Short questions with Dana Perino for Dagen McDowell

March 28, 2024 at 04:00 AM EDT

In this week's "Short questions with Dana Perino," Dagen McDowell of Fox Business Network reveals why she likes living "small" in New York City and the one word she'd use to describe America.

You've seen us on screen, but have you ever wondered what we're like off-camera?

For the last few months, I’ve enjoyed checking in with some of your favorite Fox personalities to learn more about who they are behind the scenes.

What's the one thing Jesse Watters couldn’t live without? What's Bill Hemmer’s favorite Halloween costume? And what's sitting on Greg Gutfeld’s nightstand?

But that's not all! The fun is just getting started.

This week, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Dagen McDowell, who joined the FOX Business Network (FBN) as an anchor in Sept. 2007. She appears daily on FBN's "Mornings with Maria" (weekdays 6-9 a.m. ET).

She also makes regular appearances across Fox News Channel programs such as "Outnumbered" (weekdays 12-1 p.m. ET), "CAVUTO Live" (Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET) and "The Five" (weekdays 5-6 p.m. ET).

P.S. We have so much more in store for you. Stay tuned each week for new editions of "Short Questions with Dana Perino" — and if there’s a question you want answers to or a suggestion for the person I should interview next, leave a note in the comments section below.

DMcD: In New York City (where I moved in 1994), I feel like I am living at the center of the universe. This is where you will find the greatest art, theater, music and food.

On and on. Any time, day or night.

I like that I don’t have to own a car and that I can live "small," as my mama would have said. To her, that meant living simply.

Here, you don’t have the space to accumulate many belongings. Life is about your adventures, not your possessions.

Con: NYC is filthy-dirty.

I miss the quiet of my tiny hometown. And my family.

But I have made my NYC neighborhood into a small town. You only have to say good morning to everyone you see (there are no strangers, just people you haven’t gotten to know yet) and ask people their names if they live or work in the few blocks around your apartment.

Being stuck in NYC during COVID with these folks amplified this sense of community.

DMcD: I majored in art history because I loved art and planned on working in a museum. I got to expand my writing and critical thinking skills and live in Venice, Italy.

I’d probably choose a different major today. Back then, Wake Forest was one-tenth the price it is today.

These ridiculous college costs force students to get degrees in areas that lead to decent-paying jobs right out of the gate.

Actually, today I’d skip college altogether.

I’d find work right out of high school and learn on the job.

DMcD: "Goodfellas." "All About Eve." "Fargo."

In that order.

And I’d make nachos.

DMcD: I alluded to this above. I am super friendly to perfect strangers.

DMcD: Steamed blue crabs. Picked outside on a picnic table covered in newspaper with family.

DMcD: There are many. Getting a phone call from Neil Cavuto about 21 years ago asking if I would like to work at Fox News even though I had never had a TV job before.

DMcD: Backpacking through Europe alone.

Mountain-biking many of the toughest trails around Moab, Utah.

Moving to New York City alone. Arriving on a train with a duffle bag.

DMcD: Freedom. We have guaranteed personal freedoms because of the Bill of Rights (thanks to Patrick Henry). That is something exquisitely American.

DMcD: Being alone. No roommates. No partner. Soloness.

DMcD: The people and their tireless work ethic.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

To read all of Dana Perino's earlier "Short Questions" interviews for Fox News Digital, check out this (long) list!

For her interview with Lydia Hu, click here.

For her interview with Brian Brenberg, click here.

For her interview with Jackie DeAngelis, click here.

For her interview with Claudia Cowan, click here.