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.

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 Shreck and anti-heroine Catwoman. The underdogs rise to the top and make for some perfect psychological analysis!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_74_Batman_Returns.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:02pm PDT
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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 Sessions, we revisit one of the beloved yet misunderstood villains, The Clock King.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_73_Time_Out_of_Joint.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:13pm PDT
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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 cycle of violence in their relationship, previously mentioned in "Harley & Ivy," but also Harley's costume as a big part of her identity, Batman's own ability to to think like the Joker, and more! Plus, we experiment with live questions via Periscope!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_72_Harlequinade.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 8:36am PDT
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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 episode, called the worst of the DCAU by none other than Bruce Timm, actually proves to be perfect for Dr. Andrea Letamendi's psychological analysis!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_71_The_Terrible_Trio.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:44pm PDT
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Are we all capable of blossoming into our "better selves?" Can those with seedy pasts reform? Can someone with a criminal background turn over a new leaf? In light of Poison Ivy's potential "recovery," we explain what rehabilitation might look like, whether it's predictable or even possible, and we look at the self-fulfilling prophecy, the phenomenon of making a prediction come true simply by believing in it.
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_70_House__Garden.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 2:22pm PDT
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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. Will Batman learn from his last experiences with the al Ghul family? FInd out in "Avatar!"

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_69_Avatar.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 10:26am PDT
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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 Batman should be imprisoned with the lot of them! Does her opinion change during his defense? And would it, if she really had to defend Batman in a court of law? Dr. Andrea Letamendi will tell you why or why not in "Trial!"

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_68_Trial.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:38pm PDT
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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!

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_67_A_Bullet_For_Bullock.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:16pm PDT
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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 up with a community of people who have had many of the same experiences he has?

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_66_Sideshow.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 9:05am PDT
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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. Additionally, could symbolism and superstition actually have a significant effect on our behavior and thought patterns? And is having a worry-free or stress-free life such a good idea?

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_65_The_Worry_Men.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 12:15pm PDT
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