Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship
Jennifer Davis and Dan Schulz turn books banned in schools into a comedy book review podcast, reading challenged literature cover-to-cover to find out exactly what got each book banned.
The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 26: Don’t Ever Tell Anybody Anything | Banned Books Podcast
28 minutes Posted May 28, 2026 at 6:00 am.
ch0
I Sort of Miss Everybody
Bingeworthy Podcasts
Be Safe and Resist When It Matters
0:00
28:46
Download MP3
Show notes
🎉 Season 11 begins Tuesday, June 9th — The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
The final chapter is half a page long. It takes about two minutes to read. The discussion takes considerably longer. Beowulf joins Dan and Jennifer for the first time during the actual reading, and what they discover in those few sentences changes how they see the entire book. Also: a flashback to a wigwam, an organ recital, and the origin story of a podcast that almost was.
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:
The moment all three hosts realize where Holden has been telling this story from — and Dan's anger at what the parents did
Dan's 1984 PTSD: "Even when we do Charlotte's Web, I think that pig is gonna die. Burlap bag. Rats."
Beowulf's observation that changes everything: "He was his own catcher in the rye. He caught himself."
Dan's hopeful reinterpretation of the title — catching kids at the bottom and helping them survive, not preventing the fall
Jennifer's refusal to accept the world as it is: "I don't accept it. I will always fight against that."
The Season 4 flashback featuring the world-famous Wigwam restaurant in Kewaskum, Wisconsin
The origin story of Cereal Killers — the podcast that almost was
Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The people who ban this book say they do it to protect children. This is a book about a kid whose entire reason for existing is to protect children. They are banning a book that agrees with them.
If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).
Coming Up Next:
Catcher in the Crosshairs — a special true crime episode exploring why The Catcher in the Rye has been found at some of the most infamous crime scenes in American history
Season 11: The Handmaid's Tale — begins June 9th
Banworthy to Bingeworthy If you liked Banned Camp, check out these podcasts we think you'll enjoy:
Good News for Lefties and America — Positive news stories for progressive listeners, every day of the week. Because no matter how disturbing the headlines might be, there's always hope to build on. One million downloads and counting. Listen at goodnewsforlefties.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Why Is This Happening? The AI End Game — Chris Hayes speaks with leading experts about artificial intelligence, what it is, what it isn't, and what the end game looks like. A special miniseries from MS Now.
Here's the Scoop: Supreme Court Edition — NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett talks to legal experts about the biggest Supreme Court cases still left to be decided this term, from citizenship to presidential power. New episodes every Saturday from NBC News.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!
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 the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 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 purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most frequently challenged books in America since its publication in 1951, and was the most censored book in the U.S. fro