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 urgent community fight against Walmart’s takeover of this beloved horror landmark.

Amid flood warnings and tornado alerts, we delve into real conversations, unexpected friendships, hilarious shockers (giant penis plushies), and the heart of what this community means. We may have spent more than we made, but would we do it all again? Absolutely—because in the end, finding your zombie family is the greatest survival story of all.

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

• Kevin and Haley from Virginia Beach
• Malin Grant @pittsburgh_fighers_guild
• Ira & Shiloh @x_xPhantomime
• Brandon Starocci of Avalon Comic @avaloncomic https://avaloncomic.com/
• George The Pittsburgh Ghoul Order https://www.youtube.com/@ghoulworldorder2406
• Dan Soltesz @dsoltesz92
• CJ the SFX artist @cj_sfx
• John @johntystroll
• Mark Scioneaux “The Glass Coffin” film @Mark_c_scioneaux
• Aaron
• Todd Killer Wolfson @justburiedentertainment www.justburiedentertainment.com
• Courtney Konstantin https://www.courtneykonstantin.com/ @courtney.konstantin_author
• Disruptia Heart @disruptiaheart & @thegardenofseductionmonsterfx
• TOM SAVINI’S SPECIAL MAKE-UP EFFECTS PROGRAM: https://www.dec.edu/ts/

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

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 our centennial celebration, we turned the microphone over to you—our ZomBestie community. From unexpected celebrity congratulations (hello, Chandler Riggs!) to heartfelt messages from authors we've interviewed, each voice reminded us why we keep recording week after week. We heard stories of friendships formed through our Discord, authors meeting at conventions after connecting through the podcast, and listeners finding comfort in our conversations during tough times.

The Zombieween Game Show emerged as a clear fan favorite, with past champions and competitors alike reminiscing about meat crowns, hilarious challenges, and unlikely rivalries-turned-friendships. Many praised our willingness to venture beyond entertainment, drawing parallels between fictional apocalypses and our current reality—finding meaning in zombie stories during increasingly uncertain times.

What struck us most was learning how this podcast has become more than just zombie discussions. For some, it's been a lifeline during mental health struggles; for others, a way to discover new creators and stories; and for many, simply a place where their passion for the genre is understood and celebrated.

As we look toward the next hundred episodes, we remain committed to building this community one conversation at a time. Whether you've been here since episode one or just discovered us, thank you for making the apocalypse less lonely. Subscribe now to join our horde—we promise we won't bite (unless you're into that sort of thing).

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, 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 military aggression, and Bub, a zombie exhibiting signs of intelligence and emotion, challenging the very definition of humanity.

The discussion also highlights the groundbreaking special effects by Tom Savini and Greg Nicotero, and examines the film's commentary on societal issues such as racism, sexism, and ableism. As Day of the Dead marks its 40th anniversary, this episode offers both a nostalgic revisit and a critical analysis of a film that remains profoundly relevant.

Contact Information & Relevant Links:

• Living Dead Weekend: Monroeville (June 6–8, 2025)
  Website: The Living Dead Weekend
  Instagram: @livingdeadweekend
  Facebook Group: The Living Dead Weekend

Film Information:

• Day of the Dead (1985)
  IMDb: Day of the Dead
  Wikipedia: Day of the Dead (1985 film)

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