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.

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 Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr, introduced us the world to the mega-popular "Batgirl of Burnside," taking over for Gail Simone. Cecil has only just begun her tenure as the new writer for DC's Batgirl, starting with issue #37 in July. Together, we break down this iconic hero of Gotham City in front of a full room at San Diego Comic-Con! 

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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 alone! Joining us for this amazing live panel is the husband-and-wife team of showrunner Eric Lewald and writer Julia Lewald.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_129_22WonderCon_2019_XMEN22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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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 different missions.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_128_22Worlds_Finest22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:47pm PDT
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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 answering the questions you've submitted and revisiting some of our favorite rogues, heroes and moments from the show. We'll also tell you where the podcast is going next!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_127_22BTAS_Wrap_Up22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:52pm PDT
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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 incorporated brand-new cut scenes that were fully animated sequences that put the story directly within the world we've been covering. Therefore, we just had to take a look and we're glad we did, as it gave us the opportunity to re-touch on a very important topic, especially for recent times: empathy.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_126_22The_Lost_Episode22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 5:09pm PDT
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It's our final official episode covering Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures

The Judge is on a spree to serve his own version of justice throughout Gotham City, targeting some of the most infamous and dangerous rogues and a corrupt Gotham City council member asserts that this harsh approach is more effective than sending each criminal to the "revolving door of Arkham." Batman's shrewd detective work leads to a surprising discovery: Two-Face IS The Judge! In our discussion, we explore possible explanations for Two-Face's third persona -- is it best captured with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (multiple personalities)? Or better explained as bizarre personality shifts following a traumatic brain injury? Another possible explanation is Harvey Dent's willful self-destruction. As this is the last episode produced as part of the animated collection, we address how the themes of rogue lawfulness and subversion of community moral standards fit in with Batman lore. Also, announcements about our next chapter are made! 
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_124_22Judgment_Day22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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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! We've got some serious topics ahead in this one; including sexual assault and mania. So tune in to hear what we have to say about the Creeper.

Direct download: Episode_123_22Beware_the_Creeper22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 5:13pm PDT
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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 Bruce Wayne changes dramatically, while both acknowledge the tragedy that is the betrayal Bruce feels when he discovers that his wife is actually one of Poison Ivy's pod creations, entangled in a plot to kill Bruce (as well as several other prominent Gotham business men and women) and take his money.

Direct download: Episode_122_22Chemistry22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:35pm PDT
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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 and settle in for this extra-long, extra-special eagerly anticipated episode of The Arkham Sessions!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_121_22Mad_Love22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 6:14pm PDT
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"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 concepts from evolutionary psychology and feminist psychology.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_120_22Girls_Night_Out22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 3:29pm PDT
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