Perpetual Chess Podcast

EP 414- Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

Dec 24, 2024

David MacEnulty, an award-winning author and chess teacher, shares inspiring stories from his new book, 'Sunrise in the Bronx.' He discusses his unexpected journey into chess teaching and the life-changing impact it has had on students in both public and elite schools. David emphasizes how chess fosters resilience, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in children. He also offers insights on motivating young players and the significance of mentorship, highlighting the rewarding nature of teaching in challenging environments.

01:01:18

Episode guests

David MacEnulty

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

David MacEnulty's accidental journey into chess teaching in his 40s showcases the unexpected paths that can lead to impactful careers.

His experience at CES 70 in the Bronx demonstrates how a supportive chess program transformed underprivileged students into national champions.

McAnulty emphasizes that chess not only improves academic skills but also fosters emotional resilience and social development in young learners.

Deep dives

Shopify's Seamless Commerce Platform

Shopify serves as a powerful global commerce platform that supports businesses at every stage of their growth, whether launching an online shop or opening a physical store. It allows entrepreneurs to sell a wide range of products, from chess courses to merchandise, through both an integrated e-commerce platform and in-person point-of-sale systems. The platform boasts an impressive average conversion rate, being 36% more effective than competing commerce solutions, turning potential customers into loyal buyers. Shopify has become the backbone for a significant share of e-commerce in the U.S., powering major brands and countless small businesses worldwide.

Intro

2min

Transformative Chess Education and Its Impact

3min

Journey into Chess Education

18min

Perseverance in Teaching Chess and Book Accessibility

2min

Exploring Book Formats and Sponsorship Highlights

2min

The Emotional and Social Benefits of Chess in Children's Development

2min

Preparing Young Chess Players for Success

19min

Meeting the President: A Celebration of Young Talent

4min

Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation in Chess

8min

David MacEnulty is an award-winning author and chess teacher who coached for many years at CES 70 school in the Bronx. In this public school in a disadvantaged school district, the chess program began with modest expectations, but went on to win many national championships. David’s new book, Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons from the South Bronx to the White House, tells the story of the many kids whose lives were changed through chess. In our interview, David shares a few of his favorite stories, with plenty of lessons to impart for both parents and anyone else who wishes to introduce the younger generation to chess. After CES-70, David went on to head the chess program at the Dalton School, an elite private school. In the book, and in our conversation, David also reflects on the similarities and differences in coaching at such different schools. As a longtime friend of David’s, I was excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint me. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

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0:02- How did David accidentally become a chess teacher in his 40s? What lessons did he learn?

22:00- Will there be an audiobook, will the book be on KIndle?

24:00- What surprising skills did chess help kids develop?

28:30- Patreon mailbag question- “Does David have any advice for motivating students to study chess at home?”

Mentioned: Matthew Looks, Bruce Alberston

35:40- Patreon mailbag question: “What is David’s advice for encouraging your kid to pursue tournament chess without ‘bulldozing them’?”

45:00- How did David and CES 70’s National Championship team get to meet President Bill Clinton?

46:00- What are the crucial components of chess improvement?

47:00- How does David spend his time in retirement?

48:00- We discuss the value of extra-curriculars at school

50:00- Should kids get trophies for just participating in tournaments?

52:00- Thanks to David for joining me! Sunrise in the Bronx is available from Amazon, New in Chess, and many major booksellers.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Bronx-Chess-Lessons-South/dp/9083434907

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Perpetual Chess Podcast

EP 414- Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Shopify's Seamless Commerce Platform

David McAnulty's Journey into Chess Education

The Impact of Chess on Emotional Development

The Role of Classroom Management in Success

Motivation Through Chess and Extracurriculars

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts