Episodes

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 4 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari navigates the first day of school with the usual teenage angst, complicated friendships, and unexpected encounters. The hosts share their humorous insights into Ari's interactions with his classmates, the awkwardness of school icebreakers, and the emotional complexity of his relationship with Dante. Things To List...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapters 6 through 11 of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Ari navigates through a tumultuous emotional landscape as he grapples with his injuries, deepens his bond with Dante, and confronts his feelings and identity. From sponge baths and sketchbooks to the poignant longing for connection, this episode captures the highs and lows of teenage life and the complexity...

Send us a Text Message. Jennifer and Dan read chapters 3 to 5 of part three of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, where Ari's hospital recovery is fraught with emotional and physical challenges. For someone who is a total lightweight and who has never taken an illicit drug in his life, Dan really does seem like he is hooked on hospital morphine. Jennifer's witty takes on Ari's stubbornness add a lighthearted touch to the emotional narrative. Thin...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...