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

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 4.1 - Billy’s Purple Pulsing Lights Show

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read part 1 of Chapter 4 of Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Billy Pilgrim’s strange journey takes a cosmic turn as he prepares to be kidnapped by a flying saucer. Billy’s story oscillates between absurd and profound. But wait—there’s more! Jennifer goes on a mini-rant about double beds (spoiler: she’s not a fan), Dan considers a career as a hobo (spoiler: he might thrive).Things to Listen For:The Tralfamadorians’ unique take on time and their eerie amber metaphor.Billy’s surreal experience of watching a war movie in reverse—violence undone, bombs disassembled, and humanity restored.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Enjoying Banned Camp? Help us spread the word by rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts. Your support keeps us reading, laughing, and questioning the madness of censorship.Featured Clips:Featured clips include a segment from "Memories" by Maroon 5 (Interscope Records) and "Hobo" by The Hackensaw Boys. 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 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.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim, Tralfamadorians, reverse war movies, censorship, hobos, time travel.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 3.2 - Billy Pilgrim Meets St. Elmo’s Fire

In this episode of Banned Camp, we’re diving into Chapter 3.2 of Slaughterhouse-Five. Picture this: Billy Pilgrim, a time-traveling optometrist, just trying to get through his day, napping on a bed with a vibrating "Magic Fingers" contraption (doctor’s orders, apparently). There’s Wild Bob, a guy you’ll never forget, who dreams big—like "barbecue-an-entire-steer" big. And let’s not forget the surreal glow of St. Elmo’s Fire.You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you might even wonder if your bed needs a vibration upgrade. Seriously, this chapter has it all: war memories, Lions Club meetings, and a salesman pitch gone hilariously wrong.Things To Listen For:The weirdest nap setup you’ve ever heard of (hint: vibrating beds + tears).Wild Bob’s unforgettable farewell speech and barbecue ambitions.Jennifer and Dan debating whether Kiwanis is an animal or a fruit.Why grocery store exits are dangerous if Girl Scouts are on the prowl.A surprisingly heartfelt take on the surreal beauty of St. Elmo’s Fire.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Look, if you love laughing at banned books (and who doesn’t?), go rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. It’s the best way to keep us cracking jokes while reading classics.Featured Clips:Featured clips include a snippet of "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" performed by John Parr, and a few seconds from the classic ABC’s Wide World of Sports introduction. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners, used here under fair use guidelines for commentary and education.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use guidelines. Material from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is used with the intent of sparking thought and discussion. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy to fully enjoy its original context. This podcast is not endorsed by Vonnegut's estate or the book’s publishers.Topics Covered:Billy Pilgrim, Magic Fingers, Wild Bob, St. Elmo's Fire, POW marches, wartime scams, Lions Club, banned books.

Happy Thanksgiving :)

Happy Thanksgiving, Scary Book People! 🦃We hope you enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving with good food and great company—even if you don’t all agree on politics. Let’s face it, this year feels like it might be extra challenging. So, take a deep breath, pass the mashed potatoes, and remember, pie is always bipartisan.Oh, and exciting news—we’re on Bluesky now! Come join us there!We’ll be back on Tuesday with more banned books fun. See you then!

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 3.1 - Adam, Eve, and Chaos in Dresden

Ever stare into a pair of boots and find yourself thinking about Adam and Eve? No? Well, that’s just another day in the life of Billy Pilgrim.In this episode, we dive into Chapter 3.1 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Vonnegut takes us on a wild ride through war-torn Germany, surreal time-travel moments, and... a dog named Princess. You’ll meet golden cavalry boots, hear about raspberry sherbet snow (yum?), and get a taste of why Vonnegut’s humor is as sharp as it is bizarre.If you’re into banned books, weird war stories, or just need a laugh—you don’t want to miss this one.Things To Listen For:What Billy Pilgrim sees in a pair of golden boots—and how it weirdly makes sense.How “mopping up” might be the darkest euphemism for war you’ll ever hear.A trembling dog named Princess... Vonnegut’s way of making war personal.Why Dan thinks ghost dogs are real, and Jennifer might agree.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Look, we know you’re busy—but if you’re loving the show, hit pause for two minutes and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find Banned Camp, and honestly? It just makes us smile. Thanks in advance—you’re awesome.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.Topics Covered:Billy Pilgrim, banned books, Kurt Vonnegut, golden cavalry boots, time travel, raspberry sherbet snow, Princess the dog, censorship, absurdist humor

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 2.3 - Billy Pilgrim: Hero or Misfit?

Hey, Scary Book People! In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 2.3 of Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy Pilgrim is back with more time-traveling chaos, drifting from near-death moments in the woods to hallucinations of ice skating in sweat socks. Meanwhile, Roland Weary continues to cling to his Three Musketeers fantasy—scarves and all.Along the way, Jennifer and Dan tackle life’s big questions: Why would anyone invent floating toilets? What happened to girdles? And how do you even survive being thrown into a pool as a kid? Spoiler alert: Billy might not have figured it out either.Things To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s steering wheel fiasco—and why it wasn’t stolen (but he thought it was).Roland Weary’s scarf collection: a fashion statement or a red flag?Jennifer’s take on the “good ol’ days” (spoiler: they involved a lot of meth).The Three Musketeers’ unexpected breakup—and why Billy was never a member.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love what you're hearing? Show your support by rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us keep the laughs—and the banned books—coming!Featured Clips:This episode features a snippet from "Aunt Bee" by The Liberty Photoshop Crew. 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.Topics Covered:floating toilets, girdles, Billy Pilgrim, time travel, hallucinations, Three Musketeers, Roland Weary, snow-bound conflict, book banning

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 2.2 - Torture Devices and Musketeers

This one’s got it all—awkward trench buddies, a filthy flamingo, and a history lesson on torture devices you didn’t ask for (but can’t look away from). Billy Pilgrim is still stuck in the chaos of war, dodging bullets while Roland Weary lectures anyone who’ll listen about triangular knife wounds and Iron Maidens. Oh, and the history of the world’s first dirty photograph makes an unexpected cameo. Yeah, things get weird.Things to Listen For:Who—or what—is the filthy flamingo, and why is it hilarious and tragic all at once?The life-changing arrival of “MF-er” into everyday speech.Roland Weary’s Greatest Hits: creepy collections and over-packing like a pro.How a Shetland pony and Greek mythology collided in a very wrong way.A pitch for the Filthy Flamingo cocktail—shaken, not stirred.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you’re having fun here, let us know! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find the show and fight back against book bans.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. Excerpts from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut are shared to provoke thought and discussion on literature, censorship, and societal issues. We claim no ownership of the original work, and all rights remain with Kurt Vonnegut’s estate. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy of the book to fully appreciate it in its original form.Topics Covered:Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut, banned books, censorship, Billy Pilgrim, Roland Weary, weird war stories, book banning, freedom of speech, comedy podcast.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 2.1 - Billy Pilgrim Comes Unstuck in Time

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into the mind-bending world of Chapter 2.1 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Billy Pilgrim finds himself “unstuck in time.” From abrupt visits to moments spanning his life to peculiar intergalactic encounters, listeners are pulled through Billy's unique perception of time and space. Jennifer and Dan ponder the surreal concept of life on Tralfamadore, where aliens see time as one continuous moment, and wonder how Billy’s newfound understanding will affect his Earthly life—and his optometry practice. Expect discussions on everything from toilet plungers to space zoos in this multidimensional adventure.Things to Listen For:A debate over Billy’s “unstuck in time” state—is it time travel or existential whiplash?Dan and Jennifer’s attempt to pronounce “Tralfamadore” (and other alien vocab)!Speculation on what the Tralfamadorians might have in common with household items.Jennifer’s take on why optometrists should be the ones prescribing “soul lenses” for Earthlings.The first appearance of Billy’s famous catchphrase, “So it goes.”Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love Banned Camp? Help us keep the campfires burning by rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more scary book people find our anti-censorship community. Follow us here!Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. Excerpts from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut are shared to provoke thought and discussion on literature, censorship, and societal issues. We claim no ownership of the original work, and all rights remain with Kurt Vonnegut’s estate. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy of the book to fully appreciate it in its original form.Topics Covered:time travel, Tralfamadore, banned books, World War II, existentialism, aliens, censorship, Kurt Vonnegut, Billy Pilgrim, “so it goes”

Between Hope and Heartbreak: Dan & Jennifer’s Election Thoughts

This unique episode of Banned Camp takes a break from the usual book commentary to reflect on the recent election and its emotional aftermath. Dan and Jennifer share their thoughts on the results, the direction of the country, and how censorship and suppression impact communities. We get candid about our worries for the future, recounting personal stories that underline the importance of staying connected, hopeful, and ready to push back against forces that threaten inclusivity and understanding. If you’ve ever felt disheartened by current events, this episode is here to remind you that you're not alone.Things To Listen For:Dan and Jennifer’s heartfelt concerns for women's and LGBTQ+ rights after the election.Reflections on Fahrenheit 451 and its cautionary tale of erasure, control, and censorship.Jennifer reads a poignant statement from Benjamin Alire Sáenz on love, loss, and hope for the future.The role of community and the need to bridge divides, even when it seems impossible.A personal story about a neighbor who faced hostility and the broader sense of discomfort many feel in today’s America.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Help support Banned Camp by rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts! Every review amplifies our voices and helps build a stronger community. Click here to rate and follow.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features reflections and discussions on current events and banned books, providing commentary and community support for listeners. We aim to foster understanding and unity, even during challenging times. All content discussed is intended for educational and entertainment purposes.Topics Covered:election reflection, censorship, banned books, community support, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, inclusivity, Fahrenheit 451, hope, activism, podcast

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 1.2 - No Hollywood Heroes Allowed

In this episode, Jennifer and Dan take us through the rest of Chapter 1 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Kurt Vonnegut introduces his own war reflections, setting the stage for Billy Pilgrim's story. This section offers everything from absurdity to dark revelations—like Vonnegut’s promise to his friend’s wife, Mary O’Hare, to portray war as it truly is, free from Hollywood heroics. Along the way, Jennifer and Dan dive into a few memorable tangents, from Taco Bell’s pneumatic food tubes to Vonnegut’s awkward moments as a young journalist.Things To Listen For:The origins of the book’s subtitle, “The Children’s Crusade.”A strange elevator accident that’s pure nightmare fuel (so it goes).What it means when Vonnegut’s only way to capture a massacre is with a bird’s simple “poo-tee-weet.”Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you’re enjoying Banned Camp, don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts.Disclaimer:Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books, including Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, for the purposes of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from Slaughterhouse-Five is shared to spark thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim ownership of the original work; all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We encourage listeners to purchase a copy to experience the book fully.This podcast is not endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut, his estate, or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five. Any monetization of this podcast is independent and not derived directly from the copyrighted material. Our intent is to foster educational and critical discourse within the framework of fair use.Topics Covered:Vonnegut, anti-war, The Children’s Crusade, Mary O’Hare, satire, journalism ethics, Hollywood heroism, Taco Bell tubes, censorship

Slaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 1.1 - Dresden’s “Duty Dance” Begins

Welcome to Season 7 of Banned Camp! Jennifer and Dan are back, diving into Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut—a novel that’s been banned, burned, and beloved since it first hit shelves. In Part 1 of Chapter 1, Julia Whitehead from the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library stops by with insights into the book’s turbulent history with censorship. From fires in North Dakota to free copies in Florida, Vonnegut’s story has faced it all. As Jennifer and Dan unpack the first pages, they try to make sense of the phrase “duty dance,” and Robot explains why Vonnegut compares Dresden to Dayton. Get ready for an exploration of why this darkly funny, deeply disturbing classic was seen as so dangerous.Things To Listen For:Julia Whitehead explains the reasons Slaughterhouse-Five continues to be banned.Jennifer’s theories on “duty dance”—spoiler: Dan has thoughts.Robot’s explanation of how Dresden and Dayton are “practically twins.”Vonnegut’s use of “So it goes” as a reflection on life, death, and everything in between.Special Shoutout - Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library!Want to dive deeper into Vonnegut’s world? Check out the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library in Indianapolis. This unique space celebrates Vonnegut’s life, work, and advocacy for free expression, including their mission to send banned books like Slaughterhouse-Five to students across the country. If you’re ever in Indy, don’t miss this incredible museum!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you’re enjoying Banned Camp, please consider rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more “scary book people” who want to join the fight against censorship.Disclaimer:This podcast, Banned Camp, features readings and discussions of banned books for 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:Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five, censorship, book bans, Tralfamadorians, Dresden bombing, satire, aliens, war literature, Julia Whitehead, Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Indiana, banned books, peace and war themes, duty dance.