Notes from James:
I had no idea this conversation would go where it did. I thought we’d talk chess. Instead, we talked about life, trauma, manipulation, redemption… and how one of the world’s most popular games can be both a tormentor and a savior.
Episode Description:
In this raw and powerful episode, I sat down with Danny Rensch—International Master, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, and author of the upcoming memoir Dark Squares—to uncover a story that’s anything but a typical chess tale. Raised in a spiritual cult obsessed with chess, Danny’s path to mastery involved trauma, isolation, and resilience. We go deep into the psychological aftermath of cult life, the beauty and torment of the game that saved him, and how he helped turn Chess.com into a global phenomenon with over 200 million users.
This isn’t just an episode about chess. It’s about survival, identity, and how to turn pain into purpose.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: A Unique Upbringing and Chess Obsession
00:43 The James Altucher Show: Welcoming Danny Wrench
00:58 Danny Wrench's Journey: From Chess Prodigy to Business Success
03:19 The Dark Side of Chess: Cult Life and Personal Struggles
12:38 Chess.com: Growth and Success
14:34 The Impact of COVID-19 and The Queen's Gambit
20:30 Cheating Scandals and Controversies in Chess
26:26 Future of Chess: Technology and Cheating
31:14 Conclusion: Living the Dream
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