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For Austin Author, The Zombie Narrative Asks What It Means To Be Fully Alive

Gabriel Cristóver Pérez
/
KUT
Why are zombie stories so popular?

Baylor University English professor Greg Garrett researches and writes about the intersection of religion and popular culture. In his most recent book, Living with the Living Dead: The Wisdom of the Zombie Apocalypse, the Austin author explores the current narrative of the zombie apocalypse and the modern threats it stands for.

Garrett talks with KUT's Jennifer Stayton about how the zombie apocalypse narrative helps the living cope when life gets tough.

"The great – and terrible – thing about zombies," he says, "is that they can stand in for whatever keeps us awake at night."

Listen to the extended interview:

Jennifer Stayton is the local host for NPR's "Morning Edition" on KUT. Got a tip? Email her at jstayton@kut.org. Follow her on X @jenstayton.