Fri, 13 July 2018
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." Plus, you can find out what we're up to at San Diego Comic-Con next week! Tune in now!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_117_22The_Demon_Within22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:39pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 6 April 2018
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 History of the Batman podcast.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_116_22WonderCon_201822.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 11:15am PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 9 February 2018
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 and Dick that we've all wanted to see! Are Brian's feelings about Bruce vindicated? Or is Bruce still "doing the best he can with what he's got," as Drea's always said. We have A LOT of fun in this episode of The Arkham Sessions!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_115_22Old_Wounds22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:26pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 2 February 2018
You asked for it! In the first of our two-part fourth anniversary celebration, we explore Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum; including some of the games' clinical treatments and therapeutic approaches, and we break down the palpable, intense relationship between Batman and the Joker. We also offer our own reactions to the portrayals of mental health in this video game popular video game franchise. Though highly entertaining, beautifully designed and rich with psychological representations, the Arkham video game series remains a problematic cornerstone in our pop culture because of its disservice to the mental health field. Find out why.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_1_14_The_Arkham_Games_Pt._1.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:58pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 8 December 2017
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 parents' death, the Haley Circus. His ability to manage traumatic memories, to face intense sorrow, and most of all, to identify a sense of purpose as a helper to the community within the very context of his personal loss are all aspects of his recovery that allow us incredible insight. Of course, Dick's functioning is juxtaposed with Batman's psychological health and we find them in very different places. Overall, topics discussed include triggers, resilience factors and trauma recovery.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_113_22Animal_Act22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 11:29am PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 10 November 2017
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 finally win over Batman in her final appearance? And did her transformation into a cat-woman hybrid in "Tiger, Tiger" change her more than we'll ever know? Is Batman heading his own cult? These questions and more in this week's episode!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_112_22Cult_of_the_Cat22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 3:12pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 20 October 2017
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 talk a little about steroid use, but ultimately, how we just wish this episode were...well...better.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_111_22Critters22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:31pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 13 October 2017
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 narrative of Batman.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_110_22Mean_Seasons22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:50pm PDT
Comments[0]
|
Sat, 23 September 2017
In celebration of her 25th anniversary, Harley Quinn fittingly takes over the annual "Batman Day" this year. Here at The Arkham Sessions, we did what we do best: Analyze the most relevant animated Batman stories. This time, we watched the new DC Animated film, BATMAN AND HARLEY QUINN. Though the story itself is straightforward and the character build-out flimsy, we were able to extract some of the most pertinent issues related to mental health and psychology. For instance, in defense of her sanity, Harley asserts that she is a "sociopath," not a "psychopath." What does she mean by this? Is she correct? And does Batman buy it? And were female characters, prominent throughout the movie, given fair portrayals in the story? We also diligently searched for the heart of the movie and, with the help of one of our friends and loyal listeners--Lauren Ritchie (@penguingonemad)--, we discussed why Harley Quinn is uniquely special to us as a character in comics: Her genuine, authentic expression of herself, her willingness to accept her own flaws, and her determination to remain free of constraints and limitations. Happy Harley Day!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_109_22Batman_and_Harley_Quinn22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 9:05am PDT
Comments[0]
|
Fri, 15 September 2017
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 everything could easily come crashing down for Batman and Gotham City, if he's not able to keep the Bat Family safe.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_108_22Over_the_Edge22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:47pm PDT
Comments[0]
|