Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
If you think banning books is stupid, so do we.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.If you’re new here, don’t sweat it. You can start anywhere. We’ll get you oriented fast (and if you get confused, there’s a good chance we’re confused too).Here’s what makes us different: we actually read the book out loud, every chapter, cover to cover, and we’ve never read it before. So you hear us stumble through the text, mispronounce names, miss obvious foreshadowing, and slowly piece together what freaks Moms for Liberty and the pudding-fingered politicians out.Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You’ll fit right in.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 Sáenz, Slaught...
Episodes

Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird. When a snowy surprise hits Maycomb, Jem, and Scout sculpt an icy doppelganger of their cranky neighbor, but the real chills come from a cryptic blanket-bestowing figure; meanwhile, Jen attempts to redefine "thrift" in a way that leaves Dan both puzzled and entertained.If you're a progressive who wants to join the fight against book banning in your local community, get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird. As Jem and Scout uncover a series of enigmatic knothole presents that outshine Maycomb's mundane toothpick-whittling craze, Dan ponders whether Jem would walk like an Egyptian with "The Bangles," while Jen wishes for a more exhilarating town activity.If you're a progressive who wants to join the fight against book banning in your local community, get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.Excerpts from "Walk Like an Egyptian" (1986) by The Bangles, produced by Columbia Records. Used under fair use for educational and entertainment purposes. 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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING NOTE:Starting this week, Banned Camp will now be released twice per week. New episodes will drop Tuesdays and Thursdays at approximately 6 am EST/3 am PST. The feedback blows us away. THANK YOU!Jen and Dan read chapter 6 of To Kill a Mockingbird. In this nail-biting episode, the Scooby gang explores the dark recesses of the Radley Place, only to be met with a "thunderous roar" of a truly frightening sound. Meanwhile, Dan cooks up some minty mischief for the unsuspecting York Peppermint Pattie fans. Jen speculates on Atticus's unusual choice of a hideaway for reading and snoozing.Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.Excerpt from "Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)" by Johnny Mercer (1937). All rights belong to their respective owners. Used under fair use for educational and entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement intended.1DISCLAIMER: 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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird. When foot-washing Baptists frown upon Miss Maudie's heavenly flowers, we're reminded that some folks just can't handle the simple pleasures in life and would rather see them wilt in eternal damnation. Plus, Dan compares Jem to a place-kicking mule named Gus.Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.Excerpt from "Gus" (1976) produced by Walt Disney Productions. Used under fair use for educational and entertainment purposes. 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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Jem's panic over Scout's gum-chewing habits leads to a larger discussion on the dangers of knotholes and chimneys. Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Sunday Mar 12, 2023
Sunday Mar 12, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Hot take - Jennifer prefers empathy over bed slats.Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Jen and Dan read chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Jen is considering taking Atticus’ advice to use bartering to clean her house.Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Jen and Dan kick off this season by reading chapter 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Dan seems to identify with the slower pace of life in a sleepy town, but Jennifer can't stand that phrase 'Ladies bathed before noon after their three o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum.' It's like they're being compared to baked goods covered in sweat and talcum powder. That's just not right -- or is it?Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.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 "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee 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 Harper Lee, her estate, or the publishers of "To Kill a Mockingbird." 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.

Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Love banned books? Hate censorship?Same. You’re our kind of people.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.Each season, we tackle a new banned book, reading it chapter by chapter and asking: What made someone clutch their pearls and scream, "BAN IT!"? (Spoiler: It’s rarely what you’d expect.) One thing is clear—the people banning these books often haven’t read them. While we uncover some eyebrow-raising moments, nothing truly justifies censorship.Join us—and our listeners, "The Scary Book People"—as we explore the strange, hilarious, and sometimes baffling world of banned books.Past seasons have featured classics like 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 Sáenz, and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.This season, we’re diving into 1984 by George Orwell—a dystopian warning that feels eerily real today. From thought control to banned books, its message is more relevant than ever, and that’s exactly why it remains one of the most challenged books of all time.By reading these books, we ask big questions: Why are banned books important? What does “banned” mean? What does “challenged” mean? How do book bans affect students? Are book bans constitutional?Come hang out with us and have some laughs while we dig into the drama behind banned books—you might even learn something cool along the way!
