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Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books and try to figure out why they were banned in the first place.
Each season, we tackle a new banned book, reading it chapter by chapter and asking: What made someone clutch their pearls and scream, "BAN IT!"? (Spoiler: It’s rarely what you’d expect.) One thing is clear—the people banning these books often haven’t read them. While we uncover some eyebrow-raising moments, nothing truly justifies censorship.
Join us—and our listeners, "The Scary Book People"—as we explore the strange, hilarious, and sometimes baffling world of banned books.
Past seasons have featured classics like 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, and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
This season, we’re diving into 1984 by George Orwell—a dystopian warning that feels eerily real today. From thought control to banned books, its message is more relevant than ever, and that’s exactly why it remains one of the most challenged books of all time.
By reading these books, we ask big questions: Why are banned books important? What does “banned” mean? What does “challenged” mean? How do book bans affect students? Are book bans constitutional?
Come hang out with us and have some laughs while we dig into the drama behind banned books—you might even learn something cool along the way!
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
1984 | Ch. 3 - The Physical Jerks & Other Dystopian Horrors
What happens when the government controls not just what you do—but what you remember?
Winston’s memories are fading, his past is being rewritten, and even his own body isn’t his own anymore. In Chapter 3 of 1984, Orwell paints a chilling picture of a world where love is a liability, war is forever, and even morning exercise is a test of loyalty. Sound familiar? It should. Also, in case you were wondering, The Physical Jerks are not an underground punk band from the ‘80s—they’re government-mandated calisthenics that make you wish Big Brother would just kill you instead.
- Discover why Winston’s memories are sinking like a doomed ship—and why that’s exactly what the Party wants.
- Find out how forced morning workouts (aka "The Physical Jerks") are a whole new level of dystopian control.
- See why this book keeps getting banned—and what that says about the people trying to erase it.
🎧 Hit play now to hear Dan, Jennifer, and Robot break down Orwell’s eerie predictions—before they get memory-holed.
Featured Clip:
This episode includes a few seconds from Richard Simmons' Blast Off! 20 Minute Workout—because if we’re going to suffer through dystopian forced exercise, we might as well have some neon spandex and enthusiasm while we’re at it.
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.
Banworthy to Bingeworthy:
If you love Banned Camp, here are two podcasts you’ll want to check out:
🎙️ Good News for Lefties – Hosted by Banned Camp’s own newsman Beowulf Rochlen, this daily podcast delivers actual good news from a progressive perspective. In a world drowning in right-wing outrage, Good News for Lefties is a refreshing reminder that people are still fighting (and winning) for justice, democracy, and sanity. Get your daily dose of optimism—find it wherever you listen to podcasts.
🎙️ Jen Psaki’s Blueprint – Want an insider’s take on how politics actually works? Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki breaks down key issues, interviews political leaders and change-makers, and exposes the GOP’s latest schemes—without the media spin. If you like Banned Camp’s mix of insight and humor, Blueprint is your next must-listen. Available on all major podcast platforms.
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Full Disclaimer:
Banned Camp features readings and discussions of 1984 for the purposes of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always honor the author’s intent.
The material from 1984 by George Orwell is used under these principles to spark discussion about censorship, propaganda, and free speech. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy to experience Orwell’s vision in full.
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to George Orwell’s estate, publishers, or related entities. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary
Don’t forget, you can grab a free ‘I Read Banned Books’ decal at BannedCampPodcast.com/stickers. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait.