How early can kids start to learn chess? Why is the game of chess so important for their development? In this episode, Siva Sankrithi and Elliott Neff discuss what they have seen chess do for the growth of kids as they learn to play the game. Siva Sankrithi was a high school math teacher in Seattle for 10 years before he retired to run his educational nonprofit. His experience, journey, and observations in life made for a very interesting episode!

This is part II of our conversation with Dewain Barber. In this episode, Dewain shares his journey of helping pioneer several different national chess tournaments for kids and seniors alongside chess grandmasters. He also shares a very interesting story about his work with the John D. Rockefeller III National Tournament of Elementary School State Champions. Dewain Barber has a powerful story making for a really fascinating podcast episode.

On this chess podcast episode, we talk to Dewain Barber who has had a successful life of accomplishments in the world of chess. One of his students he coached became an international master, he's played chess on the Great Wall of China, and he's traveled to 120 countries! These are just a few of the feats Dewain Barber has done which makes for an exciting episode. Stay tuned for the second half of this discussion coming next week.

The game of chess is a powerful personal development tool. You don't need to be a grandmaster in chess to enjoy the benefits of the game and Orrin Hudson's story is a great example of how loving the game can make a big impact. In the same way chess changed his life, he is now extending that to other youth he's working with.

Parenting is far from easy. Balancing life, a career, hobbies, and setting kids up for success is a lot to take on. At Chess4Life, we believe chess can help prepare kids for life and teaches them to learn from their mistakes, set goals, and work together.

On this chess podcast episode, Florian Helff  talks about creating chess clubs in the corporate and collegiate world, using the game to bring people together, and the benefits chess is having on students. Florian Helff is creating opportunities for networking to happen with chess being the connection point. Chess is solving problems for both recruiters in STEM careers as well as students looking to step into those careers.

On this episode of the Chess4Life Spotlight podcast, we talk with Robert Katende. Robert's story and life transformation is powerful! He has done a lot of work for the slums in Katwe, Uganda, where he is from, by teaching kids chess and using the game to bring them opportunities. Chess is a tool that Robert uses for community transformation. His life story and the vision he has for the future is inspiring to listen to. This is a must-listen to episode!

On today's episode of the Chess4Life Spotlight we have the president of Northwest University Dr. Joe Castleberry. He has seen big changes in the education system over the years and especially over the last few years which has accelerated this. Many institutions are adjusting, pivoting, and getting creative around the programs and opportunities they're offering to students. Tune in to this episode to hear more from Dr. Joe Castleberry as he shares his perspective on the current education system.

Randy Kaech has played a big role in the lives of many through the game of chess. Currently Randy is the president of the Washington High School Chess Association, and he is working to revive high school chess. Over the years, he has spent a lot of his time volunteering around organizing tournaments, teaching chess, and sharing the benefits of the game with kids. He shares what the years of chess has taught him and what it looks like to make long-term life decisions.

Bruce Kovalsky has a long history of working for some of the most popular STEM companies. His first interactions with chess at five years old which later led him to became a national chess master and start a popular chess club at a local elementary school. Bruce's experience with chess and his successful career is both insightful and inspiring.