Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 224 NM Solomon (Youtube - The Chess Giant) Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Solomon, aka The Chess Giant). We covered a lot of topics such as his childhood chess journey, his pursuit of 2200, making chess content/courses, and his advice for adult improvers. Solomon reflected on the role of ratings, studying, and teaching. It was great to hear Solomon’s perspective as a child rapidly improving as an adult chasing the master title.

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChessGiant

https://thechessgiant.gumroad.com/

Use the code ChessJourneys for 40% off Solomon’s courses through October.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 223 Flashback: Stacia Pugh (1700 USCF) Ep. 31 Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

This week's flashback episode comes from episode 31. Stacia Pugh has a great story quickly rising from 1000-1700 USCF before falling back to her floor of 1500. But after changing everything about her game, she returned to 1700 once more. In this clip Stacia talks about her rapid rise from 1000-1700 USCF, dealing with setbacks and plateaus, getting big rating gains from what feels like a lucky tournament, the value of working with coaches, and throwing out her Opening repertoire and starting from scratch based on coaches advice.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 222 Daniel (2000 USCF) Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Daniel. He shared his story and approach to chess improvement. I’ve never heard such a healthy relationship. Daniel’s goal is to improve regardless of rating. He talked about his emphasis on video learning, puzzle battle, and game analysis. Be sure to check this one out, especially, if you are struggling with rating anxiety!

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 221 Flashback: Kamryn Heidi - (YouTube Sensation) Ep. 73 Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

In this flashback episode from episode 73, Kamryn Heidi shares some of her secrets to chess improvement, including tactics training and tips for your first tournament. She also discusses engaging her local chess community. To hear the rest, be sure to check out episode 73.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 220 Lara (1380 OTB Classical) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Lara. We had a fascinating conversation about chess improvement without direct chess studying. Lara discussed her improvement system which involves proxy learning from a wide range of areas such as speaking Latin, strategy video games, and books on war strategy. She made great points about how limiting chess study can be and how broadening one’s approach can expand how they see the game.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 219 Flashback: IM Andras Toth Ep. 13 Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this flashback episode of I present IM Andras Toth. He appeared on episode 13 and helped launch this fledgling podcast. Coach Andras always bring the honest advice and his work isn't to be missed. Enjoy!

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 218 IM John Bartholomew Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with IM John Bartholomew. We had a great discussion about his chess journeys, tips for adult improvers, and his time with Chessable and Chessiverse. John talked fondly about his time with Chessable and the best ways to use it. He discussed his Youtube channel. We discussed how different people might battle the bots on Chessiverse. We finished the interview with some general tips on adult improvement.

John’s website: https://johnbartholomewchess.com/

Chessiverse: https://chessiverse.com/

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 217 Chess Parents - Bonus Episode Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In this extra short bonus episode, I provide some thoughts on chess parents both from a parent and player perspective. I provide some tips on how to be a chess parent and how to handle chess parents as a player.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Ep. 216 Jay Garrison (1900 USCF) Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jay. We talked about our tournament summers. We both played more tournaments than usual over the last few months. We discussed the purpose, our goals, and our results.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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

Episode 215: Flashback GM Jacob Aagaard Ep. 104 Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

This week on Chess Journeys, I cut together a recap of episode 104 with GM Jacob Aagaard. In this snippet, Jacob covers calculation, can adults make master, and how to train intentionally. If you enjoy this recap, be sure to check out the episode in its entirety.

My Chessable Course!

https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/

Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL

https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE

Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20

The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8

My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8

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

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