We’re rolling out a “Human‑Creators‑First” policy and explaining why our podcast will now prioritize authors who write their own stories and use human‑made cover art. In this bonus episode we unpack the hidden costs of AI‑generated covers—from unpaid training data to the erosion of artists’ livelihoods—and share concrete alternatives: finding independent cover illustrators, responsibly using stock assets, and leveraging skill‑sharing networks.

If you’re an indie author feeling pressured by AI tools, DM us and we’ll connect you with resources and real‑world help.

Contact information & relevant links

• Instagram – cover artist Karl Dahmer: https://instagram.com/dahmerart
• Instagram – author Ross Killey: https://instagram.com/rosskilley_author
• Shutterstock AI Contributor Fund article: https://petapixel.com/2023/07/12/shutterstock-may-have-paid-out-over-4-million-from-its-ai-contributor-fund/
• XPiks blog on Shutterstock payouts: https://xpiksapp.com/blog/how-much-shutterstock-pays-contributors/
• Toolify AI news on AI‑powered book covers: https://www.toolify.ai/ai-news/aipowered-book-covers-the-ethical-dilemma-for-indie-authors-3626920#bar5
• RNZ story on NZ Book Awards AI‑cover ban: https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/top-writers-ruled-out-of-nz-book-awards-due-to-ai-covers
• NPR coverage of 70+ authors’ open letter (2025): https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454736/more-than-70-writers-send-open-letter-about-ai-to-literary-publishers

Help Keep Zombie Book Club alive!!! - 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 Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

In this episode we break down the anatomy of a zombie bite and translate forensic‑style bite‑risk data into a practical “survival wardrobe.” By mapping where bites most often land—forearms, hands and lower legs—we prioritize protecting the extremities first, then layer outward for weather and mobility. Plus, we discuss low‑tech hacks like duct‑taped DIY bracers.

We also pull in real‑world analogues: forensic pathology shows defensive wounds concentrate on the forearms , police self‑defence manuals echo the same patterns , and CDC dog‑bite statistics illustrate how bite incidence clusters on exposed limbs. Those indirect sources justify our bite‑risk percentages and guide the material matrix that ranks denim, leather, Kevlar, silk, nylon and others for durability, weight, breathability and bite resistance. Whether you’re scavenging, fighting, or just staying mobile, this episode equips you with a data‑backed checklist to stay alive in the apocalypse.

Related Links

• Forensic Pathology, by Vincent J.M. DiMaio
• A paper published on the NIH website about Animal and Human Bite Wounds

Zombie Stories that include forearm armor

• Among The Dead : Part One : Shadow of Death by Ryan Colley
• Return by Alice B. Sullivan
• Last Man Standing: The Complete Trilogy by Keith Taylor
  
  

Click here to back Ollies 'MAZE 1: Staken; Not Stirred' on kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ollieeatsbrains/maze-1-staken-not-stirred

Help Keep Zombie Book Club alive!!! - 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 Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com

Using Deepa Iyer’s Social‑Change Ecosystem framework, we match each of its ten roles—Weaver, Experimenter, Frontline Responder, Visionary, Builder, Caregiver, Healer, Disruptor, Storyteller, and Guide—to iconic characters from The Walking Dead. From Glenn’s bridge‑building hustle to Michonne’s charter writing chronicles, we show how those archetypes keep hope, logistics, and morale alive when the dead rise.

Check out Deepa Iyer's framework to name your own apocalypse strength, spot gaps in your crew, and pair complementary roles. Let us know your archetype, and let’s turn the zombie apocalypse into organized community action.

• Framework & resource links mentioned in the episode
  • Social Change Map (home of the ecosystem): https://www.socialchangemap.com/home/step-1
  • Deepa Iyer’s Instagram post referenced in the show notes: https://www.instagram.com/deepaviyer/?hl=en

Click here to back Ollies 'MAZE 1: Staken; Not Stirred' on kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ollieeatsbrains/maze-1-staken-not-stirred

Help Keep Zombie Book Club alive!!! - 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 Merchandise Store (Where you can find our Evil Magic Chicken Zombie Shirts): https://zombie-book-club.myspreadshop.com