Malmborg Report

Concerted Activity: The Right to March on Your Boss at Amazon (Ep. 13)

In this episode, John Malmborg recounts a high-stakes moment at his Amazon warehouse where workers organized a “March on the Boss” in response to unsafe and dehumanizing break policy changes. Eliminating one of two paid breaks sparked a groundswell of worker resistance at SWF1 in Rock Tavern, NY. Over 200 employees signed a petition, 30 marched directly to management, and the footage reached millions across social media. This episode chronicles the events leading up to the march, shares audio from the confrontation itself, and lays out the broader implications for Amazon workers and the labor movement at large. John shares his reflections as both a media producer and on-the-ground organizer, exploring what it means to challenge corporate power from the inside in a legally protected manner. Stay connected— https://www.johnmalmborg.com [https://www.johnmalmborg.com] Support the show— https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport [ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠]⁠

Beyond Protest: Building Sustainable Political Power (Ep. 12)

In this episode of Malmborg Report, Dan Plaat, activist, political candidate, and longtime community organizer, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on activism, local politics, and systemic change. Plaat discusses his evolution from grassroots movements to running for city council in Albany, sharing insights into the struggles of organizing in today’s political climate. Plaat reflects on his journey through the Occupy movement, his work with the Green Party, and the challenges of building a political base in a system dominated by corporate interests. He also shares his thoughts on the role of community media, the importance of local organizing, and his vision for creating a more equitable society through grassroots power. John and Dan dive into how local activism intersects with broader systemic issues, the potential of third-party movements, and the difficulties of organizing in a time of political fragmentation. Stay connected—  ⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com [⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com] Support the show—  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠ [⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠]

Amazon: The Union Fight, a Rat Problem, and the Beginning of Phase Two (Ep. 11)

What’s it like to build a media platform from the inside of a warehouse while also fighting for a union? John Malmborg kicks off Phase Two of Malmborg Report with a direct update on where things are headed (and why.) From Amazon’s union-busting to a rodent infestation that sparked a whistleblower-style campaign, John explores the absurd and all-too-real conditions behind the scenes at his New York facility. He breaks down the shift to a biweekly podcast cadence, why YouTube is becoming the platform’s central hub, and how creative flexibility fits into the broader mission. This episode is about adapting the show without losing its core, making meaning from strange conditions, and continuing to tell the truth even when the truth sounds surreal. Stay connected—  ⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com [⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com] Support the show—  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠ [⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠]

Voice Memos: Driving Through LA with a Guitar and a Dream (Ep. 10)

What does it mean to create music in solitude and keep going when the world feels heavy? LA-based singer-songwriter Leah Cordova joins John Malmborg for an intimate conversation about music, memory, and the winding roads of creative expression. From singing in an empty house to capturing melodies on her phone along the Pacific Coast Highway, Leah shares how her artistry was shaped by personal grief, generational love of music, and the landscapes of Southern California. They talk about the healing power of sad songs, the magic of voice memos, and the quiet courage it takes to share your voice in public. Leah reflects on the inspiration she finds in nature, the beauty of Big Sur, and how community came together in the wake the 2025 California wildfires. This episode is a reflection on how art emerges from silence, how music carries us through, and how place shapes the songs we sing. Stay connected—  ⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com [⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com] Support the show—  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠ [⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠]

Threads on My Art: How a Cover Album Sparked a Digital Micro-Movement (Ep. 9)

What does it mean to build creative community in the shadow of big tech? In this episode, musical artist Kid Lightbulbs joins Malmborg Report to share the story behind Threads on My Art, a 13-artist cover album that began as a joke on Threads and grew into a fully realized collaborative release. They discuss the unexpected power of online micro-scenes, the tension between DIY creativity and algorithmic platforms, and how artists are navigating burnout, backlog, and the search for autonomy. Along the way, the episode reflects on the fragility of digital spaces, the role of remix culture, and why even low-budget projects can punch through the noise with the right kind of collective energy. Stay connected—  ⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com [⁠https://www.johnmalmborg.com] Support the show—  ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠ [⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/malmborgreport⁠]