

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

May 19, 2022 • 1h 14min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 2022 • 1h 22min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 5, 2022 • 1h 11min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 28, 2022 • 1h 21min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 2022 • 1h 10min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 2022 • 1h 17min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 4min
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 2022 • 1h 26min
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 24, 2022 • 1h 6min
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 17, 2022 • 59min
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices