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.
The Arkham Sessions, Episode 26 "Appointment in Crime Alley"

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? In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss how some people who experience trauma and negative life events can get "stuck" on bad thoughts which keep them from overcoing the tragedies in their lives.

Are Bruce and Leslie enacting a healthy coping method by commemorating the Waynes every year in “Crime Alley”, or is this a sign of prolonged grief and their inability to move on? In this episode of the Arkham Sessions, we discuss how some people who experience trauma and negative life events can get “stuck” on bad thoughts which keep them from overcoming the tragedies in their lives.   

Read More: The Arkham Sessions: 'Appointment In Crime Alley' | http://comicsalliance.com/the-arkham-sessions-coping-with-trauma-in-appointment-in-crime-alley/?trackback=tsmclip
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 25 "The Clock King"

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 seemingly harmless, time-obsessed efficiency expert who learns the unfortunate lession that one small change in his schedule can turn him into a vengeful killer. The show delves into the traits and states of people who are obsessive-compulsive and has us asking if rigidity and extreme order can actually cause more harm than good.

The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology of O.C.D. In ‘Batman: The Clock King’

It’s about time! The Arkham Sessions returns to the analysis of every episode of Batman: The Animated Series with a classic favorite, “The Clock King.” The title villain is a seemingly harmless, time-obsessed efficiency expert who learns the unfortunate lesson that one small change in his schedule can turn him into a vengeful killer. Of course, Batman won’t let him get away with demolishing trains, overriding the city’s traffic controls, and strapping Gotham’s mayor to the top of the clock tower. With some insight from the episode’s writer, the show delves into the traits and states of people who are obsessive-compulsive. The psychologically satisfying episode has us asking if rigidity and extreme order can actually cause more harm than good.



Read More: Arkham Sessions: The Psychology of O.C.D. In The Clock King | http://comicsalliance.com/the-arkham-sessions-the-psychology-of-o-c-d-in-batman-the-clock-king/?trackback=tsmclipI

The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology of O.C.D. In ‘Batman: The Clock King’

It’s about time! The Arkham Sessions returns to the analysis of every episode of Batman: The Animated Series with a classic favorite, “The Clock King.” The title villain is a seemingly harmless, time-obsessed efficiency expert who learns the unfortunate lesson that one small change in his schedule can turn him into a vengeful killer. Of course, Batman won’t let him get away with demolishing trains, overriding the city’s traffic controls, and strapping Gotham’s mayor to the top of the clock tower. With some insight from the episode’s writer, the show delves into the traits and states of people who are obsessive-compulsive. The psychologically satisfying episode has us asking if rigidity and extreme order can actually cause more harm than good.



Read More: Arkham Sessions: The Psychology of O.C.D. In The Clock King | http://comicsalliance.com/the-arkham-sessions-the-psychology-of-o-c-d-in-batman-the-clock-king/?trackback=tsmclip
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_25_The_Clock_King.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 8:09am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 24 "Batman" (1989)

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 legendary film that influenced the style, music, and dark themes of the animated show. Is the film, as Burton once described, a story about the intertwined paths of Batman and the Joker, culminating in a "fight between two disturbed people?"  How does Keaton's Bruce Wayne compare to Conroy's version when it comes to the maintenance--or fusion--of multiple identities? How is Nicholson's Joker more destructive and dangerous than Hamill's?  Listen to this special edition of the The Arkham Sessions and reminisce about Batman '89 in a whole new way.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_24_Batman_25th_Anniversary.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 8:21am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 23 "Fear of Victory"

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. Rather, it's the sudden onset of Robin's panic attacks, his struggle to overcome his fears and Batman's surprising expertise in anxiety treatment that take center ring in this satifying episode!

Did you know that most of us will experience a panic attack at some point in our lives? And over 11% of people will suffer from panic attacks to the point that it interferes with their ability to function.

Did you also know which superhero happens to be an expert on panic attacks? Batman! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the episode “Fear of Victory” from Batman: The Animated Series.



Read More: The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology Of 'Fear Of Victory' | http://comicsalliance.com/arkham-sessions-fear-of-victory-podcast/?trackback=tsmclip

Did you know that most of us will experience a panic attack at some point in our lives? And over 11% of people will suffer from panic attacks to the point that it interferes with their ability to function.

Did you also know which superhero happens to be an expert on panic attacks? Batman! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the episode “Fear of Victory” from Batman: The Animated Series.



Read More: The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology Of 'Fear Of Victory' | http://comicsalliance.com/arkham-sessions-fear-of-victory-podcast/?trackback=tsmclip

Did you know that most of us will experience a panic attack at some point in our lives? And over 11% of people will suffer from panic attacks to the point that it interferes with their ability to function.

Did you also know which superhero happens to be an expert on panic attacks? Batman! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the episode “Fear of Victory” from Batman: The Animated Series.



Read More: The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology Of 'Fear Of Victory' | http://comicsalliance.com/arkham-sessions-fear-of-victory-podcast/?trackback=tsmclip

Did you know that most of us will experience a panic attack at some point in our lives? And over 11% of people will suffer from panic attacks to the point that it interferes with their ability to function.

Did you also know which superhero happens to be an expert on panic attacks? Batman! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the episode “Fear of Victory” from Batman: The Animated Series.



Read More: The Arkham Sessions: The Psychology Of 'Fear Of Victory' | http://comicsalliance.com/arkham-sessions-fear-of-victory-podcast/?trackback=tsmclip
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_23_Fear_of_Victory.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 22 "Vendetta"

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 psychologically? How realistic is his uncontrollable anger and thirst for revenge? The doc explains how biological, cognitive, emotional and social "pathways" interact to explain how the Croc's life choices are actually understandable.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_22_Vendetta.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 7:32am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 21 "Joker's Favor"

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 "snap," we continue to explore the Joker's diagnosis and we're introduced to the Joker's very special numero uno, Harley Quinn!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Ep._21_Jokers_Favor.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 5:01pm PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 20 "Feat of Clay"

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. And horrifically, our friend turns into the monstrous villain CLAYFACE and tries to destroy Batman! In this episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the components of substance abuse disorders, vulnerability to addictions, and how traumatic experiences lead people to "self-medicate."

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_20_Feat_of_Clay.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 7:15am PDT
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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 us, and the research that shows just who is susceptible to this kind of victimization.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_19_Prophecy_of_Doom.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 7:18am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 18 "Beware the Gray Ghost"

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 collection of costumes, memorabilia, and toys. But there's more to his fanboy adoration of this T.V. idol-- we discuss how the Gray Ghost represents justice and hope, and how he helped instill Bruce's moral beliefs (sound familiar?). Most of all, the Gray Ghost allows Bruce to honor the memory of his deceased father. Listen here for the full analysis!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Ep._18_Beware_the_Gray_Ghost.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 8:10am PDT
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The Arkham Sessions, Episode 17 "See No Evil"

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 kidnap her without his ex-wife knowing. His strategy? An invisibility suit. Of course, Batman will do everything he can to protect the young girl. In this psychologically-rich episode of The Arkham Sessions, we discuss the mental health of children of incarcerated parents, explain how anonymity can facilitate antisocial behavior, and assert that Batman would make a great father.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_17_See_No_Evil.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 8:58am PDT
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