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

Jan 8, 2024
Jan 8, 2024
24 min
Jen and Dan jump into Chapter 24 of Huckleberry Finn, where Twain's hilarity hits a new high with Jim painted blue and masquerading as a "sick Arab." Meanwhile, Jen's stubborn pronunciation of 'wigwam' and the king's ludicrous acting keep the laughs coming.This episode features a thoughtful discussion on Mark Twain’s use of absurdity to highlight societal follies, particularly the ridiculousness of painting Jim blue as a disguise.Featured clips include a segment from 'Wig-Wam Bam' by The Sweet, produced by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, and originally released by RCA Records. Additionally, a clip from 'Arrested Development', specifically the 'Blue Man Group' episode, created by Mitchell Hurwitz and produced by Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television. 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.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 24 of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Jan 3, 2024
Jan 3, 2024
34 min
Jen and Dan read Chapters 22 and 23 of "Huckleberry Finn." In this episode, we witness the duke and king's hilariously inept attempt at Shakespeare, complete with horse folding and humping mysteries. Meanwhile, we balance laughter with the poignant story of Jim's daughter.Featured clips include an interview segment with former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, hosted by Ben Meiselas from MeidasTouch, found at 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.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapters 22 and 23 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Jan 1, 2024
Jan 1, 2024
27 min
Jen and Dan delve into the comedic chaos of the duke and king's Shakespearean scenes in Chapter 21 of Huckleberry Finn, enhanced by Ol' Puddin' Fingers and murder ballads. The episode also features a debate on the con artists' overlooked opportunities in legitimate play production.For a fresh take on current events and unfiltered political commentary, check out The Tony Michaels Podcast. Find them on your favorite podcast app and get ready for a no-holds-barred experience!Featured clips include a segment from "The Murder of the Lawson Family" by Carolina Buddies, viewable at this link. Additionally, we feature content from "All In with Chris Hayes," a program produced by MSNBC and hosted by Chris Hayes.All rights and copyrights of these clips are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 21 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 27, 2023
Dec 27, 2023
32 min
Jen and Dan read Chapter 20 of Huckleberry Finn. In this episode, Huck and Jim encounter the devious duke and king, who turn a camp meeting into a profitable scam, while Jen and Dan ponder whether Huck and Jim are naked throughout the entire book. Meanwhile, they compare modern-day mega-church shows to a Kiss concert, featuring a flying angel instead of the notorious demon, Gene Simmons.The episode features an intriguing discussion about a controversial art piece, "Too Nude for New York City," reflecting Huck and Jim's journey and societal perceptions. Read it here: DNAinfo Chicago.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 20 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMERS:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 25, 2023
Dec 25, 2023
34 min
Jen and Dan read Chapter 19 of Huckleberry Finn. In this episode, Huck and Jim's nude escapades on the river lead them to encounter the most royal of scammers, the Duke and the Dauphin, while our hosts can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.This episode dives into the hilarious dynamics between Huck, Jim, and their newfound 'royal' companions, sparking some truly amusing banter.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 19 of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.Featured clips include a segment from 'The Raincoats' episode of 'Seinfeld', directed by Tom Cherones, produced by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, and distributed by NBC. Also featured is a clip from 'Hobo' by the Hackensack Boys, which you can find here on YouTube. The episode additionally includes 'Hearts and Flowers' by Theodore Moses Tobani and 'Fanfare for the Common Man' by Aaron Copland. 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 "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 20, 2023
Dec 20, 2023
21 min
Jen and Dan read Chapter 18 (Part 2) of Huckleberry Finn. In this episode, a family feud turns fatal, leaving Huck heartbroken and yearning for the raft's relative safety. Meanwhile, Jen's charming struggle with Jim's dialogue lightens the mood amidst the chapter's darker themes.This episode delves deep into the absurdity and tragedy of the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons' feud, highlighting the blindness of hatred and the universal need for humanity.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Featured clips include a segment from "Everything Counts" by Depeche Mode, as well as a clip from the "Lumberjack Song" by Monty Python. 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.Explore a comprehensive analysis of the second half of Chapter 18 of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER: Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 18, 2023
Dec 18, 2023
28 min
Jen and Dan delve into part one of Chapter 18 of 'Huckleberry Finn,' where Huck gets entangled in the Grangerfords' grandeur and their grim feud with the Shepherdsons; meanwhile, they can't help but wonder if homemade beer was the real health elixir of Huck's time!They also discussed the Grangerfords being plantation owners and the absurdity of long-standing feuds, questioning Jim's whereabouts in this tangled narrative.Featured clips include a segment from 'Mrs. Robinson's theme, a clip from 'The Family Feud' theme, and 'The Addams Family' finger snap sound. 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.From Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Check out "Pop Culture Continuum," where hosts John and Pat hilariously compare pieces of pop culture from different eras, often finding new ways to amuse and insult. Listen in for an unconventional take on pop culture! Find them on your favorite podcast app.Indulge in "Candy Is Dandy: The Candy Review Podcast," where Greg Gonzalez, Beto Sistos, and Daniel Zafran review a variety of candies and share their history. A sweet treat for your ears! Listen on your preferred podcast platform.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 18 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DisclaimerBanned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 13, 2023
Dec 13, 2023
31 min
Jen and Dan read Chapter 17 of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." In this episode, Huck finds himself in a Gothic-like setting, reminiscent of meeting a character straight out of an Addams Family episode. Meanwhile, Jen and Dan hilariously critique the absurdity of feuding families and muse over a potential podcast about "Hee Haw" episodes.The discussion takes a serious turn as Jennifer expresses her hopes for a future where children's education is based on facts, contrasting sharply with the 'alternative facts' propagated by far-right groups.Featured clips include the "Hee Haw" theme song, "The Battle of Prague" by F. Kotzwara, and the Regency Rum Bluffers' performance at this link, as well as the iconic "snaps" from the TV theme of the old black and white "Addams Family" show. 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.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 17 in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
33 min
Jen and Dan dive into Chapter 16 of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." In this episode, Huck grapples with his conscience, and Jim dreams of freedom, while Dan hilariously confuses snake skins with... something else entirely. Meanwhile, the duo compares river rafts to Mark Twain-era cruise ships – talk about a Love Boat with a twist!Amidst the laughs, we pondered over the terrifyingly thin line between freedom and enslavement that Jim teeters on, and Jen floated an exciting idea for a spin-off podcast focusing on abolitionists and rescue efforts.Don't forget to follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Featured clips include a segment from 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato)' by Louis Armstrong, available at Louis Armstrong clip, as well as a clip from 'The Love Boat' theme song, both used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 16 in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER:Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.

Dec 7, 2023
Dec 7, 2023
31 min
Jen and Dan read Chapters 14 and 15 of "Huckleberry Finn." In this episode, our duo navigates through treasures, debates on royal wisdom, and a dense, separating fog. Meanwhile, Jennifer's valiant attempt to read Jim's dialect brings a touch of hilarity to the journey.The episode features a deep dive into the layered societal structures and moral complexities that Huck faces, even as he regards Jim, a black man, as inferior despite his own good nature.Credits:Featured clips include a segment from 'Titanic', directed by James Cameron, produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, and distributed by Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox. 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.Follow and message us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapters 14 and 15 in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain on our blog for this episode.DISCLAIMER: Banned Camp brings you engaging discussions and readings of banned books, all within the bounds of fair use guidelines. Our exploration of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain aims to ignite critical thinking and inspire conversations about literature, censorship, and societal themes. The original work, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," 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 Mark Twain, his estate, or the publishers of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." 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.
