Podcasts by The Arkham Sessions: Psychology of Batman
THE ARKHAM SESSIONS, by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, is a podcast dedicated to the observation and clinical analysis of the characters in BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.
Further podcasts by Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward
Podcast on the topic TV und Film
All episodes
Episode 215 "X-Men: Enter Magneto" from 2023-11-27T05:00
Episode 214 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 2" from 2023-11-13T05:00
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...
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Episode 213 "X-Men: Night of the Sentinels, Part 1" from 2023-10-31T04:00
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"...
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Episode 212 "Star Trek: Generations" from 2023-10-16T04:00
Episode 211 "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" from 2023-10-03T04:00
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 ...
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Episode 210 "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" from 2023-09-19T19:00
Episode 209 "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" from 2023-09-05T04:00
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 r...
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Episode 208 "SDCC 2023 - The Psychology of Star Trek: Picard" from 2023-08-28T04:00
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 M...
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Episode 207 "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" from 2023-07-10T04:00
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 murd...
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Episode 206 "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" from 2023-06-26T04:00
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 ...
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Episode 205 "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" from 2023-06-13T00:00
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 origina...
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Episode 204 "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" from 2023-05-15T07:32
The last film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker (2019), seems to ret-co...
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Episode 203 "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" from 2023-04-20T00:00
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 perpetu...
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Episode 202 "WonderCon 2023: Mask of the Phantasm with Eric Radomski&Ashley V. Robinson" from 2023-04-03T04:00
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm with its co-director, Eric Radomski; and our very special guest, podcaster and comic writer Ashley Victor...
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Episode 201 "Star Wars: The Force Awakens from 2023-03-13T05:00
Episode 200 "Batman Forever" from 2023-01-30T20:00
Episode 199 "Return of the Jedi" from 2023-01-02T03:00
Episode 198 "The Empire Strikes Back" from 2022-12-26T01:00
Set after the events that take place in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) continues the saga between the evil Empire and the determined, scrappy resist...
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Episode 197 "Star Wars: A New Hope, Part 2" from 2022-11-25T03:00
We're continuing our analysis of the original Star Wars (1977) film and weigh in on the utility of the "Hero's Journey" literary paradigm as it relates to whimsical spa...
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Episode 196 "The Long Halloween" Special from 2022-10-31T16:00
Happy Halloween, Gothamites! In this very special episode, we're breaking down the animated adaptation of Jeph Loeb's and Tim Sale's iconic THE LONG HALLOWEEN!
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Episode 195 "Star Wars: A New Hope" from 2022-10-31T04:00
Episode 194 "Andor, Eps. 1-4" from 2022-10-04T04:00
Episode 193 "Star Wars: Rogue One" from 2022-08-30T04:00:44
Episode 192 "SDCC 2022: Creating Stories with Mental Health in Mind" from 2022-08-23T04:00:48
We has such an amazing time at San Diego Comic-Con, and were so thankful to have some very special guests join us for our panel. Melissa Flores is the writer of the brand-new co...
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Episode 191 "Obi-Wan Kenobi" from 2022-07-25T04:00
Episode 190 "Solo: A Star Wars Story" from 2022-07-11T04:00:52
Episode 189 "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" from 2022-06-28T04:00
The final film of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), shows us the final deterioration of Jedi Anakin Skywalker and his fall to the ...
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Episode 188 "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" from 2022-06-13T19:00
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002) takes place ten years after Anakin Skywalker was rescued from slavery by the Jedi community and taken in as an apprentice. But he...
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Episode 187 "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" from 2022-05-30T04:00
Enough criticism has been voiced about "the prequels," but what does Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Listen
Episode 186 "Avengers: Endgame" from 2022-05-24T06:00
Episode 185 "Captain Marvel" from 2022-05-03T04:00
Brian and Drea rewatch Captain Marvel with the explicit intention of picking up on its problems and check their own biases, perspectives, and expectations. How does a s...
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Episode 184 "Ant-Man and the Wasp" from 2022-04-18T04:00
In this episode, we talk about Ant-Man and the Wasp, but really focus our attention on Ghost and Janet Van Dyne, the two characters who are clearly suffering the most. ...
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Episode 183 "WonderCon 2022: The Psychology of The Batman" from 2022-04-11T04:00
We hit our very first in-person WonderCon in three years! And we couldn't be more thankful to be able to speak about the psychology of Matt Reeves's new movie The Batman Listen
Episode 182 "Avengers: Infinity War" from 2022-04-04T04:00
The inevitable is here. It's time for INFINITY WAR, so we're discussing Thanos and the Dark Triad!
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Episode 181 "Black Panther" from 2022-03-21T04:00
Episode 180 "Thor: Ragnarok" from 2022-03-07T05:00
Once again, Drea gets the chance to analyze Loki! But, in addition to this fan favorite, we also take a close look at Hulk; Scrapper-142; Odin's firstborn, Hela; and, of course, Thor himself! Pl...
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Episode 179 "Spider-Man: Homecoming" from 2022-02-28T05:00
Episode 178 "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2" from 2022-02-14T05:00
Episode 177 "Doctor Strange" from 2022-01-24T05:00
Episode 176 "Black Widow" from 2022-01-10T05:00
Episode 174 "Ant-Man" from 2021-12-12T01:00
We're taking a look at the MCU's 2015 installment of Ant-Man, starring the ever-charming and never-aging Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and Evangeline Lilly. It's a fun ro...
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Episode 173 "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" from 2021-11-28T05:00
Episode 172 "Guardians of the Galaxy" from 2021-11-22T01:00
Through Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, we learn the power of family, whether it's our origin families or the ones we find along the way.
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Episode 171 "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" from 2021-10-31T03:00
Captain America is living with depression. And that's okay. Take a listen to our analysis of Captain America: The Winter Soldier!
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Episode 170 "Thor: The Dark World" from 2021-10-18T00:00
Should this episode be titled Thor: The Dark World? Or Loki: The Dark World? Decide for yourself, after you tune in to hear D...
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Episode 169 "Iron Man 3" from 2021-10-03T01:00
The seventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Iron Man 3, shows a burnt out Tony Stark struggling with the traumatic ramifications of the interdimensional, i...
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Episode 168 "Loki" from 2021-09-02T02:00
We wrap up our very first Marvel "season" of the podcast with our enthusiastic review of the Disney+ series, Loki Listen
Episode 167 "The Avengers" from 2021-08-08T02:00
Knowing how to build a strong team is so important, especially during a crisis. We rewatch the 2012 Marvel film The Avengers and look for psychological tools that could...
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Episode 166 "Captain America: The First Avenger" from 2021-07-24T00:00
Episode 165 "Thor" from 2021-07-14T01:00
Episode 164 "Iron Man 2" from 2021-06-27T02:00
Episode 163 "The Incredible Hulk" from 2021-06-20T00:00
Episode 162 "Iron Man" from 2021-06-16T01:00
We begin our dive into the MCU with 2008's IRON MAN. We discuss the personality similarities and differences between Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne; his damaged ego and shi...
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Episode 161 "The Snyder Cut" from 2021-06-07T00:00
At the request of our loyal Patrons, Dr. Drea and Brian finally take the opportunity to break down the psychology of Zack Snyder's Justice League!
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Episode 160 "Steven Universe Season 1 Finale" from 2021-05-24T01:00
We wrap up our coverage of the inaugural season of Steven Universe and notice that, compared to earlier episodes, the storytelling is more arc-forming and that the stak...
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Episode 159 "Steven Universe 31-40" from 2021-05-16T20:00
Things are kicking into high gear! In this batch of episodes, we're finally able to analyze Garnet; Stevonnie; and the traumatic past of Amethyst. Steven Universe has i...
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Episode 158 "Steven Universe 21-30" from 2021-05-09T02:30
We descend further into the Steven Universe adventure with our coverage of 10 more episodes of the beloved series. During this episode, Drea picks up on a pattern in St...
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Episode 157 "Steven Universe 16-20" from 2021-05-02T05:00
Brian and Drea focus on Pearl, the maternal or "big sister" figure to the group. Best characterized as very organized, mature, and responsible, Pearl is also seen as overly rigid, perfectionisti...
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Episode 156 "Steven Universe 6-15" from 2021-03-21T01:30
In this episode, we dive into the psychology of Amethyst! Is she lazy? Aggressive? Or just misunderstood? Dr. Drea and Brian take on the Purple Puma herself; and even uncover which of the Crysta...
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Episode 155 "Steven Universe 1-5" from 2021-01-30T22:00
The podcast embarks on a new chapter, as we begin the journey of exploring the beloved animated show, Steven Universe! Using the Big 5 Personality traits as a model, we...
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Episode 154 "The Dark Knight Rises" from 2021-01-16T22:00
Episode 153 "The Dark Knight" from 2020-12-28T00:00
"And here we go!"
After several years of exploring the psychology of Batman, Brian and Drea finally discuss Christopher Nolan's acclaimed film, The Dark Knight
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Episode 152 "Batman Begins" from 2020-12-07T21:00
Brian and Drea take listeners back to 2005 to revisit the well-received live-action film, Batman Begins. What does Batman Begins teach us about our relationship with fear? What...
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Episode 151 "Doom Patrol: Ezekiel Patrol" from 2020-09-12T22:00
It's the finale of Doom Patrol's inaugural season. How have our characters progressed? Or regressed? Is Niles the ultimate baddie? We cover one last episode, before moving onto brand-ne...
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Episode 150 "Doom Patrol: Penultimate Patrol" from 2020-08-07T02:00
In the realm of narrative psychology, our life story isn't just a mundane list of facts--it's the way we integrate our experiences and events internally. Drea and Brian...
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Episode 149 "Doom Patrol: Flex Patrol" from 2020-07-12T05:00
As we continue to discuss these characters and their feelings of deep regret, we talk about the importance of l... Listen
Episode 147 "Doom Patrol: Cyborg Patrol" from 2020-06-17T19:00
How reliable are our memories? Science and fiction intersect in interesting ways in this episode of The Arkham Sessions!
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Episode 146 "Doom Patrol: Frances Patrol" from 2020-05-18T00:00
In this episode, we draw upon the experiences of Doom Patrol heroes, Negative Man and Robot Man, as they revisit their mistakes and discover how to end the pain they're holding onto. For Cliff, ...
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Episode 145 "Doom Patrol: Hair Patrol" from 2020-04-26T01:30
The term pogonophile refers to a person who has an obsessive love of beards. We discu...
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Episode 144 "Doom Patrol: Jane Patrol" from 2020-04-12T00:00
This episode of Doom Patrol centers entirely around (and in) Jane's psyche. With 64 different personalities, Jane could easily be a textbook example of the mental health condition known as Disso...
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Episode 143 "Doom Patrol: Danny Patrol" from 2020-03-29T00:00
Episode 142 "Doom Patrol: Therapy Patrol" from 2020-03-08T01:00
The gang has learned that Mr. Nobdy is using its members' sordid pasts against them. Determined to avoid collapsing the way the original Doom Patrol once did, Cliff demands the group sits down f...
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Episode 141 "Doom Patrol: Doom Patrol Patrol" from 2020-02-22T23:00
Episode 140 "Doom Patrol: Paw Patrol" from 2020-02-08T00:13:49
Add a little dark humor, several talking animals and insects, and a some intense flashbacks, and you'll get this bizarre episode of Doom Patrol! Our dark heroes are struggling to save the world,...
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Episode 139 "Doom Patrol: Cult Patrol" from 2020-01-24T14:00
Inter-dimensional portals. A battle with an army made of unsent letters. A singing horse head. Cyborg's inflated ego. Our examination of the show Doom Patrol moves forward with one of the oddest...
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Episode 138 "Doom Patrol: Puppet Patrol" from 2020-01-10T21:06:42
The team goes to Paraguay to rescue the Chief, but instead, come across the infamous lab created by Heinrich von Fuchs--which is now a spa-like experience for all of your customized metaphysical...
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Episode 137 "Doom Patrol: Donkey Patrol" from 2019-11-23T00:59:59
In this episode, we get to focus on Robot Man and his relationship with Crazy Jane, the girl with 64 individual personalities--each with its own set of powers. We also meet Cyborg, a hero who's ...
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Episode 136 "Doom Patrol: Pilot" from 2019-11-08T23:11:26
The time has finally come! Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward begin their analysis of DC Universe's Doom Patrol! Join us, as we discuss Robotman, Elasti-Woman, Negative Man, and each o...
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Episode 135 "Joker" from 2019-10-25T22:03:31
After a couple of weeks at the top of the box office, Drea and Brian finally get to cover Joaquin Phoenix's take on the Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips' Joker. Up first, we get i...
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Episode 134 "I Love You 3000: NYCC 2019" from 2019-10-12T00:10:01
Drea's panel on parasocial relationships, from New York Comic Con 2019, "I Love You 3000: Managing Real Feelings About Fictional Characters," with guest panelists Dan Slott (Spider-Man)...
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Episode 133 "Batman: Hush" from 2019-10-01T00:48:34
There's a sinister new presence in Gotham. He has a grudge and... he appears to know Batman's alter ego. But how? It's a mystery that must be solved, before Bruce Wayne's world comes crashing do...
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Episode 132 "The Demon Reborn" from 2019-09-13T22:59:41
Batman returns to Metropolis to stop Ra's al Ghul from draining the Man of Steel of his strength, once again, prolonging life for the villain. But we explore alternatives to Ra's' addiction to l...
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Episode 131 "Knight Time" from 2019-08-30T16:20:55
Episode 130 "San Diego Comic-Con 2019: The Psychology of Batgirl" from 2019-08-16T23:06:51
Writers Brenden Fletcher and Cecil Castellucci join us for an amazing in-depth look at a character with which they're both very familiar: Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl. Brenden, along with Came...
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Episode 129 "WonderCon 2019 - Psychology of X-Men: The Animated Series" from 2019-05-31T13:00
We're taking an ever-so-brief break from Batman and the DC Universe to analyze the X-Men show that, many say, shares the title of the most influential animated series of the '90s. And we're not ...
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Episode 128 "World's Finest" from 2019-05-17T21:47:46
Excited to examine Batman when he's out of his element, we eagerly turn to Superman: The Animated Series to see how Bats and Supes interact when they have similar goals but very differe...
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Episode 127 "BTAS Wrap-Up" from 2019-03-09T00:52:59
It's the end of an era. Now that we've seen all of Batman: The Animated Series, including The Adventures of Batman & Robin and The New Batman Adventures, we're answeri...
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Episode 126 "The Lost Episode" from 2019-02-02T01:09:07
Dubbed by fans "The Lost Episode," the Adventures of Batman & Robin video game, released for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, was written by Paul Dini and directed by Bruce Timm and...
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Episode 125 "Mystery of the Batwoman" from 2018-12-22T02:26:54
Episode 124 "Judgment Day" from 2018-11-23T12:00
It's our final official episode covering Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures!
Episode 123 "Beware the Creeper" from 2018-10-06T00:13:12
What happens when a charismatic investigative journalist is exposed to both the Joker's laughing toxin AND the very chemicals that transformed the dastardly mobster into the Joker? The Creeper! ...
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Episode 122 "Chemistry" from 2018-09-21T21:35:43
Bruce Wayne finally finds the perfect romantic partner to drive him out of the crime-fighting game for good! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, one member of the duo's opinion of B...
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Episode 121 "Mad Love" from 2018-09-08T01:14:04
It's the episode many have been waiting for! "Mad Love" introduces us to the origin of Harley Quinn, formerly known as Harleen Quinzel. And Drea has a TON to say about this tale, so buckle up an...
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Episode 120 "Girls' Night Out" from 2018-08-24T22:29:17
"Girls' Night Out" is an unapologetic celebration of the feminine superhero. In this episode, we explore important perspectives on gender differences in cooperation and fighting, including conce...
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Episode 119 "Legends of the Dark Knight" from 2018-08-12T02:27:29
This is a strikingly divergent episode, portraying three distinct, stylized representations of Batman: the Golden Age, Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, and, of course, Batman...
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Episode 118 "SDCC 2018: The Psychology of Robin, Batman's First Sidekick" from 2018-07-27T22:19:32
Were you unable to attend San Diego Comic-Con last week? No problem! We have you covered. This week, we present our 2018 Comic-Con panel: The Psychology of Robin, Batman's First Sidekick; featur...
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Episode 117 "The Demon Within" from 2018-07-13T21:39:14
We're BACK! In this episode Drea and Brian revisit Dr. Philip Zimbardo and the controversial Stanford Prison Experiment to discuss the demon, Etrigan, and his lack of "intelligent disobedience."...
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Episode 116 "WonderCon 2018" from 2018-04-06T18:15:21
It's our live panel from WonderCon 2018, entitled "The Psychology of Batman: The Animated Series," with our very special guest Londyn Jackson (@BlueLondynSkies), from the stellar Hi...
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Episode 115 "Old Wounds" from 2018-02-10T00:26:49
We take a break from the Arkham video games and return to The New Batman Adventures for one of our all-time favorite episodes, "Old Wounds." This is the story of the rift between Bruce ...
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Episode 114 "The Arkham Video Games, Pt. 1" from 2018-02-02T21:58:31
Episode 113 "Animal Act" from 2017-12-08T19:29:46
This episode stands out as memorable, not because of the Mad Hatter's plan to use circus animals for burglary, but due to Dick Grayson's remarkable resilience as he encounters the place of his p...
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Episode 112 "Cult of the Cat" from 2017-11-10T23:12:25
This week, we take on cults; specifically, cat cults led by Thomas Blake (aka Catman, in other incarnations of the DC Universe). And, clearly, we can't have cats without Catwoman! Will Selina fi...
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Episode 111 "Critters" from 2017-10-20T21:31:46
When Farmer Brown's career of genetically enhancing animals crashes and burns at an agriculture fair, Batman has to defend Gotham City from those aforementioned genetically enhanced animals. We ...
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Episode 110 "Mean Seasons" from 2017-10-13T23:50:26
We dedicate this episode to World Mental Health Day and continue to support this cause by illuminating the experiences of persons with mental health illnesses and struggles through the art and n...
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Episode 109 "Batman And Harley Quinn" from 2017-09-23T16:05:33
Episode 108 "Over the Edge" LIVE from 2017-09-15T23:47:25
Live from Ontario, California's Comic Con Revolution, our friend Livio Ramondelli, joins us to discuss his favorite episode "Over the Edge," which features the nightmarish realization that every...
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Episode 107 "The Ultimate Thrill" from 2017-09-05T22:47:41
Do you get restless if you stay home for too long? Like going to new places rather than familiar ones? Prefer sports that involve a physical thrill such as surfing, rock climbing, and skiing? Y...
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Episode 106 "SDCC 2017: The Psychology of Batman: The Animated Series" from 2017-08-11T20:03:58
Join us at San Diego Comic-Con, as we merely scratch the surface of the psychology of Batman: The Animated Series with two of the people most responsible for its success--Paul Dini and ...
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Episode 105 "Torch Song" from 2017-07-15T01:48:26
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we meet a classic Batman villain for the first (and last) time; we explore the development of stalking behavior through the narrative of Cassidy,...
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Episode 104 "Love is a Croc" from 2017-06-23T19:29:18
It's a relationship we never thought we'd ever see; a relationship we never even wanted to see: Killer Croc and Baby Doll, two people who feel they're misunderstood by society. Can find...
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Episode 103 "Growing Pains" from 2017-06-16T23:23:32
Episode 102 "Joker's Millions" from 2017-05-05T21:03:26
The Joker is in some serious need of cash. So when his old rival, King Barlowe, dies and leaves him $250 million, he's absolutely thrilled...and a little confused. Can the Joker retire, now that...
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Episode 101 "WonderCon 2017: The Psychology of Animated Series" from 2017-04-07T19:01:58
Join our hosts, Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, as they talk to special guests Henry T. Gilroy (Star Wars Rebels), Eric and Julia Lewald (X-Men: The Animated Series), and ...
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Episode 100 "The Lego Batman Movie" from 2017-03-23T23:08:07
The show takes a momentary detour to celebrate our 100th episode by deconstructing the latest Batman film, THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (2017). In this episode, we highlight some of the most c...
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Episode 99 "Never Fear" from 2017-03-17T00:10:51
In what appears to be a significant transformation, Scarecrow decides to terrorize the city of Gotham by taking fear away. Scarecrow's newest weapon is a toxin that eliminates any biolo...
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Episode 98 "The Anxiety Lantern: An Interview with GREEN LANTERN's Sam Humphries" from 2017-02-17T22:51:32
This episode slightly moves away from our traditional format, because Dr. Andrea Letamendi got a unique opportunity to speak with Green Lantern writer Sam Humphries about his work on th...
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Episode 97 "You Scratch My Back" from 2017-02-01T21:55:32
Over the last few episodes, we've been able to glean a bit of a falling out between Bruce and Dick. This is our first look at 'Nightwing'--or, as Catwoman likes to call him, "Man Wonder." Meanwh...
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Episode 96 "Double Talk" from 2017-01-14T20:39:41
Arnold Wesker, AKA the villain known as The Ventriloquist, is released from inpatient care after six months of successful rehabilitation. His treatment team at Arkham is confident he'll be fine,...
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Episode 95 "Cold Comfort" from 2016-12-13T21:11:11
It's the finale we've all been waiting for! Mr. Freeze's final appearance in Batman: The Animated Series / The New Batman Adventures arrives with all of the (dinosaur) bone-chi...
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Episode 94 "Sins of the Father" from 2016-11-23T00:33:28
In this Thanksgiving week episode, we're formally introduced to the new Robin, Tim Drake--or is it Jason Todd? Maybe a combination of both? We also discuss the whereabo...
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Episode 93 "Holiday Knights" from 2016-11-14T22:47:27
We're reintroduced to some old friends and Rogues, as we begin our analysis of THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES--a series that premiered two years after the final episode of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES...
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Episode 92 "Batman&Mr. Freeze: Subzero" from 2016-11-05T00:27:43
We're back! And we're bringing the long-awaited episode, "Subzero," with us! When Mr. Freeze abducts Barbara Gordon so that he can perform a blood transfusion that will help his beloved Nora, na...
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Episode 91 "Live: The Psychology of Harley Quinn with Jimmy Palmiotti" from 2016-09-29T18:53:33
Arguably, she's a character who's become so popular that she's overcome her attachment to Gotham City and Batman lore. Join us, as we discuss Harley Quinn's origin, her popularity, her desire to...
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Episode 90 "Batman Day" from 2016-09-17T16:00
To commemorate the Caped Crusader on Batman Day, we discuss what Batman has meant to us over the years and share the vario...
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Episode 89 "Suicide Squad" from 2016-09-08T22:04:05
We give our psychology-focused review of the 2016 film, Suicide Squad, offering up our thoughts about Jared Leto’s Joker, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and other char...
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Episode 88 "The Killing Joke" from 2016-08-05T20:24:57
This one's a doozy and one we've all been waiting for. Love it or hate it, The Killing Joke is one of the most influential and consequential books ever written about Batman and his arch...
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Episode 87 "Batgirl Returns" from 2016-07-15T23:59:30
It's the end of Batman: The Animated Series as we know it; the final produced episode, "Batgirl Returns!" In this episode, Batman takes a back seat to young Barbara Gordon, as she teams...
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Episode 86 "Deep Freeze" from 2016-07-09T01:23:53
This week, we get feisty as we discuss Victor Fries' return in "Deep Freeze." It's revealed that Nora's alive and a theme park creator believes he has the technology to bring her back. But it co...
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Episode 85 "Make 'Em Laugh" from 2016-06-18T00:12:41
This week, we learn a lot about the similarities between Robin and Alfred, particularly their love of comedy. We also get to know the failed comedian, Smilin' Shecky Rimshot *badum bum*, AKA The...
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Episode 84 "Lock-Up" from 2016-05-28T01:12:08
Episode 83 "Harley's Holiday" from 2016-05-14T00:59:22
One of the most requested episodes has finally arrived! When Harley is deemed "sane" and capable of going back into the public, she's determined to do what she can to keep herself out of trouble...
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Episode 82 "Second Chance" from 2016-04-23T19:01:14
Harvey Dent is given the chance to rid himself of "Two-Face," once and for all, but someone else isn't happy about that idea. This episode tests Harvey's diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disor...
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Episode 81 "Riddler's Reform" from 2016-04-01T23:23:47
It's another case of an infamous Gotham Rogue going straight... Or is he? Could the Riddler ever really go straight before he got the chance to defeat the Batman in a game of wits? And how reali...
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Episode 80 "Showdown" from 2016-03-17T20:47:19
What can 50 years of hard labor do to the mind? And who's the real villain? Ra's al Ghul? An unknown accomplice named Arkady Duvall? Or the bounty hunter, Jonah Hex? Revelations and psychologica...
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Episode 79 "The Lion and the Unicorn" from 2016-03-08T22:52:22
In this very important episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the role that Alfred plays in Batman's life, "truth serums" and torture in the context of the treatment of wartime deta...
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Episode 78 "San Diego Comic Fest 2016 Panel" from 2016-02-19T18:21:47
Over Valentine's Day weekend, we held our second live San Diego Comic Fest panel and had a great conversation about the podcast and the psychology of Batman, his allies and the Rogues Gallery.
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Episode 77 "Baby-Doll" from 2016-02-12T21:45:31
She's a doll. She's a baby. She's ...homicidal? Baby Doll was a child actor who was afflicted with the congenital disease called Systemic Hypoplasia, a condition that stunted her growth and caus...
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Episode 76 "Bane" from 2016-01-23T00:02:49
It's our first look at one of the most iconic villains in Batman history, Bane. He's the man who broke the Bat in the comics. Will he get the chance to repeat in the animated series? Find out if...
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Episode 75 "Catwalk" from 2016-01-08T20:24:31
It's the beginning of a new year, but we get to revisit with some old friends...and villains! It's the return of the Ventriloquist and Scarface! And things aren't looking good for Selina Kyle, a...
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Episode 74 "Batman Returns" from 2015-12-17T21:02:45
It's our second anniversary and we're celebrating with a look at Tim Burton's sequel to 1989's blockbuster, Batman. In this episode we're introduced to the villains Penguin and Max Shre...
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Episode 73 "Time Out of Joint" from 2015-11-20T22:13:06
We've all felt it before. The thirst for revenge. And yet, psychological science has demonstrated that very little satisfaction results from enacting revenge. In this episode of The Arkham S...
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Episode 72 "Harlequinade" from 2015-10-27T15:36:55
It's another amazing Harley-centric episode! But, as always, it comes with its own controversy surrounding Harley's unhealthy relationship with the Joker. Our analysis focuses not just on the cy...
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Episode 71 "The Terrible Trio" from 2015-10-20T21:44:02
They are the elite! Or so they think. They're the Terrible Trio, a burgling threesome that targets the rich--not because they need the money, but because they're just bored! This episod...
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Episode 70 "House&Garden" from 2015-10-08T21:22:20
Episode 69 "Avatar" from 2015-09-30T17:26:38
Ra's al Ghul has returned and wants to learn the secrets of life and death--beyond those he already has from the Lazarus Pit. Only two people can stop him: Batman and his own daughter, Talia. Wi...
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Episode 68 "Trial" from 2015-09-25T20:38:40
The Batman is put on trial by the Rogues Gallery. His charge: the very creation of the Rogues themselves! And his defense attorney is none other that Janet Van Dorn, the prosecutor that believes...
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Episode 67 "A Bullet For Bullock" from 2015-09-17T20:16:02
How similar to the Batman is Harvey Bullock? As someone wants Bullock dead, we get the first good chance to dive deeper into this polarizing character!
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Episode 66 "Sideshow" from 2015-09-01T16:05:06
It's our first time evaluating the REAL Killer Croc since his very first appearance in "Vendetta." How has he changed since then? And is it possible for someone like him to reform after meeting ...
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Episode 65 "The Worry Men" from 2015-08-19T19:15:33
We revisit the psychology of the Mad Hatter, exploring his obsession with control, manipulation and alteration of other people's minds, and his fundamentally damaged and poor sense of self. Addi...
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Episode 64 "Read My Lips" from 2015-08-14T20:06:16
Batman diagnoses Arnold Wesker (AKA The Ventriloquist) as having Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder. But is this diagnois accurate? And is Batman qualified to make t...
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Episode 63 "Fire From Olympus" from 2015-08-03T22:36:25
This week, we get a clear portrayal of a full-fledged delusional disorder in a new villain: Maxie Zeus. We discuss the diagnosis of Delusional Disorder, types of delusions and the impact the ill...
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Episode 62 "His Silicon Soul" from 2015-07-28T19:04:21
What separates humans from robots? Dr. Andrea Letamendi dives into the psychology at play in this fantastic episode that brings up deep emotional themes seen in science fiction classics like
Episode 61 "The Demon's Quest, Part 2" from 2015-07-04T00:36:32
When we left our heroes, Ra's al Ghul was holding his own daughter above his head, ready to kill her in a sudden fit of insanity, brought on by the rejuvinating effects of the Lazarus Pit. In th...
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Episode 60 "The Demon's Quest, Part 1" from 2015-06-23T19:32:13
It's our first real look at the mysterious Ra's al Ghul, "The Demon's Head!" First introduced, along with his daughter, Talia, in "Off Balance," this quintessential member of Batman's Rogues rea...
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Episode 59 "Blind as a Bat" from 2015-06-09T23:29:44
Episode 58 "Shadow of the Bat" from 2015-06-02T22:00
Commissioner Gordon has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes from mob boss Rupert Thorne and Batman's on the case. But so is Gordon's daughter, Barbara, who's showing herself to be quite ...
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Episode 57 "Harley and Ivy" from 2015-05-26T20:06:24
Episode 56 "The Mechanic" from 2015-05-19T18:33:44
Episode 55 "Zatanna" from 2015-05-12T23:37:41
Brian's love of magic is rewarded with this episode of The Arkham Sessions! Zatanna, the daughter of one of Bruce's old mentors, has come to Gotham to put on a show. Bo...
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Episode 54 "Paging the Crime Doctor" from 2015-05-07T15:43:38
Once again, we're given a glimpse into the sibling rivalries within Gotham's mob community. Only this time, it's the brother of Rupert Thorne, Matthew, a gifted surgeon--and former friend to Tho...
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Episode 53 "Mudslide" from 2015-04-02T22:57:01
Is Matt Hagen a criminal? Or is he just doing what he has to to survive? Clayface returns to Batman: The Animated Series in "Mudslide!" And, this time, he's joined by Dr. Stella Bates.....
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Episode 52 "The Man Who Killed Batman" from 2015-03-20T17:11:53
A couple of episodes ago, we learned what Batman would be like with the possibility of losing Jim Gordon. Now, find out what Gotham would be like with the loss of Batman. Sidney Debris is the ma...
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Episode 51 "Off Balance" from 2015-02-21T16:44:01
Meet Talia al Ghul, a mysterious woman in black, that seems to be on Batman's side. Or is she? In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we learn about b...
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Episode 50 "I Am the Night" from 2015-02-05T18:39:35
It's been another year since the death of Bruce's parents and, like every year, Batman visits the site in Crime Alley with his old family friend Dr. Leslie Thompkins. But this year's different. ...
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Episode 49 "What is Reality?" from 2015-01-26T18:40:19
The Riddler is back and, once again, he's tapping into his advanced knowledge of gaming in "What is Reality?" This week, we discuss The Riddler's decision to renounce the identity of Edward Nygm...
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Episode 48 "Birds of a Feather" from 2015-01-15T19:01:23
Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, insists that he's going straight. But will society--specifically, HIGH SOCIETY--allow him to do so? In this episode of The Arkham Sess...
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Episode 47 "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" from 2015-01-02T20:13:56
We celebrate our one-year anniversary with this very special look at the most requested Batman story yet, Mask of the Phantasm! Get a better look at the history of Bruce Wayne, his long...
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Episode 46 "Almost Got 'Im" from 2014-12-13T20:14:20
The majority of Gotham's Rogues Gallery--Poison Ivy, Two-Face, The Penguin, Killer Croc and The Joker--are together to enjoy an evening of poker and storytelling, as they each get the chance to ...
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Episode 45 "Terror in the Sky" from 2014-12-05T16:54:14
Man-Bat returns! Or does he? In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we re-visit Batman: The Animated Series' original villain, Dr. Kirk Langs...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 44 "Day of the Samurai" from 2014-11-27T23:14:45
Kyodai Ken has returned and this time, he plans to end Batman's life by discovering a 500-year-old scroll that holds the secret to the "Kiba no Hoko," a fighting style so lethal it can kill Batm...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 43 "Moon of the Wolf" from 2014-11-21T18:22:54
Meet Anthony Romulus, an athlete determined to be the best. But those ambitions could cost him more than he ever bargained for. In this episode of The Arkham Sessions,w...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 42 "Tyger, Tyger" from 2014-11-14T17:08:31
The Arkham Sessions, Episode 41 "Joker's Wild" LIVE from 2014-10-21T15:13:30
Our first LIVE episode of The Arkham Sessions! From San Diego Comic Fest, we bring you our conversation about "Joker's Wild!" This discussion with the audience gives us...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 40 "If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?" from 2014-10-17T17:20:01
It's taken 40 episodes, but we're FINALLY introduced to The Riddler and it's worth the wait, as we talk about the battle of wits between Batman and the newest member of his Rogues Gallery. But i...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 39 "Heart of Steel" from 2014-10-14T17:55:25
Wayne Enterprises is working on Artificial Intelligence, but this a good idea? After all, the man responsible for teaching Bruce everything he knows about electronics has already developed his o...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 38 "The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne" from 2014-10-03T16:22:56
Is Batman stressed out? During this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we take a look at relaxation therapy with Dr. Hugo Strange. We also take a moment to sample one real...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 37 "Cat Scratch Fever" from 2014-09-25T14:00
On this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we revisit the weird love triangle between Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle and... Batman. Will Bruce ever win Selina's heart? Does he e...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 36 "Night of the Ninja" from 2014-09-18T14:54:26
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we revisit ...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 35 "The Laughing Fish" from 2014-09-11T14:38:03
We revisit our analysis of The Joker, this time taking into account his relationship with Harley Quinn. Harley is dangerously in the way of The Joker's wild, impulsive antics. Is The Joker compa...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 34 "Robin's Reckoning, Part 2" from 2014-09-04T14:00
This episode of The Arkham Sessions covers the final act of the highly-acclaimed 2-part episode of Batman: The Animated Series, which explores the story of how...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 33 "Robin's Reckoning, Part 1" from 2014-08-28T14:00
On this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we take a look at just how similar the Batman and Robin are, psychologically speaking. It's the highly-acclaimed, Emmy-winning e...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 32 "The Cape and Cowl Conspiracy" from 2014-08-25T15:54:25
Based on the 1975 Detective Comics story "The Cape and Cowl Death Trap" by Elliot S. Maggin, this episode of Batman: The Animated Series features a relatively unknown crook by ...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 31 "Batman: Assault on Arkham" from 2014-08-22T14:33:19
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we gently put aside the VHS and screen a contemporary work from the DC animated universe. This is our spoiler-free anaysis of Harley Quinn, Deads...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 30 "Perchance to Dream" from 2014-08-15T14:32:42
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the fascinating neuroscience of dreams and the growing research supporting our ability to control our own ac...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 29 "Eternal Youth" from 2014-08-08T18:17:54
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we delve deeper into Poison Ivy's psychology by exploring her predilection for plants and her fanatic, destruct...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 28 "Dreams in Darkness" from 2014-07-24T14:00
If Batman ended up in an Arkham Asylum cell, would he be deemed "normal?" Or would the Gotham facility known for housing the "criminally insane" keep him under lock and key? Fighting the onset o...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 27 "Mad as a Hatter" from 2014-07-17T14:50:35
How far would you go to earn the affection of someone you love? Send them a roomful of gifts? Surprise them at their doorstep? Advance the science of neurotechnology to a whole new level by deve...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 26 "Appointment in Crime Alley" from 2014-07-10T14:03:58
Are Bruce and Dr. Leslie Thompkins enacting a healthy coping method by commermorating the Waynes every year in "Crime Alley?" Or is this a sign of prolonged grief and their inability to move on?...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 25 "The Clock King" from 2014-07-03T15:09
It's about time! The Arkham Sessions returns to the analysis of Batman: The Animated Series with a classic favorite, "The Clock King." The title villain is a s...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 24 "Batman" (1989) from 2014-06-26T15:21:41
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton's Batman, The Arkham Sessions takes a break from Batman: The Animated Series to pay special tribute to the...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 23 "Fear of Victory" from 2014-06-20T14:00
The menacing, sadistic villain Scarecrow escapes from Arkham Asylum and targets all of Gotham's star athletes. But Scarecrow's fear-inducing crimes are actually not the highlight of this episode...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 22 "Vendetta" from 2014-06-13T14:32:59
Hidden behind the vicious exterior of sharp teeth and menacing claws is a man who has dealt with disfigurement from a medical condition his whole life. How did this physical deformity impact him...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 21 "Joker's Favor" from 2014-05-22T00:01:14
To owe the Joker a favor is never good. Unless, of course, that favor is listening to The Arkham Sessions. In this week's episode, we talk about folks that "sn...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 20 "Feat of Clay" from 2014-05-06T14:15
You know the story. You start with an attractive, successful actor who finds a "supplement" that helps his career. The "miracle pharmaceutical" happens to have a permanent, insidious side effect...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 19 "Prophecy of Doom" from 2014-04-29T14:18:34
Batman's no fool. He's a man of science. In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we talk about the psychology of persuasion, the principles that con artists use to deceive and defraud u...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 18 "Beware the Gray Ghost" from 2014-04-24T15:10:01
In a very realistic take on hero worship, this episode introduces us to Batman's idol: The Gray Ghost and shows us that even Batman can be an avid fan of a fictional character, down to his colle...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 17 "See No Evil" from 2014-04-14T15:58:50
A father with a criminal history and a restraining order against him returns to Gotham City after serving jail time. He begins sneaking into his daughter's room at night and devises a plan to ki...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 16 "The Cat and the Claw, Part 2" from 2014-04-08T17:01:10
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we delve deeper into Bruce Wayne's struggle with his alter identity as Batman, how h...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 15 "The Cat and the Claw, Part 1" from 2014-04-01T15:17:59
Bruce Wayne has finally met his match in the lovely Selina Kyle, AKA Catwoman! But has Batman? In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, Dr. Letamendi discusses ...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 14 "Heart of Ice" from 2014-03-25T15:16:32
Mr. Freeze is perhaps one of the most fascinating villains in the Batman Universe. He is detached, inexpressive, and like his name implies, cold. And yet, Mr. Freeze is inexplicably lif...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 13 "I've Got Batman in My Basement" from 2014-03-18T14:21:04
In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, Batman's down for the count, but the Junior Detectives, Sherman and Roberta, have this battle with the Penguin ...
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Episode 12 "It's Never Too Late" from 2014-03-11T14:38:03
Our old friend, Rupert Thorne, is back and this time, he's terrorizing Gotham's presiding mob boss, Arnold Stromwell. Unfortunately, Stromwell's got some inner demons doing more damage than Thor...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 11 "Two-Face, Part 2" from 2014-03-04T15:15:46
The epic origin of Two-Face continues with part two! It's been six months since we last saw the former District Attorney disfigured by a horrible blast and now, he's become one of the city's big...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 10 "Two-Face, Part 1" from 2014-02-25T15:18:31
What can cause a virtuous citizen to transform into a destructive villain? It's the first time we analyze Two-Face, one of Gotham City's most interesting baddies! The amazing two-part episode of...
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 9 "Be a Clown" from 2014-02-18T20:35:43
Gotham's most dangerous villain is back--this time, with something to prove! We deconstruct yet another episode of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES which features The Joker! This portrayal of the "p...
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Episode 8 "The Forgotten" from 2014-02-11T15:16:23
Episode 7 "P.O.V." from 2014-02-04T15:15
It's a classic case of "He Said/They Said," when Detective Bullock rushes into a building before his back-up's arrived. And, naturally, the Batman's at the center of the truth and the lies. Or i...
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Episode 6 "The Underdwellers" from 2014-01-27T17:18:01
Imagine that Fagin from Oliver Twist and Captain Hook from Peter Pan had a love child. Now give him an eyepatch and pet killer crocs. You've got the Sewer King,...
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Episode 5 "Pretty Poison" from 2014-01-27T16:57:06
It's finally time to talk about the ladies of Gotham! Or at least one lady: Poison Ivy. Maybe we've fallen under her tantalizing spell, but we're pretty sympathetic of her murderous actions in t...
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Episode 4 "The Last Laugh" from 2014-01-27T16:39:20
The Psychotic Clown is back! But, wait; is "psychotic" the right word to describe the Joker? Join us in the 4th episode of The Arkham Sessionsas we delve into another classic ep...
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Episode 3 "Nothing to Fear" from 2014-01-24T23:34
What are phobias? How are they treated? And what is Batman really afraid of? (OK, that one is fairly obvious, we admit). The Arkham Sessions explores the theme of fear ...
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Episode 2 "Christmas with the Joker" from 2014-01-24T23:19
Think the Joker is psychotic? Delusional? Or just unloved? This is the second episode of The Arkham Sessions, a fun and insightful podcast dedicated to the observation and clini...
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Episode 1 "On Leather Wings" from 2014-01-24T23:07
Welcome, Gothamites! This is the first episode of The Arkham Sessions, a fun and insightful podcast dedicated to the observation and clinical analysis of the characters in BATMA...
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