Podcast Summary: "Are You A Charlotte?" Episode - "Is Mr. Big an F Boy?"

Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host: Kristin Davis (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Blakely Thornton
Description Recap:
In this episode of "Are You A Charlotte?", Kristin Davis delves deep into the complexities of one of "Sex and the City’s" most enigmatic relationships—Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big. Joined by superfan Blakely Thornton, Kristin explores the nuances behind Mr. Big’s character and his interactions with Carrie, offering fresh perspectives and untold stories from behind the scenes.

**1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

[02:41] Kristin Davis:
Kristin warmly welcomes listeners back and introduces the episode's focus on episode 104, titled "Valley of the 20 something guys." She expresses her excitement about having Blakely Thornton—a dedicated fan known for his humor and insights on platforms like Instagram and TikTok—as her special guest.

Notable Quote:
"Today we are going to talk about episode 104. It's in season one and it's called Valley of the 20 something guys. And I love this episode so much." — Kristin Davis [02:41]

**2. First Impressions of "Sex and the City"

[03:21] Mark Seale:
Mark Seale, possibly another guest or panelist, shares personal anecdotes about his early exposure to "Sex and the City." He reminisces about watching the series during his youth alongside heterosexual friends, highlighting the show's unexpected resonance even among male viewers unaware of its deeper themes.

Notable Quotes:
"Sex in the City, in the OC And I went to, like, an all boys prep school, was like, wow, that was the show." — Mark Seale [05:43]
"We were all like, 100%, it's okay." — Mark Seale [04:19]

**3. Character Analysis: Mr. Big as an "F Boy"

[08:13] Kristin Davis:
Kristin prompts Mark to share his thoughts on Mr. Big, questioning whether the character fits the modern definition of an "F Boy."

[09:09] Mark Seale:
Mark contemplates Mr. Big's behavior, likening him to a "love bomber" who exhibits inconsistency. He reflects on Mr. Big's pattern of affectionate gestures followed by abandonment, suggesting that Big embodies traits associated with the "F Boy" archetype before the term became popular.

Notable Quotes:
"Mr. Big's like. He's amazing. But then you go back to early Mr. Big. I'm like, this man is a. He was a f boy before there was a word for it." — Mark Seale [09:09]
"I think a boy is just like a man who has a little bit of Peter Pan syndrome, has money, but also kind of like, he is consistent in his inconsistency." — Mark Seale [09:23]

**4. Influence of the Series on Personal Lives

[16:11] Andrea Waters King:
Andrea Waters King introduces "My Legacy," a segment exploring personal journeys, which intertwines with the main discussion by bringing in perspectives on how "Sex and the City" impacted individuals' lives and self-perceptions.

[17:06] Kristin Davis:
Kristin shares how moments from the show acted as personal milestones, aiding in self-discovery and identity formation. She identifies as Ashlyn Harris, reflecting on how the series resonated with her experiences.

Notable Quotes:
"We all have moments like this. Something happens that's supposed to break us, but it's in these moments that we discover what we're really made of." — Kristin Davis [17:18]

**5. Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Anecdotes

[34:27] Blakely Thornton:
Blakely interjects with humorous segments, adding levity to the discussion and sharing his comedic take on relationship advice, further enriching the conversational dynamic.

[36:13] Mark Seale:
Mark recounts filming experiences, such as shooting scenes in old cabs reminiscent of "Taxi Cab Confessions," highlighting the show's authentic portrayal of New York City life in the late '90s.

Notable Quotes:
"We filmed the whole first season without anything on the air, and no one knew what we were. So we weren't borrowing clothes at this point." — Kristin Davis [41:00]
"It's very Charlotte, like. And again, Charlotte has some of the more interesting lines and also just ends up." — Mark Seale [37:55]

**6. Evolving Perceptions of Characters Over Time

[25:04] Kristin Davis:
Kristin discusses how initial perceptions of characters like Charlotte York have evolved. She reflects on criticism Charlotte originally faced for being perceived as "boring" and how modern audiences are reinterpreting her as a more complex, relatable character.

[29:06] Kristin Davis:
Further analysis of Charlotte's character arc reveals her growth from traditionalism to embracing a more authentic, bohemian lifestyle, paralleling real-life shifts in societal attitudes toward women's roles and relationships.

Notable Quotes:
"Everyone hated Charlotte, then it's like, actually, wait. Like, liking love and wanting something. But actually Charlotte's, like, almost, like, very secretly, like, bohemian and aware." — Mark Seale [22:40]
"Charlotte's been dealing with everything, but she deals with everything through, I feel, like a bohemian Greenwich lens." — Mark Seale [39:03]

**7. Impact on Modern Relationships and Cultural Narratives

[50:34] Mark Seale:
Mark critiques contemporary societal expectations regarding relationships, emphasizing the pressure to conform to monogamous pairings and the dismissive attitude towards singlehood. He draws parallels between the show’s characters and modern audiences' struggles with authenticity and self-worth in relationships.

Notable Quotes:
"You're acting as if pairing off monogamously is the default is actually really, really presumptuous and really condescending." — Mark Seale [50:23]
"It's almost like straight men are like Miranda Priestly, like, everybody wants to be us. And we're like, no, we don't." — Kristin Davis [50:34]

**8. Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

[52:48] Kristin Davis:
Kristin expresses gratitude towards Blakely Thornton for his insights and humor, hinting at future adventures and potential spin-offs that continue to explore the depth of Charlotte's character and her relationships.

Notable Quotes:
"We want to see you back here in LA." — Kristin Davis [53:02]
"You're amazing." — Kristin Davis [53:01]

Key Takeaways:

• Mr. Big’s Character Evolution:
  Mr. Big is analyzed as an early representation of the "F Boy" archetype, showcasing inconsistency and emotional detachment that challenges traditional romantic ideals.

• Charlotte York’s Depth:
  Charlotte is re-examined beyond her initial portrayal, highlighting her journey towards authenticity and balancing traditional values with modern lifestyles.

• Cultural Impact of the Series:
  "Sex and the City" continues to influence personal identities and societal narratives around relationships, femininity, and authenticity.

• Authentic Storytelling:
  The hosts and guests emphasize the show's groundbreaking approach to discussing female sexuality and relationships, paving the way for more open conversations in media.

• Relatability and Legacy:
  The enduring legacy of "Sex and the City" lies in its ability to resonate with diverse audiences, reflecting real-life challenges and the quest for personal fulfillment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Mr. Big's like. He's amazing. But then you go back to early Mr. Big. I'm like, this man is a. He was a f boy before there was a word for it." — Mark Seale [09:09]

• "We all have moments like this. Something happens that's supposed to break us, but it's in these moments that we discover what we're really made of." — Kristin Davis [17:18]

• "You're acting as if pairing off monogamously is the default is actually really, really presumptuous and really condescending." — Mark Seale [50:23]

• "Charlotte's been dealing with everything, but she deals with everything through, I feel, like a bohemian Greenwich lens." — Mark Seale [39:03]

Conclusion:

In "Is Mr. Big an F Boy?", Kristin Davis and Blakely Thornton offer a multifaceted exploration of "Sex and the City," dissecting character dynamics, cultural impacts, and the show's lasting relevance. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis, the episode underscores the intricate balance between societal expectations and personal authenticity, celebrating the timeless appeal of Charlotte York and her journey toward self-discovery.

Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the series' complexity and its role in shaping conversations around women's lives and relationships in modern society.