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
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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
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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
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Tue, 5 September 2017
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? You're probably a sensation seeker! In this episode, we discuss the new character Roxy Rocket, a pro stunt person turned thrill-seeking criminal who has fixated on Batman. We discuss her propensity for risk and danger, and explain the neurobiological underpinnings of adrenaline addiction. For example, why would one person interpret a situation as terrifying, while another experiences exhilaration? Can addiction to thrills be psychologically harmful? Does Batman share any of these traits we see in Roxy? Buckle up and join us for an all-new episode!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_107_22The_Ultimate_Thrill22.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 3:47pm PDT
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Fri, 11 August 2017
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 Alan Burnett! Also joining us is our dear friend, DC writer Brenden Fletcher.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_106_22The_Psychology_of_Batman_The_Animated_Series22_at_San_Diego_Comic-Con.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:03pm PDT
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Fri, 14 July 2017
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, a rising pop star; we dive into the "types" of stalkers; and we describe concrete factors that increase the risk of stalking violence. Listen now for the full analysis!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_105_22Torch_Song22-MP3_for_Audio_Podcasting.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 6:48pm PDT
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Fri, 23 June 2017
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 finding one another help how they feel about themselves? Why do they each revert to versions of themselves that they're so desperate to shed? And could Bruce Wayne have been more helpful in reforming Baby Doll after their last meeting? There's A LOT to take in, as we assess "Love is a Croc!"
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_104_Love_is_a_Croc.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 12:29pm PDT
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Fri, 16 June 2017
Robin learns a tough lesson when he disobeys Batman and goes on his own to pursue a mysterious case involving a young, lost girl by the name of Annie. In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we explore the notion of "personhood" and identity development. First, how do we define a person? What characteristics must one have in order to be considered a sentient being? Reviewing various definitions of personhood and sentience, we ponder where Annie fits by reviewing the criteria: Is she self-aware? Intelligent? Has the freedom to choose? If she has the moral right of personhood, then should Robin have given her a chance to live apart from Clayface? Listen to the episode below for our full analysis of this unique Batman episode!
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_103_Growing_Pains.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 4:23pm PDT
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Fri, 5 May 2017
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 he's got one big LEGAL score? Will money buy his happiness? Can Harley simply be replaced? Is there a type of person who's more susceptible to con artists than others? What's the Golden Triangle of Happiness? And how did a popular pastime in the late 1800s become a popular psychological evaluation? All of this and more, as we analyze "Joker's Millions!"
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_102_Jokers_Millions.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:03pm PDT
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Fri, 7 April 2017
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 David Wise (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) about developing characters and stories for animation--including those characters' psychological make-up. Hear stories about working on Star Trek: The Animated Series, Star Wars: Clone Wars and Rebels, X-Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and, of course, Batman: The Animated Series. Live from WonderCon 2017, it's The Psychology of Animated Series, presented by The Arkham Sessions.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_101_WonderCon_-_The_Psychology_of_Animated_Series.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 12:01pm PDT
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