150 episodes

Steve Phillips—author of the New York Times bestselling book, Brown Is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority; New York Times contributing op-ed writer, and founder of Democracy in Color—is the host of the color-conscious political podcast, “Democracy in Color With Steve Phillips.”

New episodes are released every two weeks on Thursdays. Join Steve for a conversation that is unafraid and unapologetic about grappling with some of today’s toughest topics in politics.

As one of the nation’s top political thought leaders, Steve invites listeners to learn how the key to Democrats and the progressive ecosystem winning and saving our democracy lies in running towards, rather than away from, the societal flashpoints of racial and economic justice.

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips Democracy in Color

    • News
    • 4.8 • 189 Ratings

Steve Phillips—author of the New York Times bestselling book, Brown Is the New White: How the Demographic Revolution Has Created a New American Majority; New York Times contributing op-ed writer, and founder of Democracy in Color—is the host of the color-conscious political podcast, “Democracy in Color With Steve Phillips.”

New episodes are released every two weeks on Thursdays. Join Steve for a conversation that is unafraid and unapologetic about grappling with some of today’s toughest topics in politics.

As one of the nation’s top political thought leaders, Steve invites listeners to learn how the key to Democrats and the progressive ecosystem winning and saving our democracy lies in running towards, rather than away from, the societal flashpoints of racial and economic justice.

    Understanding the Michigan Vote with Outlier Media's Sarah Alvarez

    Understanding the Michigan Vote with Outlier Media's Sarah Alvarez

    Sarah Alvarez, founder of Outlier Media, a Detroit-based service journalism organization, shares what she’s hearing on the ground in Michigan following the protest  “uncommitted” vote by more than 100,000 people during the state’s recent Democratic presidential primary. 
    She shares what role today’s journalists must play in filling information gaps at the local level, and why nonprofit news organizations like the one she’s built are needed today.
     Sarah, Steve, and Sharline discuss Michigan’s historical significance in the larger scheme of national politics. Sarah draws parallels between the ways politics and journalism-as-usual are failing those who need the most support and deserve the most attention.
    REFERENCES:
    Outlier Media - outliermedia.org

    • 43 min
    The Fight Continues: How We Win the Civil War

    The Fight Continues: How We Win the Civil War

    Steve and Sharline celebrate the release of the paperback edition of How We Win the Civil War, which comes out Tuesday, March 12. They discuss how the political landscape has changed since the first edition launched in 2022 and why How We Win is more pertinent now than ever. 
    They also discuss the book’s reception since its first release and the exciting partnerships that have developed with groups and organizations who resonate with How We Win’s message. 
    Steve shares his hope and vision for this new edition and the parts of the book that have become his favorite.
    REFERENCES:
    Buy the second edition of How We Win the Civil War! 
    Podcast episode: "White People and the Fight for Racial Justice with SURJ's Erin Heaney"

    • 44 min
    Journalism in Color with The 19th News’ Errin Haines

    Journalism in Color with The 19th News’ Errin Haines

    Award-winning journalist and editor-at-large at The 19th News Errin Haines joins us to talk about her game-changing work at the digital news startup centered on gender, politics, and policy.
    She also talks about Breaking the News—a documentary that chronicles the origins of The 19th—which debuted on PBS this week.
    Errin shares some of the publication’s history-making moments, including her early coverage of the Breonna Taylor killing that brought a gender perspective to the conversation of racism and police brutality. Errin also shared insight into how The 19th nailed the first sit-down interview with Kamala Harris after she made history as the first African American (and Asian American) vice presidential candidate. 
    Errin also dives into the current election cycle; The 19th’s new fellowship (a partnership with The 1619 Project’s Nikole Hannah Jones); and The 19th’s newest product—“The Amendment” podcast, which Errin hosts.
    References:
    Errin Haines - @errinhaines
    The 19th News
    “The Amendment” Podcast

    • 42 min
    Fighting Back Against the DEI Backlash with Lisa Neeley

    Fighting Back Against the DEI Backlash with Lisa Neeley

    Solano Community College’s Vice President of Student Affairs Lisa Neeley discusses her work at Solano and the California college’s commitment to Black students and other students of color in the face of increasing backlash against DEI efforts. 
    Neeley talks about Solano’s programs and processes to ensure equity and inclusion such as the Black Falcons Success Program and her hopes for other higher education programs around the country.
    REFERENCES:
    Lisa Neeley - @Lisamarieneeley

    • 42 min
    Advancing MLK’s Dream with Michael Tubbs

    Advancing MLK’s Dream with Michael Tubbs

    Back for a third episode, former mayor of Stockton, California and friend of our show Michael Tubbs returns to update Steve and Sharline on his inspiring and rapidly growing effort to end poverty in America and to help bring Dr. King’s vision for a just and equitable society to fruition.
    Michael talks about his award-winning 2023 documentary “It’s Basic”, which follows several universal basic income (UBI) pilot programs around the country and the successes and challenges they’ve faced along the way. He also describes the growing popularity of UBI in political and pop culture circles, including on the award-winning television sitcom Abbott Elementary.  
    The founder of End Poverty in California (EPIC) and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), Michael also weighs on this week’s New Hampshire presidential primary results.
     
    REFERENCES:
    Michael D Tubbs
    March 17, 2022 - "Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips" - Michael Tubbs is the Anti-Poverty Czar 
    July 23, 2020 - " Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips" - Passing the Baton

    • 43 min
    2024 Election Watch: Off to the Races with New York Times’ Astead Herndon

    2024 Election Watch: Off to the Races with New York Times’ Astead Herndon

    In the first of what will be several episodes throughout this year focused on the 2024 election cycle, Steve and Sharline frame up the Republican presidential primary calendar and what they’ll be watching as results roll in.
    The New York Times’ Astead Herndon also phones in from Iowa where he’s preparing to cover the Republican Iowa Caucus and discusses the current state of the race, his analysis on the unwavering support of Trump’s base, and what to expect from a potential second Trump presidency.
    He also shares his thoughts on Nikki Haley’s appeal with conservatives and the evolving role of race and ethnicity in both parties. 
    REFERENCES:
    Astead W. Herndon - @AsteadWH // NY Times

    • 48 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
189 Ratings

189 Ratings

denninsk ,

Timely and inspirational

I discovered Steve on a zoom organized by NOVA and run by progressive women in VA. I had to order the updated book and begin listening to the podcasts. I am a white woman and I believe in using my privilege to speak out in support of a multiracial democracy. We the people! ALL of us this time!

dramandakemp ,

Excellent context for contemporary events

You must listen if you care about advancing democracy! I love the episode about the significance of the Rainbow Coalition. I was involved but I learned new stuff from Steve Phillips and Eddie Wong!

BayLiquidView ,

Great podcast with interesting guests

Highly recommend this podcast. Been listening for awhile and the hosts always have interesting insights themselves along with great interviews with their guests. Politics, history, activism, bolstering our ragged democracy -- they cover a lot of vital topics.

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