

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

Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep. 138 Thomas (1400 Chess.com)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Thomas. We spoke about OTB chess is Paris and his preference for OTB games. We focused on his struggles to play online and the anxiety that comes with those games. Thomas had a sudden ratings gain, and we discussed what motivated that jump. He also, gave us his list of the 5 best chess books.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 7, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 137 Rachel (1600 USCF)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Rachel. She’s a former scholastic player, who has returned to chess as a college student. We talked about how she studies chess, her preference for OTB chess, and the importance of coaching. We also discussed her desire to stay away from labeling progress with numbers. Rachel talked about her approach to streaming chess, and her lack of desire to play a lot of online chess.
You can catch Rachel streaming at: https://www.twitch.tv/rachangel225
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 136 David (1100 Chesscom Rapid)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David about his journey through life and chess. He talked about books and resources that helped him improve. We spent time talking about the value of process over rating goals. David also talked about his experiences with coaching and tournaments.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 23min
Ep. 135 Andrew (1450 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Andrew. He’s about 1 year into his journey. He and his wife got into the game together as a way of being ready to help their daughter learn chess. Andrew has been bitten hard by the chess bug and we discussed his approach to learning and playing chess. He started with random books, some accessible and some well My System?!? Andrew talked about why he joined the Chess Dojo and playing in his first OTB events. We finished with a discussion about the small steps in his daughter’s journey.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 26min
Ep. 134 FM Nate Solon
Chess expert Nate Solon discusses the best ways to improve chess skills, including simplifying training, the popularity of three-minute chess, unexpected obstacles in tournaments, the importance of resilience and street smarts, and the creation of an online chess training community called the Chess Gym.

Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 47min
Ep. 133 Neal-Bruce (1800 USCF)
Chess Journeys podcast explores Neal Bruce's return to OTB chess success, program changes, and adult mastery possibilities. They discuss burnout, dream tournaments, and endgame book recommendations. The episode is filled with valuable insights for chess enthusiasts.

Feb 1, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 132 Anna (1300 FIDE)
Chess Journeys podcast explores Anna's emphasis on OTB play, book recommendations like Polgar 5334, and strategies for increasing women's participation in chess

Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 131 David (1580 Lichess)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with David. We focused a lot on his ability to carve out 20-30 hours a week for chess. He believes that most people can make a lot more time, if they are willing to make sacrifices. We also discussed the benefits of the Chess Dojo and direct coaching. David talked about his favorite resources including Tactics Time, Everybody’s First Chess Workbook, and Learn Chess The Right Way 3: Mastering Defensive Techniques. It was an inspiring conversation with someone who has changed their goals and approach to chess during plateaus that allowed them to keep enjoying the journey.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 19, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 130 Chris (1700 Chesscom)
This week on Chess Journeys, I spoke with Chris. His journey has taken him from 800 to 1700 Chesscom in about 8 years. He got into chess by coaching kids as a beginner. He spent the next several years playing and working on tactics with the ultimate goal of not blundering! Chris provided a lot of tips on eliminating the dreaded blunder. Chris and I spent a lot of time talking about the value of coaching and how to choose a coach.
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 11, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 129 Will (2000 Chesscom)
In this podcast, Will discusses his rapid chess improvement from 1000 to 2000, focusing on playing games for strategy, avoiding puzzle drills, and tactics in his openings. The episode highlights the fun and effectiveness of playing and analyzing games for rating points and improvement.