Even though chess is not a team sport, there are still many ways that the game helps build relationships, establishes close bonds and teaches social skills.

Jonathan Singler recently completed his doctorate and created the first minor degree in chess in the United States at Webster University. He's accomplished all of this by the age of 30! Jonathan Singler and Elliott Neff have an interesting discussion about his journey through schooling, reframing how we see obstacles in our life, and why chess is not just about winning.

You can reach Jonathan here by email at [email protected]

Executive function skills are the skills you need to get things done. Because they're essential for success, how do we help foster them in kids? Dr. Peg Dawson joins us on this podcast episode to talk about the importance of executive skills and how the game of chess is a great way to learn them.

On this episode, we talk with Robert Dugoni, a New York Times Bestselling Author, on failing forward, overcoming challenges, and having a growth mindset. Robert's journey came with setbacks and barriers, and his resilience to pursue his dream to become an author is inspiring.

Tune into this episode of the Chess4Life Spotlight to hear more about how we can learn to fail forward and grow despite the uncertainty.

Visit Robert Dugoni's Website: www.robertdugonibooks.com

Katerina Rohonyan is a skilled chess player that was born and raised in Ukraine who moved to the US on a chess scholarship. After getting her degree in computer science, she's worked companies like Microsoft and Google. Katerina talks about her journey of heavily pursuing chess in Ukraine only for that to lead to other incredible opportunities. Throughout her growth in chess, she's learned a lot about how chess has helped her think strategically and become a better problem solver. Katerina Rohonyan has so much insight to share from all her years in chess and life experiences.

Judit Sztaray has been around chess most of her life, but it wasn't until her daughters' interest in chess grew that it became an integral part of her life. Although she says she's not a strong chess player, that doesn't stop her from actively participating in chess events like the Pan-Am and using the game for its benefits. One of those benefits of chess is the social aspects of the game. Elliott Neff and Judit Sztaray discuss how big of an impact playing chess can make on communities and building friendships with people.

In this chess podcast episode, we sit down with Sandy Staab out of Idaho. His first experience with chess was at 5 years old and since then, it's been a growing part of his life. Over the years, he's studied to become a chess coach, worked for a few years with Chess4Life, and has worked with youth in local schools. Elliott Neff and Sandy Staab discuss how chess can build character in players and help cultivate important life skills through the game.1

On this Chess4Life Spotlight podcast episode, we chat with Abel Talamantez the former Chess Director of the Mechanics' Institute which is the oldest continuously running chess club in the country. This past year, Abel Talamantez has transitioned to be the Chess Program Director at Rise and works with Hamilton students.

In this Chess4Life Spotlight podcast episode, we talk with Vishnu Warrier. He just finished his chess book, The Chess Bible: Most Instructive Tips, Axioms, One-Liners & Mantras and he's on the path to become a national master. Elliott Neff and Vishnu Warrier discuss his work as a technology consultant, how chess has helped him in his professional career, and the benefits of chess.  

On this Chess4Life Spotlight podcast episode, we chat with Josh Sinanan. Josh became a chess master in 2007 and now he's a chess coach and has been involved with several chess organizations that help promote the game both locally and nationally. His passion for coaching chess has led him to positively impact many through the game. Josh shares some of the benefits of chess, what sets it apart from competitive sports, and what he's hoping to accomplish in his future endeavors in chess.