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

Brave New World | Ch. 11.2 - When Pleasure Feels Wrong | Banned Books Comedy

Death gets candy, love gets awkward, and everyone gets soma.In Chapter 11, Lenina tries to connect with John after a night of “feelies,” while Bernard basks in borrowed fame and Robot fact-checks everything from chocolate-cream conditioning to Clarence Thomas’s butter-dish rumors.Banned Camp is the 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“Death conditioning” for toddlers and what it says about control and comfortBernard’s ego trip and Lenina’s soma-softened heartRobot correcting Dan’s “butter dish” memory of the Clarence Thomas hearingsHow Huxley turns a “feelie” into a warning about pleasure as propagandaWhy Was Brave New World Banned? Because it dares to show a society where happiness is manufactured and desire is regulated... and asks if we’d really want to live there. Sex, drugs, and a government that calls it stability make this chapter as uncomfortable now as it was in 1931.Banworthy to BingeworthyIf you liked this episode, check out these smart, progressive shows we love:It’s Been a Minute — NPR’s weekly news roundup that makes sense of the week with humor and heart.Good News for Lefties — A dose of progressive hope and good news when you need it most.The Blueprint with Jen Psaki — Big-picture politics and conversations that actually clarify the news cycle.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, 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, under fair use guidelines. Material from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared to spark conversation about literature and censorship. The original work remains owned by its copyright holders—buy your copy here to experience it in full.Topics Covered: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 11, John the Savage, Lenina, Bernard Marx, death conditioning, soma, censorship, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, comedy podcast

Brave New World Ch. 11.1 : When Grief Meets a Soulless Society | Banned Books Comedy

Linda returns to “civilization,” but comfort comes at a cost. While Bernard basks in sudden popularity, Linda disappears into her drug-induced haze...and her son John the Savage starts to see what happiness looks like when it’s manufactured.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 ForDan comparing Huxley’s Soma addiction to modern-day painkillers (and Rush Limbaugh).The bleak humor of Linda’s “Return to Soma.”Bernard’s sudden ego trip after fame finds him.Jennifer calling out the way women’s aging is still punished—even in 2025.Why Was Brave New World Banned? For its frank treatment of drugs, sex, and state-controlled happiness. Huxley’s vision of pleasure as obedience still makes censors nervous.Banworthy to BingeworthyIf you love sharp, smart commentary and want more progressive voices in your queue, check these out:It’s Been a Minute — NPR’s weekly news roundup that helps make sense of the biggest stories with smart analysis and fresh perspectives.Good News for Lefties — A progressive show that shares real reasons for optimism, highlighting wins for equality, climate, and democracy.The Blueprint with Jen Psaki — Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki breaks down the week’s biggest political stories with depth and humor. 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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley for purposes of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders—please purchase a copy here to experience the book in full.🔖Topics CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 11, Bernard Marx, Linda, John the Savage, Lenina, Hemholtz Watson, Soma, addiction, aging, status, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark — Halloween Spooktacular ft. Liz Gotauco | Banned Books Podcast

It’s our third annual Halloween special, and this year we invited librarian, author, and cosbrarian extraordinaire Liz Gotauco to read two classics from Alvin Schwartz’s notorious collection. Liz gives “The Hook” a modern twist, then serves up “Just Delicious,” a grim little tale with perfect spooky-season karma.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter… and sometimes, on holidays, banned kids’ books that scared whole generations. Things To Listen For:Liz’s updated campfire retelling of “The Hook” and why the lesson still lands“Just Delicious” and the very satisfying definition of “poetic justice”Why horror helps us process anxiety, culture wars, and, yes, book bansA quick tour of folklore’s… weirder side, from double princes to ghost weddingsReal talk from a working librarian about displays, complaints, and pushbackWhy was Scary Stories banned? Schwartz’s collections got challenged for graphic scares, nightmare fuel illustrations, and “unsuitable” themes for kids. That mix of folklore, morality tales, and gallows humor made adults nervous… and young readers feel deliciously brave.Guest Book Plug: Liz Gotauco — F*cked Up Fairy Tales: Sinful Cinderellas, Prince Alarmings, and Other Timeless Classics If you loved Liz’s spooky reads, grab her new collection of adult-forward folklore retellings. It’s smart, bawdy, and deeply rooted in the original weirdness of global fairy tales. • Book: Bookshop — Fcked Up Fairy Tales* (supports indies) Bookshop • Audiobook: Audible — narrated by Liz with a killer cast Audible.comBanworthy to Bingeworthy We’re sharing the love with a few shows our listeners will vibe with:It’s Been a Minute (NPR): The trends you can’t escape, plus who’s pulling the strings behind them. Smart, timely, and quietly subversive.The Blueprint with Jen Psaki (MSNBC): Weekly conversations with Democratic strategists and change-makers on how to win again, with real policy and organizing talk.The Last Appeal (Dateline): Life-and-death stakes meet meticulous reporting in a wrongful-conviction case you won’t forget.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Disclaimer Banned Camp features readings and discussions of Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. In this Halloween special we reference and perform portions of “The Hook” and “Just Delicious,” with credit to the original author and the folklore sources he compiled. The original works remain fully owned by their copyright holders. If you’d like to experience the full collections, we encourage you to purchase them from your favorite bookseller.Topics Covered: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Alvin Schwartz, Halloween Special, The Hook, Just Delicious, urban legends, ghost stories, folklore, librarians, book banning, censorship, banned books, literary analysis, comedy podcast, horror, campfire stories, final girl, poetic justice, Moms for Liberty

Brave New World | Ch. 10: The Mother of All Scandals | Why Books Get Banned

The Director plans to humiliate Bernard in front of thousands of workers… until his own secret explodes in public. Meanwhile, Linda makes her shocking return, John calls someone “father” in a world where that word doesn’t exist, and the whole society short-circuits from embarrassment.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:The Director’s moral meltdown in front of 4,000 employeesBernard’s revenge plot paying off in spectacular, awkward fashionJohn’s “My father!” moment—pure chaosJennifer’s take on why you can’t remove humanity from humansRobot’s reflection on shame, family, and why parenthood became obsceneBeowulf’s “Good News” segment that goes from science… to stool softenersWhy was Brave New World banned? Huxley’s world of manufactured people and banned emotions hits too close to home. This chapter shows why—because the moment you erase love, guilt, and family, society stops being human.New to Banned Camp? Start anywhere—each episode stands alone while building on the story.Banworthy to BingeworthyIt’s Been a Minute (NPR) – Smart, funny conversations unpacking pop culture and big ideas behind today’s trends.The Last Appeal (Dateline NBC) – True crime meets social justice as Lester Holt investigates death row cases with chilling twists.The Blueprint with Jen Psaki (MSNBC) – Candid, in-depth interviews with the people shaping politics and culture today.Good News for Lefties – Beowulf Rochlen’s uplifting look at progressive wins that prove empathy still has a pulse.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 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 10, Bernard Marx, Linda, John the Savage, the Director, Henry Foster, societal control, shame, family, humanity, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Brave New World Ch. 9: Love, Lust, and the Right to Say No | Banned Books Comedy

Lenina crashes on a Soma holiday while Bernard hatches a plan... and John breaks into her room in a lovesick spiral that’s equal parts Shakespearean and creepy. Robot fact-checks the chaos, Jennifer calls out Huxley’s lazy racism, and Dan coins “the shark rule” for slur warnings. 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 ForBernard pulls bureaucratic strings to bring John and Linda back to London.Jennifer and Dan stop the show to unpack Huxley’s use of octoroon—and create the “shark-sound” content warning rule.Robot clarifies the racial slur with historical context and dry precision.John sneaks into Lenina’s room, sniffs her clothes, and wrestles with desire vs. decency.Jennifer insists John’s restraint is the real rebellion; Dan… gets weirdly good at guessing underwear scenes.Why Was Brave New World Banned?Huxley’s dystopia has been banned for sexual content, drug use, and “anti-family values.” This chapter hits every nerve—lust, control, and what happens when pleasure replaces morality. It’s the moment censors love to clutch their pearls over.Banworthy to BingeworthyIf you liked this episode, check out our promo-swap friends:It’s Been a Minute (NPR) – Smart, funny dissections of the culture we can’t stop talking about.The Last Appeal (Dateline NBC) – True-crime meets justice reform; real stakes, real storytelling.The Blueprint with Jen Psaki (MSNBC) – Progressives mapping a saner future.Good News for Lefties – Daily doses of hopeful headlines in a dark timeline.Rate, Review & FollowRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other Scary Book People find us!DisclaimerBanned Camp features readings and discussions of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley for criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the novel in full.Banned Camp is not affiliated with Huxley or his publishers. Any monetization is independent of the copyrighted material discussed.Topics CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 9, John the Savage, Lenina Crowne, Bernard Marks, Mustafa Mond, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

Brave New World | Ch. 8.3 – Alone, Bleeding, and Dreaming of a Better World

In this emotional finale to Chapter 8, Jennifer and Dan follow John the Savage through the painful moment that defines him. Rejected by his tribe for being different, stoned and bleeding under the moonlight, John realizes he belongs nowhere — not in the World State, not in the Reservation. When Bernard finally offers him and Linda a chance to go “home,” the stage is set for the book’s biggest collision: idealism meets reality.Things to Listen ForThe Kiva ceremony and John’s brutal exclusion (“Not for you, white hair”).Bernard’s half-sincere offer to take John and Linda to London.Dan’s pitch for “John’s Underground Bookstore.”The first appearance of “O brave new world, that has such people in it!”Banworthy to BingeworthyWhen dystopia gets too heavy, switch gears with these standout listens:🎧 It’s Been a Minute (NPR) – Smart, funny, human conversations that help make sense of what everyone’s obsessing over. 🎧 The Last Appeal (Dateline NBC) – Lester Holt investigates the case of Robert Roberson, a Texas man facing execution despite mounting evidence of innocence. 🎧 The Blueprint with Jen Psaki (MSNBC) – Thoughtful political conversations about how Democrats plan to rebuild — and who’s actually getting it done.Rate, Review & FollowRate, 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. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always stay true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to purchase the book in full.The material used from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and society. 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 CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, John the Savage, Linda, Bernard Marx, Lenina, exile, identity, loneliness, banned books, dystopia, Robot, Beowulf Rochlen, Jimmy Carter story, NPR, It’s Been a Minute, Dateline, Lester Holt, The Last Appeal, The Blueprint, Jen Psaki

Brave New World | Ch. 8.2 – John Found Shakespeare (and a Knife)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue Chapter 8 of Brave New World, where John discovers a tattered copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare — and it changes his life forever. Things to Listen ForThe scene where he tries to stab Pope — and what it reveals about Huxley’s view of violence and emotion.Jennifer arguing that reading is what makes us dangerous and human.The transition from blood to pottery — creation as redemption.Banworthy to BingeworthyAfter a chapter of violence and heartbreak, treat your ears to something uplifting:🎧 It’s Been a Minute from NPR – sharp, funny conversations about culture and news that actually feel human. 🎧 The Last Appeal from Dateline NBC – Lester Holt investigates the case of Robert Roberson, a Texas man on death row as new evidence suggests his innocence. 🎧 The Jen Psaki Podcast from MSNBC – smart, grounded political talk with a dose of humor and heart.Rate, Review & FollowRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us.Featured clip includes “It’s Corn – Songify This ft. Tariq and Recess Therapy” by Schmoyoho, available on the Schmoyoho YouTube Channel.All rights and copyrights belong to their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines.DisclaimerBanned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair-use guidelines. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always stay true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to purchase the book in full.The material used from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and society. 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 CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, John the Savage, Linda, Pope, Bernard Marx, Lenina, Shakespeare, pottery, violence, reading, art as therapy, coming-of-age, banned books, NPR, It’s Been a Minute, Dateline, Lester Holt, The Last Appeal, The Jen Psaki Podcast

Bonus Catch-Up: Brave New World in Ten Minutes

hey scary book people — happy sunday. our hosting provider glitched last week, and a bunch of you didn’t get the full episode (or it cut out halfway through). so we pulled together a quick ten-minute highlight to get you caught up before tuesday’s new chapter.this mini-episode hits the key moments from last week’s brave new world — the chaos, the heartbreak, and yes, the weird singing part that didn’t make much sense anyway.thanks for hanging with us and keeping the banned-book spirit alive. see you tuesday for the next full episode of banned camp: banned books, comedy, and free speech vs. censorship.

Brave New World | Ch. 8 – The Boy Who Learned to Read from Pain

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan unpack Chapter 8 of Brave New World, where John the Savage’s backstory finally comes to light. Raised by his mother Linda in the Savage Reservation, John grows up between two worlds — neither accepted by the locals nor able to forget the stories his mother tells about the “civilized” one she came from. Things to Listen ForJohn’s childhood memories and his uneasy bond with Linda.Linda’s shame, addiction, and the brutality of motherhood in exile.Jennifer’s analysis of empathy as rebellion.Banworthy to BingeworthyWhen dystopia gets too dark, balance it with these:🎧 It’s Been a Minute from NPR — sharp, funny, and human conversations about culture, politics, and the news that shapes both. 🎧 The Last Appeal from Dateline NBC — Lester Holt investigates the story of Robert Roberson, a Texas man on death row as new evidence challenges everything. 🎧 The Jen Psaki Podcast from MSNBC — thoughtful talk that brings clarity and humor to the week’s biggest political stories.Rate, Review & FollowRate, 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. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always stay true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to purchase the book in full.The material used from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and society. 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 CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, John the Savage, Linda, Bernard Marx, Lenina, trauma, addiction, motherhood, empathy, memory, Shakespeare, banned books, dystopia, NPR, It’s Been a Minute, Dateline, Lester Holt, The Last Appeal, The Jen Psaki Podcast

Brave New World | Ch. 7.3 – Civilization Is Sterilization (and Other Lies We Tell)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan tackle Chapter 7.3 of Brave New World, where Bernard and Lenina finally meet Linda — the woman who vanished years ago from the Director’s life. What they find isn’t a romantic reunion story but a tragedy wrapped in tequila, dust, and lost teeth.Things To Listen ForLinda’s shocking reappearance — the missing teeth, the booze, the heartbreak.Lenina’s horror at everything “unclean” — including empathy itself.Robot’s clarification that peyotl isn’t a trendy energy drink.Dan’s Wisconsin lesson on “farmer-style nose-blowing.”Banworthy to BingeworthyNeed a break from dust, booze, and dystopia? Check out Good News for Lefties — a hopeful, progressive news show that reminds you not everything is falling apart.And for true-crime listeners, Dateline’s The Last Appeal with Lester Holt examines the case of Robert Roberson, a man facing execution despite mounting evidence of innocence. A haunting, urgent story unfolding in real time.Rate, Review & FollowRate, 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. To ensure the best listening experience, some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing. However, we always stay true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to purchase the book in full.The material used from 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 CoveredBrave New World, Aldous Huxley, Bernard Marx, Lenina, Linda, John the Savage, Savage Reservation, Soma, civilization, sterilization, motherhood, fast fashion, empathy, abortion, dystopia, banned books, Good News for Lefties, Lester Holt, Dateline, The Last Appeal