House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy | 12.13.2023 | Matthew McConaughey: What Does Success Really Mean?

Do you know someone who is struggling with loneliness? Do you ever feel the definition of success you’ve been sold your whole life isn’t right?
These are some of the questions the Surgeon General and our guest, actor Matthew McConaughey, posed recently to an auditorium full of students at the University of Texas at Austin. In response, almost every hand in the young audience went up.
In this conversation, Matthew McConaughey also draws from his own life lessons. Especially in high school and college, he lived through periods of deep loneliness and learned how to find connection he needed. As his Hollywood career took off, it was time with his family and kids that put his career - and the primary importance of connection - into greater perspective. The Surgeon General spotlights the truth of McConaughey’s narrative: that it’s relationships with loved ones that sustain us and make our lives good, not the notions of material success our society so often seems to value.
In this conversation we explore the power of social connection and what success really means.
Special thanks to UT Austin for hosting this conversation.
(02:35) How have students UT at Austin helped the Surgeon General think about the issue of loneliness?
(05:16) When was Matthew loneliest in his life?
(11:12) How does Matthew invest in the relationships that matter to him most?
(14:51) Why does Matthew want to re-define what success means?
(17:47) What does Dr. Murthy see people valuing at the end of their lives?
(20:21) How is Matthew helping his own children develop their sense of self?
(25:55) How did Matthew experience someone showing up for him in a time of need?
(30:43) Q&A with students Question 1: How can we make a difference in the area of loneliness?
(34:54) Q&A with students Question 2: How do you maintain relationships with people across your lives?
(41:53) The Surgeon General shares his 5-for-5 Connection Challenge
For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.
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