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

Jennifer Davis and Dan Schulz – culture war censorship critics, satirical storytellers, banned books defenders, and irreverent humorists exploring challenged literature and book bans

Love banned books? Hate censorship? Same. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books out loud, cover-to-cover, and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place. If you've never read them, now's your chance to hear them for the first time with us. If you have, well, you already know what's coming and this will be your chance to laugh at us as we bumble our way through and get horrified over and over again. 11 seasons in, we've gotten pretty good at figuring out what these books are actually about and why the people pushing book banning and censorship don't want you to read them. This season we're reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Every episode we read the next chapter out loud, talk about what we found, and try to figure out why this book scares the book banners so much. It probably has something to do with the political shit show we're all currently living through. You know what's really insane right now? There are people in this country who own a lot of red hats but not a lot of library cards, and somehow those people ended up in charge of deciding what your kids can read. Moms for Liberty, pudding lover Ron DeSantis, and basically every politician who thinks they know better than you have been pushing book banning and censorship for years. We're pretty sure none of them have actually read the books, because if they did they'd have a hard time explaining why Captain Underpants and Charlotte's Web are a threat to your kids' freedom. So we read them ourselves to find out what's really in them. We also have a fact-checking robot so we don't accidentally spread misinformation. Or what some people call "alternative facts." Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You'll fit right in. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. You can start anywhere, Robot catches you up fast. Past seasons: 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 Saenz, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

  1. The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 5: Freedom To and Freedom From | Banned Books Podcast

    17h ago

    The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 5: Freedom To and Freedom From | Banned Books Podcast

    The handmaid walks through a neighborhood that looks like an architecture magazine came to life, except there are no children and no people. The stores have pictures instead of words. A movie theater is now a dress shop. And Aunt Lydia delivers six words that might be the crux of the entire book: "Freedom to and freedom from. Don't underrate it." Also: Dan reached into a urinal for a $10 bill and has no regrets. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Jennifer's observation that the neighborhood is "a facade with a dead heart" The moment Jennifer reads "freedom to and freedom from" and her brain breaks Robot's fact-check on whether fentanyl-laced money is real or an urban myth Dan's urinal story from TJ's Pub & Grill in Marinette, Wisconsin Pregnant Janine showing up at the store and the other Handmaids lose their minds Dan's PPP theory: Moms for Liberty would secretly be down with this lifestyle Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged or banned in American schools and libraries every single year since its publication in 1985. It was the most challenged book in the United States in 2023. It has been targeted for profanity, sexually explicit content, and content deemed "offensive to Christians." But the deeper reason is that Margaret Atwood showed what happens when a government uses religion, tradition, and "protecting families" as justification for stripping women of their rights, their names, and their autonomy. That's the part that actually scares book banners, because it looks a lot like Tuesday. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy: Good News for Lefties and America — Positive news stories for progressive listeners, every day of the week. Because no matter how disturbing the headlines might be, there's always hope to build on. One million downloads and counting. Listen at goodnewsforlefties.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Here's the Scoop — As the day wraps up, get the scoop on what's been happening with Here's The Scoop, a new daily podcast from NBC News hosted by Yasmeen Wassugian. Sharp, thoughtful, and informative. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts. 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 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 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 Margaret Atwood, her estate, or the publishers of The Handmaid's Tale. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged or banned in American schools and libraries every single year since its publication in 1985. It was the most challenged book in the United States in 2023. It has been targeted for profanity, sexually explicit content, and content deemed "offensive to Christians." But the deeper reason is that Margaret Atwood showed what happens when a government uses religion, tradition, and "protecting families" as justification for stripping women of their rights, their names, and their autonomy. That's the part that actually scares book banners, because it looks a lot like Tuesday. Is there a podcast that reads The Handmaid's Tale chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 11 covers The Handmaid's Tale, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, Chapter 5, Offred, Aunt Lydia, Janine, Ofglen, Moira, Econowives, Gilead, freedom to and freedom from, Ron DeSantis, New College of Florida, Moms for Liberty, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    35 min
  2. The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 4: She Still Has One Power Left | Banned Books Comedy

    2d ago

    The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 4: She Still Has One Power Left | Banned Books Comedy

    Chapter 4 takes the Handmaid outside the house for the first time — past a winking guardian washing a car, through checkpoints guarded by boys with guns, and alongside a walking partner who may or may not be a spy. By the end of the chapter, she's found the one thing Gilead forgot to take from her. It's small. It costs nothing. And it works. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Robot explains the word "chamois" — and somehow connects it to Vince Offer selling ShamWows to people eating cereal at 2am Why the Marthas and the Guardians both wear green but it means something completely different — and why Gilead did that on purpose A teenage guardian with a peach-colored mustache tries to sneak a look at the Handmaid's face. She lets him. He looks away first. Margaret Atwood ends the chapter with the word "stiffly" — Jennifer catches it immediately and is very sure it was not an accident The black vans with tinted windows that everyone looks away from — and what that one line "nobody's heart is perfect" actually means Dan's theory about why Nick is washing that car just a little too enthusiastically Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? This chapter includes references to male sexual frustration, a woman deliberately using her body to exert power, and the implication that masturbation is considered sacrilege in Gilead. Those are the surface reasons. The deeper reason is that Atwood shows a woman with no name, no money, and no rights finding power anyway — and enjoying it without shame. That's the part that makes book banners uncomfortable. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy Two shows worth adding to your feed this week: Good News for Lefties — Beowulf Rochlen's twice-weekly antidote to doomscrolling. This week: a new civil rights curriculum backed by Andrew Young is being taught at universities right now, designed to create the next generation of activists. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. Here's The Scoop from NBC News — A daily news podcast with NBC News journalist Yasmeen Wissam. Sharp, thoughtful coverage of the day's top stories. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us! Apple Podcasts Featured Clips This episode includes a short clip from Donald Trump. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education. 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 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 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 Margaret Atwood, her estate, or the publishers of The Handmaid's Tale. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged or banned in American schools and libraries every single year since its publication in 1985. It was the most challenged book in the United States in 2023. It has been targeted for profanity, sexually explicit content, and content deemed "offensive to Christians." But the deeper reason is that Margaret Atwood showed what happens when a government uses religion, tradition, and "protecting families" as justification for stripping women of their rights, their names, and their autonomy. That's the part that actually scares book banners, because it looks a lot like Tuesday. Is there a podcast that reads The Handmaid's Tale chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 11 covers The Handmaid's Tale, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, Chapter Four, Offred, Ofglen, Nick, Serena Joy, Aunt Lydia, the Guardians of the Faith, the Eyes, small acts of defiance, power and control, female autonomy, religious authoritarianism, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    37 min
  3. The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 3: Everything Looks Normal From a Distance | Banned Books Comedy

    Jun 11

    The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 3: Everything Looks Normal From a Distance | Banned Books Comedy

    Chapter three of The Handmaid's Tale introduces Serena Joy — the Commander's wife — and she is not happy to see the handmaid. She has a garden, a knitting basket, and a diamond ring. She also has thin lips, a clenched-fist chin, and flat hostile eyes. From a distance, it looks like peace. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Dan compares the Commander's wives to Fred Trump. The scarves Serena Joy knits for soldiers at the front lines. Dan and Jennifer piece together what might actually be happening to those scarves. Jennifer stops mid-sentence while reading Atwood's description of Serena Joy's face. She says she loves that writing. She called it a beautiful piece of writing. She's not wrong. Rochlen reports on an East Tennessee school district that reversed its ban on Roots by Alex Haley — and why the reason for the reversal is almost as disturbing as the ban itself. Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? Chapter three is a quiet chapter on the surface — a garden, some knitting, a brief hostile introduction. But Atwood is already showing how authoritarian systems don't just control behavior, they hollow out personhood. Giving women fake purpose while stripping them of real agency is exactly the kind of idea book banners don't want anyone reading about. It hits too close to home. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy While you're waiting for the next episode, check this out: Here's The Scoop from NBC News — Hosted by Yasmeen Vossoughian, Here's The Scoop is a daily news podcast from NBC News that takes you through the day's top stories with NBC's trusted journalists. Sharp, thoughtful, and informative. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts. 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 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 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 Margaret Atwood, her estate, or the publishers of The Handmaid's Tale. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged and banned in schools and libraries across the United States for decades. Critics cite sexual content, profanity, and its portrayal of religion and political systems. But the deeper reason is that Atwood's novel imagines a world where women's bodies, identities, and voices are legally controlled by the state — and it makes that world feel uncomfortably plausible. That's the part that actually scares book banners. Is there a podcast that reads The Handmaid's Tale chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 11 covers The Handmaid's Tale, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, Chapter Three, Serena Joy, the Commander's wife, Gilead, handmaids, Roots Alex Haley, book banning Tennessee, female autonomy, authoritarian control, fake purpose, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    33 min
  4. The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 1-2: Welcome to Gilead, It’s Worse Than You Think | Banned Books Comedy

    Jun 9

    The Handmaid’s Tale Ch. 1-2: Welcome to Gilead, It’s Worse Than You Think | Banned Books Comedy

    Margaret Atwood opens with a gymnasium that smells like bubblegum and decades of girls who passed through it — and within three pages, you understand that everything familiar has been stripped away and replaced with something much darker. Chapters 1 and 2 introduce us to Gilead: a world of color-coded clothing, cattle prod-wielding aunts, suicide-proofed rooms, and a woman who refuses to call anything hers. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Robot's cold open — including the story of a high school senior who stood up at a Texas school board meeting and the moment Margaret Atwood tried to set her own book on fire with a flamethrower Dan and Jennifer try to figure out what "lifting flesh" means, with Robot's help — and then without it A cattle prod story from Dan's childhood that somehow makes perfect sense in this context Jennifer connects a braided rag rug to Project 2025 in about four seconds flat The moment Dan and Jennifer both realize simultaneously whose house this actually is Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? It's been challenged every single year since 1985 — officially for sexual content and profanity, but these first two chapters show the real reason: Atwood builds a world where women's autonomy, identity, and memory are systematically erased, and she makes it feel uncomfortably familiar. That's what scares book banners. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy We think you'll also love this: Here's The Scoop from NBC News — As the day wraps up, host Yasmeen Wassugian gets you up to speed on the day's top stories with NBC News' trusted journalists. Sharp, thoughtful, and informative — from the front page to the zeitgeist. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts. 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 Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 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 Margaret Atwood, her estate, or the publishers of The Handmaid's Tale. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged or banned in American schools and libraries every single year since its publication in 1985, without exception. It's been removed for profanity, sexual content, and being "offensive to Christians" — but the real reason is that Atwood built a world where religious extremism and political control strip women of their names, their bodies, and their right to read. In 2023 it was the single most challenged book in the United States, in its 38th year of publication. That's not a coincidence. That's a warning. Is there a podcast that reads The Handmaid's Tale chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 11 covers The Handmaid's Tale, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, Chapters One and Two, Offred, Rita, Cora, Aunt Sarah, Aunt Elizabeth, Gilead, handmaids, Marthas, Republic of Gilead, identity and control, women's autonomy, religious extremism, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    44 min
  5. Catcher in the Crosshairs: When a Banned Book Gets Blamed for Murder | Banned Books Podcast

    Jun 2 ·  Bonus

    Catcher in the Crosshairs: When a Banned Book Gets Blamed for Murder | Banned Books Podcast

    🎉 Season 11 begins Tuesday, June 9th — The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Three high-profile crimes. One banned book. Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon with a copy of The Catcher in the Rye in his pocket. John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan with a copy in his hotel room. Robert John Bardo murdered actress Rebecca Schaeffer with one in his backpack — and threw it on a rooftop while running from police. This is the episode where Dan and Jennifer try to figure out what actually happened, and whether J.D. Salinger's novel deserves any of the blame. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — and occasionally go down rabbit holes that make us question everything we thought we knew about literature, murder, and Yoko Ono. Things To Listen For: The inscription Mark David Chapman wrote on his copy of the book the morning of the murder — and what he did with it at sentencing Why one of the three cases may have had nothing to do with the book at all — and everything to do with Jodie Foster The letter John Hinckley Jr. wrote to Jodie Foster the morning he shot Ronald Reagan Why Robert John Bardo threw the book onto a rooftop while fleeing police — and what that says about his actual connection to it The quote from J.D. Salinger biographer Kenneth Slawenski that explains the whole thing in one sentence A fact about Strawberry Fields and the Dakota building that will make you see this book differently forever Robot gets stuck. Dan has a rug. Beatrix has already been blamed. Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? This episode gets at the real answer — the same instinct that blamed this book for three high-profile crimes is the same instinct that removes it from school libraries. It's always easier to point at the object than to look at the person holding it. The book didn't make anyone do anything. That's the part that actually matters. Source: Much of the research for this episode comes from a great A&E Crime and Investigation piece: Did 'The Catcher in the Rye' Really Inspire Real-Life Killers? — worth reading after you listen. Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy: Good News for Lefties and America — Positive news stories for progressive listeners, every day of the week. Because no matter how disturbing the headlines might be, there's always hope to build on. One million downloads and counting. Listen at goodnewsforlefties.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Why Is This Happening? The AI End Game — Chris Hayes speaks with leading experts about artificial intelligence, what it is, what it isn't, and what the end game looks like. A special miniseries from MS Now. Here's the Scoop: Supreme Court Edition — NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett talks to legal experts about the biggest Supreme Court cases still left to be decided this term, from citizenship to presidential power. New episodes every Saturday from NBC News. Rate, Review, & Follow 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 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 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 J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most frequently challenged books in America since its publication in 1951, and was the most censored book in the U.S. from 1961 to 1982. It's been removed from schools and libraries for profanity, sexual references, and "anti-social behavior" — but the deeper reason is that Holden Caulfield gives teenagers permission to question authority, reject conformity, and say out loud that the system feels broken. That's the part that actually scares book banners. Is there a podcast that reads The Catcher in the Rye chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 10 covers The Catcher in the Rye, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Mark David Chapman, John Lennon, John Hinckley Jr., Ronald Reagan, Robert John Bardo, Rebecca Schaeffer, Jodie Foster, Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver, Kenneth Slawenski, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota building, Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, true crime, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    28 min
  6. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 26: Don’t Ever Tell Anybody Anything | Banned Books Podcast

    May 28

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 26: Don’t Ever Tell Anybody Anything | Banned Books Podcast

    🎉 Season 11 begins Tuesday, June 9th — The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. The final chapter is half a page long. It takes about two minutes to read. The discussion takes considerably longer. Beowulf joins Dan and Jennifer for the first time during the actual reading, and what they discover in those few sentences changes how they see the entire book. Also: a flashback to a wigwam, an organ recital, and the origin story of a podcast that almost was. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: The moment all three hosts realize where Holden has been telling this story from — and Dan's anger at what the parents did Dan's 1984 PTSD: "Even when we do Charlotte's Web, I think that pig is gonna die. Burlap bag. Rats." Beowulf's observation that changes everything: "He was his own catcher in the rye. He caught himself." Dan's hopeful reinterpretation of the title — catching kids at the bottom and helping them survive, not preventing the fall Jennifer's refusal to accept the world as it is: "I don't accept it. I will always fight against that." The Season 4 flashback featuring the world-famous Wigwam restaurant in Kewaskum, Wisconsin The origin story of Cereal Killers — the podcast that almost was Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The people who ban this book say they do it to protect children. This is a book about a kid whose entire reason for existing is to protect children. They are banning a book that agrees with them. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Coming Up Next: Catcher in the Crosshairs — a special true crime episode exploring why The Catcher in the Rye has been found at some of the most infamous crime scenes in American history Season 11: The Handmaid's Tale — begins June 9th Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy: Good News for Lefties and America — Positive news stories for progressive listeners, every day of the week. Because no matter how disturbing the headlines might be, there's always hope to build on. One million downloads and counting. Listen at goodnewsforlefties.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Why Is This Happening? The AI End Game — Chris Hayes speaks with leading experts about artificial intelligence, what it is, what it isn't, and what the end game looks like. A special miniseries from MS Now. Here's the Scoop: Supreme Court Edition — NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett talks to legal experts about the biggest Supreme Court cases still left to be decided this term, from citizenship to presidential power. New episodes every Saturday from NBC News. 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 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 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 J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most frequently challenged books in America since its publication in 1951, and was the most censored book in the U.S. from 1961 to 1982. It's been removed from schools and libraries for profanity, sexual references, and "anti-social behavior" — but the deeper reason is that Holden Caulfield gives teenagers permission to question authority, reject conformity, and say out loud that the system feels broken. That's the part that actually scares book banners. Is there a podcast that reads The Catcher in the Rye chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 10 covers The Catcher in the Rye, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 26, Holden Caulfield, Phoebe Caulfield, D.B. Caulfield, Beowulf Rochlen, season finale, The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, Catcher in the Crosshairs, true crime, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    29 min
  7. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 25.3: If They Fall Off, They Fall Off | Banned Books Comedy

    May 26

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 25.3: If They Fall Off, They Fall Off | Banned Books Comedy

    🎉 Season 11 begins Tuesday, June 9th — we're reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Robot has been promoted to official composer. Phoebe throws the hunting hat in Holden's face. They walk to the zoo on opposite sides of the street. They watch the sea lions, the bears, and go through a tunnel that smells like somebody took a leak. Then they get to the carousel, and something happens on a bench in the rain that might be the most important moment in the entire book. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Dan's half nelson strategy for handling a stubborn 10-year-old at the zoo Jennifer's observation about Phoebe representing Holden's inner child — and Holden choosing to sit with the parents instead of riding Jennifer connecting it to how she raised her own kids: "They have to learn their limits" Dan's prediction about Phoebe that thankfully did not come true Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The shelf police have spent decades banning this book because of language and cigarettes and a prostitute in chapter 13. They never made it to the carousel. They never read the sentence where a teenager figures out that love is not the same thing as catching. Sometimes love is sitting on a bench getting soaked and letting them reach. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy: Good News for Lefties and America — Positive news stories for progressive listeners, every day of the week. Because no matter how disturbing the headlines might be, there's always hope to build on. One million downloads and counting. Listen at goodnewsforlefties.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Why Is This Happening? The AI End Game — Chris Hayes speaks with leading experts about artificial intelligence, what it is, what it isn't, and what the end game looks like. A special miniseries from MS Now. Here's the Scoop: Supreme Court Edition — NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett talks to legal experts about the biggest Supreme Court cases still left to be decided this term, from citizenship to presidential power. New episodes every Saturday from NBC News. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us! Featured Clips This episode includes a short clip of "Oh Marie" by Louis Prima. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education. 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 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 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 J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most frequently challenged books in America since its publication in 1951, and was the most censored book in the U.S. from 1961 to 1982. It's been removed from schools and libraries for profanity, sexual references, and "anti-social behavior" — but the deeper reason is that Holden Caulfield gives teenagers permission to question authority, reject conformity, and say out loud that the system feels broken. That's the part that actually scares book banners. Is there a podcast that reads The Catcher in the Rye chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 10 covers The Catcher in the Rye, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 25, Holden Caulfield, Phoebe Caulfield, carousel, gold ring, Central Park Zoo, Louis Prima, Oh Marie, The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    26 min
  8. The Catcher in the Rye | Ch. 25.2: She Showed Up With a Suitcase | Banned Books Podcast

    May 21

    The Catcher in the Rye | Ch. 25.2: She Showed Up With a Suitcase | Banned Books Podcast

    Holden goes back to Phoebe's school and sees something on the wall that drives him crazy. Then he sees it again. And again. He visits the museum, plays tour guide for two kids who want to see mummies, passes out in the bathroom, and then Phoebe shows up wearing his hunting hat and dragging a suitcase. She packed her bags. She's coming with him. And what happens next might be the most important moment in the entire book. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us. Things To Listen For: Dan connecting the graffiti directly to Moms for Liberty's strategy of pretending things don't exist Dan and Jennifer's split on why Holden is so cruel to Phoebe — and why they're both right Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The thought custodians will point to this chapter's language — the word on the walls, the word in the tomb, the word Holden imagines carved on his own tombstone. They'll miss what Salinger actually wrote underneath it: you can't rub out every ugly thing in the world, but you can change your mind on a sidewalk when a ten year old shows up with a suitcase and won't let you leave. If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers). Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy: Here's the Scoop: Supreme Court Edition — NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett talks to legal experts about the biggest Supreme Court cases still left to be decided this term, from citizenship to presidential power. New episodes every Saturday from NBC News. Why Is This Happening? The AI End Game — Chris Hayes speaks with leading experts about artificial intelligence, what it is, what it isn't, and what the end game looks like. A special miniseries from MS Now. 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 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 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 J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Frequently Asked Questions Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most frequently challenged books in America since its publication in 1951, and was the most censored book in the U.S. from 1961 to 1982. It's been removed from schools and libraries for profanity, sexual references, and "anti-social behavior" — but the deeper reason is that Holden Caulfield gives teenagers permission to question authority, reject conformity, and say out loud that the system feels broken. That's the part that actually scares book banners. Is there a podcast that reads The Catcher in the Rye chapter by chapter? That's us. Banned Camp reads a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time — neither host has read ahead, so you're discovering the story together in real time. Season 10 covers The Catcher in the Rye, and every episode includes the chapter reading, discussion, a fact-checking Robot, and a segment on why books get banned. Do I need to start Banned Camp from the beginning? No. Every episode opens with Robot's recap of the previous chapter, so you can jump in anywhere. Most listeners tell us they started mid-season and went back to the beginning after they were hooked. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 25, Holden Caulfield, Phoebe Caulfield, Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five, censorship, graffiti, Moms for Liberty, The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    34 min
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4.7
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195 Ratings

About

Love banned books? Hate censorship? Same. Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books out loud, cover-to-cover, and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place. If you've never read them, now's your chance to hear them for the first time with us. If you have, well, you already know what's coming and this will be your chance to laugh at us as we bumble our way through and get horrified over and over again. 11 seasons in, we've gotten pretty good at figuring out what these books are actually about and why the people pushing book banning and censorship don't want you to read them. This season we're reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Every episode we read the next chapter out loud, talk about what we found, and try to figure out why this book scares the book banners so much. It probably has something to do with the political shit show we're all currently living through. You know what's really insane right now? There are people in this country who own a lot of red hats but not a lot of library cards, and somehow those people ended up in charge of deciding what your kids can read. Moms for Liberty, pudding lover Ron DeSantis, and basically every politician who thinks they know better than you have been pushing book banning and censorship for years. We're pretty sure none of them have actually read the books, because if they did they'd have a hard time explaining why Captain Underpants and Charlotte's Web are a threat to your kids' freedom. So we read them ourselves to find out what's really in them. We also have a fact-checking robot so we don't accidentally spread misinformation. Or what some people call "alternative facts." Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You'll fit right in. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. You can start anywhere, Robot catches you up fast. Past seasons: 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 Saenz, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Davis and Dan Schulz – culture war censorship critics, satirical storytellers, banned books defenders, and irreverent humorists exploring challenged literature and book bans
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
  • Show Website
    Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship

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