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In this episode, I’m joined by the newest Amplify RJ intern, Kylie Chen to check in about how we're navigating the heaviness of ICE raids happening in my city, to the overwhelm of polycrisis, to the exhaustion of being a young parent trying to balance it all, and how we both wrestle with showing up for justice in ways that are sustainable.

We talk about building community where you are, the nonlinear journey of figuring out your role, the tension between needing to survive and wanting to do liberation work full-time, and the imperfect path I’ve taken trying to balance all of that myself.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, unsure of your place, or wondered how the hell to keep going, I hope this conversation lets you know, you’re not alone.

Also, real talk if you appreciate this work and want it to continue, join our community, take a course, or bring me in to work with your school or organization. That’s how I feed my family and keep this work going.

Rep Amplify RJ Merch

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What 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 Sacrifice
47:40 – 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/andor

Support mental health care for organizers in the Global South

https://gabestorres.com/support/

Rep Amplify RJ Merch

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SUPPORT by sharing this podcast and leaving a rating or review

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Last week, I spent 24 hours supporting teachers in running restorative justice classroom circles, and the impact was powerful. In this episode, I’m sharing what I witnessed—the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the small but meaningful shifts that happen when teachers commit to building relationships, not just managing behavior.

🔹 How teachers are integrating circles into their classrooms
🔹 The impact on student relationships, behavior & learning
🔹 Why rituals for “softness” matter in schools
🔹 Lessons on patience, trust & shifting school culture

Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or RJ practitioner, this episode will give you practical insights on how to make restorative practices sustainable in classrooms.

🔗 Resources & Next Steps:
✨ Join the free Amplify RJ community & access the other courses & membership resources: https://community.amplifyrj.com/communities/groups/arjcommunity/home?invite=67dc711150ec55e8a8a03a1b
✨ Download my Classroom Connection Prompts (Pay What You Can!): https://amplifyrj.com/questions-for-connected-classrooms
✨ Want training for your school? Let’s talk! Email: info@amplifyrj.com

📌 If this episode resonates, leave a review & "amplify" by sharing with someone who'd benefit!

Rep Amplify RJ Merch

Connect with us on:
Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok!

SUPPORT by sharing this podcast and leaving a rating or review