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 overwhelmedChatting 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=proAnd you can check out their new offerings here:https://www.chessable.com/courses/all/new/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-africanbspWatch Tony’s interview with Devaughn Croxton of US Chess here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c6OH3NvF6MMentioned: Chess Psychology: The Will to WinThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleMan’s Search for MeaningThe 48 Laws of Power Mentioned: Agadmator “How can prisoners be encouraged to invest time and effort into activities like chess?”https://mastersandmentors.org/You can support Masters and Mentors here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-masters-and-mentors-youth-enrichment-strategiesHere is how to keep up with himFacebook-https://www.facebook.com/tony.ballard.900918Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tonyballard1977/Masters and Mentors-https://mastersandmentors.org/His Book- https://www.amazon.com/Time-Alone-Transformation-Tony-Ballard/dp/B0F252YM48His LiChess:https://lichess.org/@/TonyBallard77And Chess.comhttps://www.chess.com/member/tony_1bIf you would like to help support Perpetual Chess via Patreon, you can do so here:https://www.patreon.com/notifications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices