Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 7 - Billy’s Plane Ride to Chaos and Yodeling Skiers

On today's episode of Banned Camp, we read Chapter 7 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Billy Pilgrim survives a plane crash he knew was coming. (Spoiler: He said nothing. Thanks, Billy.) We also meet a barbershop quartet called ‘The Febs,’ witness a syrup-smuggling operation worthy of its own heist movie, and learn why yodeling has been unfairly sidelined in modern rock music. Oh, and there’s an awkward encounter with naked strangers—because Vonnegut wouldn’t have it any other way.Things to Listen For:That barbershop quartet? They call themselves "The Febs" (short for "Four-Eyed Bastards"). Yes, really.Yodeling.Jennifer’s refusal to ever eat family-style, and Dan’s pickle factory horror story.Billy sneaking syrup like it’s contraband and sharing it with a friend in need.Banworthy to Bingeworthy:"Need a pick-me-up? Check out Good News For Lefties! Host Beowulf drops quick, feel-good updates that remind you the world isn’t completely falling apart. It’s like a daily dopamine shot for progressives. Find it on goodnewsforlefties.com."Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Featured Clips:This episode includes a short clip of yodeling rock music courtesy of Focus’s iconic track Hocus Pocus. All rights belong to their respective owners.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use guidelines. Material from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is used to provoke thought about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them fully in their original context.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, plane crash, syrup smuggling, yodeling, communal showers, Dresden, banned books, censorship.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 6 - Billy Pilgrim: Cinderella in Combat Boots

War has never looked so absurd. In chapter six of Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim stumbles through fate’s cruel wardrobe department, emerging as a tragicomic figure draped in azure curtains, muff-clad hands, and silver boots. Jennifer and Dan talk about Vonnegut’s biting critique of war’s absurdity as Billy marches into Dresden, a city on the brink of annihilation. Along the way, they ponder English POW survival tips, debate the stubborn resilience of kids against the cold.Things To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s tragicomic transformation into “Cinderella” with combat-ready princess boots.Jennifer and Dan’s debate on when kids stop “just playing through” the cold.The Englishman’s surprising survival tips for prisoners of war.A Moms4Liberty bot concept that’s not quite ready for mass production.Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Check out Good News for Lefties! Hosted by Beowulf Rocklin, this podcast delivers daily doses of positivity to counteract the gloom of the news cycle. Got good news? Call or text the show at 202-656-6271. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Featured Clips:Featured clips include a segment from the James Bond Theme and One Fine Day from the 2024 movie Wicked. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, Cinderella boots, Dresden, war absurdities, English POW survival tips, book banning, censorship.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.7 - Billionaire’s Dreams Vs. Earthling’s Nightmares

Jennifer and Dan are back, and this time, they’re wrapping up Chapter 5 of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Get ready for Howard W. Campbell Jr.’s scorching takedown of America’s wealth obsession, Billy Pilgrim’s cringe-worthy zoo moments, and a whole lot of laughs and insights along the way. They’re not holding back on billionaires, bad propaganda, or Vonnegut’s eccentric word choices. It’s absurd, funny, and oh-so-relevant.Things To Listen For:Campbell’s biting monograph: Poverty, propaganda, and a nation’s self-loathing.Jennifer and Dan’s billionaire roast session: Elon Musk, bootstraps, and class critiques.Schenectady and Hamilton-inspired German lessons.Billy Pilgrim’s bizarre Tralfamadorian zoo experience—awkward nudity included.Robot’s hot takes on mid-century Hollywood archetypes (think Megan Fox, not Scarlett Johansson).Banworthy to Bingeworthy: Check out Good News for Lefties, the podcast that’s all about celebrating progressive wins and tackling censorship with style.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Disclaimer: Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to fully appreciate them in their original context.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered: Slaughterhouse-Five, Howard W. Campbell Jr., Tralfamadorians, Montana Wildhack, alien zoo, propaganda, American poverty, classism, billionaires, banned books, censorship, Vonnegut’s humor.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.6 - Barbed Wire Ballet, PTSD, & Latrine Woes

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue chapter 5 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where time travel is real, PTSD gets metaphorical, and barbed wire proves surprisingly good at teaching Billy Pilgrim ballet. Between dissecting an awkward honeymoon chat about war (nothing says romance like trauma!) and pondering the existential significance of latrine signage, we shine a light on Vonnegut’s masterful commentary on the absurdity of human existence. Things to Listen ForBilly Pilgrim’s barbed wire ballet—Swan Lake, eat your heart out.PTSD and time travel: trauma triggers, but make it sci-fi.Robot takes us to school on wartime mental health history.Dan’s hot take: Vonnegut wrote himself in just to humblebrag.A latrine message that doubles as survival advice—don’t miss it!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!DisclaimerBanned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use guidelines. Material from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared for these purposes, with all copyrights retained by the original rights holders. We encourage listeners to purchase the book for full appreciation.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or his publishers. Any monetization is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material.Topics CoveredSlaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut, Billy Pilgrim, PTSD, barbed wire dance, wartime trauma, time travel, Edgar Derby, banned books, censorship.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.5 - Billy Pilgrim’s Rusty Hinge of Destiny

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 5.5 of Slaughterhouse-Five. From alien zoos with woke Tralfamadorians to Billy Pilgrim’s existential tunnel vision and rusty hinge romance, this chapter balances Vonnegut weirdness and harrowing truths about war, identity, and free will. Can humanity learn to focus on the good? Probably not, but we’re along for the ride anyway.Things to Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s alien zoo workout routine and unexpected body positivity.Tralfamadorian "woke" science revealing Earth’s seven genders.Dan’s argument that penguins are the happiest zoo residents.Jennifer's skepticism about Billy’s metaphysical musings and narrow vision metaphor.The haunting reality of war as Billy recounts the boiled bodies of Dresden schoolgirls.Dan’s theories on galactic destruction and human insignificance.Featured Clips:This episode includes a segment from Hardball With Chris Matthews, featuring Donald Trump’s statement, “There should be some form of punishment” for abortion, as well as a TikTok clip by @speechprof analyzing public discourse on gender and identity. Both clips are used under fair use guidelines for entertainment and educational purposes to foster critical discussion about censorship and societal issues.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:We’re stronger together. Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help more scary book people find their way here.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Billy Pilgrim, alien zoo, Tralfamadorians, tunnel vision metaphor, existentialism, gender identity, war atrocities, censorship, human insignificance, Kurt Vonnegut.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.4 - Jesus Was a Nepo Baby?

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dig into Slaughterhouse-Five’s Chapter 5.4, where Billy Pilgrim’s life reaches peak absurdity. Picture this: he’s naked in an alien zoo, under a dome of cyanide gas, with a cowboy photo taped to his broken TV. Meanwhile, Vonnegut’s satirical rewriting of the Bible suggests Jesus was the OG Nepo Baby, raising the stakes for “ban-worthy” literature. Oh, and Jennifer accidentally promotes “Colonel Moonlight” as the next great sci-fi hero. If you think banned books are weird, buckle up.Things To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim's bizarre life as a zoo exhibit.Jennifer and Dan’s debate over “Colonel Moonlight” and tableware choices.Kilgore Trout’s “Gospel from Outer Space” and its biting satire on religious narratives.Why a picture of cowboys substitutes for TV on Tralfamadore.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us! Click here.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, Tralfamadore zoo, Kilgore Trout, Gospel from Outer Space, banned books, religious satire, censorship.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.3 - Aliens, Trauma, and the Children’s Crusade

Why listen to this episode? Because where else will you find a discussion that careens from Billy Pilgrim’s mental unraveling to the mystical fourth dimension, with a pit stop to clarify that William Blake did not play Beretta? This chapter of Slaughterhouse-Five is full of existential dread, awkward family dynamics, and war-torn surrealism—all while Dan wrestles with a squeaky chair. Join us for a conversation that’s as chaotic and thought-provoking as Vonnegut’s own prose.Things To Listen For:Billy’s tiny coat, morphine dreams, and an oddly poetic bedside table.Robot explains the fourth dimension and clears up Robert Blake vs. William Blake (spoiler: Beretta is not Romantic poetry).Vonnegut’s take on war as “babies fighting babies” and how it all ties back to the Children’s Crusade.Featured Clips:This episode includes a brief excerpt from the theme song of Beretta, sung by Sammy Davis Jr., and aired from 1975 to 1978, to enhance the discussion of Robert Blake. The use of this clip falls under fair use guidelines for criticism and commentary. All rights and copyrights remain with their original owners.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:We’re stronger together. Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help more scary book people find their way here.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles. All copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy of the book for the full experience.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, William Blake, Robert Blake, fourth dimension, Children’s Crusade, Vonnegut, censorship, banned books, Beretta theme song.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.2 - Giraffes, Morphine, and Billy on Fire

Strap in, scary book people—things get absurd (and flammable) in Chapter 5.2 of Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy Pilgrim stumbles into a series of surreal scenarios, from setting himself on fire (casually, of course) to hallucinating about giraffes, all while wearing a coat that would make any fashion critic weep. Jennifer and Dan break it all down, with Robot stepping in to introduce us to Kilgore Trout. Things To Listen For:The tragic hilarity of Billy catching on fire—and not noticing.Jennifer’s thoughts on Billy’s mental state—crazed or coping?How morphine dreams led Billy to a giraffe utopia.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Help us fight censorship one laugh at a time! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts, and join the growing community of scary book people.Featured Clips:This episode includes clips from the Countdown with Keith Olbermann theme and a brief nod to the Seinfeld theme. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use guidelines for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement intended.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use guidelines. The material used from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy of the book to enjoy it fully.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Our intent is to promote critical discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, alien zoos, flammable coats, giraffe hallucinations, Kilgore Trout, censorship, morphine, Seinfeld theme, Vonnegut’s absurdism.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.1 - A Tralfamadorian Time Warp

In this episode, Jennifer and Dan take a wild ride through time and space, exploring the mind-bending philosophy of the Tralfamadorians. And let's not forget Dan's own personal tale of wartime trauma - apparently, he once threw up on a rodent. So it goes.Things to Listen For:The mind-bending concept of Tralfamadorian time perceptionBilly Pilgrim's surreal experiences as a prisoner of warDan's gets vertigo and throws up on an animalRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love what you hear? Help us fight book bans with a laugh. Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support keeps Banned Camp alive and thriving!Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to fully appreciate them in their original context.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut, Tralfamadorians, time travel, war, prisoners of war, humor, absurdity, human resilience

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 4.2 - The Triangle Coat of Doom

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 4.2 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Billy Pilgrim’s strange and surreal journey continues. From a frozen "coat" that looks more like a three-cornered hat to a delousing station reminiscent of a nightmare, the absurdity of war meets the tragedy of human suffering. Along the way, they tackle tinsel-covered coats, encounter a glowing Russian, and reflect on the peculiar philosophy of free will—or the lack of it. Things To Listen For:The infamous triangle coat and why Paris Fashion Week might be calling.The harrowing transition from dinky trains to bleak prison camps.Jennifer and Dan's take on the absurdity of time travel, glowing Russians, and shower scenes gone wrong.Robot’s bindle vs. duffel bag debate—perfect for hobo life enthusiasts.The Tralfamadorians’ mind-bending view of time and free will.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love what you hear? Help us fight book bans with a laugh. Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support keeps Banned Camp alive and thriving!Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to fully appreciate them in their original context.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Billy Pilgrim, triangle coat, delousing station, Tralfamadorians, free will, glowing Russian, time travel, frozen ferret, war absurdity, Kurt Vonnegut