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

Brave New World | Ch. 7.2 – The Whipping, the Blonde, and the Big Reveal

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan finish Chapter 7 of Brave New World—and things get weird fast. The reservation’s drums, dances, and whips turn into a full-blown spectacle of blood, snakes, and sacrifice. Lenina, off her Soma for the first time, spirals into panic, while Bernard watches with equal parts horror and fascination.Things To Listen ForLenina’s first true breakdown without Soma.The drums, dancing, and ritual whipping that horrify both readers and listeners.Jennifer’s take on Huxley’s ongoing roast of organized religion.Banworthy to BingeworthyAfter all that blood and symbolism, you deserve something hopeful.Check out Good News for Lefties — a smart, progressive news show that proves the future isn’t all dystopia.And if you want a true-crime story with real-world stakes, listen to Dateline’s The Last Appeal with Lester Holt — an urgent investigation into a Texas man on death row who may be innocent.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, John the Savage, Linda, the Director, Savage Reservation, religion satire, ritual violence, Soma withdrawal, dystopia, banned books, Good News for Lefties, Dateline, Lester Holt, The Last Appeal

Brave New World | Ch. 7.1 – Snakes, Smells, and Savage Reservations

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan reach Chapter 7 of Brave New World, where Bernard and Lenina finally arrive at the Savage Reservation — and instantly regret it. Lenina hates the smells, the dust, and the people; Bernard tries to stay philosophical, and Robot ends up the only one keeping his composure.The two witness poverty, age, motherhood, and death — everything their sanitized society has erased. Jennifer defends the locals’ dignity while Dan compares Lenina to a modern influencer who just lost her Wi-Fi and her Soma. They also tackle a listener email about racial slurs Huxley uses in the text, turning it into a candid discussion on language and ignorance. By the time an old man totters down the ladder and Lenina realizes she’s run out of Soma, chaos is guaranteed.Things to Listen ForBernard and Lenina’s first impressions of the Savage Reservation.The clash between comfort and authenticity — why Lenina can’t handle “real life.”The debate over natural aging, youth culture, and “vampire billionaires.”Banworthy to BingeworthyNeed a break from dystopia? Tune into Good News for Lefties, a hopeful, progressive news show that reminds you the future isn’t all bad. And if you’re into gripping real-world storytelling, check out Lester Holt’s new Dateline original, The Last Appeal — a haunting investigation into justice, truth, and whether an innocent man might be put to death.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, Savage Reservation, Malpais, hypnopaedia, Soma, aging, race and language, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 6.4: Blockheads, Fences, and Fishnets

In Chapter 6.4 of Brave New World, Bernard and Lenina finally make their way toward the Savage Reservation. Along the way, they meet a blockheaded warden obsessed with random facts, fences, and electrified borders, while Bernard just worries about leaving his cologne tap running. Jennifer and Dan debate whether the Reservation is really a museum, a prison, or both — while Robot loses patience with the whole argument.Things To Listen For:Bernard worrying more about cologne bills than dystopian doom.Jennifer’s theory that Lenina secretly likes Bernard more than she admits.Robot’s slow-motion breakdown.Banworthy to BingeworthyThis week’s pick: Good News for Lefties. Host Beowulf Rochlen brings humor and hope to politics, reminding us that progress is real even when it feels like the world’s falling apart. Find it wherever you get your podcasts!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Featured ClipsThis episode includes short clips from Cher’s Half-Breed and If I Could Turn Back Time. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education.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, Bernard Marx, Lenina, Savage Reservation, dystopia, Soma, Cher, Half-Breed, If I Could Turn Back Time, censorship, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 6.3: Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?

In Chapter 6.3 of Brave New World, Bernard gets more than he bargained for when the Director turns a routine permit request into a meltdown about secrets, suspicion, and society’s disapproval. Jennifer wonders who’s really in charge of this dystopia, while Dan imagines what would happen if he mouthed off in the Director’s office (spoiler: it wouldn’t end well). Along the way, they debate Fordism, religion, alpha egos, and what it means to stand out in a world that demands conformity.Things To Listen For:Why the Director’s PTSD confession turns into rage against Bernard.Jennifer’s big question: who’s really running this society?Dan’s “evil persona” fantasy of telling off the boss.Comparisons to tech bros, D&D alignments, and true believers in the Rapture.The looming threat of Iceland as punishment for being different.Banworthy to BingeworthyThis week’s pick: Good News for Lefties. Beowulf Rochlen brings sharp humor and much-needed optimism to the political news cycle, spotlighting real wins for progressives. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.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, Bernard Marx, the Director, Fordism, Iceland threat, Savage Reservation, alpha egos, conformity, censorship, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 6.2 - Lost in New Mexico (and Maybe the Rapture)

In Chapter 6.2 of Brave New World, Lenina insists she’s “awfully pneumatic,” Bernard tries to explain what passion means, and the Director reveals a secret past involving a lost lover and a thunderstorm in New Mexico. Dan and Jennifer riff on everything from propaganda slogans to Fox News logic, before taking a detour into rapture prophecies that (spoiler) never came true. What should have been a quick permit signature turns into one of the book’s strangest cliffhangers.Things To Listen For:Lenina’s unforgettable “awfully pneumatic” self-assessment.Bernard’s uneasy plea to feel passion in a slogan-driven world.The Director’s stormy New Mexico story about a vanished companion.Why Jennifer thinks this could play like a true crime case.Dan’s running joke about the Rapture happening mid-episode.Banworthy to BingeworthyGood News for Lefties. Host Beowulf Rochlen delivers sharp, hopeful coverage of progressive wins in politics and culture — the perfect antidote to despair. Find it on your favorite podcast app!Support Alabama’s First Traveling Banned Books Bookstore! This unique project is raising funds to bring banned and challenged books directly to communities across Alabama, promoting the freedom to read and access diverse stories. Help make literature accessible to all—learn more and support the cause: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-alabamas-first-and-only-banned-books-bookstoreRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Featured ClipsThis episode includes a segment from Evangelicals on TikTok believe The Rapture is coming this week, produced by Parkrose Permaculture 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.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, Lenina, Bernard Marx, the Director, Savage Reservation, New Mexico, propaganda, censorship, banned books, the Rapture

How to Survive Fascists (Without Going Crazy)

This isn’t a normal Banned Camp episode. Instead of banned book chaos, Dan steps up to the mic with a personal essay: How to Survive Fascists (Without Going Crazy).What starts with a memory of reading 1984 and realizing “we’re living this book right now” turns into a survival guide for anyone trying to keep their sanity in an era of censorship, conspiracy theories, and Uncle Franks at the dinner table.From book-burning “heroes” in Fahrenheit 451, to Atticus Finch teaching us why facts don’t always win, to the reminder in The Outsiders that the real audience isn’t the loudest voice in the room—it’s the people watching—we trace lessons from banned books into today’s political madness.This episode is a little different: equal parts rant, roadmap, and reminder that you’re not alone.Things To Listen For:Why arguing with Uncle Frank isn’t worth your energy.The one fact that shuts down Trump’s election lies.Out-crazying the crazy with gay penguin logic.What banned books secretly teach us about surviving fascists.Why your voice matters more than you think—even when it feels like no one is listening.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 and cultural commentary for the purpose of criticism, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines.Topics Covered:fascism, censorship, Uncle Frank, Fahrenheit 451, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, The Outsiders, democracy, banned books, survival strategies

Brave New World | Ch. 6.1 – Lenina Wants Fun, Bernard Wants Meaning

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 6.1 of Brave New World, where Lenina weighs a holiday with Bernard against the North Pole with Benito Hoover, and Bernard proves that being “odd” means wanting walks and conversations instead of electromagnetic golf. Their helicopter date over the English Channel spirals into an argument: Bernard craves freedom from conditioning, Lenina just wants Soma and distraction. Things To Listen For:Why Lenina almost ditched Bernard for Benito Hoover and the North Pole.Robot clarifying that Savage Reservations aren’t Native American lands, but “living museums” of the old world.Bernard’s rebellion: preferring walks and talks over games and crowds.Lenina dragging him to women’s heavyweight wrestling (and Soma sundaes).Bernard’s declaration: “I’d rather be myself… and nasty.”The stormy helicopter ride, Bernard’s craving for authenticity vs. Lenina’s panic.“A gram is always better than a damn” — hypnopaedia wisdom at work.The ironic ending: Bernard downs four Soma tablets and gives up the fight.Banworthy to BingeworthyFor more listening that won’t leave you blottoed on Soma, check out Good News For Lefties — a hopeful, progressive take on politics that balances out the dystopia.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 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, Bernard Marx, Lenina, Benito Hoover, Savage Reservations, Soma, helicopter date, hypnopaedia, freedom vs conditioning, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 5.1 – Orgy-Porgy, Ford and Fun

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 5.1 of Brave New World, where Bernard attends his dreaded Solidarity Service. Twelve strangers gather around a table, chant hymns to Ford, pass around Soma ice cream, and end the night with a full-blown “Orgy-Porgy.” Jennifer zeroes in on Huxley’s satire of ritual and religion, Dan gets hung up on Morgana Rothschild’s unibrow, and Robot fact-checks the Ford-as-Christ swap with his usual deadpan precision. Things To Listen For:Bernard’s awkward attempt to beam back at Morgana’s smile — while obsessing over her eyebrow.The ritual of strawberry Soma ice cream standing in for communion.Jennifer and Dan trying to sing the first Solidarity Hymn.Robot explaining that Ford is their Christ figure — mass production as religion.The infamous “Orgy-Porgy” hymn and how the service dissolves into a group orgy.Bernard’s loneliness, amplified by the forced unity around him.Banworthy to BingeworthyIf dystopian religion-as-orgy wasn’t weird enough for you, check out Good News For Lefties — a hopeful, progressive news show that proves not everything is falling apart.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 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, Bernard Marx, Morgana Rothschild, Solidarity Service, Ford religion, Soma, Orgy-Porgy, satire of religion, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 4.3 – Compost, Cabarets, and Contraceptive Belts

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 4.3 of Brave New World, where death is recycled into phosphorus, Soma turns nightlife into bliss, and hypnopaedia makes even contraceptive drills sound normal. Jennifer predicts the society disposes of “defective” people like factory rejects, Dan riffs on compost burials and egg shells at funerals, and together they wonder if Lenina is more shallow than they’d hoped. The Westminster Abbey Cabaret turns into a haze of sexophones, Soma, and bottled emotions, while Robot fact-checks the real-world history of Soma with his usual dry disdain.Things To Listen For:The crematorium’s phosphorus recovery — recycling humans into fertilizer.Jennifer predicting that “duds” might be killed off in this society.Dan’s funeral fantasy involving compost and egg shells.Lenina calling lower castes “nasty little gammas and deltas.”Henry Foster briefly slipping into something like empathy before shrugging it off.The Westminster Abbey Cabaret: sexophones, color organs, and Soma blues.Dan explaining “blottoed” the Wisconsin way.Banworthy to BingeworthyNeed more to listen to? Check out Good News For Lefties — a hopeful, progressive take on politics that pairs nicely with dystopian book talk.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 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, Lenina, Henry Foster, Bernard Marx, crematorium, phosphorus recovery, Soma, Westminster Abbey Cabaret, hypnopaedia, contraception, caste system, banned books

Brave New World | Ch. 4.2 – Bernard’s Inches and Helmholtz’s Hunger

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue Chapter 4 of Brave New World, where Bernard sulks about being shorter than the average Alpha and Helmholtz Watson proves that too much brain can be just as isolating as too little brawn. Bernard struggles with his insecurities, yells at lower castes, and tries to brag about his date with Lenina. Meanwhile, Helmholtz, the stud of the dystopia, admits that having 640 conquests and winning escalator squash still doesn’t fill the emptiness inside. Things To Listen For:Bernard’s deep insecurity about being three inches shorter than an Alpha “should” be.The awkward flex of boasting about taking Lenina to New Mexico.Helmholtz Watson: Alpha stud, escalator squash champion, and existential wreck.Dan comparing Bernard’s plight to “Little Marco” on the campaign trail.Jennifer questioning whether Huxley was mocking eugenics or just being racist.Robot explaining the Greek alphabet and converting centimeters for the “dumb Americans.”Featured clip includes a few seconds from Roy Wood Jr.: Father Figure comedy special. 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.Banworthy to BingeworthyLooking for more to binge? After this episode, check out Good News For Lefties for a hopeful, progressive take on the week’s chaos — because sometimes you need good news to balance out dystopias.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 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, Bernard Marx, Helmholtz Watson, Lenina, Delta castes, insecurities, eugenics satire, escalator squash, sex hormone chewing gum, dystopia, censorship, banned books