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

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark | Banned Camp Halloween Special - Spooky Reads That Were Too Scary for Kids

In this special Halloween edition of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan, joined by Butch the dog along with his dog wife, Baby,  (or Eddie Munster lookalike), bring you some creepy tales from "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." Dan takes over the reading duties this time, bringing to life short, spine-tingling stories that were once banned for being too scary for children. Listen as they discuss talking cats, giant felines, and mysterious transformations, all while diving into why these tales were considered too frightening. Robot also joins the party to share why this book was banned. It's a fun, spooky ride full of Halloween vibes, humor, and great commentary on book censorship.New Season Announcement:And don’t forget! Season 7 of Banned Camp kicks off on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, as Jennifer and Dan dive into Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Don’t miss it—it’s going to be out of this world (literally)!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love spooky banned books and fun commentary? Then be sure to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Every review helps more "scary book people" find us!Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell 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 Alvin Schwartz, his estate, or the publishers of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered:banned books, scary stories to tell in the dark, talking cats, giant cats, alligator transformations, banned children’s books, spooky stories, book censorship, Halloween special

Aristotle and Dante Book vs. Movie: Did Hollywood Nail It? (Crossover with Queer Cinema Catchup)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan are joined by Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catchup for a lively discussion comparing the Aristotle and Dante book to its movie adaptation. The group dives into whether Hollywood captured the heart of this coming-of-age story, examining the portrayal of the characters, themes, and the changes made from page to screen. Did the movie stay true to the book's essence, or did it miss the mark? Tune in for a deep dive into how well the adaptation translates to film and how it holds up for fans of the novel.Things To Listen For:A breakdown of key differences between the Aristotle and Dante book and movieInsightful comparisons of how the characters and themes were adapted on screenWhy certain scenes were left out or changed in the filmAllison and Joe’s perspective on queer representation in the adaptationDid Hollywood get it right? Hear what the panel thinks!Banworthy to Bingeworthy:If you love deep dives into films through a queer lens, check out Queer Cinema Catchup! Hosts Allison and Joe explore everything from cult classics to mainstream hits, all while bringing a unique and insightful perspective. Their latest episode reviews Death Becomes Her, and it’s a must-listen for fans of LGBTQ+ cinema. Find them at Queer Cinema Catchup or on your favorite podcast app!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Don’t miss out on future Banned Camp fun! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Every review helps us keep the conversation on banned books going!Featured Clips:Featured clip includes Macho Duck from Mickey Mouse Disco. All rights belong to Disney, used here under fair use guidelines.Topics Covered:Aristotle and Dante book vs. movie, Queer Cinema Catchup, LGBTQ+ representation, movie adaptation, book-to-film changes, banned books, Hollywood adaptations

Banned Camp Programming Update

Dan shares a quick update on what's coming next for Banned Camp. Next week kicks off with a crossover episode featuring Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catch Up, where they’ll compare the book and movie versions of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. And don’t miss out on the Halloween Spooktacular on Thursday, where Dan will (attempt to) read from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Plus, get ready for the premiere of Season 7 on election day, featuring Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut!

Banned Camp - Negative Emails and Reviews From Season 6: Jen and Dan Are Here for It

This week, Jen and Dan dive headfirst into their inbox and take on the best of the worst: negative emails and reviews. Oh, and of course, Robot gets involved, lending his voice to one of the angrier emails.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love the show? Hate it? Either way, let us know! Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and don't forget to follow so you never miss an episode.Featured Clips:This episode includes a brief clip from Classic Dairy Queen Commercial Mountain of Taste 1987. Produced by Dairy Queen and distributed in the 80s. Used under fair use guidelines for entertainment purposes.Topics Covered:Negative reviews, listener emails, Dairy Queen, 80s nostalgia, Robot voiceover, censorship, banned books, Aristotle and Dante, humor in criticism.

Slaughterhouse-Five | Season 7 Kickoff: Fan Vote Winner Revealed!

In this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan reveal the fan vote winner for the next banned book to be featured on the podcast: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut! After a heated competition, this classic anti-war novel emerged victorious, beating out The Handmaid’s Tale, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Lord of the Flies, and Catcher in the Rye. The new season will officially debut on Election Day, November 5th—perfect for listening while you wait in line to vote. Tune in for the second annual Halloween special on October 31st, and don’t miss the next episode featuring a "hate mail edition" where Jennifer and Dan read and respond to their best (and worst) hate mail!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you love listening to Banned Camp, please rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help us reach more scary book people and fight censorship together!

Season 7 of Banned Camp Begins....

In this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan get political (sort of) as they prepare for Season 7. The Scary Book People have the power to decide which banned book they will cover next, with five exciting (and controversial) options to choose from. The five contenders include:The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret AtwoodRoll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. TaylorThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerSlaughterhouse-Five by Kurt VonnegutLord of the Flies by William GoldingWe need your help deciding which banned book to cover next season! Will it be The Handmaid’s Tale for its controversial portrayal of women’s rights? Or maybe Lord of the Flies with its dark look at human nature? Email your vote to pod@bannedcamppodcast.com before Thursday, and make your voice heard!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you enjoy laughing along with us while we explore banned books, we'd love it if you could take a minute to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps keep the Scary Book People community growing strong!Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 these books 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 works, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holders. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to fully appreciate them in their original context.Topics Covered:Election Day, banned books, The Handmaid’s Tale, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, The Catcher in the Rye, Slaughterhouse-Five, Lord of the Flies, censorship, vote, Scary Book People, book bans.

Aristotle and Dante | Final Chapter - Secrets of the Universe Revealed

In this thrilling finale of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Dan and Jennifer follow Ari and Dante as they navigate their deepest truths and uncover the long-hidden emotions that have shaped their lives. With the help of their parents and their evolving bond, the boys finally come to terms with who they are and how they feel about each other. Things To Listen For:Ari and Dante's final, emotional conversation under the stars.The significance of Ari's relationship with his parents and their role in his journey.Jen and Dan's thoughts on how the book handled the coming-out moment.oh, and is Ari secretly a champion bowler?Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you've enjoyed this season, we'd love for you to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue diving into banned books and uncovering their secrets, one chapter at a time!Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 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 Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.Topics Covered:Ari and Dante's relationship, self-discovery, family dynamics, coming out, final chapters, love and acceptance, book bans, LGBTQ+ representation, humor in banned books, bowling scene humor.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapter 18 – This Turned Into A Gay Intervention

In this episode of Banned Camp, Dan and Jennifer dive into Chapter 18 of Part 6 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Ari’s family takes an unexpected turn when they hold a surprise family meeting, which quickly escalates into what Dan calls a "gay intervention." As Ari’s father finally opens up about his traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War, the conversation shifts from painful memories to Ari's complicated feelings for Dante. The family’s direct and somewhat awkward approach leads to some big revelations that catch Ari off guard. Will Ari accept the truth about his feelings for Dante? Tune in for Dan and Jennifer’s witty banter, thoughtful insights, and their usual dose of humor as they unpack this emotional chapter.Things To Listen For:Ari’s father’s heartfelt confession about his experience in Vietnam and the burden of unresolved pain.Dan’s humorous take on how this family meeting becomes a full-blown "gay intervention."Jennifer and Dan reflect on the complexity of Ari’s feelings for Dante and how his family pushes him to confront the truth.The dynamic shift in Ari’s relationship with his parents, and the unusual way the family addresses Ari’s potential feelings for Dante.Dan’s thoughts on how the coming-out process is being handled in this chapter, and Jennifer’s reaction to the family's proactive approach.Why Dan and Jennifer speculate this scene could be one of the reasons the book is banned.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to stay up-to-date with Banned Camp! Your reviews help others discover the show, and we love hearing your feedback.Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 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 Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. 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:Ari’s feelings for Dante, family intervention, Vietnam War trauma, LGBTQ+ themes, coming out, emotional vulnerability, family dynamics, Dan and Jennifer’s banter, censorship themes, coming out pressures, gay love realization.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 13-17 - Transgressions and Truths

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue their journey through Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, covering Chapters 13-17. As Ari wrestles with the shocking truths about his brother's past and the emotional fallout, the tension between him and Dante deepens. From revelations about Bernardo's crime to reflective moments of pain, guilt, and fleeting joy, this episode captures the raw vulnerability of teenage self-discovery. Expect laughter, deep discussions, and the occasional tangent—because what's a podcast without a few digressions?Things To Listen For:Ari uncovers the disturbing truth about his brother's crime.The hosts' humorous banter about teenage angst and rebellion.Robot clears up the difference between transvestite and transgender.Jennifer and Dan dive into a candid conversation about the realities of violence against the transgender community.A spirited debate on whether Ari is becoming more like his troubled brother.Banworthy to Bingeworthy:In this week’s Banworthy to Bingeworthy recommendation, we’re shouting out the Velshi Banned Book Club podcast hosted by MSNBC's Ali Velshi. Ali takes a deep dive into the reasons why certain books face censorship, often featuring banned authors themselves. As part of National Banned Book Week, we extend a huge thank you to Ali for helping to elevate these important conversations! Check out Velshi Banned Book Club on your favorite podcast platform.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you're enjoying Banned Camp, don't forget to rate, review, and follow on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps more scary book people find us, and keeps the fight against censorship alive.Featured Clips:Featured in this episode is a brief clip from the iconic Chili's Baby Back Ribs commercial. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used for entertainment purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended!Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 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 Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. 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:Bernardo's crime, transphobia, brotherhood, Ari's identity crisis, friendship tension, censorship.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 7-12 - Punching Nazis & Life Lessons

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan tackle the heavy-hitting Chapters 7-12 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari wrestles with family secrets, his mother opens up about his brother’s crime, and emotions run high. From discussions of tough love to the occasional joke about punching Nazis, this episode has it all!Things To Listen For:Ari’s confrontation with his mother about his brother’s past and the burden of family secrets.Jennifer’s take on how easy (or not) it is to accidentally kill someone in a fight.Humorous banter about the 1980s, Mexican kids’ access to the law, and parenting guilt.A quick lesson on Spanish with Robot and the Arrested Development clip on the meaning of “Hermano.”Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Check out Velshi Banned Book Club, where Ali Velshi dives deep with authors of banned books to explore the powerful themes and controversies surrounding their works. Listen on Apple Podcasts.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:If you enjoy listening to Banned Camp, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help spread the word about our mission to fight censorship, one banned book at a time!Featured Clips:This episode features a clip from the Arrested Development TV series. All rights to the clip belong to the creators of Arrested Development and are used here for commentary under fair use guidelines.Disclaimer:This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 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 Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. 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:family secrets, emotional trauma, Mexican kids in the 80s, Ari's brother, Dante’s recovery, fighting Nazis, Arrested Development Hermano clip, therapy, masculinity, friendship, violence