Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast.
What happens when a game becomes more than just strategy and competition and instead becomes a pathway to purpose, growth, and real-world change?
On this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast, I’m joined by Aston Roberts, a nationally ranked U.S. Chess Federation Expert and founder of Checkmate to a Better Future, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming lives through chess. And the most incredible part? He’s just 17 years old. Aston’s work spans classrooms, communities, and even the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, where he’s pioneered a chess-based curriculum focused on foresight, behavior, and life skills.
Also joining us is his Dad, Adrian Roberts. Adrian is a driving force of support behind Aston’s journey. Together, we’ll explore how one teen’s passion for chess is creating ripples of impact far beyond the board.
Checkmate to a Better Future is having their inaugural Livingston, NJ Summer Chess Tournament and Fundraiser on Saturday, August 9. Go to Home to learn more.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLive
Today is the Day is more than this podcast—
It’s a movement rooted in clarity, courage, connection, and impact.
Through coaching and consulting, I help individuals and teams find clarity of focus, the courage to move forward, and the connections that lead to growth. Whether you’re leading a mission, launching a vision, or navigating change, I help you build the kind of network that lifts you up—and supports the impact you’re meant to create.
And be sure to save the date for the Today is the Day Changemakers International Forum, where global voices come together to embrace transformation and inspire action. Go to our website with more information.
Lastly, if this episode or any prior episodes have helped you to feel connected, inspired, empowered or just seen a little more consider giving back. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps keep these stories alive and accessible to all. Today is the Day is not just a podcast. It includes an International Forum and soon to be a new Changemakers Connective. Help us keep growing this connective movement. Today is the Day Changemakers (Today is the Day Changemakers Support)
Let’s get into this incredible conversation.
Because today is the day.
Have a great week!
#chess, #chessplayer, #chessforbetterfuture, #NewJersey, #emergingchangemaker, #changemakers, #todayistheday, #makingadifference
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com