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Danica Patrick, Matthew McConaughey Discuss the ‘New Normal’ of Today

It cannot be disputed that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. Danica Patrick discussed that very topic with Matthew McConaughey in a recent episode of her “Pretty Intense” podcast.

The 51-year-old actor came on the podcast to promote his new book, “Greenlights.” He said he had been appearing on podcasts during the recent months to talk about the book. He said he enjoys appearing on podcasts “because they’re long form.” This, he added, is better than discussing something in “five-minute snippets.”

McConaughey said he has been enjoying talking to podcasters and interviewers via Zoom during the global pandemic.

“This is my first time into this,” he added. “… When we can go back and reengage again, I’m doing this – I prefer this 95 percent of the time. The other morning, I was on a Zoom in Italy at 8 a.m. I was on a Zoom in the U.K. at 9. I was on a Zoom in New York at 10 and a Zoom in L.A. at 11. … And, at 12 noon I’m having lunch live with my family in Texas. I’m going, I couldn’t have done that, there’s no way it would be possible.”

Patrick agreed, saying: “There are good things that have come from this year.”

Matthew McConaughey said he believes humanity is now “living in the future.” “I think some people are not going to go back and fully engage,” he added.

Quarantining during the pandemic has allowed the actor and his family to come closer together.

“My mom is here with us. She is 88,” he said. “She gets to see her grandkids every day for the last eight months. That wouldn’t have happened then. The kids about doubling down on sort of creative projects that they wouldn’t have taken the time to do if they were back in school. … getting a little self-reliance, I hope.”

Danica Patrick, Matthew McConaughey Talk Children, COVID-19

Danica Patrick said she was interested in seeing how COVID-19 impacts children, especially her sister’s three nieces.

“Seeing them with masks on – just the whole experience. What kind of imprinting are they going to have from that whole aspect?” she added. “Also, from the other side of it – a lot of home time, family time, connection. I feel like my sister and every parent you have to get creative in how you’re gonna even just spend time having fun. And, also, how to teach them. Everybody’s a teacher now. … I’m super curious how this is going to shape them.”

McConaughey said he believes his children have, and will continue to learn, a lot from their experience living in a COVID-19 world.

“Our kids have been born into an affluent situation,” he added. “… A little hardship that was non-negotiable, I think it will be a pretty good deal, you know. … I get it’s hard, but they’re more resilient than maybe we’re giving them credit for. I think they’re going to be fine.”

He goes on to say that he believes his children will miss getting to share two family meals a day and the closeness they have enjoyed during such a difficult time across the globe.

The actor also says he believes how many people relate to the rest of the world will be forever changed because of COVID-19.

“Business has changed forever. Before COVID if you and I, this (Zoom call) was our meeting it kind of meant that one of us was dissing the other,” Matthew McConaughey said. “… Now, we’ve done it; it’s become the norm. So, the taboo of us saying let’s remotely speak is off. … It’s not dissing someone; it’s the new norm.”