The Messy Birth of Rebellion: Andor, Movement Strategy & Restorative Resistance with Gabes Torres

Send us Fan MailWhat can a Star Wars show teach us about organizing, resistance, and healing? In this episode of the Amplify RJ Podcast, I sit down with strategist, therapist, and writer Gabes Torres to talk about Andor—yes, that Star Wars show—and what it reveals about real-life revolution.We dive into how Andor de-romanticizes rebellion and reflects the complex realities of movement work: the banality of evil, conflict in organizing, disposability culture, and the painful but necessary tension between rest and resistance. Gabes shares insights from their piece on the show, their organizing and healing work in the Global South, and the ways marine mammals and myth can inform our strategy.Whether or not you’ve seen the show, this conversation is about so much more than the galaxy far, far away—it’s about our world and how we build toward collective liberation with nuance, integrity, and care.0:00 – Intro: What is Andor + Character Breakdown 5:20 – Meet Gabes Torres: Healer, Strategist, Rebel  9:42 – How Andor De-Romanticizes Revolution  14:20 – Disney, Propaganda & Revolutionary Storytelling  19:35 – The Banality of Evil in a Boardroom  25:00 – Real-World Parallels: Propaganda, Gaza, Gorman & Genocide  26:45 – Parenting, Powerlessness & Purpose  29:21 – Consciousness Building as Resistance  32:20 – Gabes on Luthen, Clea & Strategy in Movement  36:42 – Bix, Trauma & Knowing When to Step Back  40:28 – Organizing Through Burnout & Wavering Commitment  44:30 – Humananizing vs. Ruthless Sacrifice47:40 – Disposability Culture in Movements  49:10 – Disagreeing Is Not a Failure of Solidarity  52:00 – Addressing Conflict & Building in Organizing  56:20 –  Is there Shared Vision for Our Resistance?  1:00:23 – Activist Ecosystems, Movement Mentorship from Marine Mammals  1:07:30 – Upside Down Triangle: Rethinking Power  1:08:50 – Support Gabes & Psychosocial Care for Organizers  Connect with Gabes:https://gabestorres.com/https://www.instagram.com/gabestorres/Read her article: https://gabestorres.substack.com/p/andorSupport mental health care for organizers in the Global South https://gabestorres.com/support/Connect with us!SUPPORT by sharing this podcast and leaving a rating or review