3rd Rail

Gang, Gang: When Community Organizing Gets Criminalized — and Power Gets a Pass

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: phillipscollab@gmail.com [questions@phillipscollaborative.com] 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

Game Changers: Costs, Access, and the Future of Youth Sports

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: questions@phillipscollaborative.com [questions@phillipscollaborative.com] 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 [https://www.phillipscollaborative.com/newsletter]

Back-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 and let's tackle this school year together! Follow Phillips Collaborative on IG @phillipscollab & @3rdrailpod Subscribe to Phillips Collaborative's newsletter HERE [https://www.phillipscollaborative.com/newsletter]

Summa Summa Summa Time: What We Are Doing This Summer And Why It Matters

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 [https://www.phillipscollaborative.com/newsletter] References made in this episode: Our History Has Always Been Contraband [https://bookshop.org/p/books/our-history-has-always-been-contraband-keeanga-yamahtta-taylor/19870237?ean=9798888900574&next=t] On Tyranny [https://bookshop.org/p/books/on-tyranny-twenty-lessons-from-the-twentieth-century-timothy-snyder/16520165] Libby [https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard] We Have Always Been Here [https://bookshop.org/p/books/we-have-always-been-here-a-queer-muslim-memoir-samra-habib/12483361?ean=9780735235007&next=t] The Art of Prophecy [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-art-of-prophecy-wesley-chu/19688917?ean=9780593237656&next=t] Lift Every Voice And Sing [https://youtu.be/vkY-w8OOtqI?feature=shared] I, Too, Sing America [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-life-of-langston-hughes-volume-i-1902-1941-i-too-sing-america-arnold-rampersad/11867316?ean=9780195146424&next=t] Ain't I A Woman [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-narrative-of-sojourner-truth-unabridged-including-her-famous-speech-ain-t-i-a-woman-inspiring-memoir-of-one-incredible-woman-sojourner-truth/386106?ean=9788027330010&next=t] Malcolm Lives [https://bookshop.org/p/books/malcolm-lives-the-official-biography-of-malcolm-x-for-young-readers-ibram-x-kendi/21180134?ean=9780374311865&next=t] Joinajoin [https://joinajoin.com/home] Pride Finder [https://www.gaycities.com/events/pride]

Check-In Before We Check Out (for the Summer): The School Year in Review

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 [https://www.phillipscollaborative.com/newsletter] Articles referred to in this episode: Trump has gone after DEI programs. But DEI consultants say demand was already dropping [https://www.npr.org/2025/02/14/nx-s1-5282402/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 [https://afrotech.com/report-reveals-black-women-lost-more-jobs-april] How the roots of the ‘PayPal mafia’ extend to apartheid South Africa [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/26/elon-musk-peter-thiel-apartheid-south-africa] Under Surveillance: The First Amendment Is Being Dismantled — One Deportation at a Time [https://medium.com/@milynap/weareundersurveillance-b663bfdcce5d] Activism Under Surveillance: No Longer Dystopian Fiction [https://medium.com/@jiniraesparkman/activism-under-surveillance-no-longer-dystopian-fiction-1e6c9afb7447]