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