In this delightfully unhinged episode, Dan and Leah dive into the 2016 cult classic Zoombies, where a wildlife sanctuary becomes ground zero for a zombie animal outbreak. From roaring giraffes (which, fun fact, don't have vocal cords) to a suspiciously taxidermied koala, the film's laughable CGI and plot holes provide endless entertainment. The hosts also share highlights from their community watch party, where snarky commentary enhanced every absurd moment.

The hosts also countdown their top five zombie animals in horror media, notably excluding any from Zoombies. From the iconic Church the cat in Pet Sematary to the terrifying sheep in New Zealand's Black Sheep, they explore what makes these undead creatures so memorable. Additionally, they touch on real-life zombie phenomena like "zombie deer" and cordyceps fungi.

Special Elevator pitch from Catherine Breen with her zombie romance novel, Rod the Zombie, set to release on August 5th.

Relevant Links:

Catherine Breen

• Instagram: @klb.writes
• Rod the Zombie: Coming August 5th

Living Dead Weekend

• Website: thelivingdeadweekend.com
• Instagram: @livingdeadweekend

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In Episode 97 of Zombie Book Club, Dan and Leah dissect George A. Romero’s seminal 1978 film Dawn of the Dead, exploring its enduring relevance as both a zombie classic and a sharp critique of consumer culture. From the chaotic newsroom to the corridors of the Monroeville Mall, they examine how Romero's undead reflect societal anxieties about capitalism, race, and gender.

The discussion delves into the psychological complexities of the main characters—Peter, Roger, Stephen, and Francine—and how their dynamics mirror broader themes of survival and identity. With the upcoming Living Dead Weekend at the original filming location, this episode offers a timely reflection on a film that continues to resonate nearly five decades later.

Relevant Links:

• Living Dead Weekend (June 6–8, 2025): Event Details
• Monroeville Mall: TripAdvisor Page
• Axios Article on Monroeville Mall's Future: Read More

• Elevator Pitch
  • The Returned by Jason Strutz: https://returnedcomic.com
    
    

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we sit down with Darren Smith, host of The Undead Symphony podcast and author of the novel by the same name. Darren shares how his journey from reviewing over 300 zombie films to writing a novel was inspired by listener misconceptions and a desire to explore deeper themes within the genre.

We delve into the unique aspects of his novel, including its symphonic structure, the evolution of zombies from rage-filled runners to traditional shufflers, and the practical survival techniques embedded within the narrative. Darren also discusses the significance of his Jewish protagonist, Yonatan Solomon, and how cultural identity and societal commentary are woven into the fabric of the story.

Guest Contact & Links:

• Podcast: The Undead Symphony
• Instagram: @undeadsymphonypod
• Books by Darren Smith:
  • The Bends
  • God in a Box
  • Shadow's Bliss

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah delve into the resistance against Negan's authoritarian rule in The Walking Dead. Analyzing the responses of Alexandria, Hilltop, the Kingdom, and Oceanside, they explore how each community transitions from trauma-induced reactions to organized rebellion. The discussion highlights the evolution from submission to strategic coalition-building, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of oppression.

Drawing parallels to Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, the episode examines how the series mirrors real-world strategies for resisting authoritarianism. Themes such as refusing anticipatory obedience, defending institutions, and maintaining truth are explored through the actions of characters like Rick, Michonne, Maggie, and Ezekiel. This episode offers insights into the dynamics of resistance, both in a fictional post-apocalyptic world and in contemporary society.




Contact & Relevant Links:

• Timothy Snyder:
  • Official Website: timothysnyder.org
  • BlueSky: @timothysnyder.bsky.social
  • Books: On Tyranny at Penguin Random House
  • Audiobook: On Tyranny
    
    
• The Walking Dead Resources:
  • The Walking Dead Wiki: walkingdead.fandom.com

• Living Dead Weekend
  • Website: https://www.thelivingdeadweekend.com/
  • Petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-monroeville-mall

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we welcome Catherine Larkin—also known as Author X Zombie—author and illustrator of the Wizards of the Apocalypse series. Catherine shares her journey from crafting stories in high school to building the richly imagined world of Skeletonia, where intelligent zombies don armor, cast spells, and follow the commands of the formidable demon Malice.

We delve into Catherine's creative process, exploring how her dual talents in writing and illustration bring depth to her characters and settings. She discusses the themes of authenticity, friendship, and self-discovery that permeate her work, offering insights into how personal experiences have shaped her storytelling. Join us as we explore a unique fusion of fantasy and horror that challenges genre boundaries and captivates readers of all ages.

Guest Contact Information and Relevant Links:

• Website: www.x-zombie.com
• Instagram: @authorxzombie
• Books on Amazon: Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah sit down with comic creators Rowen H. and Erica B. to discuss their indie series Days Worth Living. Set in 2005 Illinois, this emotionally charged zombie apocalypse narrative follows elementary school teacher Joshua Martins and bus driver Phil as they strive to protect six children during a field trip gone awry.​

Rowen and Erica delve into their creative process, the deliberate choice of a pre-smartphone era setting, and the reimagining of traditional zombie lore. They explore themes of emotional resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of human connection in a disconnected world.​

Contact Information & Relevant Links:

• Read Days Worth Living Online:
  • GlobalComix
  • NamiComi
  • ComCraft
• Follow Days Worth Living on Instagram:
  • @days.worth.living

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we dive deep into the chilling parallels between Negan from The Walking Dead and real-world authoritarian regimes. By breaking down Negan’s methods into four distinct phases—consolidating power, eroding democratic institutions, establishing totalitarian control, and sustaining the regime—we expose the disturbing strategies dictators employ to seize and maintain power.

From identity erasure through the "I am Negan" mantra to economic coercion and psychological manipulation, this analysis offers crucial insights into recognizing and resisting authoritarian tactics in our own world. Join the discussion to discover how fictional villains can teach us real-life lessons about vigilance, resistance, and the fight against tyranny.

Show Notes:

• Special Elevator Pitch By Scott Serkland For "Young and the Dead: No Zombies Allowed"
  • https://youngandthedead.com
  • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serkworks
  • Instagram: @serkworks

Show References

• https://dictatorplaybook.com/
• PBS Documentary: The Dictator’s Playbook: https://www.pbs.org/show/dictators-playbook/

Books to Read:

• "How Democracies Die" by Levitsky & Ziblatt
• "The Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert O. Paxton
• "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder
• "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
• "Twilight of Democracy" by Anne Applebaum
• "The Origins of Totalitarianism" by Hannah Arendt
• "Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman

Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we welcome Canadian comic creator Ray Jamison to discuss his fantasy-horror comic series, The Madcaps. Born from a decade-long Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Madcaps follows four unconventional heroes—Sarlac, Drak, Chasgo, and Dunnan—as they reunite in their hometown of Ivywood to confront a zombie outbreak linked to a mysterious drug known as "Weave." Ray shares insights into the characters' unique abilities and the themes of identity and belonging that permeate the narrative.

We delve into the creative process behind adapting a tabletop RPG into a comic, the collaborative efforts with industry veterans like colorist Dan Kemp, and the ongoing Kickstarter campaign for Issue 2. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, comics, or tabletop gaming, this episode offers a compelling look at storytelling across mediums.

Guest & Project Links:

• Ray Jamison on Instagram: @raymondthedm
• The Madcaps Issue #2 Kickstarter: Issue #2
• Philbo Publishing: Kickstarter Creator Profile

• Zombie Book Club Links

Sign up for our Newsletter!!!! --- https://zombiebookclub.io/newsletter/

Join the Brain Muncher’s Zombie Collective: https://discord.gg/rn3nPDa4CB

ZBC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombiebookclubpodcast/

Dan's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/danthezombiewriter.bsky.social

Zombie Book Club Voicemail: (614) 699-0006‬

Zombie Book Club Email: ZombieBookClubPodcast@gmail.com

Our Secret Website That Isn't Finished: https://zombiebookclub.io

Our Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com