Perpetual Chess Podcast

“What brought you back to the chess world?”

A frequent opening question for guests who had a hiatus, seeking to understand the catalyst for their return.

“What is your advice for an adult improver on how to get better?”

A core question, often asked near the end, to distill the guest's experience into actionable tips for the show's key demographic.

“What is the biggest lesson you learned from that experience?”

A follow-up after a guest discusses a major success or failure, seeking a key takeaway.

“What is your current training regimen like?”

This question probes the guest's day-to-day process for maintaining or improving their skills.

“How do you approach coaching your students?”

For guests who are trainers, this question explores their pedagogical philosophy and methods.

“Are there any new books or projects you're working on?”

Asked later in the interview to give guests a chance to promote their upcoming work.

“How do you deal with the psychological side of the game, like nerves or pressure?”

This question targets the mental and emotional challenges of competitive chess.

“How do you prepare your openings, especially for a specific opponent?”

A technical question to understand the practical side of a professional's tournament preparation.

“How has your background in [another field, like music] influenced your chess?”

Used to explore the cross-pollination of skills from a guest's primary profession to their chess game.

“Could you share your side of the story regarding [a past controversy or difficult event]?”

A carefully phrased question used to address public controversies, giving the guest a platform to explain.

“What was the experience of [a specific major tournament or period in your life] like?”

This question prompts guests to share anecdotes and reflections on significant moments in their past.

“What's the story behind you playing against [a famous player]?”

This prompts an anecdotal story about a memorable and often significant game from the guest's career.