PODCAST · business
Queens United Chess Podcast
by Queens United Chess
Tune in to the official Queen's United Chess Podcast to hear from inspiring leaders who shape the chess community! Queens United Chess is a student-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the gender divide through female-led introductory chess lessons, club meetings, and tournaments, with over 35 female instructors having directly impacted over 550 youth across Chicago and the country. They co-developed the CPS Chess Queens program with Chicago Public Schools and Renaissance Knights which has established over 14+ chess programs within underserved Chicago schools and taught chess to over 250+ students. In the past, Queens United has collaborated with the Chicago Chess Foundation and the US Chess Women’s Girls Club, and other chess players to host free tournaments and guest speaker events, including WGM Jennifer Shahade, FM Alisa Melekhina, and NM Laura Smith. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at queensunitedchess.org.
Episodes
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Meet Epiphany Peters
Meet Epiphany Peters! In this special interview, Queens United Chess communications team member Sabrina sits down with Epiphany Peters, an accomplished American chess player, content creator, and streamer known online as MariChess. Epiphany has competed internationally and is passionate about...
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Meet WIM Isabelle Ning
In this episode of our podcast, Zara interviews WIM Isabelle Ning of New Zealand about her journey from young chess prodigy to international competitor. Isabelle shares insights on earning her titles, representing New Zealand, overcoming challenges, and inspiring the next generation of girls in...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | The Best Thing You Can Do in Chess Isn’t Winning
In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on choosing not to play in the National Championship and how that decision became a lesson in leadership and giving back. From balancing IB exams to supporting her students through Queens United Chess, she shares why creating...
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Meet WFM Laksshana Deepak
In this episode of our podcast, Zara speaks with WFM Laksshana Deepak about her journey from youth tournaments to earning her WFM title after an undefeated run at the North American Youth Championship. They discuss her rapid rating growth, representing Canada internationally, and how leadership...
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What Becoming National Champion Really Took
In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on what it truly took to become the Cayman Islands National Female Chess Champion. Beyond the title and trophy, she shares the unseen reality: balancing the IB Diploma Programme (HL Math, Physics, and Chemistry), serving as President…
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Bad Tournaments Happen - Here’s How to Bounce Back Stronger:
In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on a tough tournament at the CAC Youth Chess Festival in Puerto Rico, where she finished with 4.5/9. She talks honestly about why bad tournaments are normal, how they don’t define your ability, and shares practical steps to bounce back...
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Meet Chika & Angel Pride
In this uplifting episode, WCM Zara Majid sits down with Bahamian sisters Chika and Angel Pride; one a rising WCM and national champion, the other a young FIDE Arbiter and girls-in-chess advocate. They share how they discovered chess, what it’s like growing in the sport together, and the lessons...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Confidence Over the Board
In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares how stepping into the toughest section of the International Cayman Islands Chess Classic taught her the true meaning of confidence. As the youngest and only female player in the Open Section, she pushed past fear, faced stronger opponents, and proved to...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | The Sisterhood of Chess
In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, WCM Zara Majid shares how chess has helped her make incredible friendships all around the world, from the Caribbean to Canada, India, South Africa, and beyond. She reflects on being featured in the ChessKid Girls Club, and how the platform has built a…
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Stay Calm Under Pressure
WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from the Youth Olympiad in Colombia, where time pressure led to a painful blunder. Learn how to stay calm, use your increment, and think clearly — even when the clock is ticking!
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Queen’s Advice Corner | What is my Opponent’s Threat?
WCM Zara Majid shares a lesson from a recent tournament where she lost a pawn to a simple pin because she forgot to ask herself one crucial question: “What is my opponent’s threat?” Inspired by Anatoly Karpov’s habit of asking this before every move, Zara explains how this practice can help…
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Phiona Mutesi – From the Streets of Kampala to the World Stage
In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the incredible true story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Uganda who rose to become a Woman Candidate Master — and the star of the Disney film Queen of Katwe. Zara reflects on how Phiona’s courage, resilience, and refusal to give up…
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Meet WGM Martha Fierro
Tune in to hear about Martha Fierro, a highly accomplished women’s grandmaster and international master. She won the American Continental Women's Chess Championship in 2009 and won silver at the Chess Olympiad held in Armenia. She is also Vice President of FIDE for eight years and Chairperson of...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | There Are 3 Results in Chess: Winning, Drawing, and Learning
In this heartfelt episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the truth every chess player must face: losing is part of the journey. From her emotional experience at the Pan-American Youth Championships to practical tips on how to recover from tough games, Zara reminds us that every loss is a chance to grow....
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Summer Chess Opportunities
This week, WCM Zara Majid shares exciting and accessible ways to stay involved with chess over the summer! From contacting your local federation to joining top-rated online camps like ChessKid, Chess Gaja, and Silver Knights Academy, there’s something for everyone — no matter where you live or…
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Queen’s Advice Corner | Fast or Slow? You Decide
In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down the benefits of both fast and slow chess — and why training for both is key to becoming a complete player. From deep thinking in long classical games to sharpening instincts in blitz and bullet, you’ll learn how to balance your play and prepare for...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | WGM Carissa Yip – A Quiet Girl with a Record-Breaking Legacy
In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares a personal story from the 2024 Chess Olympiad — where a casual breakfast with a friendly stranger turned out to be a moment with one of America’s greatest female chess players: WGM Carissa Yip. From record-breaking titles to Olympic gold, learn how Carissa’s...
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Queen’s Advice Corner | How to Think During a Chess Game
In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down a simple but powerful 3-step thinking process for beginner and intermediate players: checks, captures, and threats. Learn how to avoid blunders, spot tactics, and play with confidence — one move at a time. New episodes every month on Queens United Chess!
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Queen’s Advice Corner | GM Judit Polgár Breaking Barriers in Chess - And What You Can Learn From Her
In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the powerful story of GM Judit Polgár — the strongest female chess player in history — and what her journey means for beginners today. Learn how Judit challenged stereotypes, rose to world #8, and left a legacy far beyond the board. Stay tuned to…
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Queen’s Advice Corner | 3 Beginner Mistakes You Can Fix Today
In our very first episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the top three beginner mistakes that hold players back — and how to fix them right away. From opening pawn chaos to hanging pieces and rushing the endgame, this episode is packed with quick, practical advice to help you play smarter, more confident...
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Meet WCM Tris-Ann Richards: Councillor for the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess
Tune in to hear about Tris-Ann Richards inspirational chess career! She is a prominent chess player from Saint Lucia, currently holding the title of Woman Candidate Master. Beyond her playing career, Ms. Richards serves as the President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation and is a Councillor for...
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Meet WGM Sabina Foisor: 2017 US Women's Chess Champion
Tune in to hear about WGM Sabina Foisor's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players! She repeatedly represented Romania at the European Youth Chess Championship and won various medals. In the United States, she was a member of the US Women's Chess Olympic Team and won the...
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Meet Kyla Zhao: Author of May the Best Player Win
Tune in to hear about Kyla Zhao’s incredible chess career and her exploration of chess as an author! Zhao had a professional career in chess in Singapore as a kid, and now she recently released a new book, May the Best Player Win, that discusses a strong female player breaking the gender...
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Meet WIM Mariam Danelia
Tune in to hear about WIM Mariam Danelia's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players. She has repeatedly represented Georgia at the European Youth Chess Championships and World Youth Chess Championships, and she became a Woman International Master in 2008!
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Meet Girls Chess Central
Tune in to learn about a new Queens United initiative, Girls Chess Central (GCC)! You will hear from Mona Pandit, the manager of GCC and Sonali Kulkarni, an avid member of GCC.
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Meet Lizzy Brahin: The Co-Founder of Queens United Chess
Tune in to meet the co-founder of Queens United Chess- Lizzy Brahin! Lizzy is a rising junior at Harvard University where she is currently studying Applied Math and Economics. In the winter of 2019 she co-founded Queens United Chess- a non profit organization that serves to bridge the gender…
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Meet WGM Jennifer Shahade: A 2 Time US Women's Chess Champion and Silver Medalist at the Chess Olympiads
Tune in to May's Wonder of the Month feature where we meet the iconic WGM Jennifer Shahade. Winning the U.S Junior Open in 1998, she went on to become a 2 time US Women’s Chess Champion, and win a silver medal at the Chess Olympiads. Shahade organizes the US Chess Women’s Girls Club, and hosts…
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Meet Rochelle Ballantyne: The Star of the 2012 Brooklyn Castle Documentary
Tune in to hear Rochelle Ballantyne's incredible journey through chess! Appearing in the 2012 documentary Brooklyn Castle, she went on to graduate from Stanford University and Columbia University, and is currently a law student at NYU where she holds numerous leadership roles in student groups...
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Meet Queens United President/Co-Founder Maggie Tsyganova
Tune in to hear the story behind Queens United told by the co-founder Maggie Tsyganova! Maggie is a senior at Walter Payton College Prep and co-founded Queens United in 2019. She has been playing competitive chess for the past 6 years and is Co-Captain of the Chess Team. She is currently the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Tune in to the official Queen's United Chess Podcast to hear from inspiring leaders who shape the chess community!
Queens United Chess is a student-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the gender divide through female-led introductory chess lessons, club meetings, and tournaments, with over 35 female instructors having directly impacted over 550 youth across Chicago and the country. They co-developed the CPS Chess Queens program with Chicago Public Schools and Renaissance Knights which has established over 14+ chess programs within underserved Chicago schools and taught chess to over 250+ students. In the past, Queens United has collaborated with the Chicago Chess Foundation and the US Chess Women’s Girls Club, and other chess players to host free tournaments and guest speaker events, including WGM Jennifer Shahade, FM Alisa Melekhina, and NM Laura Smith. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at queensunitedchess.org.
HOSTED BY
Queens United Chess
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Queens United Chess Podcast have?
Queens United Chess Podcast currently has 29 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Queens United Chess Podcast about?
Tune in to the official Queen's United Chess Podcast to hear from inspiring leaders who shape the chess community! Queens United Chess is a student-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the gender divide through female-led introductory chess lessons, club meetings, and tournaments, with...
How often does Queens United Chess Podcast release new episodes?
Queens United Chess Podcast has 29 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Queens United Chess Podcast?
You can listen to Queens United Chess Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Queens United Chess Podcast?
Queens United Chess Podcast is created and hosted by Queens United Chess.
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