Bully Dialogues
A Bully and His Victim Face to Face. Bullying is a global issue prevalent in schools, workplaces, sports, places of worship, and the metasphere.
A CONVERSATION
WITHOUT A NEAT ENDING.
Bully Dialogues was created in May 2022 by Bryan Schimmel and Clinton Fein, two former classmates whose lives were shaped by the same history from opposite sides.
When Clinton transferred to King David High School in Johannesburg at fourteen, he singled Bryan out for name-calling, mockery and physical intimidation. Decades later, a mutual friend brought them together for lunch. Bryan arrived ready to confront the person who had bullied him. Clinton arrived seeking atonement.
The conversation did not produce a neat redemption story. It became the foundation for a different kind of dialogue—one that recognises the damage bullying causes without reducing people to simple heroes and villains.
Their first presentation took place at King David High School in May 2022: a return to what they describe as the “scene of the crime.”
Today, Bryan, a multi-award-winning music director, arranger and performer, and Clinton, a writer and artist whose work has engaged questions of communication, privacy and civil liberties, bring their shared story to schools, businesses and conferences.
Through the keynote and podcast, they examine bullying through lived experience, context, accountability and harm reduction.
WHY THE APPROACH IS DIFFERENT
BEYOND BLAME
AND PUNISHMENT.
Bully Dialogues does not resemble a conventional zero-tolerance campaign or a standalone victim testimonial.
By placing the former victim and former bully in the same conversation, the keynote exposes the emotional, psychological and social complexities of bullying: why it happens, how it shapes lives and what can reduce the harm.
The approach does not excuse harmful behaviour. It introduces context, accountability and the possibility of meaningful change.
01
CONTEXT
Understanding the circumstances and systems surrounding harmful behaviour.
02
ACCOUNTABILITY
Naming the harm without simplifying the people involved.
03
HARM REDUCTION
Moving beyond punishment alone towards interventions that reduce future harm.
MEET BRYAN AND CLINTON→FORMER VICTIM
BRYAN
SCHIMMEL
Co-founder, keynote speaker and podcast host
BRYAN'S PROFILE ↗FORMER BULLY
CLINTON
FEIN
Select Testimonials
“Part play, part talk, part trigger videos, part trigger images, part monologue, part dialogue but entirely entertaining, enrapturing and moving.“
-- Lorraine Srage, Principal,
King David High School, Linksfield
“This presentation is a much needed platform that encourages discussion on a usually taboo and distasteful subject.”
-- Bryan Hill, General Manager,
Teatro Montecasino
“I came to listen. What I heard was a game changer.”
Larry Chimes,
Chimes Law
“It was brave, enlightening, honest and essential for young people … and old. A ‘must- hear’ heartwarming experience.”
-- Daphne Kuhn, Theatre Producer
Theatre on the Square
“As a psychologist who has worked with both bullies and victims, I recommend this moving presentation. It is honest and thought- provoking and I think their story resonates with all of us.”
-- Nicole Canin,
Psychologist
“This has started important conversations within the school community as well as ignited ideas for much-needed campaigns.”
-- Meryl Malkin, Head Counsellor
King David High School, Linksfield
“Riveting, astounding, revealing, insightful, and incredibly thought-provoking.”
-- Joseph Gerassi, Executive Head
Redhill School
Select Media Coverage
My Bully, My FriendGareth Cliff ShowMarch 13, 2023Gareth gets Dr. Hanan in early to talk to two incredibly talented artists who have a remarkable story. A victim and his bully who have reconciled after many years of torment are now touring the country to help others. Have you reconciled with your school/workplace bully? Or have you sent a friend request to someone you pushed around?Listen/WatchFamily Matters: Bullying - Lunch With Pippa HudsonCape Talk
March 28, 2023Pippa Hudson is in conversation with Brian Schimmel and Clinton Fein, talking us through their experience with bullying and the impact they currently make by sharing their story.ListenThe Bully Chain : Episode 12 : "A Purpose Bigger Than Ourselves"HOT 102.7FM - HOT 1027 NOT BREAKING NEWSNovember 8, 2022A man who was bullied decades ago at King David High school says reading his bully’s honest account of what happened , gave rise to their joint mission to help others. Clinton Fein mercilessly attacked Bryan Schimmel for four years during their time in high school, but decades later Fein reached out to his victim and the journey of healing began. Hot 1027’s Tara Penny spoke to both men.Listen
Coverage & Media
Select articles, news coverage and books from a plethora of publications covering Clinton Fein's career as a technologist, activist, artist and speaker.
As an activist, with a Supreme Court victory over the Attorney General of the United States, Fein garnered international attention, including The New York Times, CNN and The Wall Street Journal.
Fein’s thought-provoking and controversial work as an artist caught the attention of prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University, which recognized its socio-political relevance and ability to provoke crucial conversations about human rights, morality, and the boundaries of artistic expression.
