
I Am Negan: The Dictator's Playbook | Zombie Book Club Ep 92
04/20/25 • 75 min
In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we dive deep into the chilling parallels between Negan from The Walking Dead and real-world authoritarian regimes. By breaking down Negan’s methods into four distinct phases—consolidating power, eroding democratic institutions, establishing totalitarian control, and sustaining the regime—we expose the disturbing strategies dictators employ to seize and maintain power.
From identity erasure through the "I am Negan" mantra to economic coercion and psychological manipulation, this analysis offers crucial insights into recognizing and resisting authoritarian tactics in our own world. Join the discussion to discover how fictional villains can teach us real-life lessons about vigilance, resistance, and the fight against tyranny.
Show Notes:
- Special Elevator Pitch By Scott Serkland For "Young and the Dead: No Zombies Allowed"
- https://youngandthedead.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serkworks
- Instagram: @serkworks
Show References
- https://dictatorplaybook.com/
- PBS Documentary: The Dictator’s Playbook: https://www.pbs.org/show/dictators-playbook/
Books to Read:
- "How Democracies Die" by Levitsky & Ziblatt
- "The Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert O. Paxton
- "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder
- "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- "Twilight of Democracy" by Anne Applebaum
- "The Origins of Totalitarianism" by Hannah Arendt
- "Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman
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: [email protected]
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 dive deep into the chilling parallels between Negan from The Walking Dead and real-world authoritarian regimes. By breaking down Negan’s methods into four distinct phases—consolidating power, eroding democratic institutions, establishing totalitarian control, and sustaining the regime—we expose the disturbing strategies dictators employ to seize and maintain power.
From identity erasure through the "I am Negan" mantra to economic coercion and psychological manipulation, this analysis offers crucial insights into recognizing and resisting authoritarian tactics in our own world. Join the discussion to discover how fictional villains can teach us real-life lessons about vigilance, resistance, and the fight against tyranny.
Show Notes:
- Special Elevator Pitch By Scott Serkland For "Young and the Dead: No Zombies Allowed"
- https://youngandthedead.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serkworks
- Instagram: @serkworks
Show References
- https://dictatorplaybook.com/
- PBS Documentary: The Dictator’s Playbook: https://www.pbs.org/show/dictators-playbook/
Books to Read:
- "How Democracies Die" by Levitsky & Ziblatt
- "The Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert O. Paxton
- "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder
- "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
- "Twilight of Democracy" by Anne Applebaum
- "The Origins of Totalitarianism" by Hannah Arendt
- "Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman
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: [email protected]
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
Previous Episode

"Madcaps" with special guest Ray Jamison | Zombie Book Club Ep 91
In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we welcome Canadian comic creator Ray Jamison to discuss his fantasy-horror comic series, The Madcaps. Born from a decade-long Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Madcaps follows four unconventional heroes—Sarlac, Drak, Chasgo, and Dunnan—as they reunite in their hometown of Ivywood to confront a zombie outbreak linked to a mysterious drug known as "Weave." Ray shares insights into the characters' unique abilities and the themes of identity and belonging that permeate the narrative.
We delve into the creative process behind adapting a tabletop RPG into a comic, the collaborative efforts with industry veterans like colorist Dan Kemp, and the ongoing Kickstarter campaign for Issue 2. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, comics, or tabletop gaming, this episode offers a compelling look at storytelling across mediums.
Guest & Project Links:
- Ray Jamison on Instagram: @raymondthedm
- The Madcaps Issue #2 Kickstarter: Issue #2
- Philbo Publishing: Kickstarter Creator Profile
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: [email protected]
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
Next Episode

Days Worth Living with Special Guests Rowen and Erica | Zombie Book Club Ep 93
In this episode of Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah sit down with comic creators Rowen H. and Erica B. to discuss their indie series Days Worth Living. Set in 2005 Illinois, this emotionally charged zombie apocalypse narrative follows elementary school teacher Joshua Martins and bus driver Phil as they strive to protect six children during a field trip gone awry.
Rowen and Erica delve into their creative process, the deliberate choice of a pre-smartphone era setting, and the reimagining of traditional zombie lore. They explore themes of emotional resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of human connection in a disconnected world.
Contact Information & Relevant Links:
- Read Days Worth Living Online:
- Follow Days Worth Living on Instagram:
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: [email protected]
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
Zombie Book Club - I Am Negan: The Dictator's Playbook | Zombie Book Club Ep 92
Transcript
Welcome to the Zombie Book Club , the only book club where the book is step-by-step instructions to install your very own dictatorship . If you don't like the one you got now , just install a new one . Yeah , make your own . Make your own dictatorship .
Speaker 2D-B-I-D , no , b-y-d , b-y-o-d , b-y-o-d . Yeah .
Speaker 1If you like this episode you’ll love
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