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

1984 | Ch. 17.3 - Obedience by Design

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 17.3 of Orwell’s 1984, where Goldstein’s manifesto outlines how perpetual war preserves power, not peace. From floating fortresses that serve no purpose to a society engineered to stay just uncomfortable enough, Jennifer and Dan unpack the twisted logic of manufactured scarcity and distraction. Things To Listen For:Jennifer’s dried mango ASMR interlude mid-rantWhy building useless weapons is the whole pointA real-life story about a “mosquito bomb” that wasn’tThe growing suspicion that all three superstates might be oneBanworthy to Bingeworthy:If you’re not already listening to Good News for Lefties, it’s time. Beowulf Rochlen brings you the progressive stories the mainstream skips—every day, with heart and humor. Find Good News for Lefties on your favorite podcast app.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, 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. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles. We strongly encourage you to purchase the book here to experience it in full.This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Orwell estate or its publishers. We exist to keep banned stories alive—because once you give someone the power to decide what’s “safe” to read, they’ll never stop using it.Topics Covered:1984, George Orwell, perpetual war, scarcity, censorship, obedience, propaganda, atomic bombs, doublethink, book bans, podcast comedy, authoritarianism

1984 | Ch. 17.2 - The War That Never Ends (On Purpose)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read more of Emmanuel Goldstein’s forbidden manifesto.  Enjoy (?) Orwell’s vision of endless war, oligarchical control, and labor as a weapon. From laughing at Greenland’s future to confronting the horror of how inequality is maintained, the gang wrestles with a chapter that feels a little too real. Things To Listen For:Orwell’s take on war as a tool, not a tragedyJennifer's creeping realization about how much of this feels realDan comparing Coolies to minimum-wage workers in AmericaBanworthy to Bingeworthy: Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily podcast that highlights progressive wins and grassroots victories. It’s like an antidote to doomscrolling. Find them on your favorite podcast app!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!Featured Clips:Segment from Jimmy Kimmel Live referencing Trump and GreenlandClip from The Daily Show commenting on military absurdityAll 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 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 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered: 1984, George Orwell, Goldstein’s book, war propaganda, endless war, oligarchy, labor exploitation, censorship, banned books, political control, Greenland, satire, Jimmy Kimmel, The Daily Show

1984 | Ch. 17 - When Reality Changed Mid-Sentence

On this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan wade into the madness of Chapter 17 of 1984—where Hate Week hits its sweaty, propaganda-drenched climax. Winston works 90 hours in five days, people rewrite history in real-time, and we meet a propaganda-spewing goblin who feels suspiciously familiar. Robot is not amused. Also: jello limbs, banned parades, and what happens when the enemy changes mid-sentence and nobody even blinks.Things To Listen For:Winston’s jello-fueled descent into political gaslightingSteven Miller as a real-life Inner Party goblinA briefcase, a mysterious book, and a reality update patchJennifer’s take on fascism’s rebranding as a paradeRobot’s refusal to become Dan’s corporate email assistantBanworthy to Bingeworthy: 📢 Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily dose of progressive wins to remind you the world isn’t completely on fire. 🎙 Also try Making Space with Hoda Kotb, for thoughtful interviews and hope-filled storytelling from someone who truly listens.Featured clips include a segment from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, produced by Comedy Central and distributed by Paramount Global.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.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, 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 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered: 1984, George Orwell, Hate Week, propaganda, book banning, jello limbs, Steven Miller, rewriting history, briefcase handoff, Emmanuel Goldstein, inner party, censorship, political lies, authoritarianism, fascism, banned books

1984 | Ch. 16.2: Resistance in the Dark

n this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 16.2 of 1984 by George Orwell. O’Brien lays out the grim reality of resistance, reminding Winston and Julia that their fight is destined to be futile—and deadly. While O’Brien’s warnings cast a shadow over the rebellion, Dan and Jennifer can’t help but feel the trap closing in. Things To Listen For:O’Brien’s stark lesson on resistance and its inevitable consequencesDan’s theory that Winston is falling into a carefully laid trapJennifer’s skepticism about O’Brien’s motives and whether Winston should have spoken firstA weird tangent about true crime masks that look like William ShatnerBanworthy to Bingeworthy:Good News for Lefties: Your daily hit of progressive wins, sharp commentary, and real hope. Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, it’s like resistance... without the existential collapse.Making Space with Hoda Kotb: Gentle, inspiring interviews that feel like a warm reset button.Make It Weird: A true crime / gross science / obscure history podcast hosted by Haley Lovato and Harmony Houston. If it’s strange, they’re into it. New episodes every Wednesday.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other Scary Book People find us!Clip from Khrissy Playz Clarinet YouTube channel: A few seconds from the Halloween theme.Disclaimer:Banned 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 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered:1984, Winston, Julia, O’Brien, resistance, Brotherhood, loyalty, betrayal, persistence, Robot’s reflections, banned books, censorship, George Orwell

1984 | Ch. 16.1 - The Brotherhood or the Bait?

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 16 of George Orwell's 1984. O’Brien welcomes Winston and Julia into his inner sanctum, leading to tense revelations about the Brotherhood. Winston’s hopes for resistance are tested as O’Brien asks shocking, morally twisted questions, leaving the pair—and listeners—wondering whether rebellion is worth the cost. Meanwhile, Dan and Jennifer debate the sanity of Winston’s blind trust and why meat modems should never be part of any revolution.Things To Listen For:O’Brien’s eerie power move—turning off the telescreenThe bizarre questions that blur rebellion and complicityDan’s rap rendition of O’Brien’s bureaucratic jargonJennifer’s take on why Winston’s blind faith might be a trapBanworthy to Bingeworthy Podcasts:Good News for Lefties: Your daily hit of progressive wins, sharp commentary, and real hope. Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, it’s like resistance... without the existential collapse.Making Space with Hoda Kotb: Gentle, inspiring interviews that feel like a warm reset button.Make It Weird: A true crime / gross science / obscure history podcast hosted by Haley Lovato and Harmony Houston. If it’s strange, they’re into it. New episodes every Wednesday.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered: 1984, George Orwell, Brotherhood, O'Brien, telescreen, rebellion, self-sacrifice, conspiracy, wine, meat modems, banned books, censorship.

1984 | Ch. 15 - She Had a Face Like a Monkey… and Then She Was Gone

Winston remembers the moment he stole chocolate from his starving little sister—and the moment she disappeared. Jennifer calls it one of the darkest scenes in the book. Dan agrees, then spirals. Julia calls him a swine. Somewhere between the guilt and the memory, something sticks… and it might be the first time we see what Orwell means by “thoughtcrime.” Also: the proles live free, Jennifer imagines Party-run summer camps, and Robot tells a joke that really shouldn’t land—but kind of does.Things To Listen For:The gut punch of Winston’s chocolate confessionJulia’s total lack of interest in ideologyDan and Jennifer’s descent into moral crisisBanworthy to Bingeworthy:Need a break from the emotional wreckage of Orwell’s childhood flashbacks? Try Good News for Lefties—your daily hit of progressive wins, sharp commentary, and real hope. Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, it’s like resistance… without the existential collapse.Making Space with Hoda Kotb – gentle, inspiring interviews that feel like a warm reset button. And Make It Weird – a true crime / gross science / obscure history podcast hosted by Haley Lovato and Harmony Houston. If it’s strange, they’re into it. New episodes every Wednesday.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you’re still with us after that chocolate story… rate and review us! It helps other scary book people find the show.Disclaimer: 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 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered: 1984, Winston Smith, Julia, chocolate ration, memory, guilt, proles, Party indoctrination, authoritarianism, thoughtcrime, censorship, book bans, banned books

1984 | Ch. 13.2–14 - Woke Winston and the Meat Modems

Winston realizes the past has been erased—and the future might be, too. Jennifer wonders if anything even matters anymore. Dan points out that Project 2025 might not take 30 years... more like 30 months. Also: O’Brien makes a suspicious move, Julia shrugs off reality, and Robot invents the phrase meat modem. You know, just another day in dystopia.Things To Listen For:The Party’s obsession with erasing the pastJulia’s rebellion “from the waist down”Dan and Jennifer's real-time panic spiralThe chilling power of thoughtcrime and “alternative facts”O’Brien’s invitation... and the feeling of stepping into a graveBanworthy to Bingeworthy: Need some smart, progressive news to balance out all the fascist rats in your life? Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily hit of wins, resilience, and hope. Beowulf Rochlen delivers the stories that prove the fight isn’t over. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.Also check out Making Space with Hoda Kotb for inspiring conversations about growth, healing, and compassion.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984.  Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered:1984, Winston Smith, Julia, memory hole, historical erasure, O’Brien, censorship, thoughtcrime, Project 2025, book bans, authoritarianism, banned books

1984 | Ch. 13 - How to Disappear Your Best Friend (and Everyone Else)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 13 of George Orwell’s 1984. Winston watches friends vanish, propaganda ignite, and a world of fear tighten its grip. Jennifer and Dan unpack Hate Week's full-blown hysteria, from staged outrage to creepy wax statues. And somehow, a swarm of cockroaches and a wax figure of Donald Trump make their way into the conversation. Because 2025 feels a lot closer to 1984 than anyone would like to admit.Things To Listen For:Why Winston's friend Syme disappears without a trace—and why no one dares mention it.Hate Week's wild buildup: parades, fake photos, propaganda songs... and sudden "enemy" switches.Jennifer’s theory on how governments manufacture fear (and Dan's cockroach trauma).Featured Clip: News segment from WPLG Local 10 TV: Wax figure of Donald Trump at San Antonio Museum vandalized. 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 is intended.Banworthy to Bingeworthy:Need some smart, progressive news to balance out all the fascist rats in your life? Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily hit of wins, resilience, and hope. Beowulf Rochlen delivers the stories that prove the fight isn’t over. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.Also check out Making Space with Hoda Kotb for inspiring conversations about growth, healing, and compassion.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, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984.  Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered:1984, George Orwell, Syme disappearance, Hate Week, propaganda, censorship, fake news, emotional manipulation, wax figures, censorship resistance, banned books.

1984 | Ch. 12 - Bugs, Beds, and Brown Snow

In this episode of Banned Camp, Winston and Julia’s secret love nest gets less romantic and more... rodent-infested. Jennifer and Dan wade through Orwell’s sensual rebellion: contraband jam, lipstick resistance, and an entire kilo of “hot bean felony.” But just when things seem safe, reality bites—literally. There are rats. And bugs. Things To Listen For:Why makeup might be the most subversive act in Oceania“Hot bean felony” – Robot’s street name for contraband coffeeA full Orwellian takedown of Trump’s facial expressionsRats, bedbugs, and lipstick: the worst Airbnb everWinston’s dream of love, still stuck in surveillanceThat one creepy moment where even Robot hesitatesBanworthy to Bingeworthy:Need some smart, progressive news to balance out all the fascist rats in your life? 🎧 Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily hit of wins, resilience, and hope. Beowulf Rochlen delivers the stories that prove the fight isn’t over. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.Also featured: Making Space with Hoda Kotb. If you like hearing people talk about truth, discovery, and transformation without rats or telescreens, this is your vibe.Robot’s ScorecardWant to decide for yourself if a book deserves to be banned? Download Robot’s BAN-WORTHINESS Scorecard—a completely unscientific, weirdly satisfying way to evaluate every chapter.Get it now at band camp podcast dot com slash scorecardRate, 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, 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 1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles. 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered:1984, Winston and Julia, surveillance, bugs in the wall, banned books, contraband coffee, lipstick rebellion, authoritarianism, rats, free expression, censorship

1984 | Ch. 11.2 - The Ministry of Love Is a Lie

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dig into Chapter 11.2 of 1984, where Winston and Julia lean fully into their doomed rebellion—with jam, real sugar, and a mattress that probably has bedbugs. As they debate whether pushing people off cliffs counts as progress, they also break down Orwell’s not-so-subtle misogyny, the illusion of privacy, and whether the Party really knows everything… or just wants you to believe it does.Things To Listen For:Dan’s theory about old man Charrington’s “love nest empire”The darker meaning behind “pleasure is subversive”Whether the Party lets you rebel just enough to keep you functionalA real-world lawsuit exposing how Moms for Liberty influences school book bansA reminder that just showing up can be the start of fighting backBanworthy to BingeworthyGood News for Lefties – Smart, sharp, and progressive as hell. Beowulf Rochlen joins us again with the latest in the fight for free thought. Making Space with Hoda Kotb – Insightful conversations that bring warmth, perspective, and sometimes, just the right kind of hope.New: Robot’s Ban-Worthiness Scorecard Want to know if a book really deserves to be banned? Robot created a totally biased, somewhat logical, and oddly satisfying scorecard to help you decide for yourself. Download it here: bannedcamppodcast.com/scorecardHow to Stop Moms for Liberty from Taking Over Your School Board Fighting back starts with showing up—this free framework helps you do it without losing your mind. Get it here: bannedcamppodcast.com/frameworkIt’s your starter kit to stop Moms for Liberty before they take over your school board.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, 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 1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles. 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.Topics Covered:1984, George Orwell, Winston and Julia, telescreens, rebellion, Ministry of Love, pigeon dung, Moms for Liberty, book bans, censorship, forbidden joy, resistance, surveillance culture, AI evolution, banned books