"30 for Us" is Breaking Bubbles and Bridging Student Divides (Ep 49)

What would make someone leave a thirty–year career on Wall Street to help heal America’s divides? In this episode of Courageous Conversations About Our Schools, host Ken Futernick talks with Adam Mizel, former investment banker turned bridge-builder, who co-founded US United to strengthen communities and classrooms through empathy, respect, and dialogue.

When George Floyd was killed, Adam found himself shouting at the television—until his wife asked the question that changed everything: “What are you going to do about it?” That moment led him to Sheriff Chris Swanson in Flint, Michigan, and to a new mission—bringing Americans together through programs that promote listening over labeling. One of those, “30 for Us,” invites small groups of strangers—students, neighbors, or even rivals—to discuss tough topics and discover common ground.

Ken and Adam explore how these conversations are transforming schools and how young people, in particular, are leading the way toward a more unified future. It’s a conversation about the power of listening, the importance of respect, and the possibilities for civic renewal through empathy and dialogue.