The undead gather for the inaugural ZombieWeen 2025 showdown, where the court of the apocalypse crowns a new monarch of the undead. Leah and Dan usher listeners into a night of witty banter, improvised challenges, and razor‑sharp satire—all framed by a Jeopardy‑style board that pits “Zombie Survival 101,” “Horror Tropes,” “Apocalypse Etiquette,” “Z…

We crack open Resident Evil (2002) to expose Umbrella Corp’s playbook: a secret underground lab, an AI “Red Queen” that chooses lethal containment over humanity, and a virus that turns a research facility into an underground tomb. By mapping the film’s thrills onto today’s corporate landscape, we explore how shareholder‑driven incentives, corporate…

The plan for this episode was simple: fire zombies, protest frogs, and a life update. What we got was a quiet living room, two handheld mics, and the kind of day that makes everything else feel small. Our old boy Nero, a once-feral, endlessly loving dog who shaped our routines and taught us patience, took a sharp turn. We walked into the ER carryin…

Can a film adaptation ever capture the quiet ache of its source? In this crossover with Wicked Words Book Club, we dissect Isaac Marion’s Warm Bodies and its sleek, sanitized movie version, tracing the emotional, ideological, and tonal shifts that split page and screen. We celebrate the bits that land, like visual metaphors of zombified liminality …

Join us for a smart, irreverent dive into Aquarium of the Dead with marine biologist and festival fanatic Jacob Quijas. We map undead tropes onto real marine science—waves, buoyancy, detritivores, keystone species—and even speculate: can the ocean digest zombies faster than we expect and would their bones become coral? Then we dive in to the movie:…

When a zombie named 'R' rescues a living girl instead of devouring her, everything shifts. Told through R’s reflective, darkly witty inner monologue, Warm Bodies challenges our assumptions of life, death, and what it means to feel. As R consumes Perry’s brain and begins to access memories, he forges a strange intimacy with Perry’s consciousness—rai…

This episode digs into how the Trump Administration has rolled back decades of clean energy progress—through sweeping executive orders, budget cuts, and cancelled programs—and how those moves are hitting communities of color, the poor, and Indigenous Nations the hardest. Leah shares her own loss of work in environmental justice, and we break down w…

Jason Strutz joins us on Zombie Book Club Ep 113 to talk about Returned, his medieval horror graphic novel where the undead aren’t just monsters — they’re souls trapped in bodies that have turned violent, forced to watch as loved ones try to bring them back. When warrior Vale dies and becomes one such undead, her partner Hal and their son Ragno mus…

In this episode, we bring you face-to-face with acclaimed author Alice B. Sullivan, as we crack open The Collapse: Book 0 in her Aftermath series. Alice takes us behind the scenes of how a character backstory written in just three whirlwind weeks during the pandemic became a full-blown prequel, introducing young Sadie and her fearless Yorkshire Ter…

Join us as we dive into “The Dead‑Weight Resistance” with returning guest Jo Salazar, author of The Dead Weight and its thrilling sequel. We explore Quinn’s journey in post-apocalyptic St. Louis—her fight for healthcare, her emotional trauma, and the chance to redefine herself when no one knows her past. Jo shares how stepping away from social work…

The tension was palpable as we welcomed comic creators Laurie Calcaterra and Brandon Starocci to the Summerween Slamdown - a bare-knuckle brawl between frenemies that would determine the fate of Laurie's zombie crown and Brandon's prized mustache. What began as online beef culminated in this explosive showdown, judged by none other than 2024 Zombie…

In this provocative and poignant episode, we sit down with author KQ Watson to explore her short story Wheelchair Seating for the Apocalypse. Far from your average survival tale, this narrative focuses on a wheelchair user who chooses to opt out of enduring a zombie-infested world—prompting a powerful and compassionate exploration of autonomy, dign…

In this special “get to know us” episode, Dan and Leah pull back the curtain on the Zombie Book Club. From meeting on ICQ in the internet’s dark ages to building a zombie-obsessed home in Vermont, they share their origin story, their love for all things undead, and why they use the apocalypse as a lens to talk about capitalism, climate collapse, an…

When Rod becomes the only sentient zombie in a world overrun with mindless undead, he adopts a squirrel sidekick (Grim), starts naming zombies, and invents a lifestyle fueled by mealworms. Things shift dramatically when he meets Bethany—a gritty survivor who doesn’t immediately try to destroy him. Together, they explore what it even means to be ali…

Death is broken—and in Path of the Pale Rider’s horrifying new issue #7, Laurie Calcaterra pushes the apocalypse boundary even further. From prophetic themes to theatrical horror, this is storytelling at its most disturbing and relevant. Join us for an immersive chat with Laurie—creator, visionary, and hot sauce witch—as she breaks down the creativ…

Brave the wasteland pantry with us as twelve zombie‑fiction creatives—competing under our B.I.T.E. rubric—turn shelf‑stable staples like peanut butter pretzels, Belgian beer, macaroni, donuts, and yes, human flesh into horrifyingly inventive three‑course feasts. From “cheese‑dusted long pork with peach hummus” to “scrotum balls in blood sauce,” thi…

Courtney Konstantin, author of the Sundown series and Babysitter of the Apocalypse, joins Dan and Leah to unpack the human drama behind her zombie narratives. From flawed heroes and makeshift families to cult leaders exploiting the end of the world, Courtney shares how she builds rich characters and real-world villains that outshine the undead. Exp…

In 2025, The Fourth of July hits different. In this episode, we host a funeral for America—mourning the death of democratic norms, health care access, and legal protections, while challenging the myths we’ve been fed about exceptionalism. With recent Supreme Court rulings dismantling nationwide injunctions, millions losing healthcare, and fundament…

In this spoiler‑free showdown, we pit the animals‑gone‑zombie campiness of Zoombies 2 against the thought‑provoking, visually audacious 28 Years Later. We break down ten key categories—cinematography, effects, innovation, cultural impact—and ask the really tough questions... From heartfelt shout‑outs to our ZomBesties, Ollie and Megan, to surprisin…

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of George A. Romero’s zombie legacy. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of Living Dead Weekend—from Leah's gruesome “Dr. Logan” crown to organizing a packed Zombie Book Club author crawl with 263 entries. We talk survival strategies, meet filmmakers, FX masters, and authors, and uncover the urgen…

A hundred episodes in, and the zombie apocalypse still hasn't happened—though sometimes it feels like we're getting close. What began as two people talking about zombies in a basement has evolved into something much more meaningful: a community of creators, readers, and enthusiasts who've found their people through a shared love of the undead. For …

In this episode of Zombie Book Club, Dan and Leah delve into George A. Romero's 1985 masterpiece, Day of the Dead. Set in an underground bunker, the film explores the psychological unraveling of a group of scientists and soldiers amidst a zombie apocalypse. Central to the narrative is Dr. Sarah Bowman, who navigates a world rife with misogyny and m…

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 hos…

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 capit…

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,…

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…