In 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 Question for 3rd Rail?

We’re cooking up a special Q&A episode, and we want to hear from YOU.

Whether it’s about DEI, culture, politics, sports, education, or liberation, send us your burning questions and your voice just might make it on air.

Two easy ways to submit: 1️⃣ Email: [email protected] 2️⃣ Call: (641) 715-3900, voicemail box 138513#

Your question could spark the next 3rd Rail conversation—don’t hold back.

Follow 3rd Rail on IG @3rdrailpod

In 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 Super Bowl halftime show—because culture, sports, and politics are always connected.

If you care about sports, equity, or the future of youth athletics, this conversation is for you.

Got a Question for 3rd Rail?

We’re cooking up a special Q&A episode, and we want to hear from YOU.

Whether it’s about DEI, culture, politics, sports, education, or liberation, send us your burning questions and your voice just might make it on air.

Two easy ways to submit: 1️⃣ Email: [email protected] 2️⃣ Call: (641) 715-3900, voicemail box 138513#

Your question could spark the next 3rd Rail conversation—don’t hold back.

Follow Phillips Collaborative and 3rd Rail on IG @phillipscollab & @3rdrailpod

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

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 and let's tackle this school year together!

Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG @phillipscollab & @3rdrailpod

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

In 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 @phillipscollab

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

References made in this episode:

Our History Has Always Been Contraband

On Tyranny

Libby

We Have Always Been Here

The Art of Prophecy

Lift Every Voice And Sing

I, Too, Sing America

Ain't I A Woman

Malcolm Lives

Joinajoin

Pride Finder

As 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 @phillipscollab

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

Articles referred to in this episode:

Trump has gone after DEI programs. But DEI consultants say demand was already dropping

Report Reveals Black Women Lost The Most Jobs In April And Changes In DEI Could Partially Be To Blame

How the roots of the ‘PayPal mafia’ extend to apartheid South Africa

Under Surveillance: The First Amendment Is Being Dismantled — One Deportation at a Time

Activism Under Surveillance: No Longer Dystopian Fiction

In 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 @phillipscollab

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

Poetry referred to in this episode:

Bars Fight by Lucy Terry

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 @phillipscollab

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

Articles referred to in this episode:

Brandolini's Law

Step Afrika

National Brotherhood of Snowsports

Equal Justice Initiative--Documenting Reconstruction Violence

Dear Florida: The Conversation We Are Not Having About African American Erasure

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 @phillipscollab

Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE

Articles referred to in this episode:

DEI was DOA: A Solution to a Poorly-Defined Problem, by Lawrence Alexander

Performative Inclusivity: Protecting White Comfort with Black Humanity, by Milyna Phillips

The Guise of Civil Discourse and the Limit of Tolerance, by Jini Rae Sparkman