Episodes

13
July 16, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 3 Chapter 2 - Ari’s Alien Doctor and Dante’s Secrets

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Part 3, Chapter 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Join them as they explore Ari’s funny and heartfelt hospital stay, his strange green-eyed doctor, and the growing bond between Ari and Dante. Jennifer and Dan share their hospital stories, including Dan’s impatience with getting discharged and their take on Ari’s swearing. Things To Listen For: Ari’s descript...
12
July 11, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 3 Chapter 1 - Hospital Drama and Morphine Moments

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Part 3, Chapter 1 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The chapter begins with Ari waking up in a hospital after a dramatic car accident. As he navigates the pain and confusion of his injuries, the tension and humor unfold in typical Banned Camp style. From Ari's morphine-induced musings to the touching moments with his parents and Dante, this episode is filled wit...
11
July 9, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Chapter 12 - When Rain and Realities Collide

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 12 of Part two of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari and Dante navigate their teenage years, the episode explores themes of friendship, identity, and the struggles of growing up. Highlights include a heartfelt walk in the rain and a sudden, dramatic event that leaves listeners on the edge of their seats. Alongside the book discussion, Jennifer and Dan...
10
July 4, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 10-11 - Hairy Problems and Hidden Pasts

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into chapters 10 and 11 of part 2 in "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his relationship with his mother, the weight of family expectations, and the hidden history of his brother. As the duo delves into the complexities of growing up, they explore the humorous and poignant moments of Ari's journey. Dan shares his own story of being an "un...
9
July 2, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 8-9 - Understanding Parents

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 8 and 9 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The discussion centers around Ari’s feverish dreams, poignant family moments, and his complex relationship with his parents. From Ari’s introspective conversations with Dante to heartwarming interactions with his mother, this episode explores the theme of understanding and connecting with one’s ...
8
June 27, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 5-7 - Border Dreams and Family Feels

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 5 though 7 of Part 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari battles a persistent fever, his dreams become a poignant exploration of family ties and emotional distances. From surreal dreams featuring his brother Bernardo to introspective moments with Dante, these chapters explore the complex landscapes of Ari's mind. Listen in as Jennifer...
7
June 25, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 3-4 - Motherly Wisdom & Artistic Connections

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 3 and 4 of part two of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his aversion to television, his mother's teaching philosophy, and the complexities of their relationship. The episode also highlights Dante's artistic gesture and its emotional impact on Ari. Jennifer, Dan, and Robot chime in to answer Donald Trump's stupid question: shark...
6
June 20, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Pt 2 Ch 1-2 - Fever Dreams & Family Bonds

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapters 1 and 2 of Part 2 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Aristotle battles a fierce fever, leading to surreal nightmares and tender moments with his family. Jennifer makes fun of the time paramedics were called to Dan's house while he was going the the bathroom. Things To Listen For: Aristotle's intense fever and surreal nightmares Symbolic si...
5
June 18, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapter 12 - Poolside Philosophies and BB Gun Battles

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 12 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari and Dante's friendship deepens through heartfelt conversations and tense encounters. From discussing the oddities of body awareness to a dramatic confrontation involving BB guns and a sparrow, this chapter is packed with moments that reveal the boys' characters and their evolving bond. Things To ...
4
June 13, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 9-11 - Exploring Identity and Footwear Fascination

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 9-11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." The discussion touches on Ari and Dante's unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the peculiarities of Dante's aversion to shoes. Jennifer and Dan navigate through humorous anecdotes and thoughtful insights, exploring why Dante doesn't like wearing shoes and how the boys bond over seemingly trivial yet profound expe...
3
June 11, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 5-8 - The Art of Growing Up

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 5 to 8 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. As Ari and Dante's friendship blossoms, they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, meeting Dante's dad, and debating the merits of vinyl records. From a memorable encounter with a non-ball-tanning dad to Jennifer's dog-wrangling moment, this episode captures the heartfelt and quirky sides of gro...
2
June 6, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapter 4 - New Friendships and Old Insecurities

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this episode, Jennifer reads Chapter 4 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Aristotle talks about his unease with locker room conversations and his dislike for showering with other guys, which sparks a discussion about masculinity and societal pressures. The chapter introduces Dante, who offers to teach Aristotle how to swim, leading to a new friendship based on shared experiences and mutual understandi...
1
June 4, 2024

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Chapters 1 through 3 - Summers, Secrets, and Hi Ho Silver

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan embark on their new season with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. They read chapters 1 through 3, where we meet Ari, a Mexican-American teenager navigating life in El Paso during the summer of 1987. As Ari contemplates his existence and bonds with his mom over music, we get a taste of the book's rich setting and themes. Jennifer and Dan reflect on Ari's struggl...
14
May 9, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 12 - Darkness and Light: The Final Battle

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: In this dramatic finale of Banned Camp's season 5 exploring A Wrinkle in Time, Dan and Jennifer dive into the climactic chapter where Meg faces IT in a battle of wills. As Meg channels the power of love to save Charles Wallace, our hosts dissect the profound themes of love, courage, and individuality that ripple through this ending. This episode unpacks the pivotal moments defining Meg's journey and examines the implications of Madeleine L'Engle's message...
13
May 7, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 11 - A Dark Encounter: Meg's Mysterious Rescue

Episode Summary: In this gripping installment of Banned Camp, Dan and Jennifer navigate through Chapter 11 of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Amidst the chilling vastness of a strange planet, Meg confronts not only the eerie plant-like creatures but also her mounting fears and frustrations. Our hosts deftly capture the escalating tension and the peculiar encounters that challenge the protagonists of the story. This episode delves deep into the interactions between Meg, her family, and the...
12
May 2, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 10 - Tessering Isn't Fun: Meg's Frigid Journey!

Hey Scary Book People (that's what we call our AWESOME listeners)! Ready to dive into a chilly adventure? In today’s episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 10 of "A Wrinkle in Time." From tessering dangers to icy receptions, Meg’s journey continues to unfold with suspense and a hint of the supernatural. But why does this chapter make some want to ban the book? Tune in as we peel back the layers of this frosty narrative. Here’s a quick rundown of what happened: Meg’s Tessering...
11
April 30, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 9 - A Star's Sacrifice and Cosmic Courage

Episode Summary: In this gripping episode of "Banned Camp," Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 9 of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. As Meg confronts the chilling entity known only as IT, the stakes are higher than ever. Jennifer and dan unravel the tense moments when Meg, armed with only her willpower and Mrs. Who's spectacles, attempts to rescue her father and confront the ominous brain that controls the sinister world of Camazotz. Hey Scary Book People (that's what we call our AWESOME li...
10
April 25, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 8 - The Conformity Battle Against 'IT'

Welcome back to Banned Camp, where we're diving deep into the eerie world of A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. In this episode, Jennifer and Dan read chapter 8, taking us through a thrilling exploration of Camazotz. On this planet, conformity reigns, and individuality is crushed under the weight of a singular, controlling mind. This time, our hosts tackle the sinister developments in Camazotz, as Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace confront the chilling reality of a society where "IT" holds ...
9
April 23, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 7 - The Sinister Central Intelligence

Episode Summary: In this gripping episode, Dan and Jennifer dive into Chapter 7 of "A Wrinkle in Time," where Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace confront the daunting Central Central Intelligence on Kamazots. As the trio ventures deeper into this eerie world, they encounter psychological and physical challenges that test their resolve and unity. The chapter's chilling climax reveals the sinister force manipulating their every move, leading to a tense showdown that hints at darker forces. The discu...
8
April 18, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 6 (pt 2) - Rhythm and Rigidity

Episode Summary In this engaging episode, Jennifer and Dan navigate through the eerily synchronized world of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle. Dive into their journey as they dissect the mechanical monotony of Camazotz and the unsettling uniformity that pervades the town. The duo discusses the peculiarities of a society where every action is disturbingly in sync, questioning the implications of such a rigidly structured existence. Is it a dystopian reflection of our societal struggles wit...
7
April 16, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 6 - A Star's Sacrifice and Cosmic Courage

Episode Summary: Join Jennifer and Dan as they read the first half of Chapter 6 of "A Wrinkle in Time," where the narrative deeply explores the ongoing battle between light and darkness. This episode profoundly analyzes how Madeleine L’Engle's portrayal of cosmic conflicts mirrors the real-world challenges against literary censorship. As the characters confront the dark forces, listeners are invited to reflect on themes of courage and sacrifice, which resonate within the broader context of free...
6
April 11, 2024

Behind the Scenes: Choosing Books for a Banned Book Podcast

Episode Summary This week on Banned Camp, Jennifer, Dan, and our occasionally sassy robot dive into the peculiar world of banned books without reading a single page! Instead, we're opening up the mailbag to see what you, our fellow scary book people, have been wondering about. From the digital frontlines of book bans to the global reach of censorship, we're covering it all. And by the time this episode is over, you'll know why even a sushi-loving kitten isn't safe from the ban hammer. Join Our ...
5
April 9, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 5 - The Battle Against Darkness Begins

Episode Summary: In this episode of Banned Camp, Jen and Dan read Chapter 5 of "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. Our journey through the tesseract takes us beyond the confines of our universe, revealing not just the cosmic battles between light and darkness but also the rich tapestry of characters who navigate these challenges. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin, accompanied by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, embark on a mission that's as much about understanding the universe as i...
4
April 4, 2024

A Wrinkle in Time | Chapter 4 - Whisper of Darkness: A Starlit Mystery!

Episode Summary: Welcome back, scary book people! In this episode, we're on a cosmic voyage with Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace, exploring the universe's eerie unknown and breathtaking beauty in Chapter 4 of "A Wrinkle in Time." From the depths of a terrifying void to the serene landscapes of Uriel and a nerve-wracking encounter with the shadow, Dan and Jennifer guide us through the highs and lows, all while providing their trademark wit. And don't miss our dive into an SNL classic featuring K...