Halloween Live: Haunted Airbnbs, Dowsing Rods and The Hook | Banned Books Podcast
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RSS Feed Dan and Jennifer finally tell the whole story. A Charlotte Airbnb with lights that flicker on their own and a bed that won’t stop shaking. Then a night in Miss Laura’s Cottage in Savannah, one of the most haunted rentals on Airbnb, with a pair of $15 dowsing rods. Beowulf joins live on Facebook to keep everyone honest.
This episode includes AI-voiced content, including our trusty fact-checking robot, Robot.
Heads up. This one was recorded live on Facebook, so the sound is a little rougher than our normal episodes. Grab some candy and roll with it.
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:
- A ceiling fan with a secret fourth speed. Dan calls it “poltergeist speed.”
- Who jumped into whose arms when the lights went out. (It was Dan.)
- The dowsing rods that flung so hard they hit Dan in both shoulders.
- Yes or no questions for Miss Laura about heaven, pets and whether good wins in the end.
- Beowulf’s childhood fear of Beethoven’s death mask.
- Jennifer reads “The Hook” from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
- A first look at Banned Camp merch: book earrings and candles inspired by every book we’ve read.
- A mystery voice caught on tape in Jennifer’s studio last Halloween. What is it saying?
Why was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark banned?
It was the most challenged book in America in the 1990s. Parents said it was too scary for kids. Which is kind of the whole point. Generations of kids read it with a flashlight at sleepovers and on camping trips, and turned out fine.
Banworthy to Bingeworthy
Shows we love and think you will too:
- Good News for Lefties. Beowulf’s show. Your weekly dose of progressive wins when the headlines get you down.
- Monsters Among Us. Jennifer’s go-to podcast for falling asleep, oddly enough. True stories of strange encounters, hosted by Derek.
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Featured Clips
This episode includes short clips from Christy’s Halloween theme song and a Donald Trump speech clip. 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 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz 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 buy a copy and read the whole thing.
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Alvin Schwartz, his estate, or the publishers of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark banned?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark topped the American Library Association’s list of most challenged books for the 1990s. Parents objected to the violence and the creepy illustrations. Banned Camp reads “The Hook” from the book in their live Halloween special and talks about why kids loved it anyway.
What is Miss Laura’s Cottage in Savannah?
Miss Laura’s Cottage is a small, very old cottage in downtown Savannah, Georgia, known as one of the most haunted rentals on Airbnb. Guests say Miss Laura still visits. Banned Camp hosts Dan and Jennifer stayed there and tried talking to her with dowsing rods. They share what happened in their Halloween special.
Is there a podcast that discusses banned books chapter by chapter?
Yes. Banned Camp breaks down a different banned book every season, one chapter at a time, through comedy, commentary, and discussion. Neither host has read ahead, so you’re discovering the story together in real time. Season 11 covers The Handmaid’s Tale.
Topics Covered:
Halloween, ghost stories, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Alvin Schwartz, The Hook, Miss Laura’s Cottage, Savannah, Charlotte, haunted Airbnb, dowsing rods, EVP, Beethoven death mask, Beowulf, Robot, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, comedy podcast
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