Milyna Phillips

3rd Rail

Society EN ↓ 8 episodes

3rd Rail is a courageous and thought-provoking podcast where three former educators turned DEI consultants tackle the hard truths shaping diversity, equity, and inclusion, education and leadership culture today. With a fearless yet constructive approach, 3rd Rail explores the challenges, innovations, and future of DEI in K-12 education, nonprofit organizations, and higher education. Each episode sparks deep conversations, offering actionable insights and fostering meaningful change for leaders committed to building inclusive communities.

Author

Milyna Phillips

Episodes

Gang, Gang: When Community Organizing Gets Criminalized — and Power Gets a Pass 11.11.2025 44:56

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...

Game Changers: Costs, Access, and the Future of Youth Sports 30.09.2025 47:34

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 athlete...

Back-To-School Season: What's in Your Backpack? 23.09.2025 34:08

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...

Summa Summa Summa Time: What We Are Doing This Summer And Why It Matters 03.06.2025 45:10

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 move...

Check-In Before We Check Out (for the Summer): The School Year in Review 14.05.2025 1:04:33

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 Col...

We Gonna Take You Back, Way Back- July 11, 2019 01.04.2025 1:01:01

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 Collabora...

Crazy, Scary, Spooky, Hilarious: Black History Month & Executive Orders 04.03.2025 1:13:59

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 newsl...

"Why all the smoke? Why all the shade?": Phillips Collaborative on whether DEI was DOA. 28.01.2025 42:07

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 @p...