In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 9 of Orwell's 1984 (also known as Part Two). Sparks fly—literally and figuratively—as Winston receives a handwritten note in a government bathroom and tries to decode its meaning without peeing on it. The suspense builds as Winston navigates telescreens, paranoia, and a near-miss cafeteria meet-cute. Can love bloom in a dystopian cafeteria line? 

Things To Listen For:

• The most paranoid cafeteria crush ever.
• How not to flirt under totalitarianism.
• A rare moment of Winston showing empathy.
• Jennifer's beef with Bruno Mars.
• Beowulf Rochlen breaks down why Finland is crushing us in happiness rankings.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy: Check out Good News for Lefties, where Beowulf Rochlen delivers daily progressive news with a side of bell dings. Also, tune into The Baggage Podcast for wild, real-life stories told by a doctor, a prosecutor, a comedian, and a writer. Search both wherever you get your podcasts!

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Featured Clips:

• Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You"
• "What is Love" by Haddaway ("Don't hurt me, no more")
• APT. by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended.

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. To ensure the best listening experience, some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing. However, we always stay true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to purchase the book in full.

The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell 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 George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.

Topics Covered: 1984, Winston and Julia, dystopian romance, telescreens, Thought Police, Oceania, government control, cafeteria crushes, banned books, censorship, Bruno Mars slander, prisoner convoys, Beowulf Rochlen, social democracy, Finland, happiness report