Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 154 John (1430 Rapid Chesscom) Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with John. He’s a 47 year old pastor trying to juggle life, family, and chess improvement. He spoke about his journey and resources that he found most useful. John highlighted Chess Tactics from Scratch and the Polgar mates book as two helpful resources. We also discussed a variety of topics such as agism in chess, the Chess Dojo, OTB vs. online chess, and chess coaching.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 153 Shannon (1300 Rapid Chesscom) Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Shannon. During the last 20 years, he’s picked up chess a few times. However, in the last year, at 50, he’s improved about 400 points. We talked about the different sources he uses, the importance of openings in his improvement, and the impact of being 50 on one’s development. Shannon has studied a lot but sometimes struggles with actually playing enough games.

Shannon’s Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@mostlyalive

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 152 CM Sandro (LionChess) Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with CM Sandro, otherwise known as LionChess. We focused on his chess journey, pursuing the FM title, and his coaching journey. Sandro credits most of his improvement to the small habit of 5 intense puzzles a day and one rapid game. Especially intriguing is his coaching approach which involves levels based on learning that are not tied to rating gain.

Be sure to check out Sandro’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LionChess

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 151 Kamryn (Youtuber) (1526 USCF) Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kamryn, otherwise known as Kamryn Heidi on Youtube and Twitch. We talked about her journey since out last chat (ep. 73). Kamryn has continued to see ratings gains in blitz, bullet, and USCF. We also discussed our experiences at the National Open in Las Vegas last weekend. We both had an amazing time and had successful tournaments.

Check out Kamryn’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kamrynheidi

Check out Kamryn’s Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/kamrynheidi

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 150 Omar (ChessVonDoom) Returns Again Pt. 3 (928 USCF) Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Omar, otherwise known as ChessVonDoom. We talked about his journey/addiction with playing chess. We discussed a wide range of issues from obsession, coaching, chess celebrity, thoughts of quitting chess, and chess commentary. It was a wide ranging episode with Omar’s positivity on full display.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 149 Jay Garrison (1907 USCF) May 30, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jay Garrison about his meteoric rise from 1901 to 1907 in just 2 years! It was a great conversation about the pains of the pits of despair. Over a 2 year span, Jay hit his floor of 1700 twice, and he reflected on the pains it caused. Jay talked about his process, rethinking his process, and eventually overhauling his process. Now Jay spends most of his time turning knowledge into skill with a lot of blitz against higher rated opponents.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 148 Dylan (1250 USCF) May 23, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dylan. He’s a high school teacher, parent, and dedicated chess improver. In a few years, Dylan has gained a lot of ELO on Lichess. But we talked about his comparably low USCF rating. Dylan talked about resources that helped him on his journey such as Naroditsky, Chess Brahs, and Hanging Pawns videos. He also talked about running the chess club at his school and for his young child.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 147 FM Ingvar Thor May 16, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Ingvar. He’s the assistant tournament director of the Reykjavik Open, FIDE trainer, and FIDE arbiter. We talked about his massive jumps in the early 2000’s and his quest to reach IM today. Ingvar recommended three books that he credits for a quick 300 point jump, especially Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy.

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 146 Noah (1750 ECF) May 09, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Noah. Noah has gained about 500 points in the last year. We spent a lot of time discussing tactics training, and how Noah applies learning science to his approach. We talk talked about over the board chess, reading chess books, and his opening experiment. Spoiler alert, Noah has only worked out a black repertoire as part of an experiment. Noah’s friendly and energetic approach to learning is contagious!

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 145 Nichol (663 USCF) May 02, 2024

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nichol. Nichol picked up chess just over a year ago and has already played 77 tournaments!! We spoke about her experiences as a tournament player, as an adult women at tournaments, and the Charlotte Chess Center. We also discussed her training, coaching, and ratings goals. Nichol is certainly an inspiring beginner on her way to great things in the chess world!

If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link:

https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60

Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49

Be sure to check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/

I’ve been streaming somewhat regularly on https://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimes

If you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5

As always you can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys.

Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page at www.chessable.com/chessjourneys

If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices