The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Episode Title: Anyone Can Play, Anyone Can Win (Cornholing with Michelle Hastie Thompson)
Host/Author: Pushkin Industries
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos explores an unconventional yet powerful tool for enhancing happiness and building community: cornhole. Joined by professional cornhole announcer and Psychology PhD student Michelle Hasty Thompson, the discussion delves into how this simple lawn game transcends mere recreation to become a therapeutic and community-building activity.
Michelle's Story: From Fire to Coping through Cornhole
The episode opens with Michelle recounting a harrowing experience during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California—a tragic event that stands as the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state's history. On the morning of November 2018, Michelle found herself alone at home with her young son and two dogs as the fire rapidly engulfed her town.
[02:30] Michelle Thompson: "I don't know, I don't feel safe. I'm just going to take Roem and the dogs and get out of here."
Michelle's quick thinking allowed her to escape the disaster, but the aftermath was devastating. She and her family lost everything—homes, belongings, and their sense of community. Amidst the turmoil of rebuilding their lives, Michelle sought an unexpected source of solace: cornhole.
The Psychological Benefits of Cornhole
Michelle's journey with cornhole began as a way to reconnect with herself and others after the fire. What started as casual backyard play evolved into a profound tool for mental well-being.
1. Stress Relief through Fun and Play
Michelle emphasizes the importance of fun as a stress remedy, contrasting it with less healthy habits like mindless scrolling.
[16:40] Michelle Thompson: "Instead of focusing on every calorie you burn and everything you eat and what your body looks like, you're going into a room with people and you're just having fun on a Wednesday night."
2. Promoting Presence and Mindfulness
Cornhole requires players to be present—a state of mindfulness that can counteract the incessant negative self-talk that hampers performance and happiness.
[19:23] Michelle Thompson: "You cannot play your best game if you're not present."
3. Overcoming Cognitive Distortions
The game serves as a practical exercise in recognizing and combating cognitive distortions—irrational negative thoughts that can lead to anxiety and stress.
[20:33] Michelle Thompson: "Don't make meaning out of it. Because even our top pros don't make every bag in the hole every game."
4. Fostering a Growth Mindset
Cornhole encourages a growth mindset, where players recognize that improvement is possible through practice and effort.
[23:20] Michelle Thompson: "If you can get better, then you can get to a point where at least I can compete with the people in this room."
5. Healthy Competition
The sport offers a healthy competitive environment that channels competitive instincts positively, preventing them from spilling over into toxic behaviors.
[24:02] Michelle Thompson: "It's easy to keep it to that space... where it's easy to channel all that [competitive energy] there if I want."
Building Community and Social Connections
Beyond individual psychological benefits, cornhole plays a significant role in building and strengthening communities.
1. Inclusivity and Belonging
Cornhole’s low barriers to entry make it an inclusive activity, welcoming individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities.
[33:34] Michelle Thompson: "Literally anybody can play. So we have, for example, under 18 players competing in the pro field against adults. We've seen players throw on crutches. We have players with no arms who throw with their feet."
2. Real-life Examples
Michelle shares heartfelt stories illustrating the game's impact, such as a teenager who found a sense of belonging and improved his relationship with his father through cornhole.
[30:31] Michelle Thompson: "He pulled my husband aside and he told him that cornhole saved his life."
Conclusion and Takeaways
Dr. Laurie Santos and Michelle Hasty Thompson wrap up the episode by highlighting key lessons:
- Have Fun: Engage in activities that bring genuine joy to alleviate stress.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Recognize and counteract cognitive distortions to improve mental health.
- Celebrate Growth: Acknowledge and celebrate personal improvements, no matter how small.
- Find Your Third Place: Establish a community space outside of work and home to build meaningful relationships.
Michelle encourages listeners to try cornhole or find another engaging hobby that fosters connection and personal growth.
[36:37] Michelle Thompson: "Whatever it is, try to carve out time each week to show up and get to know someone new."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Happiness Lab underscores the profound impact that simple, inclusive activities like cornhole can have on individual happiness and community well-being. By blending personal narrative with psychological insights, Dr. Laurie Santos and Michelle Hasty Thompson illustrate how turning to play and connection can be transformative, especially in the face of adversity.
Notable Quotes:
- Michelle Thompson [19:23]: "You cannot play your best game if you're not present."
- Michelle Thompson [23:20]: "If you can get better, then you can get to a point where at least I can compete with the people in this room."
- Michelle Thompson [30:31]: "He told him that cornhole saved his life."