Dan Leeson
Video Game Designer and Podcaster
Dan is the creator of Chessferatu, a gothic chess-training game designed to make opening practice more engaging through play. He also brings experience in Las Vegas improv, immersive entertainment, podcast hosting, and AI-assisted creation. Dan helps listeners think differently about learning, creativity, game design, and using new tools to turn ideas into finished projects.
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Nov. 8, 2026
What If Learning Worked Like a Video Game With Dan Leeson
Flashcards can teach chess openings, but they can also crush your will to practice. Jackie sat down with Dan Leeson, the creator of Chessferatu, a gothic chess training game that makes opening practice feel like play by changing the objective from “win the match” to “survive the sequence.” Dan shares how his own frustration with repetitive study, plus an ADHD brain that refuses to stay bored, pushed him to design a game loop with real stakes, fast feedback, and the kind of momentum that keeps le...
Guest: Dan Leeson