A podcast dedicated to the journey of adult chess improvement. Each week a guest will join me to discuss what has worked for them, what hasn't worked as well, and the status of their journey.
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Ep. 300 - Lessons Learned from 300 Episodes
This week on Chess Journeys, I reflect upon the lessons that I’ve learned from 300 episodes of Chess Journeys. I discuss a wide range of topics and advice provided by my many guests. I discuss improvement methods that work, community, psychology, and much much more. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 299 Ben (1800 Chess.com / 1500 ECF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Ben. He has a fascinating take on chess improvement: we are mostly doing it wrong. His focus is on filling the bottom holes in your bucket or put another way, grabbing the low hanging fruit. He believes that most often these holes aren’t knowledge based. Instead they may be insta moving after opponent blunders or playing too fast in king pawn endings. Ben has designed software that identifies these patterns and is using it to improve his own game. We had a deep discussion about openings. He believes that the best opening for a titled player is not the best opening for you and I. Ben uses player databases, and plays what works at his level. It was a fun chat about going beyond the standard improvement techniques and finding new paths for improvement. Ben’s Spicy Openings on Sale for $99 with code JOURNEYS - courses.chessbomb.store/spice-rack Ben’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChessBootCamp Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 298 NM John Wright
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with NM John Wright. He is the president of the San Gabriel Valley Chess Club. John talked about his 60 year history with chess. We discussed some of his first books, and how he learned chess long before the days of the internet. We talked about a wide range of topics such as kids in chess, streaks and slumps, teaching, and being a TD. John also discussed his journey to 2200. He reached 2150, but it took 7 more years to reach 2200! It was a great discussion covering many aspects of the chess journey. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 297 Dash (1650 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Dash. We discussed his journey into chess. Dash has tried a lot of improvement techniques and most did not work for him. However, the Chessbrah opening video series worked. He has also spent a lot of time with Maia chess. We discussed why it is useful and how he uses it. Dash has even designed an app to use more of Maia’s features. We also chatted about his lack of time, which makes him unable to get in OTB games. Dash’s Open Source Tools: https://github.com/Dash1971/maia-chess-android Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 296 Joe (1500 Chesscom)
Ascend Chess Discount: https://ascendchess.com/offer/JOURNEYS?tier=candidate Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 295 Kyle (1900 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kyle. We talked about his improvement journey and love for chess. Kyle started pre pandemic with videos and joy. He continued playing looking at openings, endings, and not many puzzles. We talked about chess coaching and how it influences his chess. We talked about chess marriage and what having a chess partner brings to his chess. Finally, we talked about his positive attitude when winning or losing. https://chessalyz.ai/?ref=DrScull - 50% off for 3 months Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 294 Charlie (1700 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Charlie. He gained 1000 rating points over the last 7 years!! We talked about the secret of his success. It primarily lies in playing chess. He’s also watched many Youtube videos both passively and actively. Now he’s wrestling with how to become more disciplined as he makes the next climb to 1800 and beyond. https://chessalyz.ai/?ref=DrScull - 50% off for 3 months Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 293 Varun (1500 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Varun. We talked about his massive decision to retire and go chess full time. He talked about his progress since retiring and his motivation for the decision. We discussed coaching and his favorite resources. We talked about the joy of great tournaments and the pain of bad ones. We also discussed his chess website Chessalyz. https://chessalyz.ai/?ref=DrScull - 50% off for 3 months Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 292 Bonus Episode: Southern California Open
This week on Chess Journeys, I recap my recent Southern California Open. It wasn't quite the crowning cap on the summer that I hoped it would be. But lessons were learned and chess was played. So it wasn't all bad. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 291 Don (1350 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Don. He’s been having fun with chess since his first experiences in the 1970’s. We talked about the challenges of finding playing partners and improving at chess before the internet. We discussed the many clubs Don has attended over the years, including his favorite the St. Louis Chess Club. Don collects autographs and he told some stories about this process. We talked a bit about improvement, but this isn’t an obsession for Don in the last few years. This is a fun episode more focused on enjoying chess for what it is rather than accruing those precious rating points. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 290 CM Dr. Can (Chessable, Youtube, Podcaster)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with CM Dr. Can Kabadayi. Dr. Can does it all in chess. He applies his work as a cognitive scientist to his chess teaching. We discussed lessons learned from his cognitive work. Dr. Can talked about his favorite Chessable courses and his approach to making them. We talked about the best resources for adult improvement, if adults can improve, and differences between children and adult learners. In short, we covered a lot of ground regarding adult chess improvement. https://www.chessable.com/author/Can_Kabadayi/ https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.CansClinic Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 289 Mike (2000 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Mike. Mike loves to play chess, compete, and travel. Retirement has allowed him to do all of these things in chess. He talked about his early chess days, which culminated in the NM title. But we focused more on his return to chess. We discussed international events and his desire to play (196 games in a year!) We talked about the challenges of improvement, senior tournaments, and kids in chess. This was a great interview for anyone wanting to hear from someone who loves to play chess. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 288 Q’wayne (1780 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Q’wayne. He talked about resources that have helped me along his journey. We discussed the Jamaican chess scene and the goal of creating another grandmaster. Q’wayne talked about his improvement plans including tactics and rapid games. We had a fun chat about online titles, especially the fide arena titles. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 287 Bonus Episode: Pacific Coast Open Recap
This week, I'm recapping the Pacific Coast Open. It took place in early August 2026. It was one of my few great tournament successes. Hopefully, you enjoy the positivity of this one. Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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. 286 Jess (1771 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jess about her journey from 1500 to nearly 1800 in just this summer alone. We discussed her training, which includes mostly studying and OTB chess. Jess talked about the challenges and benefits of improving at chess with autism. She detailed her new thought process and corralling her brain. We also discussed why she enjoys chess coaching so much. Jess is an especially impressive adult improver who picked up the game as an adult. chess-journeys.com - The podcast has a website! Chessbook: chessbook.com/?ref=kevin Chessiverse Code: DrSCULL20 Check out my new Substack: https://substack.com/@drscull 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://m.twitch.tv/chessjourneys/home 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