45. what's underneath the floorboards

Hosted by chess teacher JJ Lang and therapist Julia Rios, chessfeels: conversations about chess, psychology & mental health explores the intricate human experience behind the sixty-four squares. This isn't a series of dry lectures on openings or endgames, though improvement naturally surfaces through their discussions. Instead, each episode delves into the psychological landscape of the game-the pressure of competition, the sting of a loss, the joy of a creative breakthrough, and the peculiar obsessions that come with playing. You'll hear candid, often irreverent conversations that connect the strategic demands of chess to broader themes of mental fitness and personal growth. Lang and Rios create a space where the culture surrounding the game, from online play to tournament hall anxieties, is examined with equal parts insight and empathy. By weaving together perspectives from dedicated teaching and therapeutic practice, this podcast offers a unique lens on how the challenges we face over the board mirror those we navigate in everyday life. Tuning in feels like sitting in on a fascinating discussion between two experts who are deeply passionate about understanding why we play and how it affects us, making every episode a thoughtful companion for anyone who has ever felt the emotional weight of a move.