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.
Ep. 57 Daniel (1400 Rapid chess.com)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Daniel. He’s an adult improver that started in 2020 at 100 blitz and is now 1400 rapid on Chess dot com. He was initially intrigued by Pog Champs and hooked by Daniel Naroditsky’s videos, which make chess look easy. We talked about a wide range of topics such as ratings anxiety, strategy books, and doing as much chess as you enjoy. Daniel attributes much of his success to developing an opening repertoire, which he believes goes against the normal advice of titled players. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ 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.
Ep. 56 Matt (1700 Lichess Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Matt. He’s a teacher and parent who makes time for chess improvement. We talked about how transitioning from a card game (Magic), and the variance that comes with it, made it easier to tolerate losing at chess. We discussed his improvement methods from 500 Chess dot com to 1700 Lichess. This included videos, playing, puzzles, and not many books. Matt is finishing up The Amateur’s mind. We finished by talking about coaching. He has mixed experiences with coaching and we discussed the importance of finding a coach that fits your needs. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ 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.
Ep. 55 Oddvar (2000 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke to Oddvar. We talked about his fascinating journey through chess which includes time as a chess boxer and facing Magnus Carlsen in many bullet games. The bulk of our conversation focused on how Oddvar is able to find balance in his life with chess, improvement, and real life. He has been able to find joy in the balance that he has established. Be sure the check out the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ 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.
Ep 54 Amanda (1800 Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Amanda. She is a dedicated chess improver that has made a rapid rise from 1,000 to 1,800. We talked about the different phases of her improvement journey. She supplied tips and resources for each leg of the journey. We also talked about OTB chess tournaments. We spent extra time discussing the value of the ALTO (at least twenty one) tournament and the camaraderie that was had at an adult gathering. You can check out Amanda streaming at: https://www.twitch.tv/amandala_ Be sure the check otu the Chess Journeys Merch Store! You can support the show and look amazing in the process. https://chess-journeys.creator-spring.com/ 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.
Ep. 53 Sholom / NovaChess (1300 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Shalom or Novachess from Twitter. We talked about Shalom’s rediscovery of chess, his approach, and his training regimine. We also focused on the 2022 World Open, which he both attended. We shared our thoughts, experiences, successes, and frustrations. If you want to hear more about my experiences with the World Open, I am posting a 9 part series with game analysis on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Do1NoUH8dz8 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.
Ep. 52 Dr Scull (1600) - What I Learned
Welcome to the special 1 year anniversary of Chess Journeys! This week on Chess Journeys, Neal Bruce joins me to discuss what I learned this year from playing and podcasting. We cover a wide range of topics and questions from listeners. It's hard to believe that it's been one year already, and It was fun for me to reflect on a whole year of podcasting. 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.
Ep. 51 JJ Lang (2100 USCF) - Chess Feels Podcast
This week on Chess Journeys, JJ Lang stopped by for a conversation about chess improvement. We talked a bit about his own rapid improvement followed by a long plateau. Additionally, we discussed a wide range of topics such as how and when to calculate, the value of coaching, excuses for losses, chasing the IM title, the value of endgame study, and the importance of mastering “easy” tactics. Be sure to check out the Chessfeels podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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.
Ep. 50 Jennifer Shahade (WGM)
Welcome to the 50th episode of Chess Journeys! To cebreate, I bring you a special guest, Jennifer Shahade. We had a great conversation regarding a range of topics. We discussed her experiences as a developing chess player. We chatted about finding the balance between underconfidence and overconfidence. Of course, Jennifer shared some stories from her new book, Chess Queens. We focused on the adult improvers to give us all some inspiration. Be sure to check out Jennifer Shahade’s newest book, Chess Queens! https://www.amazon.com/Chess-Queens/dp/1399701398/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1655952339&sr=8-1 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.
Ep. 49 Bert (700 USCF, 900 Rapid, 1500 Daily)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Bert. He’s an adult improver trying to juggle parenthood and a career with chess. We spoke extensively about how he uses data analysis to improve his study plans and opening choices. We talked about his choice of the King’s Gambit as a means of maximizing fun and results at his rating level. Bert talked about his study plan and how coaches have impacted his training. We also discussed his fear of playing kids in tournaments. Are they all underrated masters in waiting or do some just hang pieces like other players rated under 1000? 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.
Ep. 48 Evan (2000 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Evan. He’s a software engineer, adult improver, and van lifer. We discussed his long journey in chess starting with his weekly chess tournaments as a child culminating in a high school chess championship. It turns out most of his progress was made by playing slower time control OTB tournaments. But he did provide a number of resources for improvement such as Chernev’s Logical Chess: Move by Move. Be sure to check out his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHbNJ8kCgTQl_9gHy79I1w 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.
Ep. 47 Jay (1800 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jay. He stated with no hesitation his goal of reaching GM as a 40+ adult improver. Jay has a relatable journey full of starting and stopping through the years as life demands have called him away from chess. However, in 2018, Jay returned for good. In our conversation, he discusses how he restructured his life around chasing his goal. We talked about coaching, study plans, and resources such as master level game analysis. As Jay says someone has to make GM as and adult improver, and he would like to be the one who does it! 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.
Ep. 46 Jim (The Return!! 1500 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, the first ever guest, Jim, returns for a followup interview. We discussed what he has done during the last year, his rating gains, and his OTB experiences. We spent the bulk of the episode talking about Jim’s experiences preparing for the Chicago Open, including his first over the board tournament. 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.
Ep. 45 Julia (1700)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Julia from the Chessfeels podcast. We talked about a variety of topics such as the challenge of wanting to invest more of yourself into chess and being limited by time. We talked about Julia’s journey, process, and non-rating focused approach. Of course, we talked about psychology, and Julia provided a few general tips. 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.
Ep. 44 Braden (1908 CFC 2470 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Braden Laughlin. He recently won a tournament and continues to gain rating points despite being a full time student with a career. We talked a lot about his use of videos early in his progression and his continued use of videos. We also discussed his burnout and what brought him back to chess. It was an inspiring conversation. Be sure to check out his Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWdkzuIjhhmIa1w69RFuXQA 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.
Ep. 43 Nick (2100 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nick. He’s a chesspunk, Chessable legend, and avid adult improver. We started with Nick’s early journey which saw him improve quickly from about 500-1200 by playing a ton of blitz. We spent a lot of time talking about Nick’s use of Chessable. He recommended his favorite courses and suggested ways of using Chessable more effectively. We also talked about the different resources that helped him get through two plateaus. 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.