

Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement
Dr. Kevin Scull
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 220 Lara (1380 OTB Classical)
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

Sep 8, 2025 • 25min
Ep. 219 Flashback: IM Andras Toth Ep. 13
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

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep. 218 IM John Bartholomew
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

Sep 1, 2025 • 15min
Ep. 217 Chess Parents - Bonus Episode
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

Aug 28, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 216 Jay Garrison (1900 USCF)
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

Aug 25, 2025 • 24min
Episode 215: Flashback GM Jacob Aagaard Ep. 104
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

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep. 214 Luca (1875 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Luca about his chess journey. Luca has a healthy relationship with chess improvement and ratings. He seems most interested in enjoying the game and the experience of putting away devices and fully immersing himself in tournament games. We talked about resources that have helped his journey such as Chess Tactics from Scratch, Drill Your Chess Strategy (the mini plans book), and the Checkmate Patterns Manual. He also talked about the value of coaching, fitness, and his love of adult tournaments such as the ALTO in Charlotte. It was a great conversation with someone able to have a healthy approach to chess improvement.
The new merch store is up with the new logo. https://chess-journeys.printify.me/
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
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

Aug 18, 2025 • 37min
Ep. 213 Dr Scull's Pacific Coast Open Recap - Bonus Episode
Last weekend I played in the Pacific Coast Open. It was my last tournament of the summer. Overall, I played well and gained 8 whole rating points! This episode contains a preview, round by round recap, and some final thoughts. Hope you enjoy it.
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

Aug 14, 2025 • 60min
Ep. 212 Alex (1700 Lichess)
Alex shares his chess journey as a teacher aiming for a 2000 Lichess rating and an arena grandmaster title. He favors daily games for organic learning over memorization. The importance of consistent practice, structured guidance, and effective game analysis strategies are discussed. The conversation also touches on the transformative role of coaching, the joys of community support, and the significance of balancing training with life. Plus, Alex's exciting preparations for his first tournament are highlighted!

Aug 11, 2025 • 23min
Ep. 211 - Flashback Omar (ChessVonDoom) Ep. 10 - Bonus
In this bonus episode, I have edited episode 10 with Omar (ChessVonDoom) into a short 20 minute piece. If you like it be sure to check out the full episodes with Omar (10, 38, 75, 76, 150)
In this snippet, Omar talks about getting into chess, the challenges of his first tournament, nearly getting chess, and his desire to help other chess players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices