The Chess Experience
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!
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 52 minutes
- Episodes
- 133
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Lessons & Lifestyle of a Pro Chess Player with IM Irina Bulmaga
050 We are finally back after a 6-week health hiatus! Today’s guest is the #1 rated woman in Romania: IM Irina Bulmaga. Irina is a professional chess player who is working full-time chasing the GM ti…
Quick Show & Health Update
Sorry for my absence the past few weeks. Here's why. (But I hope to be back very soon.)
My Top 5 Chess Lessons of 2022 - Daniel Lona
049 After 800 hours of chess, you should learn some stuff. That’s roughly the amount of time I spent playing and studying the game in 2022. And, yes, for all that effort, there’s a nagging concern th…
GM Ben Finegold - Streaming, Comedy, & Improvement Advice
048 Few Grandmasters are as entertaining as Ben Finegold. His blend of humor, truth-telling, and exceptional chess skill are rare in the streaming world.
Ben hails from Detroit, Michigan. Raised in a …
Holiday Update & Brief Message
This is a brief 3-minute "episode" to announce a brief holiday break and to encourage some reflection on your chess progress. As described, please let me what you've achieved this year in chess that…
An Adult Improver Tale of Chess, Goals, & Rock & Roll with Amy Shaw
047 Many chess players fall into a trap. They get too obsessed with chess and their progress. Stress and worry can replace joy and discovery. But not for this week’s guest. Fellow adult improver, Amy…
Fighting Back From Losing Positions With NM Jeremy Kane
046 When you’re in bad position or down material, it’s easy to lose hope. We’ve all been there. But today’s guest, NM Jeremy Kane, explains how and why you should usually keep fighting.
His book, The …
Overcoming "Chess Burnout" With Omar Mills
045 Have you ever put a ton of energy and work into chess…but your results failed to match your expectations? So, you became frustrated. Dejected. Maybe even disillusioned with the process.
This is t…
GM Irina Krush: The First & Only American Woman to Earn the GM Title
044 Few American women in chess are as inspiring as Irina Krush. That may be obvious from the title of this episode alone. But to listen to Irina tell her story in this interview…
To hear her wisdom,…
The Romanian-American Powerhouse: WGM Sabina Foisor
043 Born in Romania. Daughter of two International Masters. The young chess star, WGM Sabina Foisor, moved to America as a young adult and conquered the women’s chess scene by winning the 2017 US Wom…
A Passion For Chess Without Loving the Game w/ GM Elisabeth Paehtz
042 The #1 female player in Germany for many years: GM Elisabeth Paehtz. Even beyond her impressive accomplishments as a chess player, which include:
- Winning the 2018 European Women’s Championship in …
A Journey To Be The First US Black Woman Chess Master w/ Rochelle Ballantyne
041 You may know her as one of the featured students from the 2012 documentary, Brooklyn Castle. A superb film that covered a low-income, junior high school’s talented chess team. One of the main st…
Teaching Openings & The Perils of Engine Game Analysis w/ IM Christof Sielecki
040 Few people today are creating as many highly praised chess courses as IM Christof Sielecki. Since the start of this podcast, I’ve looked forward to one day having him as a guest on the show. Now …
How Emotions Can Cost You a Game with Daniel Lona
039 Another chess journey update from your favorite podcast host! Every few months, I serve up a solo show that offers my latest insights and struggles, all from my hard-working path toward improveme…
Life Lessons From Chess & The Talent Myth With WIM Yuanling Yuan
038 Yuanling wowed me. Of course, her accomplishments as a chess player are mighty: She’s been the #1 female Canadian player and the youngest Canadian female to earn the WIM title.
And, as you’ll hear…
How Blitz Can Help, Time Management, & Trash-Talking w/ IM Greg Shahade
037 IM Greg Shahade always brings a good time.
His charisma and relaxed humor make for a dynamic, fun conversation in every interview he gives.
And this one is no different!
We cover a range of topics, …
Surprising Stories & Insights of a Joyful Chess Commentator w/ WGM Jovanka Houska
036 Jovanka Houska is a bright star. Anyone who’s watched her live can see she imbues her top-notch commentating at Chess24 with a joy for the game. Plus, she helps us club players more easily unders…
Optimizing Mental Strategies & Training Methods w/ NM Bryan Tillis
035 It’s easy to think of chess improvement as only involving the study of specific areas of the game like strategy or openings.
But there are other, critical parts to improvement, as well.
Which is w…
Conquering US Women's Chess with IM Carissa Yip
034 Carissa is a shining star. The youngest American woman to earn the IM title. Winner of the 2021 US Women’s Championship. Top-ranked female US player in 2019.
If that weren’t enough, Carissa is the…
Angelika Valkova, Lady of 1.d4, the First of Her Name
033 Angelika is rapidly building a name in the chess world as a dynamic coach, streamer, & course creator. Hailing from Ukraine, and now living in Germany, Angelika is a superb chess player with a F…