The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More

THE ARKHAM SESSIONS, by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, is a weekly podcast dedicated to the observation and clinical analysis of the characters in BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES and DOOM PATROL.

Episode 232 "Harley Quinn: So, You Need a Crew?" 11/04/2024

Episode 232 "Harley Quinn: So, You Need a Crew?" Harley starts to realize that hard work alone will not get her far. In her attempts to recruit henchmen, Harley discovers that even amidst the lawlessness and savagery of Gotham's criminal society, there are unspoken rules, favors, and loyalties that keep her from advancing in her "career." /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/33758962

Episode 231 "Joker: Folie à Deux" 10/08/2024

Episode 231 "Joker: Folie à Deux" Joker: Folie à Deux continues the bleak story about Arthur Fleck (Joker) and his spiraling from misunderstood recluse to deluded sociopath. The film makes use of textbook forensic psychology, melancholic musical performances, and deep dissections of Fleck's psyche to pull audiences into a genuine curiosity about whether there is anything redeemable about the most realistic Joker depicted on screen. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/33354282

Episode 230 "Harley Quinn: A High Bar" 09/26/2024

Episode 230 "Harley Quinn: A High Bar" As she explores life as a single lady, Harley Quinn encounters some setbacks and struggles while her ex, the Joker, tries to control the narrative of how their relationship ended. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/33196582

Episode 229 "Harley Quinn: 'Til Death Do Us Part" 09/02/2024

Episode 229 "Harley Quinn: 'Til Death Do Us Part" The toxic dynamic between Harley Quinn and the Joker is unapologetically displayed, exposed, and unpacked. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/32848822

Episode 228 "SDCC 2024: X-amining the X-Men '97" 08/04/2024

Episode 228 "SDCC 2024: X-amining the X-Men '97" Join us as we break down the psychology of the amazing new series X-Men '97 with cast members Alison Sealy-Smith ("Storm") and Lenore Zann ("Rogue"); supervising producer and director Jake Castorena; and writer JB Ballard! Live from San Diego Comic-Con 2024! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/32365872

Episode 227 "X-Men: The Final Decision" 07/22/2024

Episode 227 "X-Men: The Final Decision" In the Season 1 finale episode of X-Men: The Animated Series, tensions grow as anti-mutant "fever" consumes the nation. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/32227232

Episode 226 "X-Men: Days of Future Past, Part 2" 07/09/2024

Episode 226 "X-Men: Days of Future Past, Part 2" The X-Men must prevent a major global catastrophe that is predicted to happen in the distant future and is triggered by the assassination of a government official. Luckily, the X-Men prevent Mystique from harming the senator, but shapeshifters remind us that, sometimes, identity expression is mutable, adaptive, and performative. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/32042102

Episode 225 "X-Men: Days of Future Past, Part 1" 06/25/2024

Episode 225 "X-Men: Days of Future Past, Part 1" In the year 2055, the world is a dystopian wasteland. A mutant named Bishop, encounters an aged Wolverine who convinces him that they must travel back to the 90's to prevent the assassination that caused all this destruction. But in the 90's, the X-Men face critical decisions surrounding their pursuit of liberty. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/31858977

Episode 224 "X-Men: Come the Apocalypse" 06/04/2024

Episode 224 "X-Men: Come the Apocalypse" If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Dr. Drea discusses the concept of different trauma responses based on the neurobiology of survivorship. What does fight, flight, and freeze look like among the X-Men? And is it possible that some behaviors, like Rogue's determined activism and Professor X's protectiveness, can be considered adaptive styles of "fight"? /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/31569882

Episode 223 "X-Men: The Cure" 05/21/2024

Episode 223 "X-Men: The Cure" As the X-Men rebuild their academy, Rogue goes on a quest to find a cure for her mutation. This episode claims no resolution to the global problems dividing mutants and non-mutants, but lends an insight into our ability to feel empowered, accepted, and valued in our different bodies. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/31371487

Episode 222 "X-Men: The Unstoppable Juggernaut" 04/30/2024

Episode 222 "X-Men: The Unstoppable Juggernaut" The X-Men discover their home completely destroyed and set out to search for the person (or mutant) responsible for the attack. They encounter two suspects--Colossus, a Russian immigrant who is helping construction workers; and Juggernaut, a titanic super-powered villain committing crimes in the city in order to lure Professor X out of hiding. It is revealed that Juggernaut is Professor X's half-brother and is harboring resentment toward his more accomplished sibling. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/31025248

Episode 221 "WonderCon 2024: X-amining the X-Men" 04/16/2024

Episode 221 "WonderCon 2024: X-amining the X-Men" For this year's WonderCon, we pulled together some amazing old and new friends to examine the psychology of the X-Men. Included in that list of friends was original X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES showrunner Eric Lewald; X-MEN: TAS writer Julia Lewald; X-MEN '97 writer JB Ballard; and X-MEN superfan and co-founder of Hero's Journey Fitness, located in Burbank, California, David Nett! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/30820593

Episode 220 "X-Men: Slave Island" 03/17/2024

Episode 220 "X-Men: Slave Island" A small group of X-Men are captured and taken to labor camps on the island of Genosha. This episode depicts multiple responses to oppressive-related stress, ranging from learned helplessness to psychological fortitude to organized rebellion, and carries a throughline reminiscent of real-life liberation movements led by civil rights leaders: "knowledge is power." Join Patreon to watch the exclusive video version now! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/30395588

Episode 219 "X-Men: Cold Vengeance" 02/19/2024

Episode 219 "X-Men: Cold Vengeance" Feeling rejected, Wolverine leaves the X-Mansion on a search to find some inner peace. Meanwhile, the rest of the X-Men are sent by Professor X to investigate the island of Genosha, a seemingly pleasant vacation destination rumored to be welcoming to mutants. Both quests raise tensions related to ingroup and outgroup relationships. Dr. Drea also revisits the practice of "trigger warnings" and whether those disclaimers are necessary or effective. To see the video version of the podcast, join Patreon now! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/29997518

Episode 218 "X-Men: Captive Hearts" 01/17/2024

Episode 218 "X-Men: Captive Hearts" The X-Men discover an underground band of Morlocks, a gang of mutant misfits who perceive themselves as "too unsightly" to live and socialize among non-mutant humans, so they live in the tunnels below the city. With Scott and Jean captured, the X-Men set out to rescue them, but must also address their own safety, specifically, psychological safety. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/29503523

Episode 217 "Merry Little Batman" 12/25/2023

Episode 217 "Merry Little Batman" To celebrate the holiday season, The Arkham Sessions takes a detour back to Gotham City! Merry Little Batman (2023), a new animated film by Warner Bros. and DC Studios (but released on Amazon!), is an Elseworld holiday special that takes place on the night before Christmas. Bruce Wayne has retired to focus his attention on raising his son, Damian, in what has been a crime-free Gotham. However, little Damian's obsession with becoming a superhero lands him into a lot of trouble--and triggers the resurgence of the city's most contemptible villains. See the exclusive video version of the podcast by joining our Patreon! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/29215248

Episode 216 "X-Men: Deadly Reunions" 12/18/2023

Episode 216 "X-Men: Deadly Reunions" In "Deadly Reunions," we learn that Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X) uses an incredible superpower involving mind-melding and probing the memories of his students. Though he calls it "therapy," Professor X's methods are uncomfortably invasive, coercive, and arguably unethical. Watch the video podcast by joining now! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/29112673

Episode 215 "X-Men: Enter Magneto" 11/27/2023

Episode 215 "X-Men: Enter Magneto" In the third episode, the X-Men are introduced to the formidable villain, Magneto, a militant idealist who crusades against bigotry and oppression of mutants. His mission is to help mutants replace humans as the dominant species on earth--by any means necessary. Watch the video version of this podcast exclusively at our Patreon now! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28790258

Episode 214 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 2" 11/13/2023

Episode 214 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 2" Grab your Hot Pocket and Cactus Cooler, it's another 90's X-Men episode! The X-Men are thrown into crisis, collectively grieving the loss of a beloved member, uncertain how to rescue the survivor, and racked with guilt about their decisions on the battleground. Join our to see the video podcast! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28597843

Episode 213 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 1" 10/31/2023

Episode 213 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 1" Debuting just one month after Batman: The Animated Series, the first episode of X-Men: The Animated Series depicts a foster youth, Jubilation Lee--or "Jubilee"--who, like most teens, seeks independence, creative freedom, and the experience of belongingness. Her struggles are amplified when she is captured by the Sentinels and subsequently rescued by the X-Men, a mutant superhero team led by the avuncular telepath Charles Xavier. Professor X's School for the Gifted is a sanctuary for mutants, complete with institutional curriculum, advisors, and adult supervision. But is Jubilee ready to accept help from society's number one enemy? Join our to see the video podcast! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28456628

Episode 212 "Star Trek: Generations" 10/16/2023

Episode 212 "Star Trek: Generations" Star Trek: Generations (1994) resurrects familiar, core Trek film themes such as legacy, family, and mortality. Dr. Drea and Brian discuss these themes, as well as the Nexus and its very real philosophical origin. Plus, Brian gets to discuss his take on the Nexus and how it might continue to affect the Trek universe...even to this day. Join our today! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28317098

Episode 211 "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" 10/03/2023

Episode 211 "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) marks the final adventure for the crew of the 1966 incarnation of the franchise. In this episode, we take a look at the Cold War allegory of this film, as well as the characters' arcs since our "introduction" to them in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Plus, Dr. Drea completes her ranking of these films! Will you be surprised? To join our Patreon and vote on what to cover next, join /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28194221

Episode 210 "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" 09/19/2023

Episode 210 "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) is an ambitious film depicting a galactic pilgrimage in search of God. But is Spock's half-brother, Sybok, a true ambassador of God? A miracle healer? Or is he a cult leader? Or a delusional dreamer? Listen now to find out! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/28068894

Episode 209 "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" 09/05/2023

Episode 209 "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) doesn't take itself too seriously, but it humbles us by asking us to de-center the human culture and the things we over-value, to recognize the triviality of some of our human norms and the way we alienate those who are different, and to stretch our minds to be open and accepting of the unknown. This episode was recorded in front of our live Discord audience. To join our Discord channel, click . /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/27931449

Episode 208 "SDCC 2023 - The Psychology of Star Trek: Picard" 08/28/2023

Episode 208 "SDCC 2023 - The Psychology of Star Trek: Picard" In this special episode of the podcast, we take a look at the spectacular third season of Star Trek: Picard with two of its writer/producers, Christopher Monfette and Matt Okumura. This episode was recorded as a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 and doesn't have the best audio, but we want to thank Garrard Whatley for working his magic and getting it to where it is. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/27857871

Episode 207 "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" 07/10/2023

Episode 207 "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), though not as well executed as Star Trek II, successfully carries its big emotional moments, from the shocking murder of Kirk's son to the heart-crushing destruction of the Enterprise. Loss after loss, the story weighs heavily on anyone rooting for Kirk. Here, Dr. Drea describes the risks he faces psychologically, due to the shock and suddenness of his personal losses and explains the differences between typical grief and traumatic grief. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/27408075

Episode 206 "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" 06/26/2023

Episode 206 "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" In our analysis of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, we join Admiral James T. Kirk and his Starfleet friends as they are once again pulled into a risky adventure. Since his infamous attempted coup on the Enterprise 15 years ago, Khan Noonien Singh is noticeably more emotional, ragged from years of hard survivorship on an inhospitable planet, but he's also deeply preoccupied with revenge. But as both the film and science can attest, achieving revenge is rarely as satisfying or as personally rewarding as we hope it will be. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/27258072

Episode 205 "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" 06/13/2023

Episode 205 "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" When the survival of the whole planet is at stake, how much do purpose, logic, wisdom, and emotion matter? Do we rely on gut instincts or unfiltered logic to make critical decisions? The original cast of Star Trek reunite to represent the voyages of the Starship Enterprise in their first film, Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Dr. Drea especially observes the internal struggle building within Spock, who is recently rejected by his Vulcan community due to his inability to suppress emotions to an extreme degree as his culture dictates; his elders chastise him for allowing feelings like yearning, friendship, and exhilaration to distract or break his mental discipline. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/27112569

Episode 204 "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" 05/15/2023

Episode 204 "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" The last film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker (2019), seems to ret-con or reduce plot points in the previous film; and serves insights about the core theme of intergenerational trauma! /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/26831667

Episode 203 "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" 04/20/2023

Episode 203 "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" In one of the most divisive Star Wars films to date, The Last Jedi (2017) serves an unapologetic tale of the embittering consequences and casualties of perpetual war, reminding audiences that there are no true winners; just power grabs. Those who are truly liberated are the elite, the profiteers, and the arms dealers who benefit from people stuck in their ideologies. In totality, the film's messages become enticing, if not exhilarating: Find true peace by shifting the power dynamics. Abandon traditions, ties, legacies, and all the harms that come with them. Burn it down. Burn it all down. /episode/index/show/thearkhamsessions/id/26583507

The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman & More

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