How Community Quietly Powers Your Health And Happiness

Toys for Tots Cornhole Tournament: CLICK HERE or reach out to me at info@spandexandwine.com or text 913-392-2877

The smallest gestures can transform a day—and your health. A friend who shows up early to cover your class. A circle of women who debate a book, laugh too loud, and hold space when life feels heavy. A cornhole league where strangers become teammates and a Saturday turns into service for Toys for Tots. This is where wellness breathes: in the ordinary moments that make you feel seen, steady, and part of something.

We share a whirlwind morning that could have unraveled, saved by a quiet act of kindness that reset the tone. From there, we sink into the joy and honesty of book club—how thoughtful disagreement, shared stories, and a splash of cocktails create emotional fitness you can feel long after the night ends. Then we head to the boards with Midwest Elite Cornhole, exploring how low-pressure movement and playful competition draw people together and add purpose through a local charity fundraiser. Along the way, we connect these stories to the research: social connection supports heart health, brain health, and motivation, while isolation can drain energy and increase risk as much as smoking.

If you’ve ever wondered why motivation fades when you go it alone, this conversation offers a practical reset. You’ll hear simple, repeatable ways to build community into your week—learn one name in class, chat before the warmup, say yes to girls’ night, anchor a monthly reading ritual, or join a charity event that mixes fun with meaning. Think of connection as a core habit, not an add-on: it’s preventive care for your mood, your routine, and your long-term health.

Ready to turn belonging into a wellness practice? Hit follow, share this episode with someone who needs a nudge, and message us if you’re in the Kansas City area and want details on the Toys for Tots cornhole event. We’d love to meet you there and keep the circle growing.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Theme Of Balance
• 0:38 The Case For Everyday Community
• 1:35 Oversleeping And A Gym Save
• 2:38 Book Club As Emotional Fuel
• 3:46 Cornhole, Charity, And Joining In
• 4:48 Science Of Connection And Takeaways
• 6:00 Final Invites And How To Support

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:00

Hello and welcome to the Spandex and Wine Podcast. I'm your host, Robin Hackney, and I'm so happy that you're here. This podcast is a place for conversations about balancing a healthy lifestyle and being happy. More specifically, happy hour. Together we'll explore all things wellness and wine. I hope you learn a little, laugh a lot, and along the way, know you're not alone on this balanced wellness journey. Ready to jump in? Pour something in your glass that makes you happy because it's time for Spandex and Wine. Welcome back to the podcast, friend. I am so glad you are here. Today we're talking about something that has been showing up in my life over and over again: the value of community. And not in a big abstract sense, but in the small everyday moments that remind us that connection really is part of wellness. And this week, those reminders were everywhere. So my week actually started with one of those classic Robin moments. And of course, this is what happened. I woke up late. You guys, in 24 years of training, I remember one time over sleeping. I maybe it happened again. I just don't know. It was one of those moments where I jolt opened my eyes and the clock basically shouting at me, Good morning, you're already behind. And I know I terrified Dave because I just jumped out of bed. And I know he was like, What in the heck is happening? But here's why community matters. When I rushed into the gym, I still have three minutes to spare, by the way, but I was slightly frazzled and very much under caffeinated. I did have a cup of coffee that was left over from the day before that I reheated in the microwave while I brushed my teeth. But Sherry was already there. She is one of my faithfuls in my six o'clock class, and she was early and she was ready to step in just in case I didn't make it. She got in and she was ready to make it happen. And she didn't have to do that. It's not her responsibility, but that's just who she is. And that little moment reminded me how good it feels when someone quietly has your back. And I know this was something really small to her, but it was big to me. Big enough that I put it in my newsletter and I'm talking about it today on the podcast. So, Sherry, if you're listening, thank you so much. And really, everyone, like all of you guys, have stepped up in the morning in some fashion, especially lately, when every other Thursday you are just given a workout and you guys take over and someone does the music and someone does the timer. And Sherry lets everybody in. So I really appreciate that. And then last night I went to the book club. Actually, I hosted it, and that's another story because I was just scrambling to get home, but even what you don't care to hear about that. But I can't even begin to tell you how much I adore these women. Our time together is truly one of my favorite parts of the month. Oh, but also another favorite part of my month. I just started it with a house cleaner, and I absolutely love that. It is a perk that I very much recommend, but that's not what I'm talking about here. Our book club, we laugh, we share thoughts, we share life, and we hold space for each other in the most beautiful way. And we don't always agree on the book. Occasionally we disagree, and we definitely have different viewpoints on plenty of things. But that's the magic of all of it. It's this blend of intellectual conversation, vulnerability, and yes, cocktails and conversation that fills my cup every single time. There's something so special about a girl's night, the ideas, the laughter, the honesty, and the chance to fully be yourself. It's just amazing. Um, and then there's another unexpected way community has been showing up in my life as of the past few years. You guys have heard me talk about it, Cornhole. Dave and I started playing through Midwest Elite Cornhole, and honestly, it's been such a fun surprise. It's something we get to do together. It gets us out of the house. We move a little, and we've met so many great people along the way. And there's something about tossing bags, cheering for total strangers, and laughing at the terrible shots that just brings people together. And if you're in the Kansas City area, here's your chance to join. There's the Toys for Tot's charity fundraiser on Saturday, November 22nd, and it's run by Midwest Elite Cornhole, and it's going to be an absolute blast. They are a wonderful organization, and this event is going to support such a great cause. I'll put the sign-up link at the top of the show notes, or you can look at Midwest Elite Cornhole on social and message them. If you use the Score Holio app, you can find the event there too. And if all else fails, reach out to me and I'll connect you myself. I would genuinely love to see you there. You guys have my email info at Spandex Inline and my text line is 913-392-2877. And all of this, the gym, the book club, cornhole, it keeps pointing me to the same message that community is a huge part of overall wellness. And we talk a lot about working out and eating well, but connection is sometimes overlooked. And research shows staying socially engaged can be just as important to our health as exercise or nutrition. People who stay socially active as they age often have healthier brains and stronger hearts, while chronic isolation can impact health as much as smoking. That is amazing. Social connection truly is medicine. And the best part is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Community is built in the everyday. So joining a fitness class, talking to someone before a workout, having coffee with a friend, saying yes to girls' night, signing up for a cornhole fundraiser, or just spending time with people who make you laugh. It's these moments that create something big. So this winter, let's focus more on just physical health. Let's move, laugh, and connect. Because being part of a community is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. You guys, thank you so much for listening today. If this short little episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend because that's how community grows, and I so appreciate it. And if you're local and want to join us at the Toys for Tots Cornhole event, check the show notes or reach out to me. I would love to see you there. Have a great rest of your week, and I will see you next time. Thank you for listening. If you're enjoying this podcast, be sure to follow Spandex and Wine so that you don't miss an episode. To do this, just go to the podcast and click subscribe or follow wherever you are listening. Look for the plus sign or follow button. This is one of the best things that you can do for the podcast. If you'd also be willing to give a five-star review, that would be amazing and much appreciated. Lastly, please share an episode with a friend or five to keep the love going. And join the Spanx and Wine community in our private Facebook group by searching Spandex and Wine. Feel free to reach out to me at any time by emailing info at spandexnwine.com or text me at 913 392 2877. I appreciate you. Thank you.