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.
Feeling abandoned by her friends, Harley Quinn decides to visit her parents in her hometown. Though Harley's mom and dad seem welcoming and loving, glimpses into her childhood memories reveal a highly stressful upbringing and a toxic home environment.

Is the Joker actually “insane”? Does Two-Face have “multiple personality disorder” by today’s standards? From an ethical perspective, do Gotham’s rogues belong in prison or in rehab? In works like The Penguin, Joker: Folie a Deux, and Batman: White Knight, DC villains have brought "main character energy" to life, proving themselves as enduring figures in media storytelling—but just how well do these baddies depict the mental health landscape of today, and is there anything wrong with celebrating villain vibes? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics), screenwriter Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush Animated), and comics writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Beyond 2.0, Batman: Gate of Gotham) deconstruct, decriminalize, and debunk Gotham City’s most notorious institution and the stories behind it. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions Podcast).


Harley's psychological safety is thwarted, by none other than her abusive ex, the Joker.

Harley Quinn is finally asked to attend a "Prospective Member's Party" at the Legion of Doom's headquarters. Poison Ivy, however, worries that her best friend's fixation on Gotham City's villainous social group is misguided.


Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_237_Harley_Quinn_The_Line.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

As Harley Quinn masterminds strategies to get the attention of the Legion of Doom, Commissioner Jim Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department shows signs of mental exhaustion. 

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In a memorable episode of DC's Harley Quinn series, Harley suffers a paralyzing identity crisis. With the help of Dr. Psycho's telepathic powers, Harley learns about her "stuck points," which are strong beliefs about oneself that can prevent recovery from trauma.


Set immediately after the events that take place in The Batman (2022), The Penguin a gripping and disturbing showcase of Oz Cobb's self-serving, Machiavellian pathology as he ascends the mob underworld of Gotham City. 

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_234_The_Penguin.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

As she continues to learn the ropes of becoming a supervillain in Gotham City, Harley Quinn seeks an important aspect of gaining bad-guy credibility: A nemesis! 
Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_233_Finding_Mr._Right.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 9:00pm PDT

Harley starts to realize that hard work alone will not get her far. In her attempts to recruit henchmen, Harley discovers that even amidst the lawlessness and savagery of Gotham's criminal society, there are unspoken rules, favors, and loyalties that keep her from advancing in her "career."