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 Terrier, Trooper. Prepare to reframe your assumptions about apocalypse pets—Alice argues small dogs are more than liabilities, they’re surprising survival assets.

We also dig into the ethical trenches: from the ethical dilemma of shielding children from hard truths, to the moral weight of utilitarian “preservation” communities—and why sometimes, protecting what you love overrides survival logic. Plus, Alice teases what’s next in the Aftermath universe. Whether you’re a dog lover, zombie fiction fan, or fascinated by human resilience, this episode will make you reconsider who—or what—you’d save when society collapses.

Guest Contact

• Website: alicebsullivan.com
• Facebook: Alice B. Sullivan
• Instagram: @zombieauthor_alicebsullivan
• Goodreads: author page: Alice B. Sullivan
• Buy Alices Books: Amazon

Click here to support Zombie Book Club on Kickstarter

ZOMBIE BOOK CLUB GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-zombie-book-club-alive

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/
• ZBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710957975263518/
• 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

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 into full-time writing has changed her life, and what drew her to themes of identity and moral complexity in the zombie genre.

This episode is packed with insights into character building, feminist storytelling, and indie publishing. We also get juicy details on new characters like Archer, Hira, and Amy, and updates on The Dead Weight book 3. Whether you love gritty apocalypse stories or smart, morally gray protagonists, this chat with Jo is a must-listen.

Find & Follow Jo Salazar

• Website: JoSalazarWriting.com
• Instagram: @jo_salazar
• TikTok: @jo_salazar

Where to Buy

• The Dead Weight
• The Dead Weight: Resistance

Click here to support Zombie Book Club on Kickstarter

ZOMBIE BOOK CLUB GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-zombie-book-club-alive

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/
• ZBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710957975263518/
• 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 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-ween king and horror author Sylvester Barzey.

Contact & Social Links for Guests & Related Authors

Elevator Pitch

• R. Cuthbertson: @rcuthbertson.writes
  • Waves of Undead

Guests

• Laurie Calcaterra: @LaurieCalcaterra
  • Path of the Pale Rider
• Brandon Starocci: @brandonstarocci
  • Avalon Comic

Judge

• Sylvester Barzey: @sylvesterbarzey
  • SylvesterBarzey.com

Click here to support Zombie Book Club on Kickstarter

ZOMBIE BOOK CLUB GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-zombie-book-club-alive

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/
• ZBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/710957975263518/
• 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