Shows
3rd RailGang, Gang: When Community Organizing Gets Criminalized — and Power Gets a PassIn this episode of 3rd Rail we trace the history of gangs, community-defense movements, and state power in the U.S. — from the Black Panthers, Young Lords, and MOVE to modern-day ICE.We explore how Black and brown liberation groups were surveilled, dismantled, and branded as “criminals,” while government forces often operate with authority and immunity.We also leave listeners with breadcrumbs on how to demand more when they protest — and reminders that protest is only one form of resistance. Power shifts in many ways, not just in the streets.Got a Questi...
2025-11-1144 min
3rd RailGame Changers: Costs, Access, and the Future of Youth SportsIn this episode of 3rd Rail, we dive into the shifting landscape of youth sports and ask the hard questions: Who gets to play, who gets paid, and who gets left behind? From the skyrocketing costs of youth sports to the impact of NIL deals, we explore how access to athletics has become increasingly unequal—and what that means for the next generation of athletes. We tackle inclusion of trans athletes and why playing sports has become a privilege rather than a right of childhood. And yes, we also talk Bad Bunny headlining the next Su...
2025-09-3047 min
3rd RailBack-To-School Season: What's in Your Backpack?As we dive into Season 2, we're embracing the back-to-school season with open arms and a keen eye on the challenges it brings. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this time of year is a fresh start filled with anticipation and hurdles. Join us as we unpack the metaphorical and literal backpacks of this season, exploring the pressures of education, the impact of societal changes, and the resilience required to navigate these times. From the excitement of new beginnings to the sobering realities of today's landscape, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about growth, courage, and community. Tune in...
2025-09-2334 min
3rd RailSumma Summa Summa Time: What We Are Doing This Summer And Why It MattersIn this episode, Summa Summa Summa Time: What We Are Doing This Summer And Why It Matters, Milyna, Jini and Lawrence unpack how summer can be more than rest — it can be a season of radical reflection, strategy, and liberation-focused personal development. From Pride to town hall meetings, swim lessons to Cowboy Carter, we share our own summer plans and challenge listeners to make intentional moves that feed their purpose and sharpen their equity lens. This isn’t about staying busy — it’s about staying ready.Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG and TikTok @phillipscollabSubscr...
2025-06-0345 min
3rd RailCheck-In Before We Check Out (for the Summer): The School Year in ReviewAs we head into summer, the 3rd Rail crew is pressing pause—but not to slow down. We’re reflecting, reckoning, and recharging for the road ahead. In this powerful episode, we look back on the school year through the lens of education, politics, pop culture, and identity—Black, Puerto Rican, Queer, and beyond.Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG and TikTok @phillipscollabSubscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HEREArticles referred to in this episode:Trump has gone after DEI programs. But DEI consultants say demand was already droppingRepo...
2025-05-141h 04
3rd RailWe Gonna Take You Back, Way Back- July 11, 2019In episode 3 of the 3rd Rail podcast, Phillips Collaborative's trio is serving up our "Get to Know Us" episode! How did we meet, what were we doing in our past lives and what keeps us together? Hear our story and learn more about where we come from and how we got here. Hit that like and subscribe button!Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG and TikTok @phillipscollabSubscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HEREPoetry referred to in this episode:Bars Fight by Lucy Terry
2025-04-011h 01
3rd RailCrazy, Scary, Spooky, Hilarious: Black History Month & Executive Orders Phillips Collaborative's trio: Milyna Phillips, Jini Rae Sparkman and Lawrence Alexander are celebrating Black History Month while unpacking the latest wave of executive orders from this new administration—what they mean, how they impact us, and most importantly, what we can do to fight back.Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG and TikTok @phillipscollabSubscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HEREArticles referred to in this episode:Brandolini's LawStep AfrikaNational Brotherhood of SnowsportsEqual Justice Initiative--Documenting Reconstruction Violence...
2025-03-041h 13
3rd Rail"Why all the smoke? Why all the shade?": Phillips Collaborative on whether DEI was DOA.We are 3rd Rail! In our debut episode, host Milyna Phillips gets real with the Phillips Collaborative team, Jini Rae Sparkman and Lawrence Alexander. We dig into the current state of DEI and model how our family has difficult conversations. Join us as "we listen and definitely judge" the education and DEI landscape, civil discourse, and admissions. Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG and TikTok @phillipscollabSubscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HEREArticles referred to in this episode: DEI was DOA: A Solution to...
2025-01-2842 min
RalindaSpeaksI’m Speaking, Stop Gaslighting Me!RalindaSpeaks in conversation with DEIJ practitioner and consultant, Milyna Phillips. This is part two of our conversation that focuses on the Vice-President debates, the concept of gaslighting, and the restraint Black women must demonstrate in order to avoid the “angry” Black woman trope in the workplace and beyond. Join us, let’s be in conversation! Support the podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon: Patreon.com/ralinda. Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter: @ralindaspeaks
2020-10-1634 minRalindaSpeaksBreonna Taylor; Black Women: We Can’t Be Your Shield and Your Target!RalindaSpeaks in conversation with DEIJ practitioner and consultant, Milyna Phillips. We discuss the impact of Breonna Taylor’s murder, the racial trauma experienced by Black women within predominately white spaces, and why Black women can’t be both the shield and the target in the pursuit of justice and liberation. Join us, let’s be in conversation! Support the podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon: Patreon.com/ralinda and connect with me on Instagram and Twitter: @ralindaspeaks
2020-10-0533 min