Anyone Can Play, Anyone Can Win (Cornholing with Michelle Hastie Thompson)

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos interviews Michelle Hastie Thompson (Cornhole Miche), a psychology PhD student, about the surprising benefits of cornhole. Michelle shares her personal story of how cornhole helped her rebuild community after losing her home in the devastating Camp Fire. The discussion explores how cornhole fosters social connection, mindfulness, stress relief, self-compassion, and a growth mindset. Dr. Santos also recounts her own experience playing cornhole, highlighting its inclusive nature and ability to counter negative self-talk. Michelle emphasizes that cornhole provides a unique opportunity for people to connect, build community, and find support, even in the face of adversity, and encourages listeners to try it out. The episode concludes with actionable insights on how to reduce stress, challenge cognitive distortions, celebrate personal growth, and cultivate a sense of community.