Episodes

Send us a text 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 the book's essence, or did it miss the mark? Tune in for a deep dive into how well th...

Send us a text 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. Featured Clips: This episode includes a brief clip from Classic Dairy Queen Commercial Mou...

Send us a text 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 Election Day, November 5th—perfect for listening while you wait in line to vote. Tune...

Send us a text 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 Rye by J.D. Salinger Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Lord of the Flies by Wil...

Send us a text 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 Dante's final, emotional conversation under the stars. The significance of Ari's r...

Send us a text 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 from painful memories to Ari's complicated feelings for Dante. The family’s direct an...

Send us a text 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, and fleeting joy, this episode captures the raw vulnerability of teenage self-discov...

Send us a text 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 For: Ari’s confrontation with his mother about his brother’s past and the burden of f...

Send us a text 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 Dante’s attackers. Jennifer and Dan’s humorous debate on whether or not Ari’s acti...

Send us a text 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 friendship with Ari and the boundaries of courage and identity. Join Jennifer and Dan a...

Send us a text 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 his internal emotional battles, and the mysteries of the universe feel ever more press...

Send us a text 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 dog, Legs. Join us as Ari grapples with his complicated family history, all while Dan ...

Send us a text 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 relationships and how his secrets are coming undone. Dan also reveals his fear of worlds collidin...

Send us a text 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 dynamics of friendship, identity, and the fear of unspoken truths. And, of course, th...

Send us a text 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 own heroic identity. Plus, a discussion on Pete Buttigieg’s poignant remarks about prog...

Send us a Text Message. 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 captures the essence of teenage angst. Jennifer and Dan's banter takes a nostalgic ...

Send us a Text Message. 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, and the differences between boys and girls, leading to a mix of deep thought...

Send us a Text Message. 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 journey of self-discovery but also hints at the difficult conversations awaiting...

Send us a Text Message. 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 receives a letter from Dante that touches on a topic no one ever wants to discuss...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 22-25 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari reflects on his reluctance to join his parents at a wedding dance, leading to a tense encounter with Charlie Escobedo. From awkward adolescent moments to a discussion about whether Ari’s dog Legs might secretly be a psychiatrist, this episode offers deeper reflections on family and identity. Things To Listen Fo...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read chapters 17-21 of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari's new dog, Legs, becomes the star of his life, bringing joy and companionship. As Ari navigates the trials of growing up, from practicing driving to contemplating life's big questions, he finds humor and unexpected wisdom. Dan and Jennifer discuss the quirks of 1957 Chevy trucks, lowrider culture, and the awkward art...

Send us a Text Message. In this special episode of Banned Camp, Dan goes solo to tackle a serious and timely issue: how to combat book-banning groups like Moms for Liberty in your local community. With Jennifer and Robot temporarily unavailable, Dan takes the mic to share practical strategies and resources to help you prepare for school board meetings and other public forums where book bans might be discussed. This episode is packed with actionable advice and insights into the political agendas ...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari's recurring dreams make him question his feelings toward Dante and his brother, leading to some confusing moments. Jennifer shares her thoughts on how reading juvenile literature as an adult offers a different perspective, especially when it comes to relating to the characters. Meanwhile, Dante’s letters are filled...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan explore Chapter 7 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. From discussing Ari's crutch-filled return to school to the hilarity of 80s nostalgia and hospital morphine, the episode is packed with humor and poignant insights. Jennifer and Dan share personal anecdotes, including Dan's embarrassing attempts to emulate the Dukes of Hazzard and Jennifer's germaphobia. Things To Liste...