Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
Love banned books? Hate censorship? Same. You’re our kind of people. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place. Each season, we tackle a new banned book, reading it chapter by chapter and asking: What made someone clutch their pearls and scream, "BAN IT!"? (Spoiler: It’s rarely what you’d expect.) One thing is clear—the people banning these books often haven’t read them. While we uncover some eyebrow-raising moments, nothing truly justifies censorship. Join us—and our listeners, "The Scary Book People"—as we explore the strange, hilarious, and sometimes baffling world of banned books. Past seasons have featured classics like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. This season, we’re diving into 1984 by George Orwell—a dystopian warning that feels eerily real today. From thought control to banned books, its message is more relevant than ever, and that’s exactly why it remains one of the most challenged books of all time. By reading these books, we ask big questions: Why are banned books important? What does “banned” mean? What does “challenged” mean? How do book bans affect students? Are book bans constitutional? Come hang out with us and have some laughs while we dig into the drama behind banned books—you might even learn something cool along the way!
Episodes
Love banned books? Hate censorship?
Same. You’re our kind of people.
Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.
Each season, we tackle a new banned book, reading it chapter by chapter and asking: What made someone clutch their pearls and scream, "BAN IT!"? (Spoiler: It’s rarely what you’d expect.) One thing is clear—the people banning these b...
Jen and Dan kick off this season by reading chapter 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Dan seems to identify with the slower pace of life in a sleepy town, but Jennifer can't stand that phrase 'Ladies bathed before noon after their three o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum.' It's like they're being compared to baked goods covered in sweat ...
Jen and Dan read chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Jen is considering taking Atticus’ advice to use bartering to clean her house.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast, Banned Camp, features readings and discussions of banned books for the pu...
Jen and Dan read chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Hot take - Jennifer prefers empathy over bed slats.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast, Banned Camp, features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, comment...
Jen and Dan read chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Jem's panic over Scout's gum-chewing habits leads to a larger discussion on the dangers of knotholes and chimneys.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassroots guide, at https://www.bannedcamppodcast.com/battle.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast, Banned Camp, features read...
Jen and Dan read chapter 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
When foot-washing Baptists frown upon Miss Maudie's heavenly flowers, we're reminded that some folks just can't handle the simple pleasures in life and would rather see them wilt in eternal damnation. Plus, Dan compares Jem to a place-kicking mule named Gus.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Bo...
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING NOTE:
Starting this week, Banned Camp will now be released twice per week. New episodes will drop Tuesdays and Thursdays at approximately 6 am EST/3 am PST. The feedback blows us away. THANK YOU!
Jen and Dan read chapter 6 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In this nail-biting episode, the Scooby gang explores the dark recesses of the Radley Place, only to be met with a "thunderous roar...
Jen and Dan read chapter 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
As Jem and Scout uncover a series of enigmatic knothole presents that outshine Maycomb's mundane toothpick-whittling craze, Dan ponders whether Jem would walk like an Egyptian with "The Bangles," while Jen wishes for a more exhilarating town activity.
If you're a progressive who wants to join the fight against book banning in your local comm...
Jen and Dan read chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
When a snowy surprise hits Maycomb, Jem, and Scout sculpt an icy doppelganger of their cranky neighbor, but the real chills come from a cryptic blanket-bestowing figure; meanwhile, Jen attempts to redefine "thrift" in a way that leaves Dan both puzzled and entertained.
If you're a progressive who wants to join the fight against book banning in yo...
Jen and Dan read chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In this rip-roaring chapter, Scout fiercely defends Atticus against playground bullies and snarky relatives, proving that the only thing more tenacious than a wild dove outside Dan's studio window is a daughter's love for her father.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get your copy of The Book Ban Battle Plan, our grassro...
Jen and Dan read chapter 10 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In an episode where Jem and Scout discover that their seemingly uncool dad is actually "Ol' One-Shot" Atticus, the deadest shot in Maycomb County, we learn that sometimes the most badass heroes are the ones who remain humble about their skills. Meanwhile, Dan and Jen get the "feels" so hard they're compelled to donate to an animal charity, ...
Jen and Dan read chapter 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
As Jem and Scout delve into the dark underbelly of Mrs. Dubose's bitter existence, we learn that even the nastiest neighbors have a story to tell. Dan and Jen shudder at her spine-chilling description. Your mind will be blown by the bombshell revelation about Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose.
Join the fight against book banning in your local community, and get ...
Jen and Dan read chapter 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In this chapter, where Jem and Scout delve into Calpurnia's hidden life and experience an unforgettable church service, Jen and Dan find themselves hilariously sidetracked by alien theories and Dan's nostalgic tales of short pants and hard shoes.
Excerpts from "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" performed by The Acappella Company and found o...
Jen and Dan read chapter 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Scout, Jem, and Atticus grapple with Aunt Alexandra's relentless pursuit to impose her "feminine influence" on the family. Meanwhile, Jen and Dan uncover a heavenly new treat that'll make you exclaim, "Snap, Crackle, Pop, anyone?"
Excerpts from "Trump Has Tiny Hands PAC," "Dueling Banjos from Deliverance," "...
Jen and Dan read chapter 14 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
In a chapter filled with Aunt Alexandra's disapproval, Jem's newfound maturity, and a not-so-slithery surprise under the bed, Jen and Dan can't help but ponder the age-old question, "What's a Jee crawling hova?"
Bingeworthy podcast alert
If you're a fan of Banned Camp and enjoy other funny, smart podcasts, then you'll...
Jen and Dan read chapter 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Between summer adventures with Dill, tension-filled jailhouse standoffs, and Scout inadvertently turning the tide by nailing a nasty bully where it counts, Jen and Dan can't help but chuckle at how the smallest actions can have the biggest impact.
Excerpt from "Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)" by Johnny Mercer (1937). All rights belong t...
Jen and Dan read chapter 16 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
As the courthouse bustles, Jem, Scout, and Dill meet Maycomb's quirkiest characters, witness a showdown between foot-washing Baptists and Miss Maudie's garden, and see Scout yearn for a forbidden caffeine fix. Also, Jennifer addresses the dangers of Dan's friend's unorthodox ear-cleaning methods.
Excerpts from "The Merry-Go-Round Broke...
Jen and Dan read chapter 17 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
We dive headfirst into a world where physicians are a luxury, left-handers are prime suspects, and living behind a trash heap is just another Tuesday. All this while Dan grapples with the ambidextrous abilities of his own mouth.
Follow and messages us on Facebook, Instagram @bannedcamp_podcast, or email us at pod@bannedcamppodcast.com.
Excerpt from t...
Jen and Dan read chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
As Mayella Ewell takes the stand, we're plunged into a narrative that's less 'Law and Order' and more 'Law and Odor'. Her convoluted testimony raises more eyebrows than Jen's comparison of the Ewell kids to the Toxic Avengers.
Excerpt from "Dueling Banjos" composed by Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith, produced ...
Jen and Dan read chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird.
As Tom spins a velvety tale that has even Dan and Jen on the edge of their seats, Dill's emotional complexity is becoming the spin-off series nobody saw coming.
Bingeworthy podcast alert
For all Disney enthusiasts who love a good laugh, we have a podcast recommendation for you - Disney Dependent. Hosted by Sarah, James, and Producer Ash, this trio deli...
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