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.

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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Batman diagnoses Arnold Wesker (AKA The Ventriloquist) as having Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder. But is this diagnois accurate? And is Batman qualified to make this diagnosis, to begin with? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Letamendi breaks down this controversial disorder and tells us what she thinks of Batman's assessment.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_64_Read_My_Lips.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 1:06pm PDT
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This week, we get a clear portrayal of a full-fledged delusional disorder in a new villain: Maxie Zeus. We discuss the diagnosis of Delusional Disorder, types of delusions and the impact the illness could have on the family members, partners and colleagues around the person suffering. Finally, we consider what the real differences are between Batman and Maxie Zeus--could they actually be more alike based on their fixed values, impervious beliefs, and the "creation" of an identity?

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_63_Fire_From_Olympus.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 3:36pm PDT
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What separates humans from robots? Dr. Andrea Letamendi dives into the psychology at play in this fantastic episode that brings up deep emotional themes seen in science fiction classics like Blade Runner and haunting imagery from others like The Terminator.

Direct download: The_Arkham_Sessions_Episode_62_His_Silicon_Soul.mp3
Category:Pop Culture Psychology -- posted at: 12:04pm PDT
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