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Amy Robach
This is an iHeart podcast.
TJ Holmes
Hey audiobook lovers. I'm Kalpen, I'm Ed Helms. Ed and I are inviting you to join the best sounding book club you've ever heard with our new podcast, Irsay The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. Each week we sit down with your favorite iHeart podcast hosts and some very special guests to discuss the latest and greatest audiobooks from audible. Listen to Earsay on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Earsay and start listening listening on the free iHeartradio app today.
Amy Robach
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TJ Holmes
Yeah, the weight came off, but facial volume loss and dull, sagging skin are making you look older. That's where the next phase of your weight loss journey comes in.
Amy Robach
There's before weight loss, after weight loss, and then the after.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, help restore and refresh your facial skin and reclaim your natural looking youthful glow.
Amy Robach
To learn more, visit face after weight loss.com that's face after weight loss.com hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through November 4th. Shop the annual beauty event and save $5 when you spend $25 on select beauty products. Shop in store or online for items like Dove Body Wash Native Body Wash, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Dr. Squatch body wash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Dial Liquid Hand Soap and Olay Body wash. And save $5 when you spend $25 or more. Offer ends November 4th.
TJ Holmes
Restrictions apply.
Amy Robach
Offers may vary.
TJ Holmes
Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Johnny Knoxville here. Check out Crimeless Hillbilly Heist, my new true crime podcast from Smartless Media, Campside Media and big money players. It's the true story of the almost perfect crime and the nimrods who almost pulled it off. It was kind of like the perfect storm in a sewer.
Amy Robach
That was dumb. Do not follow my example.
TJ Holmes
Listen to Crimeless Hillbilly Heist on the I Heart Radio app Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
Amy Robach
Welcome everyone to this edition of Amy and TJ. It's Saturday, October 25th, and I don't know if you all have been following the story the way we have this week about that American chess grandmaster, 29 year old Daniel Noraditzky, who passed away this week. There is now an investigation underway about whether or not a Russian player's comments could have contributed to his death. And it's something that TJ and I have talked about so much, the impact and the weight of words. Words matter. What you say matters.
TJ Holmes
This is all. This kid was 29. A lot of people might not be familiar with him, but if you are, and it's possible you are, it's because he, to a certain degree is credited with making chess cool for a lot of people. He's 29 years old, young guy who was a child prodigy and became a grand master at an early age.
Amy Robach
18.
TJ Holmes
At 18 years old, he is a chest, yeah, chess superstar. And just like other folks, young folks coming up in, I guess more traditional specialties or expertise, he's using the Internet, he used social media and he became a star. So when we saw the headlines this week, they didn't say a cause of death, but you 29 years old and dead, we go, what the hell happened?
Amy Robach
What the hell happened? And so there is no official cause of death as of this recording. But late this week we did get this from police. They said the death of American Chess grandmaster Daniel Narditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and it is being investigated as a possible suicide. They're also investigating it as a sudden death. All possibilities are up there. But they did make that specification, which is what a lot of folks were already considering as a possible reason why, especially given word that we're hearing from the International Chess Federation about this investigation.
TJ Holmes
See, we didn't know, we weren't familiar enough. But there are people in the, in the chess world who as soon as they heard that he had passed away at the age of 29, they immediately robes speculated suicide. And they immediately started pointing fingers at another chess grandmaster.
Amy Robach
That's right. So the International Chess Federation announced it is officially investigating Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik. He's 50 years old and they say for comments he made surrounding the death of Naruditsky. But they really get specific here in how they described this. So the Federation's ethics and disciplinary commission is investigating. So that's who is starting or at least creating this investigation. But the federation president said this and I'M going to quote him here. In recent times, public debate within the chess world has too often moved beyond the boundaries of acceptable, harming not only people's reputation, but their very well being. When this happens, discussions can turn into harassment, bullying and personal attacks. A grave concern in today's environment. And he said that they are looking into public statements made by Kramnik before and after Narditsky's death.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, and so the statements we're talking about, look, we didn't know this because we don't. We're not in this chess world. But it was well done, known and understood that this guy Kramnik, who is a superstar in the world of chess, also a grandmaster, but. Oh yeah. So let's back up there a little bit. You got two high levels in the world of chess. You can be a world chess champion, that's the highest you can get. Right under that is a chess grandmaster. This is the ultimate. These are the things you achieve. Well, Kramnik was also a grandmaster, but he had won a World Chess championship, had he not?
Amy Robach
He was the world champion for, for from 2000 to 2007.
TJ Holmes
Oh yeah. So he knows.
Amy Robach
A seven year reigning world champion. And we heard from Naroditsky's brother who said that he looked up to Kramnik his whole life coming up as a child prodigy. He looked to Kramnik as the guy that was his hero.
TJ Holmes
He looked to him until he became a competitor. And so what you're talking about here is in robes, everybody in the community at least immediately started pointing to Kramnik after the word of Narrow Ditsky's death because he had accused Narditsky, several other players as well, of cheating. And this went beyond. These are unfounded allegations. Nothing was ever proven, suggested, even got close to hinting that Narudinsky was a cheater. But he did it to the point Robes. It wasn't just an accusation that kind of floated around. It became something more that turned into harassment and bullying, according to folks in the community.
Amy Robach
That's right. And so what we know about. So he, we know that Naraditsky, the last time we actually saw him was during a twitch broadcast. And that was just, I believe the day before he was found dead on his couch. But he talked about at the end, he basically would do these live competitions and live stream them.
TJ Holmes
Really cool.
Amy Robach
It was, I actually was watching it and would go on for hours and he would explain decisions, he would explain what he was doing. And he had over 500,000 followers who were watching him, learning from him and entertained by his commentary. But towards the end of this final broadcast, you could. You could see people who knew him and were used to his energy could say he looked exhausted. And he even talked about how he needed to sleep that night, how he needed nine hours. But they said that he looked like. You could tell the controversy, the cheating allegations were taking their toll on him. They said he looked visibly distressed. And he actually discussed it. He talked about being accused of cheating. And he said the thing that's frustrating is he can never shake it, that even when he's doing well, he knows he'll never get credit for it because he'll be accused of cheating.
TJ Holmes
It's been on for years, right?
Amy Robach
Yeah. He said he's. He actually said he was crushed at being targeted by Kramnik's attacks. So. And you could just see the. The weight of it on his face, according to people who knew him and loved him. And it was the next day. Yes, on October 19, that he was found unconscious in his home by the Charlotte Chess Club's founder. They said he wasn't responding, and that was unusual. And so certainly I can't imagine that moment when they walked in and found him on that couch.
TJ Holmes
That's something the police will naturally. Normally, I mean, it's standard. This is a death. There's no foul play suspected. There's just a suspicious death. You don't know the circumstances. So, yes, they had to consider suicide. You mentioned Charlotte there. I don't know if. Did we mention at the top that he. Yes, this is a kid of immigrants. What was it? Azerbaijan. And where his parents from? Morocco, was it? Yes, somewhere. And. But he grew up in the Bay Area and then ended up becoming a star. This kid was writing chess help books as a teenager. Yes, to people. So this dude is a stud. But we mentioned Charlotte. He ended up in Charlotte and he trained and taught at a Charlotte Chess Club out there. And that's why he ended up there. And the folks there, part of that chess club are the ones who. Man, can't imagine them walking into his home. They had to find him.
Amy Robach
And this was their star. I mean, you mentioned a little bit about some of his resume. He won the under 12 section of the World Youth Chess Championship. That was back in 2007. We mentioned he became a grandmaster at the age of 18. He was consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide for traditional chess, but where he excelled was in this category called blitz chess. So he was consistently in the top 25 for blitz chess. And that's where he got this huge following 500000 plus watching him play these fast games of chess.
TJ Holmes
What was his championship? Was it recent? What do. What is he the reigning but he had a. He won the national championship in or the championship in blitz chess fairly recently I believe. But he's again that now that's fun to watch. It's the ST way. It's just kind of a rapid fire to make those decisions that quick. That's really impressive to watch.
Amy Robach
It's remarkable to watch him do it. And I think look, I watched at least the last 15 minutes of his broadcast of his live stream and I haven't seen his other ones so I couldn't compare his energy to the ones before. But it just kept striking me at just how normal and confident and just hopeful he seemed. He was even talking about his next match and how he promised to get back on with all of his followers the following day to tell them how he did whether he won or lost. It was somebody who was talking about the future even in those last few minutes. So I just felt so sickened by watching something and someone who had so much promise and so much life left to live at 29, just to think that someone's words could get under your skin that much that you would feel that depressed that you would end your life. And look as as far as Vladimir Kramnik goes, obviously he had been accused of by many people, including Narditsky himself of bullying and just accusing folks of cheating. But he even saw that last broadcast and started mocking Narraty on Twitter on X saying don't do drugs. Like basically he was noticing that Naradetsky seemed off and was almost mocking him for it. So there is a lot to say about where he is, what he said about this controversy and what he could be facing if this chess organization decides to throw any type of sanctions on him based on the death of Naradesky. We'll have all of that when we come back. Time for a sofa upgrade. Visit washablesofas.com and discover Annabe where designer style meets budget friendly prices. With sofas starting at $699. Annabe brings you the ultimate in furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anibe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquid simply slides right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam. Blend plus our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space today with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
TJ Holmes
Hey everyone, Ed Helms here and hi, I'm Kal Penn and we're the hosts of Irsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the iHeart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question. There's no wrong answer. What role would I play?
Amy Robach
You know what?
TJ Holmes
I can see you as Mr. Darcy.
Amy Robach
You got a little Colin Firth.
TJ Holmes
Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that. But are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett.
Amy Robach
Here.
TJ Holmes
Listen to Earsay the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Amy Robach
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway this fall. Take care of the little ones in the family with Baby Club Savings. Now through November 4th. Spend $25 on select Baby Club products and save $5. Shop for items like Pediasure bottles, Pedialyte.
TJ Holmes
Powder packs, Huggies, baby wipes, Huggies diapers.
Amy Robach
Gerber Puffs and Gerber pouches. And save $5 when you buy $25 or more on participating products. Offer ends November 4th.
TJ Holmes
Restrictions apply.
Amy Robach
Offers may vary.
TJ Holmes
Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Amy Robach
In the new podcast Hell in Heaven.
TJ Holmes
Two young Americans move to the Costa.
Amy Robach
Rican jungle to start over. But one will end up dead, the other tried for murder. Not once. People went wild, not twice, stunned, but three times. John and Anne Bender are rich and attractive and they're devoted to each other. They create a nature reserve and build.
TJ Holmes
A spectacular circular home high on the top of a hill.
Amy Robach
But little by little, their dream starts to crumble and our couple retreat from reality.
TJ Holmes
They lose it. They actually lose it.
Amy Robach
They sort of went nuts until one.
TJ Holmes
Night, everything spins out of control.
Amy Robach
Listen to Hell in Heaven on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
TJ Holmes
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Amy Robach
Welcome back to this edition of Amy and tj where we are talking about the tragic death of US Grandmaster chess champion Daniel Naraditsky. And police right now are investigating this as a possible suicide. However, there are some complicating factors to this. There is no official cause of death, but the chess Federation, the International Chess Federation has launched an investigation into a 50 year old fellow grandmaster, the world champion from 2000 to 2007 in chess, Vladimir Kramnik. He's 50 years old. He retired from competitive chess in 2019. But he has certainly been active on social media and certainly been active in accusing other chess players of cheating. And a lot of folks are connecting those dots.
TJ Holmes
And nobody is suggesting that Kramnik ever came forward with any evidence of anything. He's just been spouting this about people who appear to be competitors or rivals of his. Look, I guess this happens. Who knew? We watch different. We watch college football, we watch NFL, we watch NBA, we watch college basketball. There's trash talking in every sport, right? There's sometimes there's banter and it gets a little nasty, but at the end we shake hands and everybody goes away. Sometimes it carries over a little bit off the field, off the court. But no, we're used to a certain level of this. This is unfounded, abusive, constant accusations against a guy who loved what he was doing. And his whole life was this thing that you're now telling the whole world he's a cheat at that is awful. Now, I don't have to. I didn't keep up. So I don't know. But I can rely on the experts and everybody in the field who's telling me that there's no evidence Narrow Dicky ever cheated.
Amy Robach
Correct? Right, Correct. And in fact, it's been interesting because the question is, why would he then accuse so many people of cheating? Well, Chess.com CEO who knows all the players involved and actually had some interesting things to say. Because by the way, that organization, Chess.com, that's the largest chess platform in the world online, banned Kramnik in 2023, two years ago because he was accusing multiple players of cheating. So he was being so toxic and caustic on their site. Banned him from this site. But here's what the CEO said about Kramnik and why he believes he decided to go that route. He said Kramnik and some older players resent the newer players. And here was his quote. We have now a new guard of chess players who grew up online where they play all the time and they have more experience playing online. And then older players like Kramnik who study high scores of their rivals, they're too quick to conclude, oh, they must be cheating.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, there's no way a 29 year old should be as good as or know as much as I, a 50 year old grandmaster world champion, should know.
Amy Robach
Exactly. You kind of get that because of ego and hubris.
TJ Holmes
But it was kind of interesting to hear these kids now sit in a room. You don't have to go find somebody to play with you. Maybe some of the old school guys had to when they come up, sit in a room on a computer and get as many reps in as you want to. You can do it 247 if you want to.
Amy Robach
Yep. And you can play against a computer that's better probably than other any other human opponent. So you get better, you just are better. So what has Vladimir Kramnik said about all of this? Well, he has also continued to be vocal on X. He has said what? He's first of all denied that he's bullied this young man, Naraditsky, and he said what public statement after the death of Daniel was incorrect? I Demand clarification from Mr. President. He's referring to the president of the chess. I have not bullied Daniel Naraditsky nor ever made personal insults towards him. That is a very bold statement given what so many others have said that he was constantly accusing him. He's saying I told the truth, so it wasn't disparaging. I haven't bullied him because I only told the truth. I mean that's his argument.
TJ Holmes
It sounds. Have you seen anything he laid out? I've seen one quote, but anything where he expressed condolences to anyone, any heartache, any sadness at the loss of a life?
Amy Robach
He said it was shocking. He asked. He urged the Charlotte police to investigate the death but it didn't ever sound sympathetic or certainly not apologetic in any way.
TJ Holmes
Maybe I get that. But some of his responses were Russian, right?
Amy Robach
Yes, okay, he's Russian.
TJ Holmes
Some of the responses through me. But I mean he sounded like he was. He sounded upset, right? He sounded angry in some of his language.
Amy Robach
He was defensive.
TJ Holmes
There was a 29 year old guy who's dead. The only thing to be said right now is man heart goes out to him and his family. You don't have to be apologetic even. But that's all you say right now is that thing. But to your point as well, everybody is now coming after him. And so, yeah, you naturally want to defend yourself and maybe you can understand that. But now, I mean, how nasty is this stuff getting going towards Kramnik now?
Amy Robach
Yes, well, so he is saying in defense of himself, he's saying that he is now suffering from bullying. Damaging statements towards him, including murder threats. He says he's getting. And he's actually screenshotting some of the murder threats and then putting them up online. But other chest stars have weighed in and they have not been holding back in any way. One chest star was pleading with the organization on exa, the federal international organization that is investigating him. Your actions now will be remembered from the chess world for years to come. Do everything in your power to make sure justice is served for Daniel Naraditsky and all the other people who become victims of Kramnik's cyberbullying.
TJ Holmes
Cyberbullying. Have we seen cases where people get charged for when somebody ends up suicide after being bullied or getting nasty message or even sometimes I think it was a case somebody direct you should kill yourself. And they. Right. I'm trying to remember all the cases.
Amy Robach
But there have been some we shall see if. I mean that's all I'm sure on the table because we're still awaiting the official cause of death and the investigation that's going on right now in North Carolina. But in the meantime, the International Chess Federation. Here's what could happen to Kramnik if they determine that he is responsible in some way. Depending on the circumstances and the findings, there is a broad array of possible sanctions. This is from the spokesperson from the board. From financial penalties to a ban. The decision lies entirely with the ethics and Disciplinary Commission which is independent of the president and the board. So they are going to determine if there will be any sanctions, but it looks like it will be a financial one or just a ban in any sort of like he can't compete in any way, shape or form.
TJ Holmes
They were aware. That's just bullshit. I mean, that because somebody had to die.
Amy Robach
That should have happened before what all.
TJ Holmes
This was out there. This has been going on for a year. That's. That's tough. Fine, look into it, but don't. Come on, don't. Now we need to act because he killed himself and now we. Okay, again, I know they're investigating robes. We don't know how this young man died, but to take the stance now that now we have to take action. Why do we do it after the fact? Why can't we do it beforehand? What would it have meant to this young man to see that this guy bullying him, that somebody else hearing him or listening to him or seeing his pain? You think about now, women. We just doing these stories with women and sexual abuse allegations not being heard, not being listened to. This is the. No, they're not the same, but you get what I'm saying.
Amy Robach
Virginia Giuffre, I mean, she ended up dying by suicide because she. For so long she wasn't believed.
TJ Holmes
Why aren't we supporting and listening ahead of time? This federation just needs to shut the up right now. Because that statement, I'm. Look, I was kind of sitting back in my chair until you read that statement. I'm not looking at the note. But that is. That's painful and hurtful and offensive to think now we take action because somebody is dead. Don't do that. Take action. Okay with that. Come on. Where was the failure there? Why didn't you take action before? Is all I'm saying. Why does somebody have to die before you take action?
Amy Robach
And that's a question that needs to be asked and then answered. And then there needs to be changes based on that answer, because certainly we're at a place now in 2025 where we recogn that words matter, that words are just as sharp as weapons sometimes. And we all need to be careful and mindful of what we put out in the world and how we treat other people.
TJ Holmes
We say that and we have been there. And look, yes, we talked about this and we were shocked. And we were debating about doing this story for several days, and then this other thing came up about this guy harassing him. And. Yes, we have. You and I have been in a position to where we have had suicidal thoughts and taken not quite suicidal actions, but to the point that it's scary. We've scared each other in our behavior. And it had everything to do with someone telling a lie about you that you think the public believes. We have been in this position in our lives to where people think that we are together and in a relationship because we cheated on our spouses, we got caught in some affair and then this is what happened. People still think that and it's wrong. That that story is 100% wrong and we can't shake it. And you damn right I've considered killing myself over this idea that there are people out there I can't convince of the truth. The truth, right. I could sleep a lot easier if like, ah, they caught me. That's what happened. And this is what we got to do. No, it's tough and it's painful and it sucks. And we still deal with it on moments. We're better about it now. But words, these are words that are printed and believed and you can't do anything about it. And this guy's life from almost birth has been chess. And he is one of the best in the world at it. And nobody now believes. Possibly. And some do. Plenty do, right?
Amy Robach
It's not as bad do.
TJ Holmes
It's not as bad as he thought. But his head, he thinks the entire world, anytime he wins a match, thinks he cheated.
Amy Robach
Yep.
TJ Holmes
I'm sure that's what he thought.
Amy Robach
That that had to be where his head was for him to do what he did.
TJ Holmes
That weight sucks, man. I hate it for this kid and his family and everything. And now this federate. I swear I was. I was literally, folks, I was leaning back in my chair until you read that statement from the Federation. And that just is infuriating. Okay. What? This is Saturday. Okay, I could say on Saturday.
Amy Robach
No. But I do think that it's important. And I don't think people understand until it happens to you. And that feeling of being misunderstood, not believed and not given just your due. When, like, I love what you said. That was his whole life. It makes sense when you think about that was his value, that was his worth. And it was robbed. He was robbed of it from this one man who he gave too much power to. But still, we'll see how this all shakes out and shakes down. We will follow this story and we appreciate you listening to us. We hope you learned something about it too. And certainly we can all remember to be kinder. And with that, everyone, thank you for listening. I'm Amy Robach alongside TJ Holmes. We'll talk to you soon.
TJ Holmes
Hey, audiobook lovers, I'm Cal Penn. I'm Ed Helms. Ed and I are inviting you to join the best sounding book club you've ever heard with our new podcast, Irsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. Each week we sit down with your favorite iHeart podcast hosts and some very special guests to discuss the latest and greatest audiobooks from Audible. Listen to hearsay on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow earsay and start listening on the free iHeartradio app.
Amy Robach
Today a GLP1 helped you lose weight, but now you're noticing unwanted facial changes.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, the way came off, but facial volume loss and dull sagging skin are making you look older. That's where the next, next phase of your weight loss journey comes in.
Amy Robach
There's before weight loss, after weight loss, and then the after after.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, help restore and refresh your facial skin and reclaim your natural looking youthful glow.
Amy Robach
To learn more, visit face afterweightloss.com that's face afterweightloss.com hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway this fall. Take care of the little ones in the family with Baby Club Savings now through November 4th. Spend $25 on select Baby Club products and save $5. Shop for items like Pediasure bottles, Pedialyte.
TJ Holmes
Powder packs, Huggies baby wipes, Huggies Diapers.
Amy Robach
Gerber Puffs and Gerber pouches. And save $5 when you buy $25 or more on participating products. Offer ends November 4th.
TJ Holmes
Restrictions apply.
Amy Robach
Offers may vary.
TJ Holmes
Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Hello, America's sweetheart. Johnny Knoxville here. I want to tell you about my new true crime podcast, Crimeless Hillbilly Heist from Smartless Media, Campside Media and big Money Players. It's a wild tale about a gang of high functioning nitwits who somehow pulled off America's third largest cash heist.
Amy Robach
Kind of like Robin Hood, except for the part where he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. I'm not that generous.
TJ Holmes
It's a damn near inspiring true story for any anyone out there who's ever shot for the moon, then just totally muffed up the landing. They stole $17 million and had not bought a ticket to help him escape.
Amy Robach
So we're sitting like, oh God, what do we do?
TJ Holmes
What do we do? That was dumb.
Amy Robach
People do not follow my example.
TJ Holmes
Listen to Crimeless Hillbilly Heist on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Amy Robach
Hey, I'm Kyle McLaughlin. You might know me as that guy from Twin Peaks, Sex and the City.
TJ Holmes
Or just the Internet stand. I have a new podcast called what.
Amy Robach
Are We Even Doing? Where I embark on a noble quest to understand the brilliant chaos of youth culture.
TJ Holmes
Each week I invite someone fascinating to.
Amy Robach
Join me to talk about navigating this.
TJ Holmes
High speed roller coaster we call reality.
Amy Robach
Join me and my delightful guest every.
TJ Holmes
Thursday and let's get weird together in a good way.
Amy Robach
Listen to what are we even doing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or.
TJ Holmes
Wherever you get your podcasts.
Amy Robach
This is an iHeart podcast.
Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Chess Prodigy Dies, and the International Chess Federation Investigates a Former World Champion
Date: October 25, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Producer: iHeartPodcasts
This episode centers on the tragic and sudden death of 29-year-old American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. With the chess world in shock, hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes dive into the ongoing investigations—both by police, into the cause of his death (possibly suicide or overdose), and by the International Chess Federation, scrutinizing Russian former world champion Vladimir Kramnik’s alleged role in a wave of severe cyberbullying and cheating accusations that may have contributed to Naroditsky's anguish. The episode explores the power of words, the toxicity of online communities, and the responsibility borne by sports institutions in protecting their members.
The episode is poignant, reflective, and sometimes raw. Both hosts weave journalistic clarity with deeply personal reflections, conveying the gravity of the situation while emphasizing the broader, highly relevant theme: the power—and peril—of words in the digital age. Their conversation is direct, unflinching in its criticism of institutional inaction, and intimately empathetic toward anyone on the receiving end of mass online bullying.