Banned Together

Jeanna and Adriana dive deep into the velaris-sized emotions of A Court of Mist and Fury, unpacking every steamy, scheming, and star-lit moment. From jaw-dropping plot turns to character growth that hits harder than a Night Court training session, they balance sharp analysis with plenty of laughter. And while Rhysand might promise the stars, these two joke they’d settle for a strong coffee and a good chapter any day. It’s a lively, spoiler-filled ride through one of the most beloved books in the series—equal parts sass, swoon, and sisterhood.Send us a message. Support the show

Jeanna and Adriana step back into the Hunger Games universe with their book club review of Sunrise on the Reaping, ready to serve up commentary as sharp as a well-aimed arrow. They dig into the politics, betrayals, and heartbreak of Panem’s latest chapter, sprinkling in plenty of laughs (and the occasional “may the odds be ever in your flavor” pun) to keep the mood lively. From character arcs to plot twists, nothing escapes their critical eye or quick wit. If you’re craving a discussion that’s equal parts rebellion and revelry, this episode is the perfect tribute.Send us a message. Support the show

Jeanna and Adriana, partners in both life and literature, dig into Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses for their book club review. While discussing the hype around the book’s winged characters, they cheerfully quip that obsessing over wingspan lengths isn’t really their thing after all, as lesbians, their idea of a perfect match has nothing to do with wings. From character arcs to world‑building, they keep the energy upbeat, share heartfelt perspectives, and invite listeners to savor the story alongside them. This episode is a joyful blend of fantasy fandom and genuine connection that feels like a warm hug from your favorite bookish friends.Send us a message. Support the show

This week, Jeanna and Adriana take on Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult—a novel so gripping it should come with a warning label: "Do not start before bedtime unless you enjoy existential crises at 2 AM." They unpack the book’s gut-punch themes of bullying, trauma, and moral ambiguity, all while managing to sneak in some well-timed sarcasm, a few existential sighs, and at least one snack break.Will this book emotionally wreck them? (Yes.) Will they cope by making jokes? (Also yes.)Grab your emotional support beverage and tune in for an episode filled with deep thoughts, dark humor, and the occasional side rant about society's failures. Listen now before Jeanna gets another puppy and forgets to post!Podcast Email: [email protected] us a message. Support the show

Welp, it happened—the election. Yep, that thing. So, we're here, raw and real, sharing our feelings and experiences with you. Oh, and we’re throwing in our review of Antiracist Baby, because what’s a little existential dread without some literary enlightenment? Think of this episode as your emotional support blanket, complete with snark, sincerity, and a dash of catharsis. We’re all in this together, so let’s process, vent, and maybe laugh-cry our way through it.4oSend us a message. Support the show

 Welcome to the ultimate chill-out session! In this episode, we’re stepping away from the political circus and all the intense vibes swirling around the U.S. right now. Think of this as your own personal ‘beyond the banned’ mini-vacation. We’ll be digging in the garden, reading a little poetry out loud, and embracing a zen-level disconnect from the noise. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe even a plant to burn, and come hang out with us. It’s time to relax, unplug, and get grounded—literally! Send us a message. Support the show

In this week’s high-energy episode, your favorite hosts Adriana and Jeanna dive into Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a powerful graphic novel that’s faced its fair share of bans. But we’re not just talking Iran in the 1980s—we’re making connections that hit close to home! 🇺🇸 With the 2024 election looming and the terrifying possibility of Trump’s return to power, could America be heading down a similar path of oppression and censorship? Adriana and Jeanna take a deep dive into how Satrapi’s experience as a young girl facing religious and political repression in Iran mirrors other historical stories of resistance. They draw compelling parallels to The Diary of Anne Frank and the ongoing fight for freedom in Palestine, highlighting Bisan’s heartbreaking yet resilient journey. Join us as we connect the dots between these iconic voices of struggle—Anne Frank, Bisan, and Marjane—and how they relate to a future where personal freedom, expression, and human rights could be in jeopardy in America. What happens when power is concentrated in the hands of one regime? How do we resist, and what can we learn from these powerful narratives?Prepare for an episode full of laughs, sharp insights, and some serious thought-provoking conversations. Send us a message. Support the show

In this episode, Jeanna and Adriana dive into Octavia Butler's *Parable of the Sower*, a dystopian classic that feels eerily relevant to today's chaotic world. As they break down the powerful themes of survival, community, and resilience, the hosts also explore why this book has faced censorship and what it says about modern-day politics. With their signature wit and sharp political insights, Jeanna and Adriana unpack the societal fears that fuel book bans, drawing parallels between the novel’s fractured America and the political battles of today. Get ready for a deep conversation filled with laughs, thought-provoking commentary, and the occasional tangent about the latest headlines. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and enjoy this thought-provoking episode!Send us a message. Support the show

In this episode, hosts Jeanna Macrina and Adriana take a deep dive into the banned book "The Hunger Games," blending humor with keen insights on its relevance to American politics today. Amidst their banter about Katniss Everdeen's archery skills and Peeta's bread-making talents, they draw parallels between the dystopian world of Panem and current political landscapes. Jeanna and Adriana highlight how the themes of power, inequality, and resistance in "The Hunger Games" mirror the complexities of modern-day politics, leaving listeners both entertained and enlightened.Send us a message. Support the show

Jeanna Macrina and Adriana explore the intricacies of "The Giver" on their podcast episode, blending their insights on the book with a dose of charm. As they navigate through the novel's themes of memory and societal control, the duo effortlessly segue into discussions about the TikTok ban craze and the latest Diddy drama, infusing their conversation with humor and wit. In a moment of reflection, they also touch upon the pressing issue of the genocide in Palestine, showcasing their ability to tackle diverse topics with both depth and levity.Send us a message. Support the show

Welcome to another exhilarating episode from 'The Banned Together Podcast' with your favorite dynamic duo, Jeanna and Adri! This week, we're diving headfirst into the mesmerizing universe of 'The Color Purple.' We'll explore the powerful narratives woven into Alice Walker's iconic book and its captivating movie adaptation, starring the incredible Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks. But that's not all – we're also shining a light on Alice Walker's inspiring activism, particularly her support for Palestinian freedom, weaving together the threads of art, empathy, and social justice. Expect an episode brimming with lively discussions, insightful observations, and that signature 'Banned Together' spunk. Don't miss out as we unravel the layers of this cultural masterpiece – it's going to be a ride to remember!Send us a message. Support the show

In this electrifying episode of our first "Beyond the Ban Book" hosts Jeanna Macrina and Adri take on Britney Spears' revealing memoir, "The Woman in Me." We're dissecting everything from her turbulent times with Justin Timberlake to the dark shadows cast by her father's abusive control. Get ready for belly laughs as comedian Matt Rife gets thrown in the mix of conversation, bringing light to the darkest corners of Britney's conservatorship saga and family betrayals. We're diving deep into the public's scrutiny of Britney, all while keeping spirits high. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, balancing the serious with a dash of humor and an unshakably upbeat vibe. Tune in for an unforgettable journey through the life of an icon!Book Link: https: https://amzn.to/3GmssH0Audio Book Link: https://amzn.to/3ut7bsnSend us a message. Support the show

Join hosts Jeanna and Adri in a controversial episode as they leap into the complex narrative surrounding the children's book "P is for Palestine." In this serious and reflective conversation, the hosts navigate the sensitive terrain of the Israel-Palestine conflict, examining how the book contributes to the broader discussion. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of literature, politics, and the delicate balance between educating others and navigating the complexities of the world. "P is for Palestine" serves as a starting point for an important conversation, and Jeanna and Adri invite you to join them on this journey of understanding and empathy.Book Link: https://amzn.to/3FU7SgUSupport Palestine: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/Send us a message. Support the show

In this episode we dissect Sandra Cisneros' classic 'The House on Mango Street' with the charm and wit of your favorite pair of bookworms, Adriana and Jeanna! Join us as we dive headfirst into the world of young Esperanza and her 'casa' of dreams (or lack thereof). Oh, and did we mention we've got a special guest, the illustriously clever Julia Andrea, here to sprinkle some literary stardust and plenty of wit on our discussions? Get ready for an irreverent take on coming-of-age tales, insightful analysis, and a whole lot of cheeky banter. So, grab your copy, or just pretend like you've read it, and let's tackle 'The House on Mango Street' like you've never heard before. Trust us, you'll be dying for seconds of our deliciously sardonic take on this literary classic.Book Link: https://amzn.to/3ShhQQQAudio Book Link: https://amzn.to/49fYul0Send us a message. Support the show

In this electrifying podcast episode, hosts Jeanna Macrina, Adriana, and Theresa dive headfirst into the thought-provoking world of "The Hate U Give" with their signature spunk and humor. They unpack the powerful themes of racial injustice, identity, and activism that author Angie Thomas masterfully weaves into this gripping novel. But don't be fooled by their lighthearted banter; these hosts bring the laughs while also shedding light on the book's profound impact on readers and society at large. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster of emotions and witty commentary as Jeanna, Adriana, and Theresa explore "The Hate U Give" in a way that's as entertaining as it is enlightening.Book Link:https://amzn.to/48LfMXaAudio Book Link:https://amzn.to/46lBWOfSend us a message. Support the show

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we dive deep into the dystopian world of Margaret Atwood's classic novel, "The Handmaid's Tale." Join us as we explore the complex interplay between religion, particularly Christianity, and the chilling societal constructs depicted in the book. We'll dissect the role of religious extremism and theocratic governance in the fictional Republic of Gilead, drawing parallels to real-world concerns and discussing the impact of religious fundamentalism on women's rights. Furthermore, we'll unravel the enigmatic Project 2025. Tune in for a captivating discussion that jumps into the unsettling intersections of religion, power, and the dystopian vision of a not-so-distant future.Book Link: https://amzn.to/3Pb2kmfAudio Book Link: https://amzn.to/3rdCRRcSend us a message. Support the show

Join us in this important episode as we read and discuss the powerful memoir "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson, navigating themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the spectrum of queerness. While exploring Johnson's journey, we also touch on the devastating Maui fires and their environmental impact, as well as address the sensitive issues of sexual abuse and the tragic case of O'Shae Sibley's murder, emphasizing the importance of broader discussions around justice and equity. Tune in to gain insights into the intersections of personal narratives and societal challenges.Book Link: https://amzn.to/3KPFPSNAudio Book Link: https://amzn.to/47CwcAzhttps://www.thetrevorproject.org/https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strongSend us a message. Support the show

The Life of Anne Frank: We begin by delving into the life and legacy of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl whose diary documented her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II. We discuss how her poignant reflections have resonated with readers worldwide, while also becoming a target of censorship for its portrayal of wartime struggles.Book Link: https://amzn.to/3sc8cEiAudio Book Link: https://amzn.to/3OCeuVgSend us a message. Support the show