It’s been awhile since my last real blog, so here’s a recap. There’s been a lot going on! My wife Cathy and I have been hard at work on Mullen Memory: videos, posts, the website itself, etc. This month actually marks a full year...
Read more2016 XMT Qualifying: Cards Attempt
After three weeks of break, I eased back into a little training earlier this week. With a few rusty days behind me, I decided to give the XMT Cards qualifying a go. Thankfully I'm already qualified for this year's XMT, having been in the top 8 in 2015, so this one was just for kicks. Cathy and I were just heading out of the house, but I wanted to knock out a quick attempt before we left. 17.08 seconds! That's a huge personal best for me (previous PB was 17.59). Speed cards PBs don't come often. Here's the video (unfortunately my phone ran out of space about 20 seconds before I hit submit, although I'd already finished recalling the cards; the photo below shows the final screen):
New Content: Tutorials & FAQ
Cathy and I have been hard at work updating the site over our winter break, and it's finally ready! In addition to the new look, I'm excited to introduce new content:
- Beginner video tutorial series "Getting Started with Memory Techniques": my 6-video, 18 minute intro to applying the memory palace technique to learning. I plan to post much more video content in the coming months as well, including more advanced strategies and examples of how I memorize anything and everything.
- Frequently Asked Questions page: I cover all kinds of memory technique and memory sports questions, from "Can anyone learn to use memory techniques?" to "What is your training schedule like?"
I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you've got a question about memory techniques or suggestion for the site, send me a message!
Full 2015 World Memory Championship Recap
These past three weeks have been arguably the craziest of my life.
Week 1: I win the 2015 World Memory Championships in Chengdu, China!
Weeks 2 and 3: My wife and I roam around Taiwan visiting countless in-laws, stuffing our faces (and getting food poisoning), and walking the streets of inner-city and suburban Taipei...
WMC Day 1 Recap
One down, two to go. All things considered, not a bad day. Unfortunately we won't have any results until tomorrow, so I can't say much for certain, but the three events all went decently well. I'm happy to say that I'm quite impressed with the venue...
Read moreChina!
After two days of traveling, I'm finally in China! My wife, my father-in-law, and I have been enjoying tons of spicy food, exploring the gardens and reserves, and trying not get stampeded by mopeds (all thanks to my father-in-law's ninja world traveler skills)...
Read moreInterview with a Memory Expert: Memory-Sports.com's Florian Dellé
If there’s anyone who knows the competitive memory world, it’s Florian Dellé. Since his first competition back in 2003, the 36-year-old German has worn just about every hat imaginable: competitor, coach, arbiter, commentator, memory website developer. The list goes on and on. Florian’s generally on the other side of the interview table (check out his 16 interviews here), but I managed to snag him for a conversation about his own history with memory, his new systems, a few of his favorite memory memories, and his new competition: the Memo Games...
“My best advice is always that there are a million ways to memorize anything ... In the end each student must learn how to use the memory on its own and even develop new techniques. When my students leave, I want them to feel confident enough about their memory to handle anything.”Read more
Interview with a Memory Expert: 2x USA Memory Champion Ron White
I’m very excited to be able to share with you an interview I did with Ron White, the ’09 and ’10 USA Memory Champ. The now 42-year-old Texan has done much more than dominate the American memory scene, however. As a memory speaker and coach, Ron has done a hell of a lot to spread memory techniques far and wide. I got in touch with him to discuss his memory origins, regrets, successes, advice for aspiring mnemonists, and goals for the future.
"Overall my experiences in the memory tournament world were some of the best of my life ... Winning the tournaments was an incredible high in my life but the person I had to become in order to compete (disciplined, organized, determined) was an equally powerful reward."Read more