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 uniq…

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 evolutio…

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 command…

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 fi…

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…

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 li…

In this episode, we discuss the warning signs (hyperinflation, climate disasters, failing infrastructure) and debunk the myth of the lone survivalist. From Rome’s collapse to today’s crises, the real key to resilience? Community. We’ll explore mutual aid networks, food sovereignty, and decentralized solutions that actually work—because when systems…

What happens when a disastrous blind date collides with a zombie apocalypse—and the zombies themselves are looking for love? Steve Urena, creator of the indie comic Zombie Date Night, joins us to discuss his hilariously twisted take on romance and horror. We dive into his unique zombie mythology (where undead couples hunt in pairs), the mall-set ch…

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we sit down with author Jenna Chrisphonte to discuss her groundbreaking novel Talc: A Haitian Zombie Story. Jenna reimagines zombie mythology through an authentic Haitian lens, tracing its origins to colonial exploitation and pharmaceutical manipulation. We explore how Vodou, Haitian history, and modern systems …

The flu has knocked us down this week, but it's given us a perfect lens to examine what feels like America's own viral infection – fascism. With voices raspy from illness and minds sharpened by urgency, we dive into what's happening across our country right now, and why veterans like Dan are standing up against it. This week's episode takes an unex…

Join us as we sit down with Gerard Clarke, author of the debut novel The End. This sweeping zombie apocalypse epic takes readers on a years-long journey through survival, moral dilemmas, and the resilience of humanity. From the fall of civilization to the rise of new communities, Clarke’s novel explores what it means to rebuild when everything fami…

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we explore the eerie parallels between zombie fiction and the realities of navigating life under growing fascism. Join Dan and Leah as they discuss practical coping strategies, the power of storytelling, and the importance of community-building in turbulent times. From grassroots activism to creative resilience,…

2/27/25 - Join us as Rick Paolini sits down with Philip Gray, Canon Lawyer and President of the Saint Joseph Foundation, to discuss parish mergers and closings. What do the processes entail, and what kind of expenses are involved? We'll cover everything you need to know about the basics. Founded in 1982, the Saint Joseph Foundation strives to assis…

In this episode, we delve into the world of "Zombie: Survival Infection" with its creator, James S. Cole. James shares insights into the game's unique mechanics, the upcoming expansion "Mortal Reckoning," and his creative journey from childhood inspiration to game designer. We discuss the balance of strategy and morality in the game, the challenges…

Join the Zombie Book Club as we dive into the haunting and thought-provoking world of Nailah King, author and founder of The Content Witches. In this episode, Nailah shares her journey of writing stories centered on haunted women pushed to the brink, blending supernatural elements with powerful narratives about identity, survival, and societal chal…

The socio-political landscape today is a turbulent sea, and we're navigating through it with a critical lens, dissecting the power wielded by influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. What parallels can we draw between our dystopian fears and the historical realities of Western imperialism? This episode challenges listeners to reflect on…

Join us for a thrilling episode of the Zombie Book Club as we welcome back the brilliant Laurie Calcaterra, creator of the spaghetti western undead apocalypse series, Path of the Pale Rider. We dive deep into Issue 5, exploring the mysteries of Dwayne Fink’s revelations, Jude’s journey, and the eerie parallels between Laurie’s apocalyptic world and…

In this episode of the Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah sit down with Z. Martin Brown, author of the tech-zombie thriller The Non-Essentials. They delve into the novel's unique take on zombie lore, discussing themes of fear, survival, and societal absurdities. Zach shares insights from his diverse experiences in the film industry, small busines…

Would vegans survive and even thrive in a zombie apocalypse? In this lively episode of the Zombie Book Club, we dive into this thought-provoking question with special guest Jo Salazar, author of the gripping novel The Dead Weight. Together, we explore the practicalities of vegan survival in a post-apocalyptic world, from foraging wild plants and mu…

In this episode of the Zombie Book Club, we are joined by acclaimed author Sylvester Barzey to discuss his latest novel, Dead Soil. Set against the backdrop of the transatlantic slave trade, Barzey's work masterfully intertwines pirate adventures with zombie horror, delving into themes of resilience, power dynamics, and historical injustices. The c…

In this lively episode of Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah are joined by special guest OllieEatsBrains to reminisce about the highlights and peculiarities of 2024. The trio delves into humorous anecdotes, including a whimsical pitch of a Hallmark-style Christmas movie with a zombie twist. They reflect on the evolving dynamics of their community…

Episode Description: In this spirited episode of Zombie Book Club, Dan and Leah explore the intersection of humor, horror, and humanity. They share life updates, from awkward bed mishaps on their anniversary trip to indulging in nostalgic Canadian treats like Nanaimo bars and Pizza Pizza. The duo tackles tough topics like the misuse of sexual assau…

In this festive episode, we reimagine "Home Alone" with Kevin McCallister defending his home against George Romero's zombies. Joined by our friend and interior designer, Eric of Eric Lloyd Designs, we evaluate Kevin's original booby traps for their effectiveness against the undead and brainstorm new, zombie-specific defenses. Our discussion highlig…

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, Leah and Dan dissect the allure of rugged individualism within zombie narratives, questioning whether it's merely a trope or a reflection of deeper societal beliefs. They explore characters like Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead and Robert Neville from I Am Legend, illustrating how these figures, despite their s…

In this provocative episode, we welcome English erotica author Polly Morphous-Lee to discuss her daring novella, The Zombie Re-Erection: Only Sex Can Save Us. We delve into the concept of "humbies"—zombies driven by pleasure rather than hunger—and explore the satirical elements that critique contemporary political landscapes. Our conversation also …

What do beavers, zombies, and a winter blackout in Vermont have in common? Join Leah and Dan on this wild ride as they navigate half-cooked holiday dinners, candlelit chaos, and a satirical dive into the cult classic Zombeavers. With their signature humor, the duo unpacks the film’s absurd charm, LGBTQ representation, and plot holes so big, even zo…

Get ready for a thrilling dive into the chaos and camaraderie of Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game! In this episode, we recount our pulse-pounding adventure with our friends Ollie Eats Brains and their Zombae JC, playing through the "Escape in the Truck" scenario. From cinematic zombie mayhem to hilarious antics our game night captured the essen…

Hope is both a lifeline and a burden in a world teetering on collapse. In this episode, we explore the harsh realities of grief and the fragile but powerful thread of hope that binds us to our humanity. From personal reflections on the 2024 Presidential election and the disillusionment of military service to the resilience found in nature and commu…

Join us for an exciting deep dive into the fungal zombie apocalypse with LM Juniper, author of How We End. In this episode, we discuss the gripping survival story that redefines the zombie genre, exploring themes of resilience, community, and diverse representation. LM shares their creative insights on developing characters who bond through hardshi…

Join us for a hilariously offbeat episode of Zombie Book Club as we recount the wild and unpredictable "Zombie Ween Game Show 2024" — a chaotic blend of laughter, bookish mayhem, and a few unexpected twists. Dan juggles his busy work life with podcasting and reading, while Leah dreams of cozy winter breaks. Together, we dive into our latest Brain M…

What if you found yourself in a post-apocalyptic world with a zombie named Guillermo? Join us on a wild ride through the hilariously chaotic Zombieween Game Show 2024, where our contestants share their strategies for surviving with humor, creativity, and fart parties. Sylvester Barzey Links: https://sylvesterbarzey.com/ Buy Sylvester’s Books! https…

Get ready for the undead extravaganza of the year as Leah and Dan host ZombieWeen 2024, the ultimate game show where horror and hilarity collide! Six zombie aficionados, including reigning champion Laurie Calcaterra, battle through a series of zombie survival challenges. This episode promises laughter, chaos, and an unpredictable showdown to crown …

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we are thrilled to welcome Lindsay King-Miller, author of The Z Word, a queer horror novel set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse during Pride weekend. Lindsay shares her journey of blending horror, humor, and queer identity in her work, offering a unique twist on traditional zombie tropes. We dive into…

In this week's episode of Zombie Book Club, we dive headfirst into the chaotic world of pets in the zombie apocalypse. Would your beloved pet become your greatest ally or, in a dire moment, your next meal? From the protective instincts of large dogs to the homing pigeon's invaluable role in communication, we rank the top five pets best suited to su…

In this episode of the Zombie Book Club, we dive into the world of AI-controlled zombies with award-winning writer, producer, and illustrator C. Fulster as we discuss his upcoming novel, Martha’s Notebook. Curt Fulster shares the unique inspiration behind his technologically-driven undead and how a 12-year-old girl navigates a world where AI zombie…

In this episode of the Zombie Book Club, we sit down with Brian from the Zombpocalypse podcast to discuss all things undead. Brian shares his journey as a podcaster, welder, and family man, revealing how he balances life in Wisconsin with his passion for zombies. We dive into zombie survival strategies, weapon choices, and the quirks of zombie medi…

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, the tables turn as Dan takes the guest seat in a wild and hilarious interview led by Ollie. Dan opens up about his off-grid upbringing in upstate New York, his time as a disabled Iraq war veteran, and his unexpected journey from truck driver to zombie novelist. Through laughter and moments of raw vulnerability, …

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we welcome back Brandon Starocci, creator of the Avalon comic series, to dive into the latest developments in his post-apocalyptic world. Brandon shares his creative journey over the past year, touching on the emotional challenges of writing a zombie apocalypse and the personal connections that shape the Castle …

Join Leah and Dan for a laid-back episode as they gear up for Labor Day weekend amidst wedding festivities and last summer hurrahs. We reflect on the importance of Labor Day and delve into the impactful history of labor movements and the ongoing quest for workers' rights. Plus, enjoy quirky tidbits from our lives, from observing nature's minutiae t…

Ever wondered what it's like to be a millennial zombie from 2,000 years ago? Our latest episode of the Zombie Book Club promises belly laughs and mind-bending stories as we welcome back OllieEatsBrains (Oliver Grayson), the award-winning zombie chicken impersonator and author of the riveting online tale "M.A.Z.E." (Monsters Aliens Zombies Etc) Join…

In this episode of the Zombie Book Club, we're joined by Jo Salazar, the brilliant mind behind the much-anticipated novel "The Dead Weight." Jo shares her remarkable journey from a career in social work to becoming a self-published author. From her preference for the zombie apocalypse over a mundane 40-hour work week to her insights on weaponry and…

Leah and Dan, with the energy of a rotting ghoul, take a winding, unplanned journey through this podcast and discuss everything and nothing all at once. What is this episode about? After listening to it twice during editing, we honestly couldn't tell you, but it was a fun ride. Work life, the world, daily survival is beating us all down. Some more …

When we send off make-up for testing, the lab finds an asbestos fibre in two of the samples. Brunel University’s Experimental Technique’s Centre says they need to find at least 3 fibres to confirm the asbestos fibre came from the make-up sample, despite having strict protocols to ensure their lab is not the source of the contamination. This isn’t t…

When talc might be listed as a potential carcinogen, the industry assembles a ‘talc task force’. It’s the year 2000 and the talc industry has heard something big is coming its way. The US government agencies tasked with listing cancer causing substances are set to include talc. The initial recommendation was to list talc containing asbestiform fibr…

Could companies clean up their talc? In the 1970s, talc companies worked out a plan to check their product for asbestos fibres. The problem was, mineralogist Sean Fitzgerald says the testing method they chose wasn’t sensitive enough to truly weed all asbestos fibres out. But this testing method was taken up not just in America but around the world …

In the 1970s, a scientist discovers asbestos fibres in talcum powder. After Mineralogist Arthur Langer discovered asbestos fibres in the lungs of normal people in New York, he set out to investigate the source. How could people just going about their daily lives, not working directly with asbestos products, have been exposed? He started testing tal…

After Hannah Fletcher’s cancer diagnosis, she investigates whether her make up contained asbestos. She was just 41 when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a rare cancer that’s very hard to treat. The average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 18 months. She says ‘One of the worst things that I've had to do was write letters to my children in…

Join us for a hilarious episode of Zombie Book Club! We are thrilled to have the one and only OllieEatsBrains, an award-winning zombie chicken impersonator, share his unique perspective and humor as we dissect D.J. Molles gripping novel "The Remaining." Ollie gives us a spoiler-free rundown of the book, setting the stage for our protagonist, Lee Ha…

Is there asbestos in make-up? If you look through your make-up bag, you might have a blusher, eye shadow or face powder that contains the ingredient talc. But there are questions about its safety. Women diagnosed with cancer have started launching court cases against cosmetics companies claiming some products are contaminated with asbestos. It turn…

Join us on this gripping episode of Zombie Book Club as we unpack the powerful film "Blood Quantum" by Mi'kmaq filmmaker Jeff Barnaby. Hosts Dan and Leah, acknowledging their station on the lands of the Abenaki people and the Wabanaki Confederacy, delve into the film's premise: while the dead rise outside the Red Crow reserve, the Indigenous inhabi…