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

Apr 25, 2023

45 min

Jen and Dan read chapter 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird.In this chapter, where Jem and Scout delve into Calpurnia's hidden life and experience an unforgettable church service, Jen and Dan find themselves hilariously sidetracked by alien theories and Dan's nostalgic tales of short pants and hard shoes.Excerpts from "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" performed by The Acappella Company and found on their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irz19WgkW3E) and "Haley's Hints" from PBS with Graham Haley. Also, "The More You Know" song. Used under fair use for educational and entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement intended. Please note that a small portion of the reading was edited for clarity and effectiveness in bringing the story to life.From Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Cold Hands Warm Hearts – a comedy podcast featuring siblings Ashley Engle and Brandon Birdwell. These two have a fantastic chemistry that makes their free-form conversations absolutely hilarious.  So, go ahead and give them a listen, and join Ashley and Brandon as they find humor in the little things and the big things in life.  Look for Cold Hands Warm Hearts wherever you find podcasts.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.

Apr 20, 2023

49 min

Jen and Dan read chapter 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird.As Jem and Scout delve into the dark underbelly of Mrs. Dubose's bitter existence, we learn that even the nastiest neighbors have a story to tell. Dan and Jen shudder at her spine-chilling description. Your mind will be blown by the bombshell revelation about Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose.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 "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962) produced by Seven Arts Productions and Warner Bros. Pictures, and "The Thrill Can Kill"  (1987-1990) by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America organization, in association with the motion picture industry. Used under fair use for educational and entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement intended.From Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Here's a podcast we think you might like. It's called Famous and Gravy. Be sure to check it out and give them a listen.  Search for them wherever you listen to podcasts.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.

Apr 18, 2023

30 min

Jen and Dan read chapter 10 of To Kill a Mockingbird.In an episode where Jem and Scout discover that their seemingly uncool dad is actually "Ol' One-Shot" Atticus, the deadest shot in Maycomb County, we learn that sometimes the most badass heroes are the ones who remain humble about their skills. Meanwhile, Dan and Jen get the "feels" so hard they're compelled to donate to an animal charity, and Dan regales us with his own wild pig encounter.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.If you would like to make a donation to a fantastic animal charity, here's one we love: https://bestfriends.org/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.

Apr 13, 2023

47 min

Jen and Dan read chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird. In this rip-roaring chapter, Scout fiercely defends Atticus against playground bullies and snarky relatives, proving that the only thing more tenacious than a wild dove outside Dan's studio window is a daughter's love for her father.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.

Apr 11, 2023

34 min

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.

Apr 6, 2023

16 min

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.

Apr 4, 2023

26 min

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.

Mar 28, 2023

36 min

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.

Mar 21, 2023

35 min

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.

Mar 12, 2023

31 min

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.

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