EP 438- Tony Ballard: Chess, Freedom, and Lessons Learned After 26 Years in Prison
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In this memorable episode of Perpetual Chess, we welcome back Tony Ballard, who spent 26 years incarcerated and credits chess with helping him change the course of his life. When we last spoke in Episode 289 (2022), Tony was still in a minimum-security facility. Now fully free, he’s making the most of his second chance. He’s working full-time at the Paul Mitchell barber school, has founded a nonprofit—Masters and Mentors)—to teach chess to at-risk youth, and has released a powerful memoir, Time Alone: From Isolation to Transformation). The book doesn’t shy away from the trauma and darkness of his past, but ultimately it’s an inspiring story of growth and resilience.

In our conversation, we discussed: – How chess fits into his daily routine – His chess improvement philosophy – The best things about life after prison – Tony’s advice for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed

Chatting with Tony is always uplifting—and this conversation is no exception.

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/)

02:00- Has Tony been playing any chess since getting out of prison? 

Mentioned: Episode 390 with Russell Makofsky of *The Gift of Chess *

https://www.perpetualchesspod.com/new-blog/2024/7/9/ep-390-russ-makofsky-how-chess-can-change-lives-from-nyc-to-africanbsp)

Watch Tony’s interview with Devaughn Croxton of US Chess here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c6OH3NvF6M)

06:00- What is Tony’s online chess routine? 

Mentioned: Chess Psychology: The Will to Win)

15:00- What is Tony’s chess improvement philosophy? 

20:00- We discuss chess notation and Tony’s approach to game analysis 

22:00- What are Tony’s favorite non-chess books? 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Man’s Search for Meaning

The 48 Laws of Power 

29:00- How is chess perceived in prison? What is the chess scene like there?

Mentioned: Agadmator 

34:00- Patreon mailbag question: 

How can prisoners be encouraged to invest time and effort into activities like chess?

39:00- What is the mission of Tony’s new non-profit, Masters and Mentors? 

https://mastersandmentors.org/)

You can support Masters and Mentors here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-masters-and-mentors-youth-enrichment-strategies)

45:00- How did Perpetual Chess help Tony win over his girlfriend?

46:00- How did Tony get interested in golf? 

50:00- What is the best part of being free? 

53:00- Is Tony ever tempted to return the lifestyle from his younger lifestyle? 

58:00 Tony’s closing advice for those who feel like they are struggling

1:00- THanks to Tony for sharing his inspiring story!

Here is how to keep up with him

Facebook-

https://www.facebook.com/tony.ballard.900918)

Instagram- 

https://www.instagram.com/tonyballard1977/)

Masters and Mentors-

https://mastersandmentors.org/)

His Book- 

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Alone-Transformation-Tony-Ballard/dp/B0F252YM48)

His LiChess:

https://lichess.org/@/TonyBallard77)

And Chess.com)

https://www.chess.com/member/tony_1b)

If you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:

https://www.patreon.com/notifications)

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