This episode is Part 1 of 2, which features your host, Rob Booker, speaking with a literal zombie expert, Dr. Kyle Bishop (aka “Dr. Walking Dead”) of Southern Utah University. In this first part, Rob and Kyle set up their discussion for Part 2 by covering some of the background of the zombie monster. They discuss some basic zombie trivia, and they talk about how America’s current, widespread fascination with zombies may have to do with a gut-check reaction to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. Rob and Kyle also talk about how when things get bad, we like to watch horror movies; the Greeks’ concept of catharsis, where you get to experience emotions vicariously in a safe manner; and the concept of inhumanity through selfishness.

All of this will set up this Wednesday’s episode, where Rob will apply these concepts to zombie banks, zombie nations and zombie traders — all sitting on top of piles of debt, feeding on each other. You’ve never heard another Traders Podcast episode quite like this one — so check out this show and remember to aim for the head!

Dr. Kyle Bishop’s links:
Twitter: @DrWalkingDead
Book: American Zombie Gothic: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Walking Dead in Popular Culture

Kyle’s zombie movie / book recommendations (Required Viewing):
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
28 Days Later (2002)
Shaun of the Dead (2007)
The Walking Dead (TV series)
Max Brooks’s The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From the Living Dead (book)

Jason’s additional zombie movie recommendations:
Day of the Dead (1985)
Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (1979) (aka Zombi 2)