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

The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 1: Why Did This Depressed Teen Scare America for 21 Years?

Holden Caulfield got kicked out of his fourth prep school and refuses to tell us his whole "David Copperfield kind of crap" autobiography. Instead, he stands on a freezing hill watching a football game he's not allowed to play in anymore, trying to feel some kind of goodbye before heading to see his old teacher. It's December, it's cold as hell, and Holden keeps feeling like he's disappearing every time he crosses a road.
Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.
Things To Listen For:- Dan and Jennifer immediately like Holden's sarcastic "I don't feel like going into it" energy- The great prep school debate: is it just rich people paying others to raise their kids?- Holden calls out his school's fake advertising ("horses that don't exist") and "strictly for the birds" claims about molding splendid young men- Robot clarifies that "falsies" are fake fingernails, not what Dan was thinking- The new PPP rubric: testing whether Chapter 1 is objectively ban-worthy using three yes/no questions
Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? Holden Caulfield sees through institutional phoniness and refuses to perform gratitude for systems that failed him—which is exactly what authoritarian thinking can't tolerate, even if they claim it's about profanity.
If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).
Banworthy to BingeworthyCheck out **Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order**, a deep dive into one of America's darkest chapters—when the U.S. military deployed on American streets to forcibly remove whole communities, and the burn order that tried to cover it all up.
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, in accordance with fair use guidelines.
The material used from the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.
Topics Covered:The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 1, Holden Caulfield, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer, DB, Selma Thurmer, Robert Tichener, Paul Campbell, Mr. Zambesi, prep school culture, institutional phoniness, depression, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Season 10 Book Reveal: The Catcher in the Rye | Starts Jan 15

Season 10 Book Reveal: The Catcher in the Rye | Banned Books Comedy Podcast
The votes are in, scary book people. After a nail-biting finish where Kite Runner seemed like the clear winner, Catcher in the Rye surged past overnight to claim the Season 10 spot. Dan's never read it. Jennifer's ready to find out if there's a lighthouse involved.
Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.
If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here—this is the perfect jumping-on point for Season 10!
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, in accordance with fair use guidelines.
Topics Covered:The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Season 10, book voting, Kite Runner, Handmaid's Tale, Holden Caulfield, teenage rebellion, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Brave New World Ch. 18.3: The Final Chapter - How the Book Ends | Banned Books Podcast

The season finale is here. John has retreated to his lighthouse seeking solitude, but solitude isn't what he finds. A filmmaker captures his self-flagellation and turns it into entertainment. Helicopters descend. Crowds gather demanding "the whipping stunt." And when Lenina arrives with tears in her eyes, everything falls apart. This is how Brave New World ends...  and it's not what you expect.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:Darwin Bonaparte hiding in a fake tree for 72 hours to film John like a nature documentaryThe crowd throwing sex hormone chewing gum at John like he's a zoo animalJennifer's dark confession about what she hopes happens to JohnDan's reaction to realizing John attacked Lenina with a whipThe orgy-porgy chant breaking out as the crowd starts beating each otherRobot's brutal explanation of the ending that Dan completely missedWhy was Brave New World banned? This chapter showcases the satirical treatment of religion, mass conditioning, and the ultimate failure of individualism against a system designed for conformity—themes that challenge both conservative and progressive assumptions about freedom.If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).Banworthy to Bingeworthy Looking for more podcasts to fuel your resistance? Check out these shows:Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order – Rachel Maddow's latest narrative podcast exposes one of the most shocking decisions in American history: the executive order to round up Japanese Americans during WWII. A chilling examination of what happens when paranoia and racism drive government policy—with unsettling parallels to today.Good News for Lefties – Hosted by our own Beowulf Rochlen, this daily podcast delivers positive, progressive news for democracy. A much-needed respite from doom-scrolling, proving that good things are still happening even in difficult times.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 short clips from the Soarin' Over California theme (Disney) and "Whip It" by Devo. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education.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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, his estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 18, John the Savage, Lenina Crowne, Darwin Bonaparte, Henry Foster, Mustafa Mond, suicide, isolation, conditioning, mass entertainment, individualism vs conformity, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary ana

Brave New World Ch. 18.2: John’s Lighthouse Self-Punishment | Banned Books Podcast

John has finally escaped to his lighthouse—complete freedom, everything he wanted. So naturally, he spends his time making weapons, planning a garden, and whipping himself bloody every time he accidentally feels happy. When he catches himself singing while carving a bow, he punishes himself with mustard water and a knotted cord. The World State doesn't need to control him anymore. He's doing it to himself.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:John's prepper shopping list includes real wheat flour because synthetic is for quittersDan admits he'd be dead within three days trying to survive like JohnThe moment John catches himself singing and immediately feels guilty for being happyThree Delta workers stumble upon John whipping himself and have absolutely no frame of reference for what they're seeingDan's pitch-perfect "Jesus Christ" when the self-flagellation kicks inJohn literally throws himself into a juniper bush to avoid thinking about LeninaWhy was Brave New World banned? This chapter shows someone so thoroughly conditioned by shame that he can't experience joy without punishing himself—a disturbing mirror for how authoritarian thinking teaches people to police their own happiness.If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).**VOTE NOW: We're finishing Brave New World in 2-3 episodes and YOU get to decide what we read next!** Email your vote to pod@bannedcamppodcast.com within the next few days. Your choices:- Catcher in the Rye- Of Mice and Men- The Great Gatsby- The Kite Runner- Handmaid's TaleBanworthy to Bingeworthy Looking for more podcasts that don't treat you like you're fragile? Here are a couple we think you'll love:Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order: A sharp, unsettling series about state power, targeting, and what happens when "security" turns into removal and coverups.Good News for Lefties and America: A steady dose of genuinely positive stories for progressives, because you deserve a break from doomscrolling without pretending everything's fine.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-camp-banned-books-comedy-and-free-speech-vs/id1676866857Featured Clips This episode includes a short clip from "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" from the musical Oklahoma! All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education.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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/brave-new-world-aldous-huxley/f7c8af7eeabea853?ean=9780060850524&next=t&This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, his estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Cove

New Year’s Special: Reviews, Rants & VOTE for What We Read Next | Banned Books Comedy

Happy New Year! Dan's sick, 2025 can go straight to hell, and we're taking a break from Brave New World to read your reviews—the good, the bad, and the "keep politics out of it" crowd who somehow missed the entire point of a banned books podcast.**VOTE NOW: We're finishing Brave New World in 2-3 episodes and YOU get to decide what we read next!** Email your vote to pod@bannedcamppodcast.com within the next few days. Your choices:- Catcher in the Rye- Of Mice and Men- The Great Gatsby- The Kite Runner- Handmaid's TaleBanned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:- Dan reads the worst reviews: "great concept but the political comments really don't belong"- Jennifer's fragile snowflake heart can't handle bad reviews (Dan has to filter them)- The "thought this would be just about books" crowd completely misses what banning IS- Robert from Mobile, Alabama sends the angriest email in podcast history- "Maybe if you actually read the book instead of just talking about it" (we literally read it word-for-word)- The beautiful reviews that keep us going (thank you, scary book people)- The five finalists for next season and how to cast your voteWhy do people want us to "keep politics out of it"? Because talking about book banning IS political. Because these books were banned for political reasons. Because everything we read challenges power structures. You can't separate banned books from politics—that's the entire point.If this is your first episode, welcome to the chaos. Dan's immune system is roughly equivalent to George Burns if he were still alive. Jennifer reads the books. Robot fact-checks. We talk about why books get banned. Sometimes people get mad about it.**Remember to vote!** Email pod@bannedcamppodcast.com with your choice for our next season.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Topics Covered:New Year's special, podcast reviews, book banning, censorship, political discussion, Brave New World, Catcher in the Rye, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner, Handmaid's Tale, banned books, banned books podcast, literary analysis, comedy podcast, freedom of speech, listener vote

Brave New World Ch. 18.1: Is Suffering the Price of Being Human? | Why Books Get Banned

We start the final chapter of Brave New World and John immediately decides civilization has poisoned him… so he purifies himself the old-school way. Then he heads off to a lonely lighthouse “hermitage,” where he tries to earn the right to beauty through pain, shame, and some extremely intense main character energy.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter, we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:Robot’s “previously on” recap, including John’s big “I claim the right to be unhappy” momentThe mustard-and-warm-water fact check, aka “rage vomiting as wellness”Jennifer vs. English place names (and Dan’s promise that London is the only one we need)The “soma helicopter” version of drunk driving, and why this world would absolutely have accidentsJohn’s lighthouse self-flagellation era, plus Dan’s strong public stance against nipple ringsOur end-of-season listener call: vote for the next banned book, and get your email in nowWhy was Brave New World banned? It’s been challenged for sexual content, drug use and “immorality,” and for being openly hostile to organized religion and traditional social norms, especially when it portrays pleasure and control as the official tools of the state.Banworthy to Bingeworthy Need something good in your feed after all this dystopian nonsense? Here are two shows we think you’ll like:Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order: A sharp, unsettling series about state power, targeting, and what happens when “security” turns into removal and coverups.Good News for Lefties and America: A steady dose of genuinely positive stories for progressives, because you deserve a break from doomscrolling without pretending everything’s fine.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, 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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy to experience the book in its entirety.This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, their estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered:Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 18, John the Savage, Lenina, Bernard, Helmholtz, Mustafa Mond, Robot, Beowulf Rochlen, self-flagellation, purification rituals, beauty vs control, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

2025 Banned Camp Christmas

In this festive holiday episode, Jennifer and Dan celebrate Christmas Banned Camp style. The episode’s highlight is a surprise guest reading ofa special Holiday poem favorite poem. Expect a lively discussion about its meaning and political undertones.Jennifer and Dan wish all listeners a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a restful break from the chaos of the world. They sign off with gratitude for their audience and a promise to return with more banned book fun.

Brave New World Ch. 17.2: The Right to Be Unhappy | Banned Books Podcast

John and Mustapha Mond go head-to-head over the weirdest argument of all, whether a “perfect” life is worth the price of your soul, your freedom, and your right to feel anything real. Along the way we detour through King Lear, religion, pleasant vices, and the phrase “Christianity without tears,” which is either brilliant… or horrifying… or both.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter, we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:Robot speed-running King Lear, including “Gonad and Reagan” (unfortunate, iconic)The “atheists aren’t sacrificing goats” rant, and why basic decency doesn’t require GodThe line that basically explains the entire Brave New World project: “Christianity without tears”Mosquitoes as character development (and why John thinks “nothing costs enough”)VPS, the monthly, chemically scheduled rage session, because even utopias need to ventJohn’s big closing swing: claiming the right to be unhappy, plus… syphilis and cancer (buddy, relax)Why was Brave New World banned? This chapter puts a spotlight on religion, sexuality, pleasure, drugs, and the idea that the state can engineer morality by controlling pain, desire, and belief. It’s basically a handbook for why censors hate books, it makes people ask “wait… who gets to decide what a good life is?”If this is your first episode, you’re fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).Banworthy to Bingeworthy Here’s the binge-worthy listen we featured at the end of the episode:Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order — A gripping investigation into the U.S. military being deployed on American streets, whole communities targeted, and the attempts to bury the evidence when accountability finally shows up. Heavy, urgent, and painfully relevant, the kind of story that makes “it can’t happen here” feel like a bad joke.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines.The material used from the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy  to experience the book in its entirety.This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, their estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered:Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 17, John, Mustapha Mond, Robot, King Lear, Edmund, Edgar, Cordelia, Goneril, Regan, Othello, Desdemona, soma, VPS (Violent Passion Surrogate), religion, free will, human dignity, suffering vs comfort, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Brave New World Ch. 17.1: Why would a ’perfect’ society ban God? | Why Books Get Banned

Mustapha Mond opens his literal vault of “smut”… and it’s the Bible, William James, and a bunch of old religious philosophy that the World State treats like porn. John tries to argue for God, solitude, and death, and Mond basically says: we engineered a world where you never have to be alone, lose anything, or grow old… so God becomes “incompatible.”Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter, and we don’t read ahead… so you’re discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:Mond’s “pornographic old books” reveal, and why religion lives in a safe nowDan’s guess that the forbidden book is Harry Potter (or Twilight)Jennifer trying to untangle “we are not our own”… while holding her earrings“Letters from Penthouse” (Dan is not helping)The chapter’s big thesis: God vs machinery, medicine, and “universal happiness”John’s real problem with this society… no solitude, no misery, no secret underwear crimeWhy was Brave New World banned? This chapter hits the pressure points that get books challenged fast: religion and anti-religion arguments, sexuality, social engineering, and a society built on chemical happiness and control.If this is your first episode, you’re fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).Banworthy to BingeworthyTwo pods to keep you company in this extremely normal timeline:Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order — A gripping investigation into how state power can target entire communities… and then try to hide the evidence.Good News for Lefties — If you need a breather after the doomscroll, Beowulf brings actual, grounded optimism for progressives… the kind that doesn’t sugarcoat reality, but still reminds you there’s stuff worth fighting for.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines.The material used from the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy to experience the book in its entirety.This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, their estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 17, John the Savage, Mustapha Mond, Cardinal Newman, Maine de Biran, William James, Thomas à Kempis, Shakespeare, Lenina, soma, Nine Years War, God, religion, solitude, conditioning, universal happiness, social control, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Brave New World Ch 16.2: The Cost of Stability | Banned Books Comedy

In Chapter 16.2 of Brave New World, the World Controller finally explains the system without euphemisms. Truth is dangerous. Science has to be restrained. And happiness, especially other people’s happiness, comes at a cost someone has to pay.Jennifer and Dan unpack the idea that stability matters more than meaning, that pleasure replaces happiness, and that a society can function smoothly as long as people are conditioned not to want too much. Bernard collapses under pressure, exile is reframed as a reward, and the book starts to feel disturbingly familiar.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter, and we don’t read ahead, so you’re discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:The explanation of why truth and science are considered threats to stabilityThe Cyprus experiment and what happens when a society is made entirely of “alphas”Bernard completely unraveling when faced with real consequencesThe idea that exile can be framed as a privilege instead of a punishmentRobot’s fact-check on Rush Limbaugh and pharmaceutical “soma” cultureJennifer and Dan realizing this dystopia doesn’t rely on fear, just comfortWhy was Brave New World banned?This book has been challenged for its critique of government control, suppression of free thought, drug use as social management, and its argument that comfort and stability can be used to justify censorship.If this is your first episode, you’re fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter, spoilers included.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines.The material used from the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy to experience the book in its entirety.This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, his estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Topics Covered:Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Mustapha Mond, Bernard Marx, Helmholtz Watson, John the Savage, happiness vs truth, government control, conditioning, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast