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. 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.
Ep. 42 David (2000)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David from 64: Chess Podcast. He is a return guest so we didn’t delve as much into his background. We focused mostly on the topics of how to use Chessable, coaching, and chess psychology. David talked about his decision to switch from e4 to d4 upon hitting 2000. We discussed the importance of ratings vs. other means of measuring our value and worth as a chess player. 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. 41 Tatev Abrahamyan (WGM)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with WGM Tatev Abrahamyan. The bulk of our conversation focused on chess psychology. We talked about the challenges of feeling confident with only limited time for improvement. Tatev also talked extensively about the role of coaches in her own life and suggestions for others as they choose a coach. We also talked about her newest project the Bryght Labs chessboard. You can find more information here: https://bryghtlabs.com/products/chessup-pre-order-slate 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. 40 Rene (1700)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Rene. She’s a music conductor who fills her time with chess study and play. We talked about a wide variety of topics such as time control, structuring (or not structuring one’s times), and her love of end games. We spent the most time talking about her relationship with her coach IM Igor Foygel. Rene has worked with Igor for 3 years, and he has made a large impact on her journey. 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. 39 Jesse (1250 Rapid Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jessie. He’s a tech worker in San Francisco trying to balance work and chess. He had a great conversation primarily focus on the issue of burnout and the psychological aspects of chess. Jessie has already burned out twice and gives advice for avoiding future burnout. We also talked about the value of coaches and OTB chess vs. online chess. 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. Be sure to check out the At Least 21 chess tournament - https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/alto
Ep. 38 Omar Returns! (900)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Omar, otherwise known as Chess Von Doom. That’s right Omar is back. If you missed him the first time around, be sure to check out episode 10 to hear about the beginning of his journey. For today’s conversation, we picked up with his recently completed second tournament. Omar reflected on his mindset and the ups and downs of tournaments. We also discussed his decision to dive into Andras Toth’s new Chessable course: The Beginner’s 1. E4 Repertoire and the role of coaches. Omar is an inspiring guy, and I hope you enjoy the show! 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. Be sure to check out the At Least 21 chess tournament - https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/alto
Ep. 37 Michael (1600 Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Michael. He’s a father of 4 (2 young children) that returned to chess a year ago. We talked about his study habits, resources, and tournament experiences. We discussed complimenting our chess study by squeezing out smaller moments during the day for shorter types of chess learning like tactics training. Michael is currently going through the Yusopov series and loving it, as well as Silman’s Complete Endgame course. We wrapped up the show by talking about the challenge and pressure of going to tournaments while having so many life obligations. 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. Be sure to check out the At Least 21 chess tournament - https://www.charlottechesscenter.org/alto
Ep. 36 Amy (1000)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Amy. She’s a professor, musician, and avid chess player. We talked about a variety of topics such as her introduction to chess via a scholar’s mate delivered by her husband. We discussed her daily/weekly chess routine, and how she juggles a full life and chess. Amy talked about her chess improvement techniques, which includes no chess books! 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. 35 Noah (1900 CFC)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Noah. He’s a 23 year old full time student/worker, who carves out time for adult improvement. Noah has had one of those journeys we all aspire to, breaking 1800 after a year of serious chess and not stopping there. We talked about the different phases of his journey and the changes that he made when hitting plateaus. Noah recommended Daniel Naroditsky videos, Silman’s Reassess Your Chess, and other valuable resources. We also talked about the value of coaching and the grueling nature of weekend tournaments. Be sure to check out his stream at https://www.twitch.tv/king_gnomes. 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. 34 Megan (1900)
This week on Chess Journeys I spoke with Megan. She’s a data engineer and member of the Chesspunk community, those dedicated to adult improvement. We talked about her journey in chess starting in 2015 with a rating around 700 and peaking at over 1900 a few years later. Megan shared with us her approach to chess improvement with a focus on tactics and annotating her games. Megan also talked about the value of having two coaches, and how much they’ve added to her game. We also discussed her frequent over the board events and the larger percentage of children at events since the start of the pandemic. It wasn’t all rating gains for Megan, and she talked about her struggles and rating dips. 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. 33 Simon (1900 FIDE)
This week on Chess Journeys I spoke with Simon. He’s an academic with two children, who is trying to find time to improve at chess. We talked about the struggles of wanting to read books but not having the time or energy to do so. Simon talked a lot about his process of watching videos that helped him understand the thinking process of great players. We discussed intuition vs. calculation and the important role that intuition plays. Simon plays one classical game a week, watches a lot of videos, and plays a lot of blitz. This approach has gotten him to 1900 FIDE, including a recent surge of 100 points. 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. 32 Muskee Books (2000 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys I spoke with Muskee Books. We spoke about his 13 years playing competitive chess. Muskee has endured the ups and downs, and the joys and heartache of chess. Muskee reached a high of 2100 before falling back under 2000. However, recently he won a tournament. We talked about persevering through long plateaus and even rating dips. Muskee talked about his process, which included going over many game collections. 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. 31 Stacia Pugh (USCF 1700)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Stacia Pugh. It was an inspiring and fascinating conversation with the most obedient student that I’ve ever met. We discussed her massive ratings gain from 1000 - 1791. But we spent more time on her slide back to 1500, as Stacia rebuilt her game from the ground up. We discussed why she did it, how bad it felt, and how she persevered despite the setback. She is truly a Phoenix who is currently rising out of the flames of that disaster with a goal towards hitting 1800 soon. Stacia provided many resources and tips on how to improve and get the most out of coaching relationships. Be sure to check out her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2k14U03rNRHApDIloxOkA 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.