also saying they won’t follow societal norms.” ([57:08])
Current Projects and Future Endeavors ([57:43] – [58:20])
Discussion Points:
- One-Woman Show: Candace introduces her latest project, True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City, detailing its global tour and the stories it encapsulates about the origins and impacts of the show.
- Upcoming Performances: She announces her performance at Sony Hall on May 16th, inviting fans to engage with her new material that bridges her writing with her television success.
Notable Quotes:
- Candace Bushnell: “We’re at Sony Hall on May 16th.” ([58:14])
- Candace Bushnell: “True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City is the origin story...” ([05:34])
Concluding Remarks and Closing ([58:20] – [58:33])
Kristen Davis expresses her gratitude to Candace Bushnell for her insightful contributions to the podcast and congratulates her on her ongoing successes. The episode closes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Candace's influence on both the literary and television landscapes.
Notable Quotes:
- Kristen Davis: “Congratulations on all of your so many New York Times bestsellers and everything that you do.” ([58:27])
- Candace Bushnell: “Thank you.” ([58:13])
Final Thoughts
This episode of Are You A Charlotte? offers an in-depth exploration of Candace Bushnell’s journey from writing a column to creating one of the most influential television series centered on women's lives and relationships in New York City. Through candid conversations, the podcast delves into the genesis of Sex and the City, its cultural impact, and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. Candace's reflections provide valuable insights into the show's enduring legacy and the societal shifts it both mirrored and influenced.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Candace Bushnell: “It was Sex and the City. It had one foot in sex, one foot in society..." ([06:02])
- Candace Bushnell: “He has the best sense of humor.” ([16:21])
- Candace Bushnell: “Sex and the City... has made women so much more aware and emboldened.” ([29:25])
- Candace Bushnell: “Now there are more and more single women... women have just changed their attitude so much.” ([53:12])
- Candace Bushnell: “True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City is the origin story...” ([05:34])
Conclusion
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and insights shared by Candace Bushnell on the Are You A Charlotte? podcast episode. From the inception of Sex and the City to its profound societal impact, the conversation underscores the show's significance in reshaping narratives around women, relationships, and independence.