# 🔒 An Unexpected AI Conversation (About Chess) — with my spouse JJ Lang

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/off-the-grid-leaving-social-media-4989526/an-unexpected-ai-conversation-about-chess-with-my-spouse-jj-lang
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/off-the-grid-leaving-social-media-4989526/an-unexpected-ai-conversation-about-chess-with-my-spouse-jj-lang.md
Podcast: [Off The Grid: Leaving Social Media](https://stenobird.com/podcast/off-the-grid-leaving-social-media-4989526)
Published: 2026-03-30T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://open.substack.com/pub/offthegridclubhouse/p/an-unexpected-ai-conversation?r=1lw1xl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/f82968fb/a29dcd49.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/off-the-grid-leaving-social-media-4989526/episodes/an-unexpected-ai-conversation-about-chess-with-my-spouse-jj-lang
Duration seconds: 1067

## Resource

Today I’m doing something I said I’d never do… inviting my partner on the podcast! In this Clubhouse-exclusive episode, my spouse JJ Lang joins me for an unexpected conversation about AI. JJ is a high-level chess player and works for US Chess. They’re here to talk about how algorithms and AI engines have been a big part of the chess world for decades — and also why JJ doesn’t use Generative AI or LLMs in their work today. I wanted to share this conversation, because: It’s fun to give you a cute behind-the-scenes in to my personal life! It’s good to talk to someone being told to use AI at their job alongside our conversations centering self-employment. The origin of contemporary AI (at least at Deep Mind) was building chess engines. So JJ can help us understand algorithms vs AI and what computers are actually “doing” when they answer a question. This is a nerdy, sweet conversation, and I hope you enjoy it. To hear the whole thing, join the Clubhouse at offthegrid.fun/clubhouse When you do, you'll get access to over 40 bonus episodes (and counting), curated tech + creative business newsletters, and more. Plus your own private podcast feed, comments threads, and behind-the-scenes updates on the show. Please join the Clubhouse to support the show! And find this specific episode here :) FREE GIFTS OF THE WEEK ❊ 10 Ways to Market Your Healing Business When Money & Time Are Scarce from Andie of Spiral Tending ❊ Simple Tech Stacks Field Guide from Heather of Small Business Rodeo ❊ Soulpreneur Corner from Julia Kyambi ❊ More free resources from Close Biz Friends! 🌟 Join COME TO CLASS — a 3-day intensive on how to teach online with confidence & care. Rescheduled for June 4th, 5th & 6th. Learn more & sign up here: https://softersounds.notion.site/come-to-class

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## Transcript

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