Raised inside the Church of Immortal Consciousness and taken from his mother under the banner of “spiritual purpose,” Danny Rensch grew up in a world where channeling spirits and chasing chess mastery were intertwined. In this gripping conversation, the International Master and co-founder of Chess.com opens up about being groomed for greatness by a chess-obsessed cult leader, the trauma of spiritual manipulation, the collapse of the collective that shaped him, and the long road toward forgiveness and integration. Danny shares how chess became both his escape and his evolution — an unsolvable, unforgiving game that mirrors life itself — and how he helped lead the digital revolution that brought the royal game to over 200 million players worldwide. This is a raw, nuanced exploration of consciousness, power, resilience, and what it really means to reclaim your own narrative.

Time Stamps

(00:00) Episode Teaser

(00:34) Opening Conversation

(04:37) Understanding Ibogaine and Its Effects

(06:25) The Healing Power of Ibogaine

(25:24) The Definition of Self-Love That Was Revealed

(33:35) Intergenerational Healing

(40:51) Reverence vs. Worship: Understanding the Difference

(42:43) Yerasimos’ Ayahuasca Experience

(46:27) The Role of the Medicine in Personal Development

(52:54) The Supplemental Dose: Processing Emotions and Ancestral Trauma

(01:00:30) Integration and the Challenges of Returning to Normal Life

(01:03:09) The Relationship Between Self-Betrayal and Self-Love

(01:15:20) The Importance of Intent and Reverence in Medicine Work

(01:22:28) Surrender and Trust: Lessons from the Divine Realm

(01:27:25) Setting Intentions and Personal Reflections

(01:30:09) The Impact of Social Media and Technology

(01:40:37) Voluntarism and Political Philosophy

(01:43:49) Personal Growth and Spirituality

Guest Links

https://www.chess.com/

Danny’s incredible memoir “Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life”

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