Shows
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBrave New World | Ch. 1.2: Genetically Engineered to Love CapitalismIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan finish Chapter 1 of Brave New World, where dystopia smells like formaldehyde and sounds like conveyor belts full of bottled babies. From mass-produced twins to racist ovary rankings and flaps of pig guts shooting up from the organ store, Huxley’s world is gross, precise, and disturbingly intentional. Dan wonders if Elon Musk would be into this. Jennifer starts asking if evolution even has a chance. And Robot? He’s just trying to figure out what to do with 15,000 siblings.Things to Listen For:How pig bell...2025-08-0731 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBrave New World | Ch. 1.1: Twins, Test Tubes, and the Dystopia Next DoorIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan kick off Season 9 by opening the cold, clinical doors of Brave New World. Chapter 1.1 takes us into the Central London Hatchery, where humans are mass-produced in jars, scored for class, and occasionally pickled in x-rays and alcohol. Dan wonders if Elon Musk would be into this. Jennifer questions whether evolution ever had a chance. Robot’s trying to figure out how many siblings he technically has. Also, pudding fingers. Just trust us.Things To Listen For:Jennifer wonders if factory-made humans come with a signing bo...2025-08-0524 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Special Episode – Orwell’s Final WarningEpisode Summary: In this special season finale, Jennifer and Dan unpack the viral clip known as Orwell’s Final Warning—a dramatic video that looks real but isn’t. Robot breaks down the truth behind the fake footage, then sticks around to explain Orwell’s obsession with sex, religion, and control. Jennifer and Dan reflect on what it’s been like reading 1984 during real-world political chaos… and how this season became something more than just a book club. It became a lifeline.Things To Listen For:The truth about that eerie “Orwell” videoW...2025-07-2916 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 23.1 - Broken People, Broken WorldIn Chapter 23.1 of George Orwell’s 1984, Winston sits alone with his gin, Julia’s ghost, and the hollow comfort of surrender. Jennifer and Dan explore how totalitarian control doesn’t always end in violence—sometimes it ends in apathy, routine, and the quiet erasure of everything that mattered.From chess metaphors to clumsy reunions, this episode asks whether the final victory of authoritarianism is simply making people too tired to care. It’s bleak, yes, but also eerily relevant to a world where reality can be edited overnight.Things To Listen For:Winston’s...2025-07-1526 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 22 - The Day Winston Chose Survival Over LoveIn Chapter 22 of George Orwell’s 1984, Winston meets Room 101. This is the place where censorship stops being an idea and starts gnawing on your face. Jennifer and Dan break down how totalitarian regimes use fear to crush free thought, why banned books like this still matter, and what happens when survival trumps love.From Orwell’s most terrifying invention to modern censorship battles, this episode blends dark comedy, literary critique, and the uncomfortable realization that maybe the scariest part is how familiar it all feels.Things To Listen For:The rats (yes, actu...2025-07-1026 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 21 - To Die Hating Them Was FreedomIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan tackle Chapter 21 of 1984 by George Orwell—a banned book that keeps feeling uncomfortably familiar.Winston has been broken, rebuilt, and fed just enough comfort to forget why he ever resisted. As he dreams of the golden country, the Party teaches him the final lesson: surrender isn’t enough. You have to love Big Brother.Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece shows how censorship and propaganda don’t just rewrite history—they hollow out the self until you start to believe your own betrayal. Along the way, Dan and Je...2025-07-0833 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 20.2 – Freedom Is Slavery, Ignorance Is Bliss, Humor Is SurvivalIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan tackle Chapter 20 of 1984 by George Orwell—a banned book that never stops feeling relevant. As Winston faces the ultimate gaslighting, O’Brien insists reality itself only exists because the Party says so.Orwell’s dystopian nightmare shows how censorship and propaganda can warp truth until nothing feels solid. Along the way, Dan and Jennifer dig into solipsism, simulation theory, and why repetition is the Party’s greatest weapon.Expect dark humor, uncomfortable parallels, and a reminder that reading banned books might be the best way to stay san...2025-07-0334 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 20 – Freedom Is Slavery (And Other Lies)In this episode of Banned Camp, the comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to understand why they were censored, Jennifer and Dan dig into the first part of Chapter 20 of 1984 by George Orwell. Winston enters the so-called “understanding” phase of his interrogation, where O’Brien finally reveals the Party’s true motive: power for its own sake.Through a chilling monologue, O’Brien explains that there is no revolution, no utopia, and no noble purpose behind the torture—only the endless pursuit of power. Jennifer and Dan debate whether this is more terrifying than the lies of...2025-07-0130 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 19.3 - You Do Not Exist (But Big Brother Does)In Chapter 19.3 of 1984, things go from bad to flesh-zombie worse. O’Brien continues Winston’s psychological beatdown with Orwell’s signature brand of state-sanctioned gaslighting. Jennifer has a theory about promotion to the Inner Party, Dan gets haunted by the return of the dove from Season One, and Robot wants to know if you saw five fingers… or just forgot how math works. The torture is brutal. The dialogue is chilling. And somehow, it still turns slightly erotic.Things To Listen For:Dan’s theory that O’Brien is just a sadistic ex with a God comple...2025-06-2633 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 19.2 - The Price of Truth Is PainWinston says four. The Party says five. The pain dial says... crank it to 90.This chapter is Orwell at his most brutal, and Dan and Jennifer are not okay.Gaslighting gets an upgrade, truth gets memory-holed, and we all learn the Party’s favorite math trick: reality = whatever they say it is.Dan considers giving in. Jennifer basically volunteers to die on this hill.Welcome to the moment Winston starts loving Big Brother... and not in a cute, enemies-to-lovers fanfic way.Things To Listen For:The fo...2025-06-2427 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 19.1 – Confess Everything, Even the Stuff You Didn’t DoWinston’s torture officially begins, and it’s brutal. Dan and Jennifer read through Orwell’s stomach-churning description of physical beatings, psychological torment, and Orwell’s scarily precise understanding of how to break a human being. Meanwhile, Robot weighs in on the sadism of cats, Jennifer confesses her love of surgery, and suspects Turning Point USA might’ve borrowed their name from something way darker than they realize.Things To Listen For:Jennifer insists she likes surgery, which… okay?Dan compares cats to serial killers, and Robot agrees—aggressively.The Party’s real weapon isn’t fists, it’...2025-06-1931 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 18.2 – Loudly, Abundantly, and Very StronglyIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan finish Chapter 18 of 1984, and it’s a brutal one. Winston meets a series of broken people—including the tragically loyal Parsons—and we get a chilling glimpse into the cruelty of Room 101. There’s blood, betrayal, and even an unflushable toilet. Jennifer wonders how far people will go to save themselves, Dan can’t stop fixating on cabbage water and prisoner hierarchy, and Robot just tries to survive the smell.Things To Listen For:Parsons proudly turning himself in for thoughtcrime… committed in his sleepA child rattin...2025-06-1731 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17.7 - No One Escapes the Iron VoiceWinston and Julia thought they had a secret — a room, a routine, a bit of freedom. But the telescreen was listening the whole time. In this brutal end to Chapter 17, Orwell rips away the last illusion of safety. Dan and Jennifer react in real time to one of the novel’s darkest turns: betrayal, surveillance, and state violence crashing through the walls. Things To Listen For:the moment the telescreen answers backjennifer’s call to fight back — even if it’s hopelessdan’s theory on using bodily fluids as weaponsBanworthy to Bingeworthy:2025-06-1024 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17.6 - The Party Makes You Forget You ForgotIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read the next section of Goldstein’s manifesto—and it gets bleak. Orwell explains how the Party rewrites reality so often that people forget they ever believed anything else. Jennifer recounts a formative memory about civil rights and force. Dan loses it over Orwell’s ode to giant butts. Things To Listen For:Julia’s boob gets a brief cameo.Robot’s log includes a genuinely haunting thought about forgetting the truth.Beowulf Rochlen brings good news from a prison vineyard in Italy.Banworthy t...2025-06-0527 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17.5 - The Dumb Masses vs. the Baby ElephantsJennifer and Dan return to Orwell’s nightmare to decode the Party’s obsession with eternal control. This chapter dives into the rigid social hierarchy, the myth of Big Brother, and the dark genius of “protective stupidity.” Along the way, Dan breaks out a baby elephant metaphor and Jennifer predicts exactly how paramilitary violence might squash any real revolt. It’s a deep, disturbing look at the architecture of power—and what keeps people from walking away.Things To Listen For:The horrifying function of “protective stupidity”Orwell’s breakdown of how power survives itselfBanworthy to Bin...2025-06-0332 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17.4: - Big Brother Is... AI?In this episode, Jennifer and Dan continue rteading Goldstein’s Manifesto and wrestle with the mind-melting logic of 1984’s most infamous slogan: "War is peace." Jennifer proposes Big Brother might be AI (terrifying but plausible), while Dan can’t stop picturing meerkats. From fake wars to real propaganda, they explore how the Party wages war not against enemies, but against its own people. Oh, and Julia? She falls asleep about 20 seconds into the forbidden book. Classic.Things To Listen For:Jennifer’s theory that Big Brother is secretly AI.A brutal breakdown of Orwell’s “War is...2025-05-2730 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17.3 - Obedience by DesignIn 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 Bingeworth...2025-05-2234 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | 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: Ch...2025-05-2030 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 17 - When Reality Changed Mid-SentenceOn 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 o...2025-05-1526 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 16.2: Resistance in the Darkn 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 Win...2025-05-1328 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | 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...2025-05-0831 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 15 - She Had a Face Like a Monkey… and Then She Was GoneWinston 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 conf...2025-05-0636 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 13.2–14 - Woke Winston and the Meat ModemsWinston 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...2025-05-0129 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | 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 n...2025-04-2934 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipHow to Stop Moms for Liberty Without Losing Your MindIn this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan set aside Orwell for a moment to unveil a four-part framework designed to help you stand up to groups like Moms for Liberty. From showing up at school board meetings to dismantling talking points with calm clarity, this guide is for every “Scary Book Person” who’s tired of watching public education get steamrolled by political agendas. GRAB THE FULL FRAMEWORK HERE🔍 Things To Listen For:Why calmness is your secret weapon in school board meetingsThe real playbook behind "parental rights"How to disman...2025-04-1721 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBanned Camp Bonus: The Bookstore Fighting Back—with a TaserIn this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan take a break from 1984 to talk with Lindsay Schultz, owner of The Spine Bookshop in Smyrna, Tennessee. Lindsay isn’t just selling banned books—she’s giving them away for free to students who need them, dodging bigotry with boldness, and standing up to extremist attacks with a taser in one hand and a banned book cart in the other. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered what resistance looks like in real life.Things To Listen For:A bookstore owner wh...2025-04-0316 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 8.2 – You Can’t Buy a Revolution in Half-LitersIn this episode of Banned Camp, Winston ventures into a pub hoping to unearth truth from the lips of a prole old enough to remember the world before the Party. Instead, he gets vague memories, bladder complaints, and a pint of wallop. Jennifer and Dan spiral into a conversation about end-stage capitalism, billionaire control, and why two-liter Pepsi bottles ruined Dan’s childhood economy. 🎧 Things To Listen For:Jennifer compares Mussolini’s definition of fascism to Bezos and Trump’s bromance.Dan’s entrepreneurial dreams dashed by two-liter bottles.Is Winston gaslighting this old man… or just...2025-03-2733 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 8 - Winston Kicks a Severed Hand and Calls It a DayIn Chapter 8 of 1984, Winston skips out on mandatory fun and wanders into the “prole” section of London, where the smell of real coffee gives way to rocket bombs, severed limbs, and prole drama over lottery numbers that probably don’t exist. Dan and Jennifer reflect on solitude as rebellion, make a regrettable joke about “steamers,” and try to figure out if Winston has ever actually seen the people he thinks will save the world. Things To Listen For:That moment when Winston literally kicks a severed hand into the gutterJennifer’s critique of “tired-looking vegetables”Dan’...2025-03-2526 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 6: Winston’s Worst Date EverIn this episode, Winston takes a trip down memory lane—unfortunately, it’s a dark alley leading to a sketchy basement. Jennifer and Dan dissect Orwell’s bleak vision of love, marriage, and the Party’s war on pleasure. Meanwhile, Jennifer develops an unexpected bond with Winston’s nervous system, Prudence has some thoughts about keeping things joyless.Things To Listen For:Winston’s past romantic decisions, and why he regrets them deeply.Jennifer and Dan theorize about Party-approved lube. (Victory Lube™?)The Party’s real goal: making sex as appealing as an enema.How Nazi Germany...2025-03-1332 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 5.1 – Hate Week, Face Crimes, and Big Brother’s LiesIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 5 of 1984, where Winston’s world gets sweatier (thanks to Parsons), creepier (thanks to child spies), and dumber (thanks to the Ministry of Plenty’s creative accounting). The telescreens blare propaganda, Parsons proudly recounts how his kids burned a woman’s skirt for using a Big Brother poster as wrapping paper, and Winston starts to wonder—does anyone else remember the truth, or is he the only one? Meanwhile, Jennifer and Dan get sidetracked by the origins of “Toot Sweets,” Salvador Dalí’s lollipop legacy, and Elon Musk’s potential Neura...2025-03-1133 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 5 - The Ministry of Lunch and Other NightmaresWinston’s lunch break turns into a lesson in state-sponsored misery as we step into Chapter 5 of 1984. The Party’s grip tightens, and so does our growing sense of dread (and nausea) as we explore the horrors of Newspeak, the lingering stench of synthetic gin, and the joyless routine of Party-controlled meals. Meanwhile, Syme is a little too excited about destroying words, and Jennifer and Dan wonder: If the Ministry of Truth had a Yelp review, how many stars would it get? Spoiler: Not enough to keep the rats away.Things To Listen For:Syme...2025-03-0633 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 4.2 – Winston’s Fake News FactoryWinston Smith has a job so dystopian it makes Fox News look subtle. His role? To take history, crumple it up, toss it in a memory hole, and replace it with whatever Big Brother feels like today. Enter: Comrade Ogilvy, a war hero so patriotic and brave that he definitely existed yesterday. Jennifer and Dan break down Orwell’s bureaucratic nightmare, debate whether Winston is a tragic hero or just a really dedicated intern, and explore how 1984’s Ministry of Truth might have been the original “alternative facts” factory. Meanwhile, Robot investigates the conspiracy that is… hairy ears.Thing...2025-03-0433 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 4 – Memory Holes: Where Facts Go to DieIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 4 of 1984, where Winston begins his thrilling new job at the Ministry of Truth—erasing inconvenient facts and rewriting history to fit Big Brother’s narrative. If you’ve ever wondered how propaganda gets mass-produced (or how many real-life politicians wish they had a memory hole at their disposal), this is the chapter for you. Plus, Dan has a theory about modern-day doublethink, and Robot fact-checks whether reality itself is still under warranty.Things To Listen For:Winston’s day job: rewriting history for the...2025-02-2726 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 3.1 – The Party is Gaslighting YouIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan unravel the latest Orwellian nightmare in Chapter 3.1 of 1984. Winston is shocked to discover that the Party’s propaganda machine is working as intended—kids are snitching on their parents, war is peace, freedom is slavery, and reducing chocolate rations is… good? Also, Dan’s personal Orwellian nightmare continues, as his rescue dog Beatrix refuses to recognize his benevolence. Things To Listen For:The Party’s “good news” announcement: chocolate rations are going down!Why Orwell’s depiction of youth indoctrination sounds disturbingly modern.Jennifer’s Jojo Rabbit compari...2025-02-2028 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 2.1 - Down with Big Brother (Oops, Did I Write That?)Welcome back to Banned Camp, the podcast where we read banned books, expose authoritarian nonsense, and occasionally wonder if we should be whispering all of this into burner phones instead of broadcasting it.Today, Winston Smith stares longingly into the void of O’Brien’s eyes, convincing himself he’s found a secret ally. Classic Winston—nothing says revolution like aggressive eye contact. Meanwhile, he commits the single dumbest crime in an all-seeing surveillance state—he writes Down With Big Brother over and over again, because nothing says subtle like leaving a paper tr...2025-02-1834 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 1.2 - Orwell Predicted Everything Except the Golden Girls Cover SongWelcome back to Banned Camp, where we’re reading 1984 one chapter at a time and slowly realizing Orwell was way too optimistic. In today's episode, we cover Chapter 1.2, where Winston Smith is legally required to scream at a telescreen for two minutes straight (which, to be fair, is basically Twitter).Meanwhile, Jennifer comes up with the worst Spin the Bottle scenario imaginable, and Robot fact-checks them both like an exhausted AP History teacher.Things to Listen For:Winston Smith: repressed freedom fighter or the original nice guy?How hate rallies became a fu...2025-02-1339 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship1984 | Ch. 1 - Big Brother is Watching (And So Are We)Welcome to the new season of Banned Camp, where we dive into 1984 by George Orwell—a book that somehow gets more relevant every year. In Chapter 1, we meet Winston Smith, a guy whose daily routine includes rewriting history for the Party, avoiding omnipresent surveillance, and secretly questioning whether Big Brother is really all that great. Jennifer and Dan unpack Orwell’s terrifyingly prophetic world, discuss the eerie parallels to today’s society, and debate whether we’re all just living in a never-ending episode of Black Mirror. Also, Robot is here to make sure we don’t get any historical...2025-02-1136 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 10 - So It Ends, So It GoesThis is it—Jennifer and Dan reach the final chapter of Slaughterhouse-Five, and they’re not alone! Special guest Beowulf Rochlen, host of Good News for Lefties, joins the discussion as they navigate Vonnegut’s signature blend of dark humor and existential dread. From corpse mines to Tralfamadorian philosophy to Billy Pilgrim’s last moments, this chapter packs a haunting punch. Plus, a reflection on why this book was banned, a deep dive into Vonnegut’s worldview, and the usual unhinged banter between Jennifer, Dan, and Robot.Things To Listen For:Beowulf Rochlen jo...2025-02-0433 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 9.2 - The Saddest Wagon Ride in HistoryIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore the poignant and chaotic events of Chapter 9.2 in Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy Pilgrim wakes up in a hospital, reflects on his past, and takes a heartbreaking journey in a wagon through Dresden's ruins. From troubling truths about war to surprising commentary on the absurdity of life, this chapter takes us on an emotional rollercoaster—complete with bleeding horses and a misunderstood diagnosisThings To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s peculiar relationship with time travel—and his son.The heart-wrenching revelation of mistreated horses in Dresden.Jennifer and Da...2025-01-2822 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 9.1 - Valencia’s Last Ride and Billy’s Woke MathIn this episode, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 9 of Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, where Valencia’s catastrophic final car ride steals the show—complete with mufflers falling off and a fateful hospital arrival. They also explore Vonnegut’s reflections on the Dresden bombings, Billy Pilgrim’s encounters with a larger-than-life historian, and a fact-check by Robot on exaggerated wartime death tolls. Along the way, the hosts share their own wild tangents, including Jennifer’s gardening mishaps and Dan’s latest plumbing horror story.Things To Listen For:Valencia Merble’s chaotic last drive.Billy Pilgrim’...2025-01-2326 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 8.2 - Kilgore Trout Crashes Billy’s PartyIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue reading, chapter 8 about that awkward world of Kilgore Trout, Billy Pilgrim’s favorite sci-fi writer. From delivering newspapers to mingling at Billy’s anniversary party, Trout’s antics keep the laughs coming. Along the way, Jennifer grapples with the sour-sweet chords of That Old Gang of Mine. Things to Listen For:Kilgore Trout’s wild claim about parsley and paprika at funerals.Jennifer’s beef with Simon and Garfunkel.Billy Pilgrim’s emotional breakdown during a barbershop quartet performance.Why a piece of salmon roe caused ch...2025-01-1621 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 8 - Kilgore Trout, the World’s Saddest Sci-Fi LegendIn this episode, Jennifer and Dan tackle Chapter 8 of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, where absurdity and tragedy collide. They delve into the unsettling introduction of Howard W. Campbell Jr., an American turned Nazi propagandist with questionable fashion choices. Edgar Derby makes a brave but heartbreaking stand, and Kilgore Trout emerges as both a tragic and hilarious reflection of artistic struggle. Along the way, Jennifer and Dan connect the chapter’s themes to modern issues, like drone warfare and societal apathy.Things to Listen For:Howard W. Campbell Jr.’s outfit: Cowboy chic with a side o...2025-01-1422 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 6 - Billy Pilgrim: Cinderella in Combat BootsWar has never looked so absurd. In chapter six of Slaughterhouse-Five, Billy Pilgrim stumbles through fate’s cruel wardrobe department, emerging as a tragicomic figure draped in azure curtains, muff-clad hands, and silver boots. Jennifer and Dan talk about Vonnegut’s biting critique of war’s absurdity as Billy marches into Dresden, a city on the brink of annihilation. Along the way, they ponder English POW survival tips, debate the stubborn resilience of kids against the cold.Things To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s tragicomic transformation into “Cinderella” with combat-ready princess boots.Jennifer and Dan’s debate...2025-01-0726 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.7 - Billionaire’s Dreams Vs. Earthling’s NightmaresJennifer and Dan are back, and this time, they’re wrapping up Chapter 5 of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Get ready for Howard W. Campbell Jr.’s scorching takedown of America’s wealth obsession, Billy Pilgrim’s cringe-worthy zoo moments, and a whole lot of laughs and insights along the way. They’re not holding back on billionaires, bad propaganda, or Vonnegut’s eccentric word choices. It’s absurd, funny, and oh-so-relevant.Things To Listen For:Campbell’s biting monograph: Poverty, propaganda, and a nation’s self-loathing.Jennifer and Dan’s billionaire roast session: Elon Musk, bootstraps, and...2025-01-0224 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.5 - Billy Pilgrim’s Rusty Hinge of DestinyIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 5.5 of Slaughterhouse-Five. From alien zoos with woke Tralfamadorians to Billy Pilgrim’s existential tunnel vision and rusty hinge romance, this chapter balances Vonnegut weirdness and harrowing truths about war, identity, and free will. Can humanity learn to focus on the good? Probably not, but we’re along for the ride anyway.Things to Listen For:Billy Pilgrim’s alien zoo workout routine and unexpected body positivity.Tralfamadorian "woke" science revealing Earth’s seven genders.Dan’s argument that penguins are the happiest zoo residents...2024-12-2623 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.4 - Jesus Was a Nepo Baby?In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dig into Slaughterhouse-Five’s Chapter 5.4, where Billy Pilgrim’s life reaches peak absurdity. Picture this: he’s naked in an alien zoo, under a dome of cyanide gas, with a cowboy photo taped to his broken TV. Meanwhile, Vonnegut’s satirical rewriting of the Bible suggests Jesus was the OG Nepo Baby, raising the stakes for “ban-worthy” literature. Oh, and Jennifer accidentally promotes “Colonel Moonlight” as the next great sci-fi hero. If you think banned books are weird, buckle up.Things To Listen For:Billy Pilgrim's bizarr...2024-12-2418 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.2 - Giraffes, Morphine, and Billy on FireStrap in, scary book people—things get absurd (and flammable) in Chapter 5.2 of Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy Pilgrim stumbles into a series of surreal scenarios, from setting himself on fire (casually, of course) to hallucinating about giraffes, all while wearing a coat that would make any fashion critic weep. Jennifer and Dan break it all down, with Robot stepping in to introduce us to Kilgore Trout. Things To Listen For:The tragic hilarity of Billy catching on fire—and not noticing.Jennifer’s thoughts on Billy’s mental state—crazed or coping?How morphine dreams led Billy to a...2024-12-1721 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 5.1 - A Tralfamadorian Time WarpIn this episode, Jennifer and Dan take a wild ride through time and space, exploring the mind-bending philosophy of the Tralfamadorians. And let's not forget Dan's own personal tale of wartime trauma - apparently, he once threw up on a rodent. So it goes.Things to Listen For:The mind-bending concept of Tralfamadorian time perceptionBilly Pilgrim's surreal experiences as a prisoner of warDan's gets vertigo and throws up on an animalRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love what you hear? Help us fight book bans with a laugh. Don’t...2024-12-1222 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 4.2 - The Triangle Coat of DoomIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 4.2 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Billy Pilgrim’s strange and surreal journey continues. From a frozen "coat" that looks more like a three-cornered hat to a delousing station reminiscent of a nightmare, the absurdity of war meets the tragedy of human suffering. Along the way, they tackle tinsel-covered coats, encounter a glowing Russian, and reflect on the peculiar philosophy of free will—or the lack of it. Things To Listen For:The infamous triangle coat and why Paris Fashion Week might be calling.The harro...2024-12-1023 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 4.1 - Billy’s Purple Pulsing Lights ShowIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read part 1 of Chapter 4 of Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Billy Pilgrim’s strange journey takes a cosmic turn as he prepares to be kidnapped by a flying saucer. Billy’s story oscillates between absurd and profound. But wait—there’s more! Jennifer goes on a mini-rant about double beds (spoiler: she’s not a fan), Dan considers a career as a hobo (spoiler: he might thrive).Things to Listen For:The Tralfamadorians’ unique take on time and their eerie amber metaphor.Billy’s surreal experience of watching a...2024-12-0518 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 2.3 - Billy Pilgrim: Hero or Misfit?Hey, Scary Book People! In this episode, we’re reading Chapter 2.3 of Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy Pilgrim is back with more time-traveling chaos, drifting from near-death moments in the woods to hallucinations of ice skating in sweat socks. Meanwhile, Roland Weary continues to cling to his Three Musketeers fantasy—scarves and all.Along the way, Jennifer and Dan tackle life’s big questions: Why would anyone invent floating toilets? What happened to girdles? And how do you even survive being thrown into a pool as a kid? Spoiler alert: Billy might not have figured it out either.Thin...2024-11-2123 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 2.1 - Billy Pilgrim Comes Unstuck in TimeIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into the mind-bending world of Chapter 2.1 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Billy Pilgrim finds himself “unstuck in time.” From abrupt visits to moments spanning his life to peculiar intergalactic encounters, listeners are pulled through Billy's unique perception of time and space. Jennifer and Dan ponder the surreal concept of life on Tralfamadore, where aliens see time as one continuous moment, and wonder how Billy’s newfound understanding will affect his Earthly life—and his optometry practice. Expect discussions on everything from toilet plungers to space zoos in this multidimensional adventure.Thi...2024-11-1425 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBetween Hope and Heartbreak: Dan & Jennifer’s Election ThoughtsThis unique episode of Banned Camp takes a break from the usual book commentary to reflect on the recent election and its emotional aftermath. Dan and Jennifer share their thoughts on the results, the direction of the country, and how censorship and suppression impact communities. We get candid about our worries for the future, recounting personal stories that underline the importance of staying connected, hopeful, and ready to push back against forces that threaten inclusivity and understanding. If you’ve ever felt disheartened by current events, this episode is here to remind you that you're not alone....2024-11-1218 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 1.2 - No Hollywood Heroes AllowedIn this episode, Jennifer and Dan take us through the rest of Chapter 1 of Slaughterhouse-Five, where Kurt Vonnegut introduces his own war reflections, setting the stage for Billy Pilgrim's story. This section offers everything from absurdity to dark revelations—like Vonnegut’s promise to his friend’s wife, Mary O’Hare, to portray war as it truly is, free from Hollywood heroics. Along the way, Jennifer and Dan dive into a few memorable tangents, from Taco Bell’s pneumatic food tubes to Vonnegut’s awkward moments as a young journalist.Things To Listen For:The origins...2024-11-0729 min
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Ch. 1.1 - Dresden’s “Duty Dance” BeginsWelcome to Season 7 of Banned Camp! Jennifer and Dan are back, diving into Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut—a novel that’s been banned, burned, and beloved since it first hit shelves. In Part 1 of Chapter 1, Julia Whitehead from the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library stops by with insights into the book’s turbulent history with censorship. From fires in North Dakota to free copies in Florida, Vonnegut’s story has faced it all. As Jennifer and Dan unpack the first pages, they try to make sense of the phrase “duty dance,” and Robot explains why Vonnegut compares Dresden to Dayton. Get...2024-11-0522 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipScary Stories to Tell in the Dark | Banned Camp Halloween Special - Spooky Reads That Were Too Scary for KidsIn this special Halloween edition of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan, joined by Butch the dog along with his dog wife, Baby, (or Eddie Munster lookalike), bring you some creepy tales from "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." Dan takes over the reading duties this time, bringing to life short, spine-tingling stories that were once banned for being too scary for children. Listen as they discuss talking cats, giant felines, and mysterious transformations, all while diving into why these tales were considered too frightening. Robot also joins the party to share why this book was banned. It's a f...2024-10-3119 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBanned Camp - Negative Emails and Reviews From Season 6: Jen and Dan Are Here for ItThis week, Jen and Dan dive headfirst into their inbox and take on the best of the worst: negative emails and reviews. Oh, and of course, Robot gets involved, lending his voice to one of the angrier emails.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:Love the show? Hate it? Either way, let us know! Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, and don't forget to follow so you never miss an episode.Featured Clips:This episode includes a brief clip from Classic Dairy Queen Commercial Mountain of Taste 1987. Produced...2024-10-2219 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipSlaughterhouse-Five | Season 7 Kickoff: Fan Vote Winner Revealed!In this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan reveal the fan vote winner for the next banned book to be featured on the podcast: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut! After a heated competition, this classic anti-war novel emerged victorious, beating out The Handmaid’s Tale, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Lord of the Flies, and Catcher in the Rye. The new season will officially debut on Election Day, November 5th—perfect for listening while you wait in line to vote. Tune in for the second annual Halloween special on October 31st, and don’t miss the next episod...2024-10-1702 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapter 18 – This Turned Into A Gay InterventionIn this episode of Banned Camp, Dan and Jennifer dive into Chapter 18 of Part 6 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Ari’s family takes an unexpected turn when they hold a surprise family meeting, which quickly escalates into what Dan calls a "gay intervention." As Ari’s father finally opens up about his traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War, the conversation shifts from painful memories to Ari's complicated feelings for Dante. The family’s direct and somewhat awkward approach leads to some big revelations that catch Ari off guard. Will Ari accept the truth...2024-10-0823 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 13-17 - Transgressions and TruthsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue their journey through Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, covering Chapters 13-17. As Ari wrestles with the shocking truths about his brother's past and the emotional fallout, the tension between him and Dante deepens. From revelations about Bernardo's crime to reflective moments of pain, guilt, and fleeting joy, this episode captures the raw vulnerability of teenage self-discovery. Expect laughter, deep discussions, and the occasional tangent—because what's a podcast without a few digressions?Things To Listen For:A...2024-10-0320 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 7-12 - Punching Nazis & Life LessonsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan tackle the heavy-hitting Chapters 7-12 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari wrestles with family secrets, his mother opens up about his brother’s crime, and emotions run high. From discussions of tough love to the occasional joke about punching Nazis, this episode has it all!Things To Listen For:Ari’s confrontation with his mother about his brother’s past and the burden of family secrets.Jennifer’s take on how easy (or not) it is to...2024-10-0117 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 4-6 - Ari’s Fury Unleashed: Violence & ConfessionsIn this intense episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 4-6 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Ari’s rage boils over as he confronts one of Dante’s attackers, taking justice into his own hands. Emotions run high as Ari struggles to make sense of his violent actions and their consequences. Things To Listen For:Ari's shocking confrontation with one of Dante’s attackers.Jennifer and Dan’s humorous debate on whether or not Ari’s actions were justified.Robot’s take on the correct pronun...2024-09-2623 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 6 Chapters 1-3 -Love, Violence, and the Cost of TruthIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into the turbulent emotions that follow Ari and his father’s intense trip to Tucson. As they return to El Paso amidst stormy weather, Ari wrestles with unsettling thoughts and a haunting dream that blurs the line between good and bad. Meanwhile, something unexpected and heartbreaking is about to unfold for Dante, testing the strength of his friendship with Ari and the boundaries of courage and identity. Join Jennifer and Dan as they explore these powerful chapters, filled with emotional highs and lows, while hinting at a looming revelation th...2024-09-2426 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 5 Chapters 14-18 - Lesbian Revelations & FireworksIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 14-18 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari learns more about his family’s hidden secrets, including the revelation that his Aunt Ophelia lived with another woman, sparking a conversation about family acceptance and identity. As Ari navigates his grief, the desert storms reflect his internal emotional battles, and the mysteries of the universe feel ever more pressing. From talk of “lesbian lovers” to awkward family moments over fireworks and beer, this episode blends deep emotional moments with Jennife...2024-09-1920 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 5 Ch 11-13 -Road Trips, Family Tensions, and CoffeeIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan continue reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe with Chapter 11. Ari and his dad head out on a road trip to Tucson, sparking some quiet but meaningful conversations about family, loss, and old memories. Along the way, there’s coffee, reflections on Ari’s aunt, and a little help from Dante’s family as they look after Ari’s dog, Legs. Join us as Ari grapples with his complicated family history, all while Dan and Jennifer share their thoughts on road trips, family dynamics, and some unexpected moments...2024-09-1726 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 5 Ch 8-10 -When Worlds CollideIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 8 and 9 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. The awkward blending of Ari and Dante’s social circles leaves Ari deeply uncomfortable as Dante’s friends start asking too many personal questions. Meanwhile, the duo dives into existential humor, as Jennifer and Dan muse over the peculiar quirks of Ari’s relationships and how his secrets are coming undone. Dan also reveals his fear of worlds colliding, especially when it comes to awkward social encounters. Oh, and there’s talk about running around naked in the rain...2024-09-1224 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 5 Ch 5-7 - The Kiss Experiment: Unspoken FeelingsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into Chapters 5-7 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari and Dante’s friendship takes an intense turn as Dante suggests an experiment—kissing. Tensions build as Ari struggles to reconcile his feelings about the kiss, and Dante wrestles with his own emotions. Jennifer and Dan unpack the complex dynamics of friendship, identity, and the fear of unspoken truths. And, of course, there’s a side conversation where Jennifer and Dan reminisce about their ill-fated plan to start a food truck—s...2024-09-1024 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 5 Ch 1 -Summer Dreams and Burger King NightmaresIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 1 of part 5 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Summer has arrived, bringing both freedom and frustration for Ari as he navigates the complex emotions of youth. From his contemplation of summer's potential to a humorous exploration of his job at a fast food joint, the episode captures the essence of teenage angst. Jennifer and Dan's banter takes a nostalgic turn as they discuss the smell of fast food restaurants and the enduring appeal of Alice Cooper's "School's Out." L...2024-08-2715 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 31 - Ari's Desert Night: Secrets Under the StarsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 31 of part four of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. As Ari navigates the awkward and introspective moments of teenage life, he finds himself in the desert with friends Gina and Susie, pondering the mysteries of the universe—while also trying not to get too drunk. The conversation turns to love, friendship, and the differences between boys and girls, leading to a mix of deep thoughts and humorous banter. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Dan debate Ari’s growing affection for his friends and whether this chap...2024-08-2210 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 29-30 -Dante's Big Reveal and Ari's Love LessonsIn this emotionally charged episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapters 29 and 30 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Ari's struggles with teenage love and unreciprocated feelings culminate in an intense conversation with Ileana, revealing the harsh realities of his unspoken desires. Meanwhile, Dante's heartfelt letter to Ari not only sheds light on his own journey of self-discovery but also hints at the difficult conversations awaiting him back home. The hosts draw hilarious parallels between this chapter and The Outsiders, making for a lively discussion on love, identity, and the painful process of growing u...2024-08-2015 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 26-28 -New Year’s Secrets and Uncomfortable LettersIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 26 through 28 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari tries to escape the awkwardness of a New Year's Eve family gathering only to find himself confronting deeper, unresolved issues, including the mysterious envelope marked "Bernardo." Things get even more complicated when Ari receives a letter from Dante that touches on a topic no one ever wants to discuss out loud. Jennifer navigates the discomfort and humor of these teenage dilemmas, sharing her own relatable anecdotes and reflections along the w...2024-08-1520 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 22-25 -Ari’s Adventures with Legs and LettersIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 22-25 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his reluctance to join his parents at a wedding dance, leading to a tense encounter with Charlie Escobedo. From awkward adolescent moments to a discussion about whether Ari’s dog Legs might secretly be a psychiatrist, this episode offers deeper reflections on family and identity.Things To Listen For:Dan and Jennifer's banter about wedding cookies—do they really serve those at Mexican weddi...2024-08-1323 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 17-21 -Ari’s Adventures with Legs and LettersIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 17-21 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari's new dog, Legs, becomes the star of his life, bringing joy and companionship. As Ari navigates the trials of growing up, from practicing driving to contemplating life's big questions, he finds humor and unexpected wisdom. Dan and Jennifer discuss the quirks of 1957 Chevy trucks, lowrider culture, and the awkward art of teenage kisses. Tune in for an engaging mix of laughter, introspection, and a little bit of car trouble.2024-08-0823 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipDefending Your Shelves: Banned Camp's Guide To Stopping Book Bans In Your CommunityIn this special episode of Banned Camp, Dan goes solo to tackle a serious and timely issue: how to combat book-banning groups like Moms for Liberty in your local community. With Jennifer and Robot temporarily unavailable, Dan takes the mic to share practical strategies and resources to help you prepare for school board meetings and other public forums where book bans might be discussed. This episode is packed with actionable advice and insights into the political agendas behind book-banning movements. You’ll also learn how to use calm, fact-based arguments to counter the misleading claims made by these groups ef...2024-08-0611 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 11-16 -Ari's Dream Dilemma & Brother's SecretsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari's recurring dreams make him question his feelings toward Dante and his brother, leading to some confusing moments. Jennifer shares her thoughts on how reading juvenile literature as an adult offers a different perspective, especially when it comes to relating to the characters.Meanwhile, Dante’s letters are filled with his reflections on art, including favorites like "Nighthawks" and "The Raft of the Medusa." The duo gets into a funny debate abo...2024-08-0118 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 4 Ch 7-10 -Dreams and DiscoveriesIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 7 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. From discussing Ari's crutch-filled return to school to the hilarity of 80s nostalgia and hospital morphine, the episode is packed with humor and poignant insights. Jennifer and Dan share personal anecdotes, including Dan's embarrassing attempts to emulate the Dukes of Hazzard and Jennifer's germaphobia.Things To Listen For:Ari's dream about running over Dante and its implications.The significance of Ari's truck as his place of prayer and s...2024-07-3027 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe _ Pt 3 Ch 6-11 - Struggles, Secrets, and Self-AcceptanceIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 6 through 11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari navigates through a tumultuous emotional landscape as he grapples with his injuries, deepens his bond with Dante, and confronts his feelings and identity. From sponge baths and sketchbooks to the poignant longing for connection, this episode captures the highs and lows of teenage life and the complexity of human relationships. Listen as Jennifer and Dan unpack Ari's introspections with their unique blend of live commentary while Robot keeps them in c...2024-07-2328 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 3 Ch 3-5 -Rules, Gratitude, and Hospital StaysJennifer and Dan read chapters 3 to 5 of part three of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, where Ari's hospital recovery is fraught with emotional and physical challenges. For someone who is a total lightweight and who has never taken an illicit drug in his life, Dan really does seem like he is hooked on hospital morphine. Jennifer's witty takes on Ari's stubbornness add a lighthearted touch to the emotional narrative.Things To Listen For:Ari's complex feelings towards Dante and his recoveryThe role of rules in A...2024-07-1822 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 3 Chapter 2 - Ari’s Alien Doctor and Dante’s SecretsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Part 3, Chapter 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Join them as they explore Ari’s funny and heartfelt hospital stay, his strange green-eyed doctor, and the growing bond between Ari and Dante. Jennifer and Dan share their hospital stories, including Dan’s impatience with getting discharged and their take on Ari’s swearing. Things To Listen For:Ari’s description of his alien-like doctor with deep green eyes.The funny take on hospital experiences and the wi...2024-07-1623 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 3 Chapter 1 - Hospital Drama and Morphine MomentsIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Part 3, Chapter 1 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The chapter begins with Ari waking up in a hospital after a dramatic car accident. As he navigates the pain and confusion of his injuries, the tension and humor unfold in typical Banned Camp style. From Ari's morphine-induced musings to the touching moments with his parents and Dante, this episode is filled with poignant and hilarious commentary. Jennifer and Dan also compare the chapter's events to a classic "General Hospital" episode, c...2024-07-1121 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Chapter 12 - When Rain and Realities CollideIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 12 of Part two of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari and Dante navigate their teenage years, the episode explores themes of friendship, identity, and the struggles of growing up. Highlights include a heartfelt walk in the rain and a sudden, dramatic event that leaves listeners on the edge of their seats. Alongside the book discussion, Jennifer and Dan share their thoughts on a recent viral video involving a woman accosting drag performers in a Waikiki hotel....2024-07-0921 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 10-11 - Hairy Problems and Hidden PastsEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into chapters 10 and 11 of part 2 in "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his relationship with his mother, the weight of family expectations, and the hidden history of his brother. As the duo delves into the complexities of growing up, they explore the humorous and poignant moments of Ari's journey. Dan shares his own story of being an "unplanned miracle," while Jennifer speculates on Ari's cultural pressures. The episode wraps up with a discussion about A...2024-07-0423 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 8-9 - Understanding ParentsEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 8 and 9 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The discussion centers around Ari’s feverish dreams, poignant family moments, and his complex relationship with his parents. From Ari’s introspective conversations with Dante to heartwarming interactions with his mother, this episode explores the theme of understanding and connecting with one’s parents. Along the way, Jennifer and Dan provide their usual blend of humor and insightful commentary, making for an engaging and thought-provoking episode.Th...2024-07-0218 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 5-7 - Border Dreams and Family FeelsEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 5 though 7 of Part 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari battles a persistent fever, his dreams become a poignant exploration of family ties and emotional distances. From surreal dreams featuring his brother Bernardo to introspective moments with Dante, these chapters explore the complex landscapes of Ari's mind. Listen in as Jennifer and Dan dissect the symbolism of Ari's dreams, his struggle with identity, and the deepening bond between Ari and Dan...2024-06-2717 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 3-4 - Motherly Wisdom & Artistic ConnectionsEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 3 and 4 of part two of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his aversion to television, his mother's teaching philosophy, and the complexities of their relationship. The episode also highlights Dante's artistic gesture and its emotional impact on Ari. Jennifer, Dan, and Robot chime in to answer Donald Trump's stupid question: shark or electrocution?Things To Listen For:Ari's reflections on his mother's teaching and their unique relationshipJennifer and Dan's take on Reaganomics an...2024-06-2521 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 1-2 - Fever Dreams & Family BondsEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Aristotle battles a fierce fever, leading to surreal nightmares and tender moments with his family. Jennifer makes fun of the time paramedics were called to Dan's house while he was going the the bathroom. Things To Listen For:Aristotle's intense fever and surreal nightmaresSymbolic significance of Aristotle’s dreamsTender family moments during Aristotle's illnessDan’s amusing bathroom emergency storyJennifer’s childhood illness e...2024-06-2021 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapter 12 - Poolside Philosophies and BB Gun BattlesEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 12 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari and Dante's friendship deepens through heartfelt conversations and tense encounters. From discussing the oddities of body awareness to a dramatic confrontation involving BB guns and a sparrow, this chapter is packed with moments that reveal the boys' characters and their evolving bond. Things To Listen For:The significance of Ari and Dante's conversation about body awareness.Dante's passionate reaction to animal cruelty an...2024-06-1821 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 9-11 - Exploring Identity and Footwear FascinationEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 9-11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." The discussion touches on Ari and Dante's unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the peculiarities of Dante's aversion to shoes. Jennifer and Dan navigate through humorous anecdotes and thoughtful insights, exploring why Dante doesn't like wearing shoes and how the boys bond over seemingly trivial yet profound experiences. The episode also features hilarious commentary on public etiquette and quirky family dynamics, making for a lively and engaging listen.Things...2024-06-1324 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 5-8 - The Art of Growing UpEpisode Summary:In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 5 to 8 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari and Dante's friendship blossoms, they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, meeting Dante's dad, and debating the merits of vinyl records. From a memorable encounter with a non-ball-tanning dad to Jennifer's dog-wrangling moment, this episode captures the heartfelt and quirky sides of growing up. Tune in to find out why Ari thinks he's a fraud, Dante's poetic persuasion, and how Aristotle's blank w...2024-06-1124 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapter 4 - New Friendships and Old InsecuritiesEpisode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan delve into Chapter 4 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari faces the discomfort of locker room showers, while Jennifer and Dan hilariously dissect modern masculinity, ball tanning trends, and teenage angst. They draw parallels between Ari's experiences and today's social dynamics, adding their signature humor along the way. From Ari’s awkwardness in the pool to his budding friendship with Dante, this episode is packed with relatable moments and insightful commentary.Things To Listen For...2024-06-0628 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 1 through 3 - Summers, Secrets, and Hi Ho SilverEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan embark on their new season with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. They read chapters 1 through 3, where we meet Ari, a Mexican-American teenager navigating life in El Paso during the summer of 1987. As Ari contemplates his existence and bonds with his mom over music, we get a taste of the book's rich setting and themes. Jennifer and Dan reflect on Ari's struggles with identity and loneliness, peppered with humorous commentary on DJs, '80s music, and f...2024-06-0420 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipA Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 9 - A Star's Sacrifice and Cosmic CourageEpisode Summary:In this gripping episode of "Banned Camp," Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 9 of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. As Meg confronts the chilling entity known only as IT, the stakes are higher than ever. Jennifer and dan unravel the tense moments when Meg, armed with only her willpower and Mrs. Who's spectacles, attempts to rescue her father and confront the ominous brain that controls the sinister world of Camazotz.Hey Scary Book People (that's what we call our AWESOME listeners)! We just dove into a spine-chilling chapter of "...2024-04-3040 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipA Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 8 - The Conformity Battle Against 'IT'Welcome back to Banned Camp, where we're diving deep into the eerie world of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. In this episode, Jennifer and Dan read chapter 8, taking us through a thrilling exploration of Camazotz. On this planet, conformity reigns, and individuality is crushed under the weight of a singular, controlling mind.This time, our hosts tackle the sinister developments in Camazotz, as Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace confront the chilling reality of a society where "IT" holds sway. Jennifer reads passages that reveal the trio's struggle against the homogenization of thought and...2024-04-2527 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipA Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 6 (pt 1) - A Star's Sacrifice and Cosmic CourageEpisode Summary:Join Jennifer and Dan as they read the first half of Chapter 6 of "A Wrinkle in Time," where the narrative deeply explores the ongoing battle between light and darkness. This episode profoundly analyzes how Madeleine L’Engle's portrayal of cosmic conflicts mirrors the real-world challenges against literary censorship. As the characters confront the dark forces, listeners are invited to reflect on themes of courage and sacrifice, which resonate within the broader context of freedom of expression.The episode unfolds a thoughtful discussion on the star's sacrifice, linking it to the bro...2024-04-1628 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipA Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 1- The Night of the Mysterious VisitorEpisode Summary: In this kickoff to Season 5, Jennifer, Dan and Robot dive headfirst into the stormy world of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. The chapter sets the stage with Meg Murray, a young girl grappling with self-doubt, a mysterious tramp, and the unsettling arrival of Mrs. Whatsit during a tempestuous night. As always, our hosts peel back the layers of the narrative, spotlighting Meg's struggles and the peculiar encounter with Mrs. Whatsit. The question looms: What secrets does this visitor hold, and how does this relate to the infamous Tesseract? Dan and Jennifer's exploration is...2024-03-2639 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipHuckleberry Finn | Chapters 1-2 - Huck's Freedom & Tom's Band of Robbers!Join Jennifer and Dan as they embark on Season 4 of Banned Camp, diving into the timeless currents of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' In this inaugural episode of season 4, they tackle the first two chapters, where we meet the mischievous Huck Finn yearning for freedom from his civilized life. They also discover the gruesome/whimsical world of Tom Sawyer's band of robbers, setting the stage for a tale of adventure and satire that challenges the social norms of the time.Follow and message us on Facebook, 2023-11-0738 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipThe Outsiders | Chapter 12: After the Verdict: Pony's Next OdysseyJoin Jen and Dan as they finish ‘The Outsiders’ final chapter. They wade through courtrooms, confrontations, and confounding homework assignments this week. In this episode, Ponyboy juggles courtroom boredom, soda-bottle combat training, and an understanding of what “ not less than five pages” means. Meanwhile, Jen and Dan think Dally's spirit is trying to enter Pony's body. Will Dan get the Saint Elsewhere-style ending he so desires?Featured clips include the iconic "dun dun" sound effect from 'Law & Order', created by Dick Wolf and distributed by NBC Universal Television Distribution. All rights and copyrights are the property...2023-10-1933 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipThe Outsiders | Chapter 11: Ponyboy's Confusion ChroniclesJen and Dan dissect Chapter 11 of 'The Outsiders.' Amidst the chaos, Ponyboy gets tangled in a web of confusion. Meanwhile, Dan laments the underappreciation of his school paper editor role, and Jennifer's aversion to 'smoking' and 'trembling' words takes center stage.Featured clips include a segment from "The Price Is Right" losing horn sound and a portion of the song "Memories" by Maroon 5. All rights and copyrights for these clips are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended....2023-10-1718 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipThe Outsiders | Chapter 9: Johnny's Golden Words & Dally's Imagined WardrobeJen and Dan read Chapter 9 of 'The Outsiders,' where fights flare up, Johnny offers sage advice, and while Dally doesn't actually show up for a rumble in a hospital gown, Dan can’t help but imagine his grand entrance in a leather jacket, over a hospital gown, with a breezy 'full moon' view.Featured clips include a segment from "The Office", directed by Greg Daniels and distributed by NBC Universal Television; a portion of "Chantilly Lace" by The Big Bopper, distributed by Mercury Records; a snippet from "Seinfeld", directed by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, distributed by...2023-10-1041 minBanned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. CensorshipBanned Camp & Burn This Book- Bonus EpisodeIn this fun crossover episode, Banned Camp and Burn This Book podcasts team up to celebrate National Banned Books Week, shining a spotlight on Rosemary Wells' often-challenged children's book, "Yoko." With lively discussions led by hosts Jennifer Davis, Dan Schulz, Nicolle Okoren, and Eden Wen and a rare statement from Rosemary Wells, this episode explores the realm of banned literature and the cultural narratives they hold. Tune in for a rich dialogue on the freedom of expression and the importance of preserving diverse voices in literature.Please check Nicolle and Eden's fantastic podcast, Burn This...2023-10-0242 min