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Going Pro at 57: `GM Alex Fishbein on How New and Challenging Training Methods Fueled an Upset win at the US Senior Invitational At 57 years old, Tennessee-based Grandmaster and Author, Alex Fishbein, has built an impressive chess résumé, with 12 state-championship titles across four states and multiple appearances in U.S. Championship events. But until recently, his chess had always been balanced with a demanding finance career. Last year, for the first time since age 24, Alex stepped away from Wall Street to devote himself fully to chess—an experiment that paid off quickly. Through a rigorous and unconventional study routine—including his unique “post-postmortem” method—Alex pulled off a surprise victory at the 2025 U.S. Senior Invitational, despite entering as the second-lowest rated player. In our conversation, he reflects on: The training methods that fueled his breakthrough His advice for caring less about ratings The outsized role of age and stamina in senior chess Lessons learned from legends like Korchnoi and Keres Alex's story shows the power of playing actively against all comers, staying curious, and embracing new challenges, and he provides inspiration for chess players of all levels. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ Check out special offers for free trials and/or discounts from our partner websites including Chessmood, ChessDojo, and Chess.com via the link below: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/partners 02:30- GM Fishbein joins the podcast! We begin by discussing his recent tournaments Mentioned: Episode 291 with GM Alex Fishbein: https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2022/8/9/ep-291-gm-alex-fishbein-on-maintaining-a-passion-for-chess-into-ones-50s-plus-great-korchnoi-and-tal-stories My System Fast Track Book Recap #37 with GM Alex Fishbein https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/6/21/book-recap-37-my-system-fast-track-edition-with-gm-alex-fishbeinnbsp Also mentioned: NM Dan Joelson, IM Stuart Rachels 08:00- What changes did Alex recently make to his training regimen? Mentioned: Interview with Nazi Paikidze and GM Yasser Seirawan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG156yEThSQ 15:00- Patreon mailbag question: How are Alex's preparation methods different as a professional vs.as an amateur? Mentioned: Solitaire Chess More on Solitaire Chess from FM Nate Solon here: https://zwischenzug.substack.com/p/solitaire-chess 25:00- How and why did Alex begin to study the games and annotations of GM Paul Keres? 35:00- What was Alex's approach to openings in the US Senior Closed? Did he try to surprise his opponents? Mentioned: You can play through the games and openings mentioned from the tournament here: https://www.chess.com/events/2025-us-national=championships-seniors/01/Fishbein_Alexander-Novikov_Igor 38:00- What separates the strength of GM Vladimir Akopian from the rest of the field? 39:00- Why does GM Alex Fishbein think that the three youngest players were the ones to make the playoffs? Mentioned: Chess is My Life by GM Viktor Korchnoi 40:00- Why ratings are a mirage for the Senior Closed 45:00- Alex's advice for caring less about one's rating Mentioned: Claud Bloodgood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bloodgood 53:00- Recent chess books Alex has read Mentioned: Think Like a Super GM by GM Michael Adams and Phillip Hurtado 55:00- Alex's training tips for lower-rated players 1:00- Thanks to Alex for joining me again! You can reach him via email at: Afish at panix.com If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/perpetualchess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Dojo Talks, Jesse, David, and Kostya each reveal and debate their top 10 chess countries of all time—based on world champions, cultural contributions, and historic achievements—before combining their lists into a final ranking. Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips 04:57 – Jesse's #10 pick 09:44 – David's #10 pick 13:01 – Kostya's #10 pick 14:04 – Kostya's #9 pick 15:24 – David's #9 pick 18:51 – Jesse's #9 pick 20:33 – Jesse's #8 pick 21:37 – David's #8 pick 25:16 – Kostya's #8 pick 27:12 – Kostya's #7 pick 28:31 – David's #7 pick 30:13 – Jesse's #7 pick 32:19 – Jesse's #6 pick 33:54 – David's #6 pick 36:28 – Kostya's #6 pick 37:39 – Kostya's #5 pick 38:34 – David's #5 pick 42:12 – Jesse's #5 pick 44:51 – Jesse's #4 pick 46:24 – David's #4 pick 49:04 – Kostya's #4 pick 50:26 – Kostya's #3 pick 52:43 – David's #3 pick 59:29 – Jesse's #3 pick 1:02:48 – Jesse's #2 pick 1:05:50 – David's #2 pick 1:09:45 – Kostya's #2 pick 1:10:37 – Kostya's #1 pick 1:11:41 – David's #1 pick 1:12:42 – Jesse's #1 pick
On the eve of his face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, is Donald Trump being bold or naive? Plus, the fluctuating economy takes a concerning turn. Also, the feds crash Gavin Newsom's event as schools spend their first day setting up safe zones against ICE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4:10 PM - What’s good to watch?… GUEST Abby Olcese (ol-CHESS-ee)… writer on film, pop culture and faith … she’s written for Think Christian and RogerEbert.com (she’s from Kansas City) … author of “Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies”. 5:10 PM - End of Summer Reading … GUEST Byron Borger … owner, Hearts and Minds Bookstore, Dallastown PA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are meeting today in what could amount to a historic moment. Here's everything you need to know about it, plus predictions for what happens afterward.
This is our 200th episode, folks. Yes, indeed. And not just that – we also just completed FIVE YEARS of this world news pod for kids! Yep, Newsy Pooloozi turns 5! And coming back after a long summer break, we have a doozy of an episode for you – from a wrap of all the conflicts brewing around the world to AI education in schools, chess at the E-Sports World Cup, Taylor Swift announces her latest album, New Zealand's former PM shares her secret power, chimps put hair in their orifices (yes!), orcas act strange and a toddler fights a snake (and the snake is the loser – you won't believe how!). All that and more this episode!
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are meeting today in what could amount to a historic moment. Here's everything you need to know about it, plus predictions for what happens afterward.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are meeting today in what could amount to a historic moment. Here's everything you need to know about it, plus predictions for what happens afterward.
EP:101 In this week's dare, Michelle flips the script on personal growth advice. Instead of obsessing over your weaknesses, what if you doubled down on your strengths? Backed by psychology, personal stories from 17 years in construction, and a dash of science, Michelle shows why focusing where you already shine is more productive, less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.Whether you're building a business, working a side hustle, or just trying to get through the week, this episode is your permission slip to stop “fixing” yourself and start owning what you're great at.Key TakeawaysWeaknesses aren't meant to be turned into strengths – at best, you'll get mediocre results.Your brain is wired for negativity bias – it's natural to focus on flaws, but it erodes confidence.Science backs it – using your strengths daily leads to higher engagement, lower stress, and more life satisfaction.Real-life example – Michelle's dad built a successful company by leaning into his selling skills, not obsessing over admin gaps.The “Unfair Advantages” list – identifying and using your strengths daily can be a game changer.This Week's Dare
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17-year-old phenom John Lucian “Johnny G” Goins just shocked the pickleball world, winning his first PPA Tour singles title in Bristol. We dive deep into his rapid rise — from upsetting Ben Johns earlier this year to joining the elite list of teenagers to win on tour. Johnny shares: - How online school fuels his training schedule - The chess strategies that make him deadly on court - Why he plays doubles differently than singles - His mindset for taking down the best in the game Plus:
The boys break down the over/under win total for Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Auburn, talk about some of the biggest news stories of the week, and Tins gives out some NFL futures that can't lose.
Six String Hayride Classic Country Podcast, Episode 60, Hayride Summer Grab Bag Episode. What Chris and Jim did on their Summer Vacation. Chris played Chess in Vegas and Wisconsin, he's really good. Jim ran off to Ontario, Canada with a lovely Hayride listener for fine local wines, The Shaw Theater Fest, and Maple Whiskey. The Music World mourned Brian Wilson, Flaco Jiménez, Jeannie Seely, and Ozzy Osbourne. Rosanne Cash announces August and September Tour dates around the Midwest and Eastern States. Dolly Parton celebrates the 30th Anniversary of her Imagination Library, a reading program offering free books to Pre School age Kids. Sam and Dave give offer a Stay in School message for the kiddos. We discuss Congressional funding cuts to America's PBS, the TV home of Sesame Street, Mr. Rodgers, Austin City Limits, and all those cool Ken Burns Documentaries about Country Music. The USA National Guard is given Police Style Duties in our Nation's Capital despite crime being legitimately down a lot according to respectable Government and Journalism Sources. Strange Days Indeed, so Chris offers up a Rum and Watermelon Cocktail and Jim livens up his sweet iced tea with a wee bit of Whiskey. All the usual Hayride Fun. Up next, Labor Day for the Working Folks with The Twangy Troubadour, Steve Earle. Hey, We made it to 60 Episodes!
IM Greg Shahade was the very first guest of Perpetual Chess and has remained a frequent and insightful contributor ever since. A former youth national champion, Greg has subsequently been involved in the chess world in an array of capacities —founder of the US Chess School (which provides free training to top American juniors), creator of the now-defunct Pro Chess League, and a near-2800-rated blitz player on Chess.com who has maintained his level well into his 40s. A former poker pro, Greg has more recently become a trivia whiz to boot. But which is harder to improve at—trivia or chess? In this wide-ranging conversation, we catch up on Greg's many interests, get his take on events like the E-Sports World Cup and Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, and hear his thoughts on the continued ascension of the next chess generation. It's always a treat to hear Greg's takes on the ever-evolving chess landscape. Timestamps of topics discussed are below. Thanks to our sponsor, Chessable.com! If you sign up for Chessable Pro in order to unlock discounts and additional features, be sure to use the following link: https://www.chessable.com/pro/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=benjohnson&utm_campaign=pro And you can check out their new offerings here: https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/ 0:00- Will Greg learn GM Jan Gustafsson's Chessable course? 0:05- Patreon mailbag question: Greg followed the E-sports World Cup (EWC) closely- what were his impressions of it? 0:09- Why Greg loves classical chess! 0:12- Back to the EWC 0:16- What did Greg think of the recent Freestyle tournament in Las Vegas? 21:00- The US Chess School- are kids good at chess? 30:00- The benefits of the daily chess format 36:00- Why did Greg decide to become good at trivia? Is it harder to improve at then chess? https://gregshahade.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/1-5-years-of-trivia-total-n00b-to-learnedleague-group-a/ 44:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg seems like a happy and positive person- has that come easy to him or has he had to work at it? 47:00- Patreon mailbag question: Greg sings a song!(briefly) 48:00- As another friend of FM Donny Ariel's, does Greg think he can make GM? Could Greg make GM? 53:00- Patreon mailbag question: Does Carlsen's retirement from the World Championship title hurt his legacy as compared to Kasparov? Mentioned: Kasparov-Polgar touch-move controversy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT9UhaUIBCY 1:01- Greg discusses his enthusiasm for the Chess.com daily chess league https://www.chess.com/article/view/join-chess-league Thanks to Greg for joining me again! You can reach/keep up with him via Chess.com or via X: https://www.chess.com/member/gregshahade https://x.com/GregShahade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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We sat down with the CCO of @chess Danny Rensch, in a tell all conversation about his upbringing in a cult, how chess.com became the biggest chess platform in the world, the current cheating plague and how the platform is working to combat it, his relationship with Hans, and much more. Pre-order Danny's upcoming book, Dark Squares, here: https://www.chess.com/darksquares ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611
Let's Chat!Ever wondered what it's like to write a story so dark it changes your own worldview? In this mid-series reflection, I take you behind the curtain of creating Grandeur, the most emotionally demanding storyline I've crafted for Gentleman's Journey yet.Writing about a character who's lost everything—including the love of his life—has been an immersive experience unlike any other. "I'm literally in it with him," I share, explaining how I mentally stand beside my protagonist through every moment of despair. This creative approach has unexpectedly transformed my understanding of homelessness, giving me profound new insights into this real-world struggle.For longtime listeners, I've dropped some exciting revelations: The Invisible King from The Relic Hunter and The Red King from Remembrance will both make appearances as the series progresses! Those chess pieces mentioned throughout the story? They'll all connect soon—I promise the payoff is worth your patience. We're currently halfway through this month-long journey, with another extended series coming in September, followed by shorter weekly stories for the remainder of the year.Have ideas for future Gentleman's Journey storylines? I'd love to hear them! Reach out through the Let's Chat function, email me at anthony@gentsjourney.com, or connect on Instagram. A TikTok page is coming soon too. Thank you for your concern about my mental health during this intense creative period—I'm doing well and deeply appreciate your support. As always, remember: you create your reality."True mastery is found in the details. The way you handle the little things defines the way you handle everything."
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Air Week: August 11-17, 2025 Atlantic Records, Pt. 4 – 1952 Atlantic Records was the most influential, significant and important independent record label to come out of the late-1940s, during a time when there were many great, small indie labels being born. What gave Atlantic the advantage over Specialty, Chess, Modern, Vee-Jay, Exclusive, King, etc […]
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