Episode Details

In Chapter 6, the Handmaids walk past a wall where six bodies hang from hooks — doctors executed for performing abortions that were legal when they did them. In Chapter 7, the only freedom left is inside her own head at night, where she drifts between memories she didn't choose and can't control — until one of them ends with her daughter being handed to a stranger.

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:

• Jennifer's theory about Christian nationalism and why Gilead doesn't actually need churches
• Dan asks whether Trump could keep a church algae-free for a full week and a half
• Robot breaks in to explain what's actually happening when the handmaid's mind starts drifting — and to save everyone ten minutes of confusion
• Jennifer's observation about enslaved mothers having their children taken, and why she couldn't keep reading past it without saying something

Why was The Handmaid's Tale banned? These two chapters get at something book banners don't want discussed: the idea that retroactive crimes — punishing people for doing legal work after the law changes — aren't a dystopian invention. They're a tool. Chapter 6 shows doctors hung for performing abortions that were legal at the time. That's not fiction to the people trying to ban this book. That's a preview.

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).

Banworthy to Bingeworthy

Two shows worth adding to your feed this week:

• Good News for Lefties — Beowulf Rochlén brings you actual good news from the world of books and free speech. This week: a California school board rejected a third attempt to remove Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye from a high school library. Find it wherever you listen.
• Here's The Scoop from NBC News — Daily news coverage from NBC's trusted journalists, hosted by Yasmeen Wassugian. Sharp, thoughtful, and actually informative. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts.

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Featured Clips
This episode includes short clips from Donald Trump and Fred Willard. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used