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

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 crumble, cooperation outlasts competition.

Featuring insights from the organizers behind @thegeneralstrikeus, we’ll share actionable steps to prep now—from growing food to building local networks. Plus, why the Land Back movement and Indigenous survival strategies offer a roadmap for what comes next.

Relevant Links:

• Collapse Preparedness Guide From GeneralStrikeUS on Instagram

Kayla Hicks (Author of Escape City)

• Website: kayla-hicks.com
• Instagram: @kaylalhicks

The General Strike US

• Strike Card Signup: generalstrikeus.com/strikecard
• Instagram: @thegeneralstrikeus

Additional Resources:

• Mutual Aid Networks: mutualaiddisasterrelief.org
• Land Back Movement: landback.org

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

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 chaos of Jack and Ginger’s doomed date, and unforgettable characters like a chainsaw-legged prepper and a nail-studded-chancleta-wielding Abuelita. Plus, Steve shares insights on indie comic creation, Kickstarter survival, and why sloths might be deadlier than zombies.

Don’t miss this flesh-filled conversation—and learn how to back Zombie Date Night Issue 2 before the Kickstarter ends!

Guest Contact & Relevant Links:

Steve Urena

• Instagram: @TheSteveUrena
• Kickstarter (Zombie Date Night Issue 2): Fund Here
• Steve Urena's Website: https://www.steveurena.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 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 of control intersect in her work, and how her storytelling challenges Western misconceptions about Haiti and its culture. Jenna also shares insights into her creative process, her upcoming projects, and the resilience of Haitian traditions in the face of global exploitation.

Join us for a conversation that will forever change how you think about zombies, colonialism, and the power of reclaiming cultural narratives. Whether you’re a fan of zombie fiction or interested in the untold stories of Haiti, this episode is a must-listen.

Contact Information for Jenna Chrisphonte:

• Website: Chrisphonte.com
• Instagram: @JennaChrisphonte
• Books: Talc: A Haitian Zombie Story is available on Amazon and other major retailers.

Relevant Links:

• Haitian Vodou: Vodou in Haitian Culture
• US Occupation of Haiti (1915-1934): Wikipedia
• Cholera Outbreak in Haiti: CDC Report
• Hillary Clinton and Haiti: Politico

• 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

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 unexpected turn from our usual zombie fare as we connect our personal battle with illness to the larger fight that's brewing nationwide. Recently, 3,000 veterans marched in DC with thousands more at state capitals across America, protesting the systematic dismantling of democracy and veteran support systems. Yet mainstream media remains silent as our government increasingly targets its own citizens.

Dan shares powerful reflections from his military service in Iraq, drawing disturbing parallels between what he witnessed overseas and what's happening at home. We explore the weight of the oaths we've taken – Dan as a soldier sworn to defend the Constitution against all enemies "foreign and domestic," and Leah as a naturalized citizen who promised to bear arms for the United States when required by law. What do these commitments mean when the government itself becomes the threat?

Despite having the privilege to potentially escape to Canada, we're choosing to stay and fight. This episode is a testament to that commitment – a vulnerable, urgent conversation about what resistance looks like in these increasingly dangerous times, and why defending democracy isn't just a slogan but a duty.

Sign up for our newsletter through the link in our show notes. With communication channels increasingly controlled, we're creating backup systems to stay connected. Democracy needs defenders now more than ever – what role will you play?

Relevant Links:

Days Worth Living comic:

• NamiComi: https://namicomi.com/en/title/FtiXuz7k/days-worth-living
• GlobalComix: https://globalcomix.com/c/days-worth-living/chapters/en/1/1
• Comcraft: https://www.thecomcraft.com/comic-view-artist?title=Days+Worth+Living&comicId=14

ACLU on Protecting Civil Liberties

Veterans for Peace

• 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