In a bonus holiday episode of the GRID, Jennifer introduces listeners to International Master Rusudan Goletiani. Goletiani is a three-time World Youth Champion, a two-time Olympic medalist and a former US Women’s Champion- she took Jennifer’s title in 2005.   

In 1992, Rusa fled her region of Georgia, Abkhazia, due to war. She explains the dramatic story to Jennifer in the podcast, revealing the most terrifying moments of her life during her escape, as well as the most relieving. 

Rusa and Jen also discuss the legendary Georgian champions that inspired her as a youngster, including Nona Gaprindashvili, Maia Chiburdanidze, Nana Ioseliani and Nana Alexandria. All four were featured in the documentary “Glory to the Queen.” They wrap up with a discussion on the importance of confidence and girls and chess. They also discuss how it extends beyond the game, to fields like finance, business and poker.  

Beyond her chess accomplishments, Rusudan is a mom of three, a Columbia University business grad, and currently works in finance. This episode originally appeared in Jennifer’s other podcast, Ladies Knight.

Discussed in this episode: 
Glory to the Queen documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8682060/

Jen’s upcoming book, “Chess Queens”, which includes Rusa: https://jennifershahade.com/books 

K-12 Nationals girls club room:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CXMWrGTuiiN/

US Chess Women: https://new.uschess.org/give/women-chess-initiative

Girls to Grandmasters: https://www.g2gm.org/

Poker Power: https://pokerpower.com/