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

If you think banning books is stupid, so do we.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.If you’re new here, don’t sweat it. You can start anywhere. We’ll get you oriented fast (and if you get confused, there’s a good chance we’re confused too).Here’s what makes us different: we actually read the book out loud, every chapter, cover to cover, and we’ve never read it before. So you hear us stumble through the text, mispronounce names, miss obvious foreshadowing, and slowly piece together what freaks Moms for Liberty and the pudding-fingered politicians out.Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You’ll fit right in.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 Sáenz, Slaught...

  1. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 3.1: Holden Calls Out Phony Bastards | Banned Books Podcast

    1D AGO

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 3.1: Holden Calls Out Phony Bastards | Banned Books Podcast

    Holden admits he's "the most terrific liar you ever saw," then proceeds to spend the entire chapter calling out every phony around him. Meet Ossenburger: a businessman who made his fortune streamlining death at five bucks per body, then stood in chapel telling students to think of Jesus as their buddy while he's probably asking for a few more stiffs. Plus: Ackley the interloper who won't take a hint, even when Holden says he's been trying to read the same sentence for 20 minutes. 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: Holden's perfect read on Ossenburger: "I can just see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs" The terrific fart that Edgar Marsella let rip during Ossenburger's chapel speech Jennifer connecting phony performances to Trump - everyone pretending not to smell it Dan's question: why wouldn't someone with money just fix the smell and the hair? Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? This chapter shows another layer: Holden teaches readers to spot phonies, see through performances, and recognize when people in power are the biggest frauds. That's more dangerous than any swear word. 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're swapping promos with some excellent podcasts this week: Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order - A deep dive into when the US military was deployed on American streets, targeting whole communities for removal, and the burn order issued to cover it all up. A stain on this country we said we'd never repeat. Good News for Lefties - Beowulf Rochlen brings you the positive news on the progressive front that mainstream media won't cover. 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. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 3, Holden Caulfield, Ossenburger, Edgar Marsella, Ackley, phoniness, authenticity, spotting frauds, chapel farts, sarcasm as defense, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    26 min
  2. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 2.2: Holden Shoots the Bull While Thinking About Ducks | Banned Books Podcast

    6D AGO

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 2.2: Holden Shoots the Bull While Thinking About Ducks | Banned Books Podcast

    Holden wrote a kind note at the bottom of his failing essay so Mr. Spencer wouldn't feel bad about flunking him. Spencer repaid this kindness by reading it out loud like he'd won a ping-pong match. So Holden did what any smart kid would do: shot the bull, told Spencer exactly what he wanted to hear, while his brain escaped to Central Park wondering where the ducks go when the lagoon freezes over. 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: - Holden's note trying to make Spencer feel better about flunking him gets read aloud as humiliation - Jennifer thinks Holden might have ADHD - doing two things at once because his brain needs it - Dan realizes Holden is "reading the room" and performing to survive the conversation - The moment Holden puts his hand on Spencer's bare bumpy shoulder to comfort him while desperate to leave - Spencer yelling "Good luck!" and Holden thinking it sounds terrible when you really think about it Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? This chapter reveals the real reason: Holden sees through phoniness, questions authority, and teaches readers to spot when structures and performances are fake. That's far more dangerous than any swearing. 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 - **Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order** - A deep dive into when the US military was deployed on American streets, targeting whole communities for removal, and the burn order issued to cover it all up. A stain on this country we said we'd never repeat. - **Good News for Lefties** - Beowulf Rochlen brings you the positive news on the progressive front that mainstream media won't cover. 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 short clips from Bizzy's "Defying Gravity - BAD Singing Cover." 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. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 2, Holden Caulfield, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer, phoniness, questioning authority, performance and survival, ADHD, mental escape, Bizzy, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    27 min
  3. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 2: Why Do Good Kids Get Punished? | Why Books Get Banned

    JAN 20

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 2: Why Do Good Kids Get Punished? | Why Books Get Banned

    Holden Caulfield climbs a freezing hill to say goodbye to his sick 70-year-old teacher, Mr. Spencer. What does he get for his kindness? A lecture, a humiliating public reading of his failing essay, and the question "what's the matter with you?" Sometimes being polite doesn't protect you from cruelty. 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 and Jennifer debate whether people actually worked into their 70s in the 1950s (spoiler: teachers did because they weren't paid enough) Holden's complex feelings about old people getting joy from buying blankets The moment Spencer reads Holden's terrible essay out loud while sitting in a bathrobe Dan pointing out that Trump just told an American "F you" at a Ford plant, but Holden gets banned for saying "damn" Jennifer noticing that Holden is actually a respectful, polite kid who visits sick teachers Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? This chapter shows exactly why—Holden swears while being more respectful than most adults, questions authority figures, and refuses to pretend institutions are working when he can clearly see they're not. 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 : Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order - A deep dive into when the US military was deployed on American streets, targeting whole communities for removal, and the burn order issued to cover it all up. A stain on this country we said we'd never repeat. Good News for Lefties - Beowulf Rochlen brings you the positive news on the progressive front that mainstream media won't cover. This week: New Mexico following California's lead to ban libraries from banning books. 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. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 2, Holden Caulfield, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer, ageism, institutional failure, respect vs cruelty, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    29 min
  4. The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 1: Why Did This Depressed Teen Scare America for 21 Years?

    JAN 15

    The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 1: Why Did This Depressed Teen Scare America for 21 Years?

    Holden Caulfield got kicked out of his fourth prep school and refuses to tell us his whole "David Copperfield kind of crap" autobiography. Instead, he stands on a freezing hill watching a football game he's not allowed to play in anymore, trying to feel some kind of goodbye before heading to see his old teacher. It's December, it's cold as hell, and Holden keeps feeling like he's disappearing every time he crosses a road. 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 and Jennifer immediately like Holden's sarcastic "I don't feel like going into it" energy - The great prep school debate: is it just rich people paying others to raise their kids? - Holden calls out his school's fake advertising ("horses that don't exist") and "strictly for the birds" claims about molding splendid young men - Robot clarifies that "falsies" are fake fingernails, not what Dan was thinking - The new PPP rubric: testing whether Chapter 1 is objectively ban-worthy using three yes/no questions Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? Holden Caulfield sees through institutional phoniness and refuses to perform gratitude for systems that failed him—which is exactly what authoritarian thinking can't tolerate, even if they claim it's about profanity. 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 Check out **Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order**, a deep dive into one of America's darkest chapters—when the U.S. military deployed on American streets to forcibly remove whole communities, and the burn order that tried to cover it all up. 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. Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 1, Holden Caulfield, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer, DB, Selma Thurmer, Robert Tichener, Paul Campbell, Mr. Zambesi, prep school culture, institutional phoniness, depression, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

    28 min
  5. Brave New World Ch. 18.3: The Final Chapter - How the Book Ends | Banned Books Podcast

    JAN 8

    Brave New World Ch. 18.3: The Final Chapter - How the Book Ends | Banned Books Podcast

    The season finale is here. John has retreated to his lighthouse seeking solitude, but solitude isn't what he finds. A filmmaker captures his self-flagellation and turns it into entertainment. Helicopters descend. Crowds gather demanding "the whipping stunt." And when Lenina arrives with tears in her eyes, everything falls apart. This is how Brave New World ends...  and it's not what you expect. 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: Darwin Bonaparte hiding in a fake tree for 72 hours to film John like a nature documentary The crowd throwing sex hormone chewing gum at John like he's a zoo animal Jennifer's dark confession about what she hopes happens to John Dan's reaction to realizing John attacked Lenina with a whip The orgy-porgy chant breaking out as the crowd starts beating each other Robot's brutal explanation of the ending that Dan completely missed Why was Brave New World banned? This chapter showcases the satirical treatment of religion, mass conditioning, and the ultimate failure of individualism against a system designed for conformity—themes that challenge both conservative and progressive assumptions about freedom. 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 Looking for more podcasts to fuel your resistance? Check out these shows: Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order – Rachel Maddow's latest narrative podcast exposes one of the most shocking decisions in American history: the executive order to round up Japanese Americans during WWII. A chilling examination of what happens when paranoia and racism drive government policy—with unsettling parallels to today. Good News for Lefties – Hosted by our own Beowulf Rochlen, this daily podcast delivers positive, progressive news for democracy. A much-needed respite from doom-scrolling, proving that good things are still happening even in difficult times. 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 short clips from the Soarin' Over California theme (Disney) and "Whip It" by Devo. 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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety. This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, his estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Topics Covered: Brave New World, Aldous Huxley, Chapter 18, John the Savage, Lenina Crowne, Darwin Bonaparte, Henry Foster, Mustafa Mond, suicide, isolation, conditioning, mass entertainment, individualism vs conformity, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary ana

    24 min
  6. Brave New World Ch. 18.2: John’s Lighthouse Self-Punishment | Banned Books Podcast

    JAN 6

    Brave New World Ch. 18.2: John’s Lighthouse Self-Punishment | Banned Books Podcast

    John has finally escaped to his lighthouse—complete freedom, everything he wanted. So naturally, he spends his time making weapons, planning a garden, and whipping himself bloody every time he accidentally feels happy. When he catches himself singing while carving a bow, he punishes himself with mustard water and a knotted cord. The World State doesn't need to control him anymore. He's doing it to himself. 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: John's prepper shopping list includes real wheat flour because synthetic is for quitters Dan admits he'd be dead within three days trying to survive like John The moment John catches himself singing and immediately feels guilty for being happy Three Delta workers stumble upon John whipping himself and have absolutely no frame of reference for what they're seeing Dan's pitch-perfect "Jesus Christ" when the self-flagellation kicks in John literally throws himself into a juniper bush to avoid thinking about Lenina Why was Brave New World banned? This chapter shows someone so thoroughly conditioned by shame that he can't experience joy without punishing himself—a disturbing mirror for how authoritarian thinking teaches people to police their own happiness. 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). **VOTE NOW: We're finishing Brave New World in 2-3 episodes and YOU get to decide what we read next!** Email your vote to pod@bannedcamppodcast.com within the next few days. Your choices: - Catcher in the Rye - Of Mice and Men - The Great Gatsby - The Kite Runner - Handmaid's Tale Banworthy to Bingeworthy  Looking for more podcasts that don't treat you like you're fragile? Here are a couple we think you'll love: Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order: A sharp, unsettling series about state power, targeting, and what happens when "security" turns into removal and coverups. Good News for Lefties and America: A steady dose of genuinely positive stories for progressives, because you deserve a break from doomscrolling without pretending everything's fine. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-camp-banned-books-comedy-and-free-speech-vs/id1676866857 Featured Clips This episode includes a short clip from "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" from the musical Oklahoma! 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 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/brave-new-world-aldous-huxley/f7c8af7eeabea853?ean=9780060850524&next=t& This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, his estate, or the publishers of Brave New World. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Topics Cove

    25 min
  7. JAN 1 · BONUS

    New Year’s Special: Reviews, Rants & VOTE for What We Read Next | Banned Books Comedy

    Happy New Year! Dan's sick, 2025 can go straight to hell, and we're taking a break from Brave New World to read your reviews—the good, the bad, and the "keep politics out of it" crowd who somehow missed the entire point of a banned books podcast. **VOTE NOW: We're finishing Brave New World in 2-3 episodes and YOU get to decide what we read next!** Email your vote to pod@bannedcamppodcast.com within the next few days. Your choices: - Catcher in the Rye - Of Mice and Men - The Great Gatsby - The Kite Runner - Handmaid's Tale 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 reads the worst reviews: "great concept but the political comments really don't belong" - Jennifer's fragile snowflake heart can't handle bad reviews (Dan has to filter them) - The "thought this would be just about books" crowd completely misses what banning IS - Robert from Mobile, Alabama sends the angriest email in podcast history - "Maybe if you actually read the book instead of just talking about it" (we literally read it word-for-word) - The beautiful reviews that keep us going (thank you, scary book people) - The five finalists for next season and how to cast your vote Why do people want us to "keep politics out of it"? Because talking about book banning IS political. Because these books were banned for political reasons. Because everything we read challenges power structures. You can't separate banned books from politics—that's the entire point. If this is your first episode, welcome to the chaos. Dan's immune system is roughly equivalent to George Burns if he were still alive. Jennifer reads the books. Robot fact-checks. We talk about why books get banned. Sometimes people get mad about it. **Remember to vote!** Email pod@bannedcamppodcast.com with your choice for our next season. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us! Topics Covered: New Year's special, podcast reviews, book banning, censorship, political discussion, Brave New World, Catcher in the Rye, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner, Handmaid's Tale, banned books, banned books podcast, literary analysis, comedy podcast, freedom of speech, listener vote

    19 min

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About

If you think banning books is stupid, so do we.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.If you’re new here, don’t sweat it. You can start anywhere. We’ll get you oriented fast (and if you get confused, there’s a good chance we’re confused too).Here’s what makes us different: we actually read the book out loud, every chapter, cover to cover, and we’ve never read it before. So you hear us stumble through the text, mispronounce names, miss obvious foreshadowing, and slowly piece together what freaks Moms for Liberty and the pudding-fingered politicians out.Our listeners are called The Scary Book People. You’ll fit right in.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 Sáenz, Slaught...

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