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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-discovery. Expect laughter, deep discussions, and the occasional tangent—because what's a podcast without a few digressions?

Things To Listen For:

• Ari uncovers the disturbing truth about his brother's crime.
• The hosts' humorous banter about teenage angst and rebellion.
• Robot clears up the difference between transvestite and transgender.
• Jennifer and Dan dive into a candid conversation about the realities of violence against the transgender community.
• A spirited debate on whether Ari is becoming more like his troubled brother.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:
In this week’s Banworthy to Bingeworthy recommendation, we’re shouting out the Velshi Banned Book Club podcast hosted by MSNBC's Ali Velshi. Ali takes a deep dive into the reasons why certain books face censorship, often featuring banned authors themselves. As part of National Banned Book Week, we extend a huge thank you to Ali for helping to elevate these important conversations! Check out Velshi Banned Book Club on your favorite podcast platform.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
If you're enjoying Banned Camp, don't forget to rate, review, and follow on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps more scary book people find us, and keeps the fight against censorship alive.

Featured Clips:
Featured in this episode is a brief clip from the iconic Chili's Baby Back Ribs commercial. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used for entertainment purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement intended!

Disclaimer:
This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully. This podcast is not endorsed by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.

Topics Covered:
Bernardo's crime, transphobia, brotherhood, Ari's identity crisis, friendship tension, censorship.

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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 family secrets.
• Jennifer’s take on how easy (or not) it is to accidentally kill someone in a fight.
• Humorous banter about the 1980s, Mexican kids’ access to the law, and parenting guilt.
• A quick lesson on Spanish with Robot and the Arrested Development clip on the meaning of “Hermano.”

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:
Check out Velshi Banned Book Club, where Ali Velshi dives deep with authors of banned books to explore the powerful themes and controversies surrounding their works. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
If you enjoy listening to Banned Camp, please take a moment to rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help spread the word about our mission to fight censorship, one banned book at a time!

Featured Clips:
This episode features a clip from the Arrested Development TV series. All rights to the clip belong to the creators of Arrested Development and are used here for commentary under fair use guidelines.

Disclaimer:
This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.
This podcast is not endorsed by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.

Topics Covered:
family secrets, emotional trauma, Mexican kids in the 80s, Ari's brother, Dante’s recovery, fighting Nazis, Arrested Development Hermano clip, therapy, masculinity, friendship, violence

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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 actions were justified.
• Robot’s take on the correct pronunciation of “Julián.”
• Comparisons to past protagonists like Ponyboy from The Outsiders and Dill from To Kill a Mockingbird.
• A deep dive into Ari’s emotional conflict and his relationship with his family.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

• Velshi Banned Book Club: Dive into insightful conversations with authors of banned books as Ali Velshi explores the themes and controversies behind these powerful stories. Listen on Apple Podcasts.
• Nevermorphed: A hilarious journey through the Animorphs series as a millennial revisits the books that defined a generation. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:
Enjoying our deep dives into banned books? Please rate, review, and follow Banned Camp on Apple Podcasts to stay updated on our latest episodes. Your support helps us reach more scary book people like you!

Featured Clips:
A special thanks to How to Pronounce Julian (Spanish) by Julien Miquel on YouTube for helping us get the pronunciation of “Julián” just right. Check out the video here.

Disclaimer:
This podcast, 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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. We do not claim any ownership over the original work, and all copyrights remain with the original copyright holder. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase copies of the discussed works to appreciate them in their original context fully.

This podcast is not endorsed by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, his estate, or the publishers of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Any monetization of the podcast is separate and not derived directly from the copyrighted material discussed. Our intent is to engage in, promote, and support critical and educational discourse around these works within the framework of fair use.

Topics Covered:
Ari’s anger, confronting bullies, Dante’s attackers, violence and consequences, family dynamics, loyalty, identity, masculinity, emotional conflict.

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