Episode 261 "WonderCon 2026: The Psychological Journey of The Lord of the Rings"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
Release Date: 04/07/2026
Episode 269 "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) follows the story of Joel (played by Jim Carrey), who undergoes a medical procedure that erases all memories of his ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet). Over the course of one night, while technicians work to extract Clementine from his brain, Joel has vivid dreams of their history together, reliving each moment with intensity, experiencing the highs and lows of a passionate relationship that turned tumultuous. But midway through the procedure, Joel realizes that he and Clementine shared genuine love for one another, and though he changes...
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Episode 268 "Moon"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
Moon (2009) is a futuristic sci-fi film about a one-man mining mission on Earth's moon. Sam Bell, who is reaching the end of his 3-year contract for Lunar Industries, begins to experience a personal crisis. It starts with hallucinations, breaks in memory, and disorganized thinking. As he unravels, Sam looks forward to being relieved from his solitary service--someone else is slated to begin their 3-year contract and take his place as the sole human on the Moon. Yet, after a near-fatal rover accident, he discovers a sentient version of himself on the station and things become complicated. ...
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Episode 267 "Gattaca"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
Gattaca (1997) is a dystopian sci-fi film portraying a society made up of genetically engineered "valids" and naturally-born "invalids". Ethan Hawke plays Vincent, a sharp-minded invalid who uses his intellect and determination to pose as an engineer at Gattaca, an aerospace corporation sending flights to Saturn's moon. With the help of an ex-athlete (Jerome, played by Jude Law), Vincent manages to fool just about everyone. Until there's a murder. Follow us on Instagram! Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Brian Ward - @b_ward028 The Arkham Sessions...
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Episode 266 "Gargoyles: Reawakening"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
In the season 1 finale of Gargoyles (1995), New York City millionaire David Xanatos and the adversarial Gargoyle Demona team up to resurrect an old Gargoyle from medieval Scotland. Follow us on Instagram: Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Brian Ward - @b_ward028 The Arkham Sessions - @thearkhamsessions Join us on Patreon! Patreon.com/ArkhamSessions
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Episode 265 "Gargoyles: Her Brother's Keeper"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
The Gargoyles' most persistent enemy, Xanatos, offers Elisa's brother, Derek, a position as his personal helicopter pilot and bodyguard, a role that comes with unimaginable perks. Elisa warns her brother that Xanatos only desires Derek's assistance because of some larger scheme, and that the offer will inevitably be too good to be true. Follow us on Instagram! Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Brian Ward - @b_ward028 The Arkham Sessions - @thearkhamsessions Join us on Patreon! Patreon.com/ArkhamSessions
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Episode 264 "Gargoyles: Long Way to Morning"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
When the Gargoyles' leader, Goliath, is seriously injured, his friend and former mentor, Hudson, must keep him alive until sunrise. To keep Goliath alert, Hudson reminisces about their days as warriors in medieval Scotland. Follow us on Instagram! Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Brian Ward - @b_ward028 The Arkham Sessions - @thearkhamsessions Join us on Patreon! Patreon.com/ArkhamSessions
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Episode 263 "Gargoyles: The Edge"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
While the rest of the Gargoyles do pretty well to adjust to their new home, their leader, Goliath, continues to struggle with persistent anger, hypervigilance, and isolation. His identified enemy, Xanatos, has attacked the Gargoyles multiple times. But, recently released from prison, Xanatos now offers safe refuge and housing in his castle, the very castle that Goliath and his friends called home 1,000 years ago.
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Episode 262 "Gargoyles: Enter Macbeth"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
In this episode, Macbeth, a mysterious new villain, uses Goliath and the Gargoyles as bait for a personal vendetta, and proves to be a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, in order to keep Goliath and his family safe, Elisa insists they move into the city's clocktower where their identities will be kept hidden. While the other Gargoyles seem willing to leave the castle, Goliath strongly opposes this plan and he lashes out at his family.
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Episode 261 "WonderCon 2026: The Psychological Journey of The Lord of the Rings"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
The Lord of the Rings is an epic, high-fantasy tale that centers on fellowship, bravery, and good against evil. What does Aragorn's reluctance to become king say about him? Does the One Ring symbolize addiction? Does Gollum have multiple identities? How (and why) does fantasy storytelling improve mental health? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (The Arkham Sessions, UCLA), Miranda (host, Tolkien Tuesdays), and Todd Stashwick (actor, Marvel's VisionQuest; co-founder, ProgCore Fantasy) explore and explain the psychology of Middle-earth's riveting...
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Episode 260 "Through Interview with David Dastmalchian"
The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More
David Dastmalchian joins hosts Dr. Drea and Brian to discuss his newly released book, Through. In this dark fantasy graphic novel, a young woman is caught between reality and a mysterious dream realm that sparks a perilous journey that only she must face. In this interview, David talks about his motivation for his new book, his own mental health journey, and a message he has for anyone struggling within their own darkness.
info_outlineThe Lord of the Rings is an epic, high-fantasy tale that centers on fellowship, bravery, and good against evil. What does Aragorn's reluctance to become king say about him? Does the One Ring symbolize addiction? Does Gollum have multiple identities? How (and why) does fantasy storytelling improve mental health? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (The Arkham Sessions, UCLA), Miranda (host, Tolkien Tuesdays), and Todd Stashwick (actor, Marvel's VisionQuest; co-founder, ProgCore Fantasy) explore and explain the psychology of Middle-earth's riveting and unforgettable characters—both from the page and on-screen. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
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