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

In 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 Tralfamado...

This 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 c...

In 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, Jen...

Welcome 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, Vo...

In 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 talki...

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan are joined by Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catchup for a lively discussion comparing the Aristotle and Dante book to its movie adaptation. The group dives into whether Hollywood captured the heart of this coming-of-age story, examining the portrayal of the characters, themes, and the changes made from page to screen. Did the movie stay true to...

Dan shares a quick update on what's coming next for Banned Camp. Next week kicks off with a crossover episode featuring Allison and Joe from Queer Cinema Catch Up, where they’ll compare the book and movie versions of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. And don’t miss out on the Halloween Spooktacular on Thursday, where Dan will (attempt to) read from Scary Stories to Tell in...

This 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. Fe...

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...

In this special episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan get political (sort of) as they prepare for Season 7. The Scary Book People have the power to decide which banned book they will cover next, with five exciting (and controversial) options to choose from. The five contenders include: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor The Catcher in the Ry...

In this thrilling finale of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Dan and Jennifer follow Ari and Dante as they navigate their deepest truths and uncover the long-hidden emotions that have shaped their lives. With the help of their parents and their evolving bond, the boys finally come to terms with who they are and how they feel about each other.  Things To Listen For: Ari and...

In 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...

In 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,...

In 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 Fo...

In 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...

In 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 fr...

In 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 h...

In 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 d...

In 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 relationship...

In 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...

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, diving into themes of friendship, love, and the innocence of dogs. The hosts contrast the purity of dogs with Trump’s bizarre hatred for them, featuring a hilarious breakdown of Trump’s constant “like a dog” expressions. Dan also shares his theory on Ari’s reluctance to embrace his ow...

In 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 capture...

In 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,...

In 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 jou...

In 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 recei...