Old Soul


Higher education is due for a reckoning and Dan Futrell is answering the call. In this energizing episode, Matthew Millstein sits down with the founder of Polymath University to unpack a bold new model of college: one that’s apprenticeship-based, interdisciplinary, and 100% debt-free.

From growing up in foster care to leading platoons in Baghdad, Dan’s story is rooted in service, grit, and a relentless commitment to expanding opportunity. He shares why the current higher ed system built on a 1950s business model and 1880s educational standards is failing modern students, and how Polymath aims to be the matchmaker between high-potential talent and future-forward employers.


What We Cover in This Episode:
  • What is Polymath University?
     A new kind of college that trades lecture halls for real-world apprenticeships without the crushing debt.

  • A New Role for Universities in 2025 and Beyond:
     How the traditional ROI model misses the mark and why human skills, not just job skills, matter more than ever.

  • Borrowing from the Military, Without the Military:
     Polymath’s debt-free tuition model takes inspiration from ROTC, but trades military service for employer-sponsored pathways in high-demand sectors.

  • From Foster Care to Founder:
     Dan’s personal story, his “men for others” philosophy, and the moment he realized the higher ed system needed a full rebuild.

  • Breadth, Depth, and Integration:
     What it really means to be a modern polymath and why it’s the key to thriving in a tech-driven world.

  • Starting from Zero (Literally):
     The leap from nonprofit CEO to social entrepreneur with no salary, no product—just an idea that top education leaders believed in.

  • Why Fine Arts Still Matter:
     Dan makes the case for a broader definition of ROI in education, one that includes meaning, creativity, and impact, not just salary projections.

  • Generational Impact, One Student at a Time:
     How Polymath can thrive even at a small scale and still change lives across generations.

Key Moments

05:51 Betting on Myself, Embracing Stress

08:50 Value of Art Beyond Economics

10:54 Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Benefits

13:32 "Building a New University Vision"

17:06 "Commitment to Giving Back"


Connect with Dan Futrell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfutrell
Website: https://www.polymathu.org/team

Book Mentioned: Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman
Recommended Read: Alternative Universities by Dr. David Staley

This is a must-listen for anyone rethinking what college should be in a post-AI, post-debt-crisis world. Whether you’re an educator, student, policymaker, or just a concerned citizen, this conversation will expand your thinking.

Creators and Guests

Host
Matthew Millstein
Podcasting for B2B Companies & Personal Brands • Make $$$ with Podcasting • Utopian 💭 • Founder of @oldsoulhq

What is Old Soul?

Old Soul is a restorative and relatable podcast that dives into the heart of entrepreneurship through the eyes of its youngest champions. Hosted by three passionate business owners in their early to mid-twenties, this podcast peels back the layers of what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today's world. Each episode is a journey into the personal narratives of guests who have ventured into business at an early age, often labeled as Old Souls for their precocious achievements. The show explores a variety of compelling topics, from the unique challenges and innovative strategies employed by young business owners to the delicate balance of personal and professional growth.

Listeners are treated to honest discussions about the impact of age and experience in traditionally older-dominated sectors, offering a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights. The podcast also delves into the transformative role of mentorship and networking, highlighting how guidance from seasoned professionals can shape a young entrepreneur's journey. Moreover, Old Soul is forward-looking, engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the future of entrepreneurship, the importance of social responsibility, and ethical business practices.

This isn't just a podcast; it's a platform where the vibrancy of youth meets the wisdom of experience, creating a rich tapestry of stories that inspire, educate, and resonate with anyone interested in the art of business and personal development.

Old Soul is co-hosted by Matthew Millstein (Old Soul), Aaryan Patel (Air Fried Media), and Walker LeVan (Air Fried Media).

About Old Soul: https://aoldsoul.com/
About Air Fried Media: https://airfriedmedia.com/