The Chess Experience Daniel Lona
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Chess improvement as an adult is harder than it should be. Plus, the journey can sometimes feel too stressful and serious. This show aims to fix that by 1) interviewing experts who can offer clarity on the best ways to improve; and 2) giving you a heap of fun with “chess entertainment” shows that discuss chess culture, events, movies, etc. Most episodes feature a guest, but sometimes I'll do a solo show on a topic. This is all brought to you by me, Daniel Lona. I’m a dedicated chess amateur and the owner of Adult Chess Academy. After listening to this podcast, I want you to have a clearer idea of how to improve, and have a more fun, dynamic chess experience. Please follow the show so you don’t miss an episode!
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7 Insights From 2 Years of Chess Podcasting With Daniel Lona
087 Rarely have I publicly reflected on my experiences from running this podcast. Or what I’ve learned from talking to so many titled players, coaches, and commentators. But it’s been a little over two years since the show’s launch. And it has recently crossed 250K downloads (woohoo!)
To top it off, we’ve delivered eighty guest interviews and counting.
So, I figured a little reflection was due.
In this episode, I share insights on the improvement, insights on the chess community, and a few “behind-the-scenes” thoughts from years of being a chess podcast host.
I also dive into:
My five most personally meaningful episodes.Why I believe the chess community is better than most other skill/hobby communities.Why this podcast has only just begun.My membership relaunch is just weeks away! Sign up for the waitlist here to be notified.
Links to Other Episodes Cited:
NM Bruce PandolfiniRochelle BallantineGM Irina KrushIM Eric RosenWGM Jennifer Shahade
>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com (PROMOTION) -
Pod Update: Your "Chess Wish" & Next Episode on 4/16
Quick update: No full episode this week. But we'll return on 4/16/24.
Wanna tell me how your chess journey is going? Or have any feedback for the podcast?
You can send me a message here.
Also, I asked my Twitter followers what their answer would be to my frequently asked pod question below. Send me your answer and I may read it on next week's solo pod!
"If a chess genie existed and could grant you one chess wish, what would you wish for?"
Send your answer through my website or reply to this Twitter post. -
Countering the Effects of Aging on Chess Plus Tips on Strategy w/ WIM Natasha Regan
086 She’s a rock star of chess accomlishments. WIM Natasha Regan has represented England in two chess Olympiads. She’s co-authored two award-winning chess books with GM Matthew Sadler. And, in recent years, Natasha has co-created three Chessable courses on strategy.
Even outside of chess, Natasha impresses.
She earned a degree in mathematics from Cambridge University, has had a career as a professional actuary, and is an accomplished Go player.
In this episode, we cover:
Three strategies to fight back against the effects of aging on your chess.Why counterattacking is often better (and smarter) than pure defense.How learning to recognize intermediate moves can help you become an overall better chess player.More From Natasha:
Her Chessable Courses:
Zwishensuzg: A Comprehensive Guide to Intermediate Moves Learn to Counterattack: Essential Guide to Active DefenseGame ChangerHer Books:
Game ChangerChess For LifeNatasha’s Twitter>>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com (PROMOTION) -
GM Noël Studer: Adding Fun to Chess Improvement & Helpful Ideas From His New Beginner Course
085 GM Noël Studer is a fountain of superb chess advice. Many folks loved his first appearance on the show (Ep. 67.) And that’s why he’s here a second time! It’s rare and special to have a Grandmaster working hard to help club players improve their game.
And, now, he even helps beginners.
A former Swiss chess champion and the youngest GM ever from Switzerland...
Noël has just released a comprehensive course to help beginner players (links are below.)
In this episode, we discuss:
Three strategies to make your chess study experience more fun.Help your beginner friends and family improve by understanding what will help them get better results (and which resources they should avoid.)Two beginner-level concepts that even Grandmaster Noël didn’t know until he created his course.If you want consistent improvement, you MUST separate these two types of chess activities.More From Noël:
Course: Beginner Chess MasteryCourse: Next Level TrainingWebsiteBlogTwitter>>Join my official FREE Club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com (PROMOTION) -
Adult Improver Pod: Chasing the WFM Title at 1900 FIDE w/ Kincső Toth
084 Hungary has a rich history of producing chess stars. Even at the adult improver level, you have the impressive accomplishments of our guest, Kincső Toth.
She’s already reached 1900 FIDE and is gunning for the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title - which requires a 2100 rating plus norms.
And she does this all while earning her computer engineering degree in Budapest.
Kincső infuses even more chess into her life by moderating online events for Chess.com and running a Twitch channel with thousands of followers.
In this episode, we discuss:
What she changed in her chess to leap 250 FIDE rating points in just one year.Are amateurs qualified to coach chess?Will she pursue a full-time career in chess if she earns the WFM title?More From Kincső:
TwitterInstagramTwitchTikTok>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com (PROMOTION) -
Rare Insights Into Chess & Psychology w/ Julia Rios
The life of a chess player is often emotional. There can be huge wins and the joy of learning, but also painful losses and sluggish improvement. Helping me gain new insights into how to address these challenges is clinical psychologist and co-host of the ChessFeels podcast, Julia Rios.
Julia combines her professional knowledge with her chess experience to offer some brilliant insights into “chess psychology.”
In this episode, we discuss:
Does chess offer more emotional challenges than other endeavors?Should you not care about your rating?Does the expectation to improve hinder our enjoyment of chess? Bonus: A chess genie offers Julia one wish but she insists on getting three.More From Julia:
ChessFeels Podcast ChessFeels TwitterJulia’s Twitter>> Join my official FREE club for The Chess Experience on Chess.com (PROMOTION)
Customer Reviews
Outstanding!
Daniel Lona knows his chess! I went in expecting it to be good, but this is exceptional. As one of the many new chess adult improvers who discovered (or rediscovered) their love for chess after watching “Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix, I have been looking for anything that serves adults who are also novices. The Chess Experience is that podcast. Honestly, that would have been enough, but Daniel ups the ante by having interviews with chess masters, so there is something for all levels. Entertaining, informative, well-produced and paced. Great work.
Been Waiting for This
Finally…a podcast for 95% of the chess community right now—those trying to get out of the beginner category.
Love love love it so far. Keep it up!!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for making this podcast Daniel! It’s great to be able to listen to engaging content that’s focused on people like me (adult improver). The first 3 episodes have been awesome and I can’t wait to see where this journey goes. Very excited to learn and continue to grow.