Shows
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBehind the Scenes: Capt. America Brave New WorldBehind the Scenes of our Brave New World Episode! Toxic Masculinity, DVD Players, and Keeden's first DVDs, just some of the topics in this episode! We'll be back soon with Season 7!2025-03-2511 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman Battles AddictionDr. Emilia Brown introduces Keeden to one of her favorite comics, Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 16-20). When being Batman isn’t enough to save someone, Bruce Wayne begins using a drug to give himself superstrength. Sadly, the drug is highly addictive, and soon Batman becomes a mere shadow of his former self. This comic explores his struggle to leave the pills behind.2025-03-0545 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman Battles AddictionDr. Emilia Brown introduces Keeden to one of her favorite comics, Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 16-20). When being Batman isn’t enough to save someone, Bruce Wayne begins using a drug to give himself superstrength. Sadly, the drug is highly addictive, and soon Batman becomes a mere shadow of his former self. This comic explores his struggle to leave the pills behind. 2025-03-0445 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmCaptain America: Brave New WorldSPOILER ALERT! Keeden and Dr. Emilia Brown delve into the psyche of a variety of heroes and villains in the new movie Captain America: Brave New World. 2025-02-2550 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmPsychology Spotlight: Vigilantes for Mental HealthLast week we talked about She-Hulk and Daredevil, lawyers turned vigilante. This week Dr. Emilia Brown shares about how life in the United States is imitating art, highlighting efforts by psychologists and other scientists & healthcare professionals to continue their work amidst numerous data removals and executive orders. How can psychologists embody She-Hulk when the ethics and purpose behind their work are at risk?Sources:https://updates.apaservices.org/https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/06/nx-s1-5288113/cdc-website-health-data-trumphttps://www.bmj.com/content/388/bmj.r2532025-02-1831 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmJustice League Animated Series: Comfort and JoyTime for a holiday episode! We explore the emotional complexities of the holiday season, watching as Superman, J’onn the Martian Manhunter, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Ultra-Humanite find their own ways to ‘celebrate’. Keeden shares how holiday nostalgia helped him realize that the best gift he could give himself was getting mental health help.2024-12-2434 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMaya Lopez - Echo MiniseriesLook, the MCU has worn us out, we get it. Keeden hadn’t even watched this show until we decided to talk about it on the podcast! But we really recommend this 5-episode series about Maya Lopez / Echo. We talk about family dynamics, anger and forgiveness, acceptance, and ancestral power. In this (belated) Native American Heritage Month episode, Dr. Brown also shares the reasons behind the long overdue American Psychological Association’s 2023 offer of apology to the first peoples in the United States.To find out more: https://echo.choctawnation.com/, https://www.nativepsychs.org/, https://www.nati...2024-12-0350 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmHalloween Episode! Supernatural 4.07: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam WinchesterIt’s about time our dynamic duo crossed over into one of our favorite shows, Supernatural. What better excuse than Halloween? Emilia shares a clinical psychologist’s perspective on Dean’s return to ‘normal’ life after literally going through hell, discussing the difference between acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as relating Dean’s experiences to military life and the struggle to cope with moral injury. Meanwhile, Keeden relates to Sam’s religious struggle when Sam meets real-life angels and discovers that they aren’t as angelic as he had believed.2024-10-2944 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmPsychology Spotlight: Arkham Asylum … What is the real-world version?As a clinical psychologist specializing in severe and persistent mental illness, Emilia has a lot to say about what Arkham Asylum should be. We explore the complicated history of United States psychiatric hospitals and deinstitutionalization through the fictional representation of Gotham and its superpowered criminals. Want to learn more? https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510377/lost-patients2024-09-2432 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmUmbrella AcademyWe talk about existential dread, the imperfect (and at times abusive) realities of the Umbrella Academy’s family dynamics, and what the difference is between adapting / acceptance and giving up. Bonus: Hear why Keeden was not a fan of the ending of the TV series.2024-09-0349 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmX-Men Evolution Season 1This show has major nostalgia for us. We talk about how the X-Men going to high school with people who do not have the x-gene could have similar benefits to the concept of community inclusion. And listen in as Emilia and Keeden decide if Professor Xavier is a bit too much like Dumbledore in his approach to supporting teenage mutants.2024-04-3043 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBarbara Gordon: Batgirl Year One We love how Babs comes onto the scene – she is unapologetically herself, just looking for a way to help the city she loves without caring what Batman or her father, Commissioner Gordon, has to say about it. Emilia ends up connecting with Batgirl more than she expected. We also talk about how this comic, much like Cognitive Processing Therapy, explores the complexities of trusting someone.2024-04-2344 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmAvatar: The Last Airbender – Guests Team JVS & Colleen HopkinsKeeden’s wife, Colleen Hopkins, and Sam Leggett from Team JVS join us to talk about the heroes-in-training that appear in Avatar: The Last Airbender the 2024 TV show. We have a great range from Emilia (brand new to the franchise) to Colleen (knows literally everything there is to know). We talk about favorite characters, the struggle to be a child while also having the responsibilities of the world on your shoulders, and how a therapist might approach someone like Zuko to help them heal.2024-03-0559 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Justice League - Secret Society (Justice League 43 & 44)Being a hero-in-training takes on a whole different context when you are talking about expert superheroes who are training to work together as a team. Emilia has brushed up on some I/O Psychology so we can talk about team dynamics and what seems to complicate the Justice League’s attempts to be a well-oiled machine.2024-02-2039 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmTim Drake – Batman: A Lonely Place of DyingTim Drake’s start to being the Boy Wonder was very different from his predecessors, showing detective prowess much like the Dark Knight’s. We explore what it must have been like to try to connect with Bruce Wayne after the death of Jason Todd. And find out if Keeden convinces Emilia to no longer see Tim Drake as her ‘least favorite Robin’!2024-02-0645 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMs. Marvel – Kamala KhanKamala Khan has such a compelling story of teenage struggles, culture clashes, and the strength of family and friendship. In this episode, Emilia shares her theory on how adversity and marginalization result in more easily adapting to a life with superpowers. We also can’t help ourselves and take a few pokes at the terrible lies superheroes often make when they keep their secret more tightlipped. Source: Ms. Marvel TV show2024-01-161h 02
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmInvincible: Collaboration with Team JVSWe finally joined forces with Team JVS! Keeden’s podcast and YouTube worlds collide for a review of Invincible. We focus on the psychology of Mark Grayson, a teenager who must learn to manage his superpowers while also dealing with the knowledge that his father is not who Mark thought he was.Sources: Invincible Seasons 1 & 2 (episodes 1-4)2024-01-021h 15
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSpecial Holiday AMAKeeden and Emilia got to hang out in-person this holiday season! To celebrate, we answered your questions. Listen in if you want to hear our thoughts on the future of superheroes, best holiday superhero episodes, and Dick Grayson’s mullet.2023-12-2620 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSpiderman VillainsKeeden finally gets to talk about Spiderman’s villains! What happens when the “evil villain” isn’t some unknown person, but instead they are your teacher, your mentor, your best friend’s dad? Hear about this and our thoughts on what would happen if Spiderman swapped places with the Dark Knight.2023-11-0352 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmReverse FlashKeeden finally gets his wish – we talk Eobard Thawne and his obsessive focus on The Flash / Barry Allen. We explore how his anger and persistent vendetta keep him from finding a place he can call home.2023-10-2449 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Conjuring an IllusionKeeden immediately comes up with a Loki-style illusion he can practice conjuring for this Mindful Nerd Moment: making the Statue of Liberty disappear on the 4th of July.2023-10-2207 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Watching the Sun Set Over WakandaWe give Erik Killmonger a second chance at returning to Wakanda. What if he had been able to set aside his rage and took in a Wakanda sunset before his royal takeover?2023-09-1606 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmErik KillmongerWe explore the powerful film representation of Erik Killmonger, Wakandan royalty raised on the streets of Oakland. The stark contrast between their childhoods brings into question whether T’Challa can truly understand Erik and why Erik would naturally continue to choose violence as the solution to the world’s problems.2023-09-1244 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Putting on the Batman CowlWhether it’s for cosplay or you are the real McCoy, today we take in every moment of putting on the cowl before you go out to fight for justice.2023-09-0908 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmPsychology of Cosplay: Guest Greg BurrowGreg Burrow is a Batman Cosplayer who does a variety of charity and community service events and has been a cosplay guest at multiple conventions in Texas. He is a manager at Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy in Austin, Texas, as well as a member of the 501st Legion Star Wars Costuming Group, Austin Ghostbusters, the Fighting 788th GI Joe Costuming Group, and others. If you are in Austin, don’t miss out on the 2023 CASA Superhero Run on September 17th, 2023! Sources: Check out https://www.facebook.com/GbCosplay and https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOfTexas/ !2023-09-0553 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Catching a BulletYou have trained your body. Honed your mind. And it all comes down to this. Silk Spectre has shot at your heart. Now you must go against every human instinct and catch that bullet.2023-09-0507 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmOzymandias / Adrian Veidt (Watchmen)Watchmen does an excellent job of asking the question – what makes something villainous? Ozymandias is always the smartest person in the room. Does this make the death and destruction he brings heroic or the stuff of villains? Hear what we think!2023-08-2957 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Sitting on the Iron ThroneYou have been dreaming of this your entire life and the moment is finally here. You walk slowly toward the iron throne, taking in every detail. You turn, you sit, you feel the iron against your back and you feel its power.2023-08-2607 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmCersei Lannister (Game of Thrones)Cersei Lannister is a compelling villain. Some love her, some love to hate her. We talk about how her growing refusal to acknowledge any vulnerability results in the very mistrust and disloyalty she fears.2023-08-2252 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Breathing as BaneDeep breathing is a great mindfulness technique. How would it look to deep breathe through Bane’s mask? Listen in to find out!2023-08-1907 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBaneArguably stronger and tactically smarter than Batman, Bane falls short because of his inability to see other people as assets rather than vulnerabilities. We also explore his addiction to Venom and the question of when someone is or is not past the point of redemption.2023-08-1556 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Wolverine Getting Injected with AdamantiumYou are Wolverine about to get injected with adamantium. The doctor/scientist looks down at you and says, “Whatever the reason is for doing this, focus on that. Maybe it’ll help.” You reply, “I’ve been through worse.” She says back, “No you haven’t.” Sounds like a good time for some mindfulness and meditation.2023-08-1207 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmWilliam Stryker (X-Men)Whether it’s the films’ Colonel or the comics’ Sergeant/Reverend, William Stryker has an ability to compel others to do his bidding. We discuss red flags that suggest someone is trying to coerce you. And we also throw in a random discussion of why shooting Wolverine in the head would not be the best plan for making him lose his memories.2023-08-081h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Batman Hangs You Upside DownBatman has left you for the authorities, there is nothing you can do but wait…might as well take in the experience of being tied up and hanging upside down. (It beats ruminating about what got you here in the first place.)2023-08-0511 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Joker (The Dark Knight)Batman villains? Obviously, we have to talk about The Joker. First up is Heath Ledger’s phenomenal performance. We discuss psychopathy and this Joker’s ability to be a master manipulator. We explore the psychology behind why people respond to the Joker the way they do, including when things don’t go the Joker’s way when he pits two ferryboats against each other.2023-08-0156 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDr. LetamendiRemember November 2022 when we talked about the real-life psychologist written into The New 52 as Barbara Gordon’s therapist? That psychologist agreed to chat with us! We nerd out about the journey to becoming a superhero podcasting/consulting psychologist. True to our season 4 topic, we also discuss Dr. Letamendi’s favorite DC villains and why.2023-07-251h 03
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Thoughts on a Question MarkWe follow up our One Bad Day: The Riddler episode with practicing mindfulness as The Riddler by adapting Leaves on a Stream, putting all our thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, (and riddles) on a question mark and watching them float by.2023-07-2207 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Riddler (One Bad Day)We talk about what happens when The Riddler struggles to cope with his traumatic childhood and, as a result, changes the pattern of his crimes. Bonus content – Keeden complains about a teacher’s bad testing policies.2023-07-1847 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Letting Go Control of Time It can be hard to let go of the past or what could have been. Now imagine being Barry Allen, The Flash, someone who actually has the ability to change the past. In The Flash, this takes Barry down a difficult path, but mindfulness can help! This is NOT a way to receive mental health treatment, services, or personal advice. If you are needing help, consider taking a look at the resource page on our website.2023-07-1507 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Flash MovieWe explore this portrayal of Barry Allen and his attention to detail that makes him both good at his job and perhaps more likely to struggle with leaving the past behind him. We also talk about how The Flash becomes a personification of everyday struggles some people have with the ‘what ifs’ in life. (Naturally, we also touch on Michael Keaton’s Batman.)2023-07-1152 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmMindful Nerd Moment: Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Super StrengthIt is a bit of an understatement that Homelander could benefit from some anger management strategies. When you have body tension from all that pent up (or not so pent up) aggression and you also have super strength that could destroy everything around you, there’s nothing better than some Progressive Muscle Relaxation! This is NOT a way to receive mental health treatment, services, or personal advice. If you are needing help, consider taking a look at the resource page on our website.2023-07-0807 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmHomelander (The Boys)This Independence Day, we celebrate by talking about Homelander! We explore where the responsibility lies when someone’s violent and manipulative actions may be a result of living in a community where those actions are normalized. Also, is it narcissistic personality disorder if you really are more physically powerful than everyone else? We discuss how there may be a better way to define Homelander’s struggles.2023-07-0451 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSeason 4 PrologueIntroducing our Season 4 theme…Summer of Infamy! We talk about why we love villains and why we are excited to delve into them even more than before. Also listen for other ideas and updates for the podcast.2023-06-2723 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSeason 3 EpilogueWe take one last look at Season 3 and our focus on Elseworlds and Alternate Realities.2023-06-2716 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmWhat If...?This TV series is chockful of goodies. We talk about Dr. Strange’s locus of control and the dangers of trying to control what is not within your power. We explore what might lead us to accept the past rather than dwell on the ‘what ifs’. And we, of course, could not pass up talking about The Watcher and his embodiment of mindfulness, to watch multiverses without “exerting his will”.2023-06-0656 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Doom that Came to GothamThis HP Lovecraftian version of Batman is an odd one. We share our thoughts about the general Elseworlds approach and also delve into Oliver Queen’s character and his struggle to atone for killer family secrets.2023-05-3144 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseThe Bat Therapy co-hosts love this movie and all the Spider-Folk across the multiverse. We talk about how there will always be great excuses to stay stuck in life like multiverse Peter Parker as well as how Miles Morales can finally use his superpowers when he stops thinking about the expectations of others and finds his own path.2023-05-231h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSuperman: Red SonWhat if Superman landed in the Soviet Union? We talk about the delicate balance between free will and safety, the power of perception, and the benefit of Lex Luthor having a country supporting his Superman obsession.2023-05-021h 02
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmLoganIn this alternative world’s future, Logan/Wolverine’s life seems pretty grim. (Not that it was ever sunshine and rainbows.) We explore how Logan navigates Professor X’s degenerating cognitive abilities and other drawbacks of having ‘eternal life’. And interestingly, we discuss how his harsh exterior is likely exactly what young Laura needs to manage her selective mutism.2023-04-251h 03
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmInjustice: Gods Among Us (Year One)The Joker spends one day gunning for Superman and the world is changed forever. We talk about the ethical gray areas of Superman’s decision to remove all violence from the world (unless he decides to put Atlantis in the middle of a desert) and the psychological underpinnings of the superheroes who join Superman’s initiative.2023-04-1858 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDeadpool 2Humor. It can be a great coping mechanism, but it can also be a way to deflect. Despite his ADHD (and potentially some other mental health diagnoses) and persistent joking, Deadpool has found his support network and is able to move beyond his own pain to help a kid in need.2023-04-1258 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSuperman/Batman: Absolute Power It can be hard to go back to reality after the bloodshed of being super-powered, brotherly dictators. We discuss Superman and Batman’s management of cognitive dissonance, when one’s beliefs do not match one’s actions, and explore how guilt can be an important part of the process.2023-04-0453 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSpider-Man: No Way HomeThis movie is chockful of goodies. We take the opportunity to explore the psychological struggles of different versions of Peter Parker, leading to a discussion of the importance of treating even the villains in our lives like people.2023-03-2856 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman TAS: Perchance to DreamWe never pass up the opportunity to talk Batman: The Animated Series! This episode explores how Bruce Wayne and his support network might respond to him potentially having psychosis – after all, he is a billionaire who thinks he’s Batman. Also, tune in to hear Dr. Brown touch on one of her pet peeves about Dr. Leslie Thompkins.2023-03-2153 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSuperman: Speeding BulletsDifferent people have different responses to trauma. What would happen if Bruce Wayne and Kal-El were one in the same? What if this version of Bruce Wayne had to cope with the brutal murder of his adoptive parents while also juggling the isolation and superpowered abilities of being a Kryptonian?2023-03-1444 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBack to the FutureGreat Scott! This episode isn’t about superheroes! We just couldn’t resist having our own Doc Brown make like a tree and record this episode. We talk bullying and self-esteem issues, a theme seen throughout the time traveling antics of Marty McFly.2023-03-0757 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmFlashpointGoals are important. But what if we become hyper-focused, forgetting that one success rarely solves everything? What if we achieve our goals but it is at great cost…is it worth it? Hear us explore these and other psychological questions as we discuss the interesting world of Flashpoint.2023-02-2854 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmCaptain America Truth: Red, White & Black We take a break from our regularly scheduled season to celebrate Black History Month with our FIRST BAT-GUEST! In this episode, we talk Isaiah Bradley and the complexities of race-based trauma with clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Layne.2023-02-211h 17
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBooster Gold: The GiftWarning: in this one we talk about suicide prevention. If you are up for it, this is a great story that mixes serious topics with goofball plot devices in ways only Booster Gold can accomplish.2023-02-1444 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDays of Future PastWe love this movie! And not just because it fixes the mistakes of X-Men 3 (sigh). We talk about self-fulfilling prophecies, Charles Xavier’s medication/substance use, and how wonderful it would be to be able to reach out and comfort your younger self during those times you needed it the most.2023-02-0752 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmJustice LordsHow would the death of a Justice Leaguer affect the Justice League? We talk about the history of lobotomies as well as the delicate societal balance between maintaining safety and freedom.2023-01-3141 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSeason 3 PrologueHear us talk about our upcoming theme - Elseworlds & Alternate Realities! We share some of our favorites and talk about updates for the new season.2023-01-1712 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmNew Year’s Resolutions – Season 2 Holiday Addition!Keeden fires off a variety of suggested New Year’s resolutions for our superheroes, sidekicks, and villains while Dr. Brown shares psychology knowledge about the fallacies of resolutions and how to make new habits stick.2022-12-2753 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman TAS: Holiday Knights – Season 2 Holiday Addition!Who doesn’t love a good ol’ Batman: The Animated Series episode? We walk through the 4 storylines in this episode, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining two identities, Batman’s sentimentality (despite his best efforts, of course), and other fun tidbits.2022-12-2035 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman Returns – Season 2 Holiday Addition!The Penguin’s fight for acceptance, Selina Kyle’s creation of Catwoman as response to a trauma and low self-esteem, Bruce Wayne brooding in the dark for no apparent reason, duck-shaped modes of transportation. This movie has it all.2022-12-1338 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmTherapists of SmallvilleSomebody saaaaaave meeee…from bad representations of current inpatient facilities and electroconvulsive therapy (both legitimate treatment options that many find helpful). We talk Dr. Claire Foster, Lex Luthor’s psychiatrist as he struggles with psychosis, and Dr. Evans, a therapist Lois Lane sees for some dream interpretation.2022-12-0653 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBarbara Gordon’s Therapist – Dr. Andrea LetamendiThe New 52 allowed Barbara Gordon to transition from Oracle back to Batgirl. But despite regaining the use of her legs, Batgirl is left with “pain and darkness”. Hear our thoughts on her therapist who is based on a real-life clinical psychologist!2022-11-2945 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBlack Panther: Wakanda ForeverWe take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to talk about Marvel’s recently released Wakanda Forever. We discuss grief, anger, and the delicate balance between justice and mutual assured destruction.2022-11-2246 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmLucifer’s Therapist – Dr. Linda MartinWhat is a therapist to do when Lucifer himself walks into their office? We explore Dr. Linda Martin’s approach to Lucifer’s treatment and answer other questions like how a therapist deals with the pressures of the job (whether they treat godlike creatures or mere mortals).2022-11-1542 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman Forever - Dr. Chase Meridian Not too much is known about the professional life of Dr. Chase Meridian, Gotham PD consultant and expert in “abnormal psychology and multiple personality disorder.” We talk about her professional work and the question of if this Two-Face truly represents Dissociative Identify Disorder. For your listening pleasure, we also may get a little sidetracked into talking about the silly quirks of this Batman film.2022-11-0847 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmUnbreakable Series – Dr. Ellie StapleDr. Ellie Staple is a psychiatrist specializing in treating clients who believe they are superheroes. Hear us explore Keeden’s new phobia brought on by the twist in this final movie of the Unbreakable Series as well as Dr. Brown’s thoughts on how to unfold the layers and get to the truth with someone like Mr. Glass.2022-11-0139 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmUnbreakable Series – Dr. Karen Fletcher A psychiatrist specializing in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) who lives in M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable universe. What could go wrong? We discuss the benefits of Dr. Fletcher’s approach to her clients while also hitting on the issues with the popular choice to use DID as a movie/TV/book plot point.2022-10-2540 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Punisher – Dr. Krista DumontBilly Russo (Jigsaw) ‘s psychologist in The Punisher TV show, Dr. Krista Dumont, uses a lot of effective therapeutic skills to help him cope with his trauma and physical rehabilitation. She is also a reminder that therapists are people too, she is both a healer and someone attempting to find her own way to heal.2022-10-1848 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmHeroes in Crisis – Robot TherapistsArtificial Intelligence and robots providing psychotherapy to superheroes – what’s not to love? Tom King does it again, balancing mental health confessionals and a deathly whodunit with lighthearted humor. Recommend this read from a comic book and psychology perspective!2022-10-1149 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDr. Harleen Quinzel – Psychiatrist Turned VillainWe discuss the comic Harleen, a beautifully illustrated telling of how Harley Quinn came to be. Psychiatrist and therapist to Arkham’s most infamous, Dr. Quinzel had the best of intentions. Sadly, she struggled to maintain healthy boundaries and ended up in her own downward spiral.2022-10-0440 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmCaptain America – Life After the Snap After the snap that eradicated 50% of life, Captain America has taken off his uniform and taken on the mantle of support group facilitator. We talk about the power of peer-to-peer connection and shared experiences as well as the struggle to provide support to others while also caring for your own needs during difficult times, particularly a time with many similarities to the COVID-19 pandemic.2022-09-2733 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDr. Hugo Strange – Who Needs Ethics?It doesn’t matter what role this psychiatrist plays – scientist, mental health treater, chief of Arkham – his ethics are…questionable at best. We talk about what is behind Hugo Strange’s streak of mayhem and how conscientiousness may be a factor in why his obsessive nature results in being a villain rather than a hero.2022-09-2036 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmProfessor X – What Exactly is He?Professor Charles Xavier is teacher, guardian, mentor, boss, leader, and…maybe therapist? With an MD in Psychiatry and a PhD “in Psychology” (we talk about how little that actually tells us), not to mention some powerful mind manipulation skills, it is important to understand the complications Professor X has with dual relationships and the ethics behind the practices he employs.2022-09-1337 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmDr. Jonathan Crane – Forensics with a Dash of FearBefore he was Scarecrow, one portrayal of Dr. Jonathan Crane is of a Jungian psychopharmacologist with a flair for the dramatic. We use Dr. Crane, Carmine Falcone, and Victor Zsasz to discuss competency to stand trial and not guilty by reason of insanity.2022-09-0639 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Falcon & The Winter Soldier – Bucky’s TherapistDr. Christina Raynor (likely a clinical psychologist) has a therapeutic style that we love – using spunk and sarcasm to hold Bucky Barnes / the Winter Soldier’s feet to the fire in order to encourage him to grow and change. In this episode, we talk self-disclosure and the importance of a good fit between client and therapist.2022-08-3041 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSeason 2 PrologueHear about our experiences recording our first season. Get a sneak peek at what’s coming, including a new outro theme for season 2!2022-08-2414 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmKeeden Goes to Comic-ConKeeden went to San Diego Comic-Con! In this final episode of Season 1, your hosts talk psychology of nerds and cosplay.2022-08-091h 03
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThor: Love and TherapyThis week, we compare the filming of Thor: Love & Thunder with processes that happen in psychotherapy. Listen in as we explore how the way we tell a story can impact how connected we feel to the characters.2022-08-0259 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSuperman and Batman: The Boy Scout and the SoldierTwo orphans, ripped from their biological parents by death and destruction. One chooses to symbolize hope, the other fear. One strives to be human, the other does all he can to appear monstrous and inhuman. Hear us breakdown the commonalities and differences between these two beloved superheroes.2022-07-261h 13
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmHush Little Batman, Don’t You CrySuperpower counterparts, a hero and a villain. One wishes their parents still alive while the other wanted them dead all along. Meanwhile, Batman takes a tortured path of loneliness in his struggle to stay at arm’s length from other people.2022-07-191h 03
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSuicide Squad: License to DieWhat do you do when your options are a lifetime (or more) of prison or a few years off your sentence through a dangerous mission and a bomb in your skull? Oh wait, just kidding, you may not even have a choice.2022-07-121h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmI’ll Be [Batman] DamnedBruce Wayne makes a pact to be fearless. But what are the consequences of trying to rid our minds of fear? See how Batman’s striving for control and perfection take him down a winding path in this poetic story.2022-07-051h 02
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBatman (Therapy) Begins!Fear is a driving force in Batman Begins, each character using it to obtain their version of justice. Carmine Falcone, Scarecrow, and Ra’s al Ghul aim to create fear in others for vengeance and retaliation. With the support of his family and friends, Bruce Wayne learns to use his fear as a guide to find compassion and help Gotham grow. Bonus: This movie contains Dr. Brown’s favorite mental health quote!2022-06-281h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmKiller Croc - ManmadeVillains. Are they born bad, or do we shape them into what they become? This episode explores the dangers of self-fulfilling prophecies by breaking down how the cruelty of societal expectations may have influenced Waylon Jones to match his insides with his scaley exterior, becoming the supervillain Killer Croc.2022-06-211h 02
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmParty Like It’s 1989 BatmanIn this episode, we breakdown Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film. We take a focused look at how this different approach to Batman lore impacts the motivations and moral codes of Batman and the Joker.2022-06-141h 04
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmA Killing Joke: No PunchlinesIn The Killing Joke storyline, Joker wreaks havoc on Commissioner Gordon’s life in an attempt to show that the Joker is not alone – every person has the capacity to reject all reason and rationality. Yet Gordon does not accept Joker’s invitation to use “madness [as] the emergency exit”, instead finding a way to stay true to his beliefs and refusing to avoid his own pain by inflicting it on others.2022-06-0758 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmStrange Therapy: Multiverse of MadnessWanda Maximoff is a character riddled with grief while also having nearly unimaginable (and untrained) power and abilities. Bat Therapy explores how this creates a complex bereavement process that appears in both WandaVision and Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Included is a discussion of the myth of the 5 Stages of Grief.2022-05-311h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmWelcome to Gotham: Population DecliningLiving in a world of superheroes isn’t as thrilling as it may sound, especially when you live in Gotham. Listen in as Dr. Brown answers some of Keeden’s most pressing questions: How does someone living in Gotham decide to leave their house? How do you manage the fear of running into a supervillain when that very fear makes you a target for Scarecrow? Despite the high likelihood of an open job market and low cost of living, why would someone live in Gotham?2022-05-2458 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmA Penny(worth) for Your ThoughtsWhat does psychology say about what it takes to be the patriarch of the Bat Family? Beneath Alfred Pennyworth's sass and sarcasm lies the glue that holds everything together.2022-05-171h 01
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Batman (Part 2): The Bat & the Cat (& Gordon)Last episode, we talked about The Batman’s tale of two orphans…but there is a third and her story is a necessary part of Batman’s growth! In part 2, we explore how Batman has benefited from his relationships with Catwoman and Gordon. Batman starts the movie taking a dark, inflexible approach to the criminals of Gotham and it costs Batman and the city a lot. Catwoman and Gordon do not see Gotham in black-and-white and they help Batman find a better way.2022-05-1050 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmThe Batman (Part 1): A Tale of Two OrphansMatt Reeve’s The Batman is the tale of an orphan, seeking vengeance through violence and fear so that justice can prevail and the corruption in Gotham can be wiped out. But which orphan do we mean – Batman or the Riddler? We explore how personal connection and hope are necessary for Batman to accomplish the change he wants for Gotham. Also, listen in as Dr. Brown uses the Riddler to explore the important differences between psychosis and psychopathy.2022-05-0359 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmBe Still My Frozen HeartMr. Freeze is a character with few storylines of his own, but he's stolen the hearts of your podcast hosts. Hear us talk about his capacity for love, his fear of loss, and the importance of accepting death so that one can live.2022-04-2658 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmWelcome to ArkhamWe start our Bat Therapy journey by exploring the psychiatric hospital that treats many of Batman's criminal counterparts, Arkham Asylum. No one would accuse this facility of being an effective treatment center, but what does a clinical psychologist think are its worst attributes? Find out by listening in!2022-04-1957 min
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSo Batman, Tell Me What Brought You Here Let's talk about why it's not so easy to psychoanalyze Batman. To know and understand a person or character, we need to be able to zoom in and look at the patterns and intricacies in their life. Listen in on our comic and psychology inspired reasonings for how we will tackle this beloved hero in our podcast.2022-04-191h 00
Bat Therapy: Mental Health through the Lens of Comics and FilmSeason 1 PrologueWelcome! Meet the hosts of Bat Therapy: Exploring your favorite comic book characters through the lens of clinical psychology. We are longtime friends who can never manage to wander too far from talking about Batman, superheroes, and the next DC/Marvel movie. Share a few laughs with us as you learn about who we are and why we decided to start this podcast that connects our nerdy interests with mental health knowledge and awareness.2022-04-1915 min