Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
Love banned books? Hate censorship? Same.
Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books out loud, cover-to-cover, and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place. If you've never read them, now's your chance to hear them for the first time with us. If you have, well, you already know what's coming and this will be your chance to laugh at us as we bumble our way through and get horrified over and over again.
11 seasons in, we've gotten pretty good at figuring out what these books are actually about and why the people pushing book banning and censorship don't want you to read them.
This season we're reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Every episode we read the next chapter out loud, talk about what we found, and try to figure out why this book scares the book banners so much. It probably has something to do with the political shit show we're all currently living through.
You know what's really insane right now? There are people in this country who own a lot of red hats but not a lot of library cards, and somehow those people ended up in charge of deciding what your kids can read.
Moms for Liberty, pudding lover Ron DeSantis, and basically every politician who thinks they know better than you have been pushing book banning and censorship for years. We're pretty sure none of them have actually read the books, because if they did they'd have a hard time explaining why Captain Underpants and Charlotte's Web are a threat to your kids' freedom.
So we read them ourselves to find out what's really in them.
We also have a fact-checking robot so we don't accidentally spread misinformation. Or what some people call "alternative facts."
Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You'll fit right in.
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. You can start anywhere, Robot catches you up fast.
Past seasons: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
Listen on:
Episodes

Jun 24, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
21 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 3 and 4 of part two of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his aversion to television, his mother's teaching philosophy, and the complexities of their relationship. The episode also highlights Dante's artistic gesture and its emotional impact on Ari. Jennifer, Dan, and Robot chime in to answer Donald Trump's stupid question: shark or electrocution?Things To Listen For:Ari's reflections on his mother's teaching and their unique relationshipJennifer and Dan's take on Reaganomics and its impact on the 80sDante's visit to Ari and his artistic sketch that captures Ari's emotionsJennifer's impersonation of a stern German teacherElectrocution vs. shark attacks with Robot's statistical inputBanworthy to Bingeworthy: Check out "Dissecting the 80s" for another binge-worthy podcast. Hosts Tripp and Andrew Laino explore the weird, wonderful cinema of the 1980s, dissecting movies and TV shows with humor and nostalgia. Find them on your favorite podcast app and enjoy their deep dives into 80s pop culture (Dissecting the 80s) (Apple).Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Enjoying Banned Camp? Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us keep the laughs coming and the book bans at bay!Featured Clips: Featured clips include a segment from the German war song "Alte Kameraden," a traditional military march. Additionally, we played a brief snippet from "My Heart Will Go On (terrible recorder meme)" on YouTube. 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: 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 the book "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 podcast monetization 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: motherly wisdom, artistic connections, teenage angst, Reaganomics, mother-son relationships, artistic expression, friendship, Aristotle and Dante, banned books, book censorship, comedy, funny moments

Jun 19, 2024
Jun 19, 2024
21 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Aristotle battles a fierce fever, leading to surreal nightmares and tender moments with his family. Jennifer makes fun of the time paramedics were called to Dan's house while he was going the the bathroom. Things To Listen For:Aristotle's intense fever and surreal nightmaresSymbolic significance of Aristotle’s dreamsTender family moments during Aristotle's illnessDan’s amusing bathroom emergency storyJennifer’s childhood illness experienceDiscussions on self-discovery and identityRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Love what you're hearing? Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue exploring the stories behind banned books.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 the book "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: Aristotle's fever dreams, family moments, self-discovery, identity, childhood illness, symbolic significance, nightmares, personal anecdotes, banned books.

Jun 17, 2024
Jun 17, 2024
21 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 12 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari and Dante's friendship deepens through heartfelt conversations and tense encounters. From discussing the oddities of body awareness to a dramatic confrontation involving BB guns and a sparrow, this chapter is packed with moments that reveal the boys' characters and their evolving bond. Things To Listen For:The significance of Ari and Dante's conversation about body awareness.Dante's passionate reaction to animal cruelty and his confrontation with the boys.Ari's protective instincts and the complexities of their friendship.Jennifer and Dan's reflections on the themes of violence and compassion.Insights into how personal experiences shape our understanding of right and wrong.Banworthy to Bingeworthy: Check out "This Queer Book Saved My Life" hosted by J.P. Der Boghossian. This podcast explores the impact of LGBTQ books on individuals' lives, featuring personal stories and interviews with authors. Find them on your favorite podcast app.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Love our podcast? Help us spread the word! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue our fight against book bans.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 the book "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: friendship, body awareness, animal cruelty, BB guns, violence, compassion, personal experiences, right and wrong, LGBTQ, book bans

Jun 12, 2024
Jun 12, 2024
24 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 9-11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." The discussion touches on Ari and Dante's unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the peculiarities of Dante's aversion to shoes. Jennifer and Dan navigate through humorous anecdotes and thoughtful insights, exploring why Dante doesn't like wearing shoes and how the boys bond over seemingly trivial yet profound experiences. The episode also features hilarious commentary on public etiquette and quirky family dynamics, making for a lively and engaging listen.Things To Listen For:Ari and Dante's debate on nicknames and cultural identity.The significance of Dante's dislike for shoes.Humorous commentary on public etiquette, including barefoot adventures and public swearing.Dan's reflections on family affection and cultural differences in expressing love.Robot's interjections with fun facts and pronunciation corrections.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Love what you hear? Don't forget to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us keep the conversation going and brings more "scary book people" into our community!Featured Clips: Featured clips include a segment from The Simpsons, produced by Matt Groening, and a clip from Silence of the Lambs, produced by Edward Saxon, Kenneth Utt, and Ron Bozman. 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: 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 the book "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: identity, cultural differences, barefoot adventures, public etiquette, family dynamics, nicknames, Aristotle and Dante, banned books, censorship, literature critique

Jun 10, 2024
Jun 10, 2024
24 min
Episode Summary:In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 5 to 8 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari and Dante's friendship blossoms, they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, meeting Dante's dad, and debating the merits of vinyl records. From a memorable encounter with a non-ball-tanning dad to Jennifer's dog-wrangling moment, this episode captures the heartfelt and quirky sides of growing up. Tune in to find out why Ari thinks he's a fraud, Dante's poetic persuasion, and how Aristotle's blank walls spark an unexpected conversation.Things To Listen For:Ari's first impression of Dante's father and their contrasting family dynamics.Dante's quirky habit of pushing poetry onto Ari.A humorous discussion on the oddities of ball tanning inspired by Tucker Carlson.The evolving friendship and underlying romantic tension between Ari and Dante.The significance of family influence and personal discovery in teenage years.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Enjoying Banned Camp? Show us some love by rating, reviewing, and following us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue our fight against censorship and bring you more hilarious literary commentary.Featured Clips: Featured clips include a segment from 'The End of Men', directed by Tucker Carlson, produced by Fox News, and distributed by Fox Nation. 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: 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 the book "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: teenage life, family dynamics, personal identity, friendship, poetry, ball tanning, Tucker Carlson, banned books, Aristotle and Dante, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, El Paso, adolescence, masculinity, family influence, personal discovery, humor, literary commentary

Jun 5, 2024
Jun 5, 2024
29 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into Chapter 4 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari faces the discomfort of locker room showers, while Jennifer and Dan hilariously dissect modern masculinity, ball tanning trends, and teenage angst. They draw parallels between Ari's experiences and today's social dynamics, adding their signature humor along the way. From Ari’s awkwardness in the pool to his budding friendship with Dante, this episode is packed with relatable moments and insightful commentary.Things To Listen For:Ari's awkward locker room experiences and his aversion to showering with other guys.Dan's hilarious take on ball tanning and Tucker Carlson.Jennifer and Dan's discussion on toxic masculinity and its impact on young men.The introduction of Dante and his offer to teach Ari how to swim.The humorous and touching moments as Ari and Dante bond over their unusual names and common experiences.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Enjoying Banned Camp? Please take a moment to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you these insightful and entertaining episodes.Featured Clips: Featured clips include a segment from "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," produced by Spartina Productions and CBS Television Studios, as well as a clip from "Curb Your Enthusiasm," produced by HBO Entertainment. 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: 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 the book "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: locker room talk, ball tanning, toxic masculinity, teenage angst, Ari and Dante, friendship, 1980s, swimming lessons, comic books, parental expectations.

Jun 3, 2024
Jun 3, 2024
20 min
Episode SummaryIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan embark on their new season with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. They read chapters 1 through 3, where we meet Ari, a Mexican-American teenager navigating life in El Paso during the summer of 1987. As Ari contemplates his existence and bonds with his mom over music, we get a taste of the book's rich setting and themes. Jennifer and Dan reflect on Ari's struggles with identity and loneliness, peppered with humorous commentary on DJs, '80s music, and family dynamics. The episode is filled with engaging discussions, and as always, they search for any potentially ban-worthy content while enjoying the heartfelt story.Hey Scary Book People!We want to hear from you! What do you think about Ari's relationship with his mom? Can you relate to the generational and cultural differences they experience? Hop over to our Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast and share your thoughts. Let's get the conversation going, Scary Book People!Communicate With UsFollow and message us on Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast and email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Featured ClipsFeatured clips include a segment from 'La Bamba' by Los Lobos, and a clip from the classic Lone Ranger TV theme. 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 brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' remains under the copyright holder's ownership. We encourage supporting the original author by obtaining copies of their works. Please note that our podcast is not officially connected with Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.' Any monetization related to the podcast is separate from the copyrighted content discussed. We aim to foster educational dialogue and appreciation of these works, operating within the fair use framework."

May 8, 2024
May 8, 2024
36 min
Episode Summary:In this dramatic finale of Banned Camp's season 5 exploring A Wrinkle in Time, Dan and Jennifer dive into the climactic chapter where Meg faces IT in a battle of wills. As Meg channels the power of love to save Charles Wallace, our hosts dissect the profound themes of love, courage, and individuality that ripple through this ending. This episode unpacks the pivotal moments defining Meg's journey and examines the implications of Madeleine L'Engle's messages against societal conformity and the dangers of centralized control. Join us as we reflect on the entire book and its resonating message about the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of love.Hey, Scary Book People!We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on Meg's journey and her ultimate decision to confront IT with love? Have you ever experienced a moment where choosing love over fear changed the outcome? Pop over to our Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast and let us know. Dive into the discussion and share your insights with fellow listeners!Communicate With Us:Keep up with all things Banned Camp by following us on Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast. Feel free to send us your thoughts and suggestions, or just say hello through our email at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Featured Clips:This episode’s featured clips include a memorable line from "The Blues Brothers" with the iconic "We're on a mission from God," a tune from "Aunt Bee" by The Liberty Photoshop Crew celebrating the wholesome vibes of Aunt Beast, and a thrilling excerpt from Prince’s “Let's Go Crazy” that perfectly captures the episode's climactic energy.Disclaimer:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work A Wrinkle in Time remains under the copyright holder's ownership. We encourage supporting the original author by obtaining copies of their works. Please note that our podcast is not officially connected with Madeleine L'Engle, her estate, or the publishers of A Wrinkle in Time. Any monetization related to the podcast is separate from the copyrighted content discussed. We aim to foster educational dialogue and appreciation of these works, operating within the fair use framework.

May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024
29 min
Episode Summary:In this gripping installment of Banned Camp, Dan and Jennifer navigate through Chapter 11 of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Amidst the chilling vastness of a strange planet, Meg confronts not only the eerie plant-like creatures but also her mounting fears and frustrations. Our hosts deftly capture the escalating tension and the peculiar encounters that challenge the protagonists of the story. This episode delves deep into the interactions between Meg, her family, and the mysterious beings, uncovering layers of complexity in L'Engle's celebrated narrative. Tune in as we explore whether these narrative elements could be deemed ban-worthy and how they resonate with ongoing debates about censorship and the role of challenging content in children's literature.Hey Scary Book People!We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode! What did you think about Meg's reactions to the beasts? Have you ever found yourself sympathizing with a character who's stuck in a tough spot? Swing by our Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast to share your views and join the conversation. Let’s keep it light and fun – no homework, we promise!Communicate With Us:Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast and drop us a line at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com. We’re eager to hear from you!This episode’s featured clips include a segment from "The Blues Brothers" where the iconic phrase "We're on a mission from God" captures the spirited resolve of the characters.Disclaimer:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work A Wrinkle in Time remains under the copyright holder's ownership. We encourage supporting the original author by obtaining copies of their works. Please note that our podcast is not officially connected with Madeleine L'Engle, her estate, or the publishers of A Wrinkle in Time. Any monetization related to the podcast is separate from the copyrighted content discussed. We aim to foster educational dialogue and appreciation of these works, operating within the fair use framework.

May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
26 min
Hey Scary Book People (that's what we call our AWESOME listeners)! Ready to dive into a chilly adventure? In today’s episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 10 of "A Wrinkle in Time." From tessering dangers to icy receptions, Meg’s journey continues to unfold with suspense and a hint of the supernatural. But why does this chapter make some want to ban the book? Tune in as we peel back the layers of this frosty narrative.Here’s a quick rundown of what happened:Meg’s Tessering Ordeal: Meg wakes up feeling paralyzed and icy cold, struggling to communicate with her father and Calvin, who are trying to reassure and warm her up amidst mysterious and daunting circumstances.Cosmic Reflections: The discussions veer into deep territory, touching on the nature of time, space, and personal limits. It’s not just about the physical journey but these characters' mental and emotional trials.Mystical Encounters: They encounter strange, tentacled beings, adding an extra layer of eerie intrigue. Could these beings be friends or foes?Communicate With Us: We love hearing your thoughts! Did this chapter's depiction of cosmic trials stir something in you? How do you feel about the metaphysical discussions? Join the conversation on Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Disclaimer: "Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work 'A Wrinkle in Time' remains under the copyright holder's ownership. We encourage supporting the original author by obtaining copies of their works. Please note that our podcast is not officially connected with Madeleine L'Engle, her estate, or the publishers of 'A Wrinkle in Time.' Any monetization related to the podcast is separate from the copyrighted content discussed. We aim to foster educational dialogue and appreciation of these works, operating within the fair use framework."
