Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse: Lessons from Baby Animals | Zombie Book Club #12

Join us as we delve into "Planet Dead," a thrilling exploration of a post-apocalyptic world that masterfully blends dark comedy with the stark realities of survival, featuring formidable Black heroines and unforgettable clown cannibals. Sylvester gives us insight into the inspirations behind this gripping tale, including the societal reflections that underscore the narrative, and shares his perspective on the future of humanity amidst our own self-made barriers. With a keen eye for character development and a sharp wit, Sylvester discusses the importance of humor in horror, the power of centering stories around Black female protagonists, and the importance of writing across different genders and ethnicities.

Beyond the pages of "Planet Dead," Sylvester opens up about his personal life, touching on the joys and challenges of fatherhood in today's world, his deepest fears and sources of inspiration, and his deliberate choice to pursue an indie author path. For those eager to dive deeper into Sylvester Barzey's horror universe and discover more about his impactful work and where to find it, join us for this unforgettable episode that celebrates the art of storytelling, the importance of diverse voices in literature, and the enduring allure of the zombie genre.


Sylvester Barzeys Website
https://www.sylvesterbarzey.com

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In this thrilling episode of the Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah take a nostalgic trip back to 2003 to revisit "28 Days Later," the film that redefined the zombie genre for both of them. As they lament the current impossibility of screening the movie due to Sony's rights acquisition for the upcoming sequel, "28 Years Later," they also celebrate the unexpected hero of the day: the librarian who ensures this cinematic gem remains accessible through interlibrary loans. Dan and Leah delve into the enduring debate over whether the film's infected are truly zombies, reflecting on writer Alex Garland's acceptance of the term despite initial hesitations, and dissect the movie's exploration of themes such as animal rights, the necessity of human connection for survival, mental health, and the realization that money loses all meaning in the face of an apocalypse.

We critique and admire various aspects of the movie, from its groundbreaking portrayal of fast zombies and the gritty realism of a post-apocalyptic Britain, to its more questionable artistic choices and the problematic depiction of gender and race. Leah shares her frustration over a friend's refusal to watch the movie despite Cillian Murphy's full frontal scene, and highlights the film's failure to pass several representation tests including the Bechdel, DuVernay, Vito Russo, and Fries tests. Despite these criticisms, Dan and Leah rate it from their 2003, as well as current perspectives, appreciating its impact while acknowledging its flaws. Tune in for a deep dive into "28 Days Later," a film that continues to provoke thought, debate, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of surviving a zombie apocalypse.


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Welcome back to the Zombie Book Club, where your hosts, Dan and Leah, take a deep dive into the curious and potentially groundbreaking concept of Zombiechosis. This episode, we're stepping away from our usual undead narratives to explore a mental health phenomenon that's yet to be recognized in the DSM but feels eerily familiar to our modern lives.

Inspired by the distress seen in captive animals, known as zoochosis, we ponder if humans are experiencing a similar fate, dubbing it Zombiechosis. Through a checklist that compares our lifestyle to our species-specific needs, we explore how modern society's detachment from nature, movement, social connectivity, and sensory engagement might be leading us towards a zombified existence. Are we nurturing our human essence, or are we merely surviving in a habitat that resembles life but lacks its substance? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we dissect whether we're more Homo sapien or zombie, and what that means for our future. Don't forget to subscribe for more undead discussions mixed with real-life anecdotes and listener interactions that make our book club anything but dead.


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"Cargo" delivers a post-apocalyptic journey set in the desolate landscapes of Australia, where Andy, a father infected by a pandemic virus turning humans into zombies, races against time to secure a future for his infant daughter, Rosie. After the tragic demise of his wife, Kay, Andy and Rosie navigate the perils of the Australian outback, encountering survivors and the constant menace of zombies. Among these survivors is Thoomi, an Aboriginal girl who believes in the curative powers of the Cleverman for her infected father. The narrative weaves together their struggles, culminating in Andy's ultimate sacrifice to ensure Rosie's safety, entrusting her to Thoomi and other survivors. This film not only thrills with its survival saga but enriches the zombie genre with its exploration of parental love, humanity, and moral dilemmas amidst a crumbling world.

Beyond the visceral struggle for survival, "Cargo" deeply integrates themes of cultural identity, environmental degradation, and the enduring human spirit. It uniquely incorporates Australian Aboriginal perspectives, particularly through Thoomi's character and her cultural beliefs, offering a rich commentary on cultural survival and the impacts of colonialism. The film challenges the conventional boundaries of the zombie horror genre, presenting a poignant story of love, sacrifice, and resilience. It reflects on the legacy left for future generations, invoking contemplation on our environmental responsibilities and the complexities of human and cultural coexistence in the face of apocalyptic adversity. Through Andy's journey and the diverse cast of characters, "Cargo" stands out as a multifaceted narrative that transcends typical horror tropes, making it a memorable addition to the genre.


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Strap in for an offbeat adventure with us, Dan and Leah, as we navigate the peculiar crossroads of zombie obsessions and real-world quandaries. We wrestle with resume woes and career switcheroos, all while pondering the unyielding grip of the undead on our collective imagination. Welcome to our eclectic universe, where the day-to-day grind meets the fantastical, and where voice acting antics collide with heartfelt discussions about climate change and sustainable living.

This session is a kaleidoscope of our latest exploits, from the peculiar joy of transforming an office in our house into a 'zombie bunker,' to the personal growth that comes with shaking up one's career path. We're peeling back the curtain on our ‘evil magic chicken zombie’ t-shirt giveaway and join in as we contemplate the serious implications of climate change and the practical magic of food forests amidst our creative chaos.

Finally, don't miss our musings on the satirical ingenuity of Vermin Love Supreme, whose political platform is as outlandish as it is thought-provoking, tackling everything from zombie-powered energy to time travel. Plus, we're buzzing with anticipation as Leah inches closer to a milestone – getting her U.S. Citizenship and the chance to cast her vote in the 2024 elections. And, for a grand finale, we're launching a quirky contest that's sure to rustle some feathers: can you out-cluck us with your best zombie chicken impression? Tune in, share your own survival tales, and you might just snag that coveted chicken zombie tee!


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Get ready to march into the macabre with our discussion on CONPLAN 8888 – the Army's zombie apocalypse battle plan that's more than just a punchline. Dan and Leah, your battle-hardened hosts, sift through the pages of the U.S. Army's most bizarre contingency with wit and wisdom, SO MUCH WISDOM. We're not just talking about the walking dead; we're analyzing the military's strategic humor, contemplating its role in training, and decoding the different zombie types the Department of Defense humorously prepped for.

This week's episode isn't just a romp through the undead; it's also a tactical masterclass. Marvel as we HATCH a plan to combat evil magic chicken zombies (EMCZs) – sounds like a movie plot that might just RUFFLE FEATHERS in Hollywood. But there's method to the madness as we discuss genuine military strategy laced with a healthy dose of absurdity. We're not only considering chicken wire barricades but also the importance of civilian-military cooperation in facing FOWL foes. Expect real talk about martial law, special operations, and the logistics of equipping an army to face... chickens. It's strategy and satire, and you're in the war room.



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Ever wonder how a zombie apocalypse would treat those with disabilities? Or what the barking of dogs might add to the quality of a podcast? Grab your headphones and join us as we navigate ableism in the zombie apocalypse. We discuss the unexpected potential of clay cats as currency in the apocalypse and the portrayal of people with disabilities in apocalyptic media. We're serving up a concoction of humor and depth that’ll have you pondering and chuckling in equal measure.

This episode is not just about survival against the odds; it's about the nuances of strength and the unexpected triumphs in adversity. As we recount the tales of Greg, our everyman turned hero in RPGs, and explore the lived experience of using a wheelchair, we're breaking down stereotypes and building up a narrative that's as diverse as our listener base. Characters from "The Walking Dead" like Connie and Herschel take the spotlight, as we examine how apocalypse narratives can either challenge or reinforce biases, and we share an array of survival tips that go beyond the normative expectations.

Finally, we wrap up with groans from the hoard and discuss underrated survival tools and muse on ideal locations for outliving the undead. Our journey is peppered with personal insights, a touch of whimsy, and a commitment to inclusivity that we hope resonates with you. So, let's celebrate the quirks and the quiet strengths that come into play when the world goes to zombies. Thanks for joining us, and remember, the end might be near, but so is the next episode of our podcast.

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The Walking Dead TTRPG on StartPlaying
Dans StartPlaying.games referral link
https://startplaying.games/referral/clq9q3fqz00047g1xlgn9544l

KT Beauchamps Walking Dead game link
https://startplaying.games/adventure/clpiooapp000b07kz5lt02x4g

Ever feel like the world’s taking a turn for the apocalyptic, and all you can do is laugh—or maybe raise a katana like Tilda Swinton's enigmatic Zelda Winston? That's the vibe we're catching in our latest chat about "The Dead Don't Die," where the dry wit and consumerist zombies of this eccentric flick have us talking. From the star-studded cast's quirky on-screen magic to the all-too-real parallel of fracking-induced environmental disasters, we've got a spread of topics that'll have you grinning like a ghoul with a new credit card.

Strap in for a ride through a small-town apocalypse, complete with department store nostalgia and a lawnmower legend named Rocky. We aren't just pondering cinematic choices here; we're dissecting the allure of a film that may trip on its own shoelaces yet still carries us to the finish line.


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Join hosts Dan and Leah as they introduce the "Casual Dead"; the Podcast within the podcast within the book club. Dan shares his recent social media misadventure, a thread that spiraled into a chaotic debate, and contemplates a career shift to social media management. Leah, on the other hand, talks about her artistic escapades, from crafting clay mushroom incense holders to exploring digital art. The duo also introduces their new weekly format, promising a mix of casual chats, zombie news, and listener interactions through their Google Voice Mail.

Dive into the world of the undead as we cover the alarming spread of the Zombdeer virus across the world and discusses the implications of this prion disease on wildlife and humans. The episode also delves into the intriguing details of Mark Zuckerberg's secretive bunker project in Hawaii, envisioning a post-apocalyptic scenario where the rich and powerful retreat. We wrap up with listener shoutouts and a preview of the book club's upcoming discussion on Sylvester Barzey's "Planet Dead"


Follow our linktree for social media links, and links to all the places you can find our podcast!
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(614) 699-0006‬

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Sources

Zomdeer article
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/22/zombie-deer-disease-yellowstone-scientists-fears-fatal-chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-jump-species-barrier-humans-aoe 

Zuckerbunker
https://www.wired.com/story/mark-zuckerberg-inside-hawaii-compound/ 

2023 is officially over, and what a wild ride it's been! Celebrate with us as we mark a year of thrilling reads and apocalyptic scenarios, all while navigating the juggernaut of daily life and personal battles. From the literary feast of 'The Girl with All the Gifts' to the gritty survival in 'Plague of the Dead' we've traversed the spectrum of undead fiction with laughter, insights from authors like Lori Calcuttaire, Brandon Starocci and Joshua Grant, and heartfelt discussions on more serious issues such as climate apocalypse.

As the winter solstice approaches, we can't help but reflect on the joys and challenges of the past year, from crafting mushroom art to contemplating Santa's shamanic origins. Tune in for an eclectic mix of humor and horror as we look forward to new horizons, including engaging with more zombie aficionados like Sylvester Barzey and laying down our ambitious plans for weekly episodes and community voicemails. Whether it's discussing the potential of plastic eating mycelium or mulling over the best Hilliard, Ohio spots to wait out a zombie outbreak, 2024 promises to be an amazing year for Zombie  Book Club.

Wrapping up this brain-munching anniversary episode, we cast a hopeful glance at the year ahead, dreaming of convention appearances and our very own line of merchandise. Join us as we continue to carve out a niche for zombie literature lovers, and don't forget to spread the infection by sharing our podcast with fellow apocalyptic aficionados. With a promise of more games, challenges, and late-night psychedelic musings and the undead, we're gearing up for another fantastic year of Zombie Book Club—where your next favorite read might just save your life in the event of a zombie apocalypse.


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IPCC Climate Change Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf 

Living Dead Weekend
https://www.thelivingdeadweekend.com/

Zombie Book Club Voicemail
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