Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement cover image

Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement

Latest episodes

undefined
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 22min

Ep. 191 - GM Noel Studer

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke once again with friend of the show GM Noel Studer. We discussed my recent Senior tournament performance, tournament conditions, and Noel’s experience with youth tournaments. We also dove into Noel’s new/updated course The Simplified Chess Improvement System. As always Noel gave loads of advice for chess improvers. This is a can’t miss episode!Be sure to check out Noel’s new course and use the code: chessjourneys20The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8My Chessable Course!https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20The Simplified Chess Improvement System: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/simplified-chess-improvement-system?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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  
undefined
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 7min

Ep. 190 Kevin (1600 USCF)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kevin. He’s a new dad, film-maker, and writer trying to improve at chess. We had a great chat about using time wisely, how to analyze rapid games, the value of OTB chess, and the importance of identifying your goals in chess. We also discussed resources Kevin used to quickly rise to 1600 such as John Bartholomew’s Youtube series, Simple Chess, Jeremy Silman, and playing a lot of chess. It was a wonderful chat and be sure to check out Kevin’s substack Good Moves.Kevin’s Substack Good Moves:https://makegoodmoves.substack.com/My Chessable Course!https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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  
undefined
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 43min

Ep. 189 Tactics Talk w/ Jay Garrison

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Jay and Nicole Garrison about tactics. We went long discussing issues such as the importance of tactics, how to do them, and our favorite resources. We also included mini reviews of two recent resources: 100 Tactical Patterns You Must Know and my Chessable course The Chess Journeys Tactics Workbook. I think this is a must listen for anyone wrestling with the question how much should I focus on tactics?Chess in the Queen City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lBr6wOImJEMy Chessable Course!https://www.chessable.com/chess-journeys-tactics-workbook-turning-knowledge-into-skill/course/268850/Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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  
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 13min

Ep. 188 NM Craig (ChessToImpress)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with National Master Craig Clawitter. The majority of the episode was spent taking lessons from kid chess players and applying them to adults. The biggest piece of advice from Craig is to stop putting pressure on ourselves to reach rating goals or other types of pressure. Most kids just play knowing that eventually they will get better. Failure is a normal part of childhood, and they take that approach to chess. We also discussed my new Chessable course: Chess Journeys Tactics Workbook: Turning Knowledge Into Skill. This is a great episode for the adult improver looking for some new ideas to help their process.NM/OLM Craig is NMChessToImpress on http://chess.com, instagram and YouTube. You can find all of his links: https://linktr.ee/ChessToImpress To book an online lesson: https://nmcraigclawitter.weebly.com/book-a-lesson.html… New students get 20% off for their 1st lesson!Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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 
undefined
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 27min

Ep. 187 Aidan - Don’t Move Until You See it

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Aidan from Don’t Move Until You See It. We talked about visualization, memory work, narrative vs. visual memories, aphantasia, and other related issues. Aidan took me through a sample blindfold exercise to demonstrate how different brains worked. We ended with an examination of my recent slump and focus on basic tactics. This episode is packed with helpful advice regarding our brains and how to unlock their full potential!Aidan’s website: https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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  
undefined
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 4min

Ep. 186 Emly Plays Chess - Twitch and Youtube (1000 USCF)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Emily Plays Chess. Emily hasn’t been playing chess long, but she is all in! We talked about her improvement journey from discovering chess, streaming, tournaments, and resources. Emily discussed the challenges of balancing the learning opportunities with the stress of big tournaments. She also highlighted the social aspects of chess as an important part of her journey. She attributes her rapid climb from 300-1300 rapid to coaching, strategy work, playing rapid games, and most of all consistency.Emily’s Twitch and Youtube:https://www.twitch.tv/emilyplayschesshttps://www.youtube.com/@emilyplayschessChessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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.
undefined
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 8min

Ep. 185 David (500 USCF)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David. We talked a lot about his journey into chess and having fun with the game. We also discussed his first tournament and his recent success in tournaments. David talked about his transition into a more serious chess player and resources such as Silman, Naroditsky, and The Butcher. David also laid out the process for starting a club, which sounds quite doable for anyone out there without a club to play at. David also discussed coaching and learning how to study chess. It was a great conversation with a lower rated adult looking to improve and enjoy the process!Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series: https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form:  https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As 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.
undefined
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 4min

Ep. 184 NM Gopal (Dr Scull’s Coach)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with NM Gopal Menon. He’s a coach, player, author, and openings guru. We discussed his journey playing chess as a child and beyond. He provided suggestions for improving one’s chess, which focuses on learning that you can apply. We wrapped up the episode with an examination of my game. Gopal provided insights across a wide range of topics that will surely prove helpful to your game.Gopal’s Lichess Blog:https://lichess.org/@/Vitamixbrand/blogChessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULLhttps://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYEGet 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess ->https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently ->https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess:https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8My Road to 2200 Youtube series:https://youtu.be/BzKYDt5oBU8Be 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 onhttps://www.twitch.tv/drskull_tinygrimesIf you would like to be a guest on Chess Journeys, contact me on Twitter or fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/gSnvmUnvpykkgT1y5As always you can support the show athttps://www.patreon.com/ChessJourneys. Also, be sure to check out my Chessable page atwww.chessable.com/chessjourneys  If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
undefined
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 1min

Ep. 183 Rob (1600 Chesscom)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Rob. He’s trying to juggle career, family, and chess improvement. We discussed his recent rapid success, reaching 1600, and where to go next. Rob has decided to focus on studying for a few months to outline a process that will help him improve more. He’s been focused on Polgar’s mate in 2 puzzles, Calculation: A Complete Guide for Tournament Players, and Youtube videos. Rob is especially impressed by Daniel Naroditsky’s speed run series. Recently Rob started going to a chess club, and we reflected on the transition to 3d chess and interacting with actual people. Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8 Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8 Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?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   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.
undefined
Jan 31, 2025 • 56min

Ep. 182 Shaun (1100 USCF)

This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Shaun. He’s an ICU nurse trying to juggle a demanding career with chess improvement. We discussed a wide range of topics such as his study plan, chess bootcamps, living in St. Louis and Charlotte, and chess anxiety. Most notable is Shaun’s emphasis on the positive aspects of chess. He told many stories about his encounters with chess personalities. This is a fun and uplifting interview. Chessnut Link/Code: Code - KEVINSCULL https://www.chessnutech.com?sca_ref=7643464.HueBIKWTYE Get 20% off GM Noël Studer's courses with Coupon chessjourneys20 Beginner Chess Mastery for players below 1200 Chesscom / 1400 Lichess -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/beginner-chess-mastery?ref=04f5d8 Next Level Training for anyone trying to train better and more efficiently -> https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?ref=04f5d8 Use this link to purchase Next Level Chess: https://courses.nextlevelchess.blog/courses/next-level-training?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   If you are considering using Aimchess, please use the code drscull30.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode