Issues: Comics & Mental Health

About Issues: Comics & Mental Health

Every hero has issues. Issues: Comics & Mental Health Podcast explores the human struggles behind superhuman stories, using the worlds of comics to spark honest conversations about trauma, identity, resilience, and recovery. With heart, humor, and a love for the characters who help us feel less alone, the podcast looks beyond the cape to remind us that strength includes vulnerability, asking for help takes courage, and no one should have to face their darkest chapter alone.

Publisher

Kevin Hines

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episode

6 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2026

   Issues EP 3 | Paul Jenkins Dives Headfirst Into Comic Fandom, The Sentry's Mental Health, & Bob

   Welcome to a powerful episode of the Hinesights Podcast: Issues - Heroes Edition! I'm your host, Kevin Hines, joined by co-hosts David Covington and Jesse Heffernan, live at Kapow Comics. In this first part of our sit-down, we are joined by award-winning comic book writer, filmmaker, and legend Paul Jenkins. Paul is the brilliant mind behind groundbreaking runs on Marvel's Sentry, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine: Origin, and Vertigo’s Hellblazer. In this conversation, Paul opens up about his own childhood struggles with homelessness and poverty, how he broke into the comic industry, and why he chose to give Marvel's Sentry a complex mental health diagnosis. We also tackle a crucial question right out of the gate: "How is your mental health today?" Need support right now? Reach out for free, confidential help:• US & Canada: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.• International: Find confidential support resources in your country at https://findahelpline.com (https://findahelpline.com/) https://www.kevinhinesstory.com (https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/)• Subscribe for weekly conversations on resilience, lived experience, and mental health! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to Hinesights Podcast: Heroes Edition 01:30 Check-In: "How Is Your Mental Health Today?" 03:30 Paul Jenkins' Origin: From Ninja Turtles to Tundra 05:10 Breaking Into Vertigo & Writing Hellblazer 06:35 The Creation & Diagnosis of Marvel's Sentry 07:30 How Childhood Lived Experience Informed His Writing 09:10 Freedom at Marvel During Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 11:20 The Hourman Pitch & Addiction in Superheroes 13:10 Finding the Core "Why" of Iconic Characters #HinesightsPodcast #PaulJenkins #MentalHealth #MarvelComics #KevinHines TAGS:"Paul Jenkins interview", "Paul Jenkins Sentry mental health", "Kevin Hines Hinesights Podcast", "Sentry Marvel psychology", "Hellblazer Paul Jenkins", "mental health in comic books", "how is your mental health today", "Paul Jenkins Wolverine Origin", "recovery and storytelling" Issues: Comic Books & Mental Health is the culmination of 30 years of collecting comic books, and enjoying comic book cinema since Michael Uslan, and Michael Keaton's Batman of 1989 up through the DCU, and MCU films of today. And we musnt forget Todd McFarlane's SPAWN which dawned at the time much new technology in film. Issues is about the inharent human flaws of comic characters, and their mental health issues, challenges, and sometimes diagnoses. While also simultaneously covering the incredible journey's of real life super heroes, people going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities, help save lives, and change lives forever! The show will be co hosted by Rick Licht Founder of the Marvel Experience, and off and on co host Erik Sebusch. Friends its going to be a hell uv a ride! So buckle up, get ready, and dive in to Issues: Comics & Mental Health and don't let go. Subscribe today.

2. 

   6 Nov 2026

   Issues Bonus EP | Batman Psychology: Hypervigilance & Trauma in Gotham City

   Batman Psychology: Hypervigilance & Trauma in Gotham City Description: What happens to a person when a single moment of unexpected tragedy convinces them that the world will never be safe again? In this episode of Issues: Comics and Mental Health, we unpack the psychological reality behind Batman’s tactical genius. Beyond the Batcave, the high-tech armor, and Gotham's skyline lies a profound representation of hypervigilance. We analyze how Bruce Wayne’s endless surveillance, contingency plans against his own teammates, and physical armor mirror real-world survival mechanisms following sudden trauma. Is hypervigilance true protection, or does keeping your guard up forever wear you down? SHOW CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: Gotham City and Bruce Wayne's Tactical Mind 00:13 - The Psychology of Hypervigilance and Control 00:32 - Trauma, Survival Deals, and the Batcave as Protection 00:50 - Closing: Staying Active, Alive, and Connected DISCLAIMER: ISSUES is an independent educational and commentary program exploring mental health, trauma, resilience, identity, grief and suicide prevention through comics, film and popular culture. Characters, artwork, footage, and trademarks belong to their respective rights holders. Third-party materials are referenced for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. No affiliation, sponsorship, authorization, or endorsement by the respective rights holders is implied. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone: • US & Canada: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. • International: Find confidential support resources in your country at https://findahelpline.com (https://findahelpline.com/) Issues: Comic Books & Mental Health is the culmination of 30 years of collecting comic books, and enjoying comic book cinema since Michael Uslan, and Michael Keaton's Batman of 1989 up through the DCU, and MCU films of today. And we musnt forget Todd McFarlane's SPAWN which dawned at the time much new technology in film. Issues is about the inharent human flaws of comic characters, and their mental health issues, challenges, and sometimes diagnoses. While also simultaneously covering the incredible journey's of real life super heroes, people going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities, help save lives, and change lives forever! The show will be co hosted by Rick Licht Founder of the Marvel Experience, and off and on co host Erik Sebusch. Friends its going to be a hell uv a ride! So buckle up, get ready, and dive in to Issues: Comics & Mental Health and don't let go. Subscribe today.

3. 

   6 Nov 2026

   Issues Bonus EP | Post-Traumatic Growth & Batman: Turning Pain into Purpose

   Post-Traumatic Growth & Batman: Turning Pain into Purpose Description: In almost every retelling of Batman’s origin, young Bruce Wayne makes a solemn oath at his parents' grave. But what does psychology tell us about transforming deep grief into community action? In this episode of Issues: Comics and Mental Health, we explore the concept of post-traumatic growth and the delicate boundary between a healthy life mission and emotional obsession. We discuss how Bruce Wayne uses his resources to protect others, while also examining how isolating oneself inside "armor" can become a way to avoid grief. Learn why outrunning emotional pain through work or obsession eventually wears you down, and why true recovery requires letting others in. SHOW CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The Oath at Crime Alley: Turning Pain into Purpose 00:15 - Psychological Insights on Post-Traumatic Growth 00:30 - The Fine Line Between Healthy Purpose and Obsession 00:48 - The Heavy Weight of Emotional Armor 01:00 - Show Sign-Off & Community Outreach DISCLAIMER: ISSUES is an independent educational and commentary program exploring mental health, trauma, resilience, identity, grief and suicide prevention through comics, film and popular culture. Characters, artwork, footage, and trademarks belong to their respective rights holders. Third-party materials are referenced for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. No affiliation, sponsorship, authorization, or endorsement by the respective rights holders is implied. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone: • US & Canada: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. • International: Find confidential support resources in your country at https://findahelpline.com (https://findahelpline.com/) Issues: Comic Books & Mental Health is the culmination of 30 years of collecting comic books, and enjoying comic book cinema since Michael Uslan, and Michael Keaton's Batman of 1989 up through the DCU, and MCU films of today. And we musnt forget Todd McFarlane's SPAWN which dawned at the time much new technology in film. Issues is about the inharent human flaws of comic characters, and their mental health issues, challenges, and sometimes diagnoses. While also simultaneously covering the incredible journey's of real life super heroes, people going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities, help save lives, and change lives forever! The show will be co hosted by Rick Licht Founder of the Marvel Experience, and off and on co host Erik Sebusch. Friends its going to be a hell uv a ride! So buckle up, get ready, and dive in to Issues: Comics & Mental Health and don't let go. Subscribe today.

4. 

   5 Nov 2026

   Issues EP 2 | Doe's Batman's Hypervigilance Lead to His Isolation or Is He Trying to Keep Pain At Bay

   Issues EP 2 | Trauma, Isolation, and the Bat-Family: The Psychology of Batman: Trauma, Isolation & Healing Description: Is Batman a vigilante, a hero, or a man trapped by unaddressed loss? In this full episode of Issues: Comics and Mental Health, we dive deep into 80 years of Batman lore to examine how sudden trauma alters our perception of safety, why grief pushes us into isolation, and how connection ultimately saves us. We unpack key storylines including the loss of Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne’s hypervigilant defense mechanisms, and why the introduction of Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, and Alfred proves that recovery is impossible in total darkness. Real strength isn't sitting alone in the dark; it's having the courage to reach out, let someone in, and ask for support. SHOW CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: Crime Alley and the Loss of Safety 00:44 - What Bruce Wayne Teaches Us About Heavy Grief 01:03 - Hypervigilance, Tactical Control, and the Batcave 01:54 - The Cost of Isolation: Loss of Jason Todd & The Bat-Family 02:54 - Purpose vs. Obsession: The Weight of the Armor 03:45 - Stepping Out of the Shadows: What True Healing Looks Like 04:36 - Reaching Out for Support & Episode Wrap-Up DISCLAIMER: ISSUES is an independent educational and commentary program exploring mental health, trauma, resilience, identity, grief and suicide prevention through comics, film and popular culture. Characters, artwork, footage, and trademarks belong to their respective rights holders. Third-party materials are referenced for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. No affiliation, sponsorship, authorization, or endorsement by the respective rights holders is implied. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone: • US & Canada: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. • International: Find confidential support resources in your country at https://findahelpline.com (https://findahelpline.com/) Issues: Comic Books & Mental Health is the culmination of 30 years of collecting comic books, and enjoying comic book cinema since Michael Uslan, and Michael Keaton's Batman of 1989 up through the DCU, and MCU films of today. And we musnt forget Todd McFarlane's SPAWN which dawned at the time much new technology in film. Issues is about the inharent human flaws of comic characters, and their mental health issues, challenges, and sometimes diagnoses. While also simultaneously covering the incredible journey's of real life super heroes, people going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities, help save lives, and change lives forever! The show will be co hosted by Rick Licht Founder of the Marvel Experience, and off and on co host Erik Sebusch. Friends its going to be a hell uv a ride! So buckle up, get ready, and dive in to Issues: Comics & Mental Health and don't let go. Subscribe today.

5. 

   4 Nov 2026

   Issues | EP 1 | Paul Jenkins Goes All In On The Sentry, Wolverine Origin, & Hellblazer

   The Sentry & Mental Illness: Interview with Creator Paul Jenkins Paul Jenkins joins me for the pilot episode of Issues: Comics & Mental Health to break down The Sentry, trauma, and inner healing. Stories like The Sentry remind us that even in our absolute darkest moments, hope and healing are possible. Through comic books, we find strength, and through mental health awareness, we discover a path to recovery. In this debut episode, legendary writer Paul Jenkins sits down with me to share his insights on character trauma, comic storytelling, and how these narratives reflect our real-world struggles. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Issues 02:15 - Meeting Paul Jenkins 05:40 - The Genesis of The Sentry 11:20 - Depicting Trauma & Dual Identity 18:05 - The Void: Understanding Inner Darkness 24:30 - How Comic Books Help Us Heal 31:00 - Finding Hope in Dark Stories RESOURCES & SUPPORT Check out more resources and support my mission: https://www.kevinhinesstory.com If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US & Canada). Text HOME or TALK to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line. International resources: https://findahelpline.com #IssuesComics #TheSentry #MentalHealth #PaulJenkins #ComicBooks #KevinHines#BeHereTomorrow Issues: Comic Books & Mental Health is the culmination of 30 years of collecting comic books, and enjoying comic book cinema since Michael Uslan, and Michael Keaton's Batman of 1989 up through the DCU, and MCU films of today. And we musnt forget Todd McFarlane's SPAWN which dawned at the time much new technology in film. Issues is about the inharent human flaws of comic characters, and their mental health issues, challenges, and sometimes diagnoses. While also simultaneously covering the incredible journey's of real life super heroes, people going above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities, help save lives, and change lives forever! The show will be co hosted by Rick Licht Founder of the Marvel Experience, and off and on co host Erik Sebusch. Friends its going to be a hell uv a ride! So buckle up, get ready, and dive in to Issues: Comics & Mental Health and don't let go. Subscribe today.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.