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:

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

Featured Clips

Disclaimer

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:

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:

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

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:

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

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Disclaimer

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:

Season 10 Book Reveal: The Catcher in the Rye | Banned Books Comedy Podcast

The votes are in, scary book people. After a nail-biting finish where Kite Runner seemed like the clear winner, Catcher in the Rye surged past overnight to claim the Season 10 spot. Dan's never read it. Jennifer's ready to find out if there's a lighthouse involved.

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.

If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here—this is the perfect jumping-on point for Season 10!

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Disclaimer

Topics Covered:

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

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.

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

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

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 [email protected] within the next few days. Your choices:

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.

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

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.

We start the final chapter of Brave New World and John immediately decides civilization has poisoned him… so he purifies himself the old-school way. Then he heads off to a lonely lighthouse “hermitage,” where he tries to earn the right to beauty through pain, shame, and some extremely intense main character energy.

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 “previously on” recap, including John’s big “I claim the right to be unhappy” moment

Why was Brave New World banned?

Banworthy to Bingeworthy

• Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order: A sharp, unsettling series about state power, targeting, and what happens when “security” turns into removal and coverups.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts

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 to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, their 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, Bernard, Helmholtz, Mustafa Mond, Robot, Beowulf Rochlen, self-flagellation, purification rituals, beauty vs control, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast

In this festive holiday episode, Jennifer and Dan celebrate Christmas Banned Camp style. The episode’s highlight is a surprise guest reading ofa special Holiday poem favorite poem. Expect a lively discussion about its meaning and political undertones.

John and Mustapha Mond go head-to-head over the weirdest argument of all, whether a “perfect” life is worth the price of your soul, your freedom, and your right to feel anything real. Along the way we detour through King Lear, religion, pleasant vices, and the phrase “Christianity without tears,” which is either brilliant… or horrifying… or both.

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 speed-running King Lear, including “Gonad and Reagan” (unfortunate, iconic)

Why was Brave New World banned?

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 gripping investigation into the U.S. military being deployed on American streets, whole communities targeted, and the attempts to bury the evidence when accountability finally shows up. Heavy, urgent, and painfully relevant, the kind of story that makes “it can’t happen here” feel like a bad joke.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts

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  to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Aldous Huxley, their 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 17, John, Mustapha Mond, Robot, King Lear, Edmund, Edgar, Cordelia, Goneril, Regan, Othello, Desdemona, soma, VPS (Violent Passion Surrogate), religion, free will, human dignity, suffering vs comfort, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast