
Chess Journeys: Tales of Adult Improvement
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h
Ep. 153 Shannon (1300 Rapid Chesscom)
In this episode, Shannon, a chess enthusiast, discusses his significant improvement in the game over the last year at 50. Topics include the importance of openings, struggles with playing enough games, and the impact of age on development. Also, Shannon shares insights on balancing online and over the board games, exploring chess learning modules, and aspirations of becoming a chess coach.

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 152 CM Sandro (LionChess)
CM Sandro (LionChess), pursuing FM title & coaching, shares chess journey. Focuses on intense puzzle habit, unique coaching approach with levels based on learning. Emphasizes small habits, deep calculation in puzzles, and balancing competitive & casual play. Discusses coaching beginner & intermediate players with structured levels to aid improvement.

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 151 Kamryn (Youtuber) (1526 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Kamryn, otherwise known as Kamryn Heidi on Youtube and Twitch. We talked about her journey since out last chat (ep. 73). Kamryn has continued to see ratings gains in blitz, bullet, and USCF. We also discussed our experiences at the National Open in Las Vegas last weekend. We both had an amazing time and had successful tournaments.
Check out Kamryn’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kamrynheidi
Check out Kamryn’s Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/kamrynheidi
Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49
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.

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 150 Omar (ChessVonDoom) Returns Again Pt. 3 (928 USCF)
Chess enthusiast Omar (ChessVonDoom) discusses his journey and addiction with playing chess. Topics include obsession, coaching, chess celebrity, thoughts of quitting, and chess commentary. Omar's positivity shines through the wide-ranging conversation.

May 30, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep. 149 Jay Garrison (1907 USCF)
Experienced chess player Jay Garrison discusses his rapid rise in USCF rating from 1901 to 1907 in just 2 years. Topics include hitting rating plateaus, overhauling his process, and playing blitz to turn knowledge into skill against higher-rated opponents.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep. 148 Dylan (1250 USCF)
Dylan, a high school teacher and chess improver, discusses resources like Naroditsky and Chess Brahs for improving his USCF rating. He shares experiences running a chess club, teaching chess to kids, and transitioning to the English opening. The podcast covers misconceptions in chess, analyzing mistakes, teaching chess to children, and the importance of coaching for improvement.

May 16, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 147 FM Ingvar Thor
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Ingvar. He’s the assistant tournament director of the Reykjavik Open, FIDE trainer, and FIDE arbiter. We talked about his massive jumps in the early 2000’s and his quest to reach IM today. Ingvar recommended three books that he credits for a quick 300 point jump, especially Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy.
Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49
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.

May 9, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 146 Noah (1750 ECF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Noah. Noah has gained about 500 points in the last year. We spent a lot of time discussing tactics training, and how Noah applies learning science to his approach. We talk talked about over the board chess, reading chess books, and his opening experiment. Spoiler alert, Noah has only worked out a black repertoire as part of an experiment. Noah’s friendly and energetic approach to learning is contagious!
Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49
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.

May 2, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 145 Nichol (663 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Nichol. Nichol picked up chess just over a year ago and has already played 77 tournaments!! We spoke about her experiences as a tournament player, as an adult women at tournaments, and the Charlotte Chess Center. We also discussed her training, coaching, and ratings goals. Nichol is certainly an inspiring beginner on her way to great things in the chess world!
If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link:
https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60
Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49
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.

Apr 25, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 144 Adam (1875 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Adam. He’s a member of the weekly club I play at. Adam’s had an impressive run of late, gaining 170 points in about 5 months. He explained his simple process of playing rapid games, analyzing them, and doing lots of tactics. He also talked about fixing the mental side of chess such as slowing down, especially in critical moments. He attributes this mental change to a lot of extra wins.
If you want to join The Chess Gym and support the show use the following link:
https://the-chess-gym.circle.so/checkout/the-chess-gym-membership?affiliate_code=c56e60
Use this link to purchase Next Level Training: https://nextlevelchesscourses.teachable.com/p/next-level-training?affcode=1152624_t9sjlp49
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.
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