Overview
The Bright Sessions is a science fiction audio drama that follows a group of therapy patients. But these are not your typical patients - each has a unique supernatural ability. The show documents their struggles and discoveries as well as the motivations of their mysterious therapist, Dr. Bright.
The show was created by Lauren Shippen and is a production of Atypical Artists. The show has seven seasons, including the previously paywalled Seasons 6 and 7, The AM Archives and The College Tapes.
The Bright Sessions has been downloaded tens of millions of times and cemented itself as a classic of audio fiction. Three spin-off novels were published through Tor Teen: The Infinite Noise, A Neon Darkness, and Some Faraway Place.
If you enjoy this show, check out the rest of Atypical Artists' shows!
125 Episodes
Dr. Joan Bright catches up with an old friend.On November 1st, 2015, we published the first episode of The Bright Sessions. None of us could have imagined what came next.Thank you for listening to The Bright Sessions over the last 10 years. While this is the final cherry on top of a wonderful decade, we have so many more stories to share with you. Please visit atypicalartists.co to learn about all our different shows. You can also find The Bright Sessions compendium by clicking the merch tab on that website.And if you'd like to help bring Phantom Pulse to life, head to phantompulse.com. Sign up to be notified when we launch or consider giving to our campaign, depending on when you hear this!The Bright Sessions was created by Lauren Shippen, who also voices Sam. Julia Morizawa is Dr. Bright. Mischa Stanton is our sound designer, and our music is by Evan Cunningham. The beautiful epilogue art is by Marcus Emdanat. See more of his work at thefigureinthecorner.tumblr.com.Stay strange <3See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025
Here are never-before-heard bloopers from the seventh season, The College Tapes! Thank you so much to everyone who attended our livestreams celebrating this season and we hope to see you at the next! Visit atypicalartists.co/10years for more info.And for an extended version of this and all reels, please consider supporting us either by subscribing to Atypical Plus if you're on Apple Podcasts or by becoming and Atypipal at atypicalartists.co/supportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025
TWO THOUSAND AND LATE premieres September 8th, 2025. The 10 episode first season follows the story of thirty-six year old Harper who, at a dead-end in her life, is unexpectedly possessed by a demon sent to end the world. Harper isn't interested in the apocalypse, but maybe having a demon will help wake her up after years of sleepwalking through life. TWO THOUSAND AND LATE is an Atypical Artists production, executive produced by Patrick Ellis and Lauren Shippen. For more information about the show, go to harperandhavoc.com. If you'd like to support the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or by visiting atypicalartists.co/support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025
Here are never-before-heard bloopers from the sixth season, The AM Archives! Thank you so much to everyone who attended our livestreams celebrating this season and we hope to see you at the next! Visit atypicalartists.co/10years for more info.And for an extended version of this and all reels, please consider supporting us either by subscribing to Atypical Plus if you're on Apple Podcasts or by becoming and Atypipal at atypicalartists.co/supportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025
Here are never-before-heard bloopers from the fourth season of The Bright Sessions! Thank you so much to everyone who attended our livestreams celebrating this season and we hope to see you at the next! Visit atypicalartists.co/10years for more info.And for an extended version of this and all reels, please consider supporting us either by subscribing to Atypical Plus if you're on Apple Podcasts or by becoming and Atypipal at atypicalartists.co/supportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025
Here are never-before-heard bloopers from the third season of The Bright Sessions! Thank you so much to everyone who attended our livestreams celebrating this season and we hope to see you at the next! Visit atypicalartists.co/10years for more info. And for an extended version of this and all reels, please consider supporting us either by subscribing to Atypical Plus if you're on Apple Podcasts or by becoming and Atypipal at atypicalartists.co/supportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025
Here are never-before-heard bloopers from the first two seasons of The Bright Sessions! Thank you so much to everyone who attended our livestreams celebrating these seasons and we hope to see you at the next! Visit atypicalartists.co/10years for more info. And for an extended version of this and all reels, please consider supporting us either by subscribing to Atypical Plus if you're on Apple Podcasts or by becoming and Atypipal at atypicalartists.co/supportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025
For more information, go to atypicalartists.co/10years and follow us on Bluesky at atypicalartists.bsky.social. Hello strange and unusual listeners - Lauren Shippen here, the creator of The Bright Sessions and voice of Sam. Unbelievably, this November 1st marks ten years since we first released the show. Over seven seasons and three books, we told a story that has been listened to tens of millions of times and that has brought so many people together in so many ways.My life is totally different now than it was 10 years ago because of this show. I fell in love with making audio drama, built a community of creative collaborators that became treasured friends and, most importantly, met all of you, virtually or in real life. I've loved hearing your stories, seeing your tattoos, and talking to you about what it means to be strange in a world that seems to reject any and all strangeness.I want to celebrate 10 years of being strange with you so, staring in April, we'll be doing livestreams every month until November with members of the cast and crew. First up, on Saturday April 26th at 4pm PT, Julia Morizawa, Briggon Snow, Anna Lore, and I will be reuniting to talk about Season 1.If you go to atypicalartists.co/10years, you can see the most up to date information and sign up for a mailing list that will give you all the livestream info you need. That link is also in the description, as is our bluesky username, if you'd like to follow us there. If you've ever had a burning question about The Bright Sessions, now is the time to ask it!Along with the livestreams, we'll also be releasing some new - and some very cool - limited run merch. And, there might be some other fun surprises along the way.I hope you'll join us on April 26th or whatever month you hear this - remember, check atypicalartists.co/10years to see the schedule! - and in the meantime, as always, stay strange.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025
A new podcast from Lauren Shippen and Atypical Artists! Please visit breakerwhiskey.com for more information or search for Breaker Whiskey in your podcatcher.
Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2023
The College Tapes | CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence. Listener discretion is advised. Caleb and Adam and the gang confront Blackwell and his disciples on Halloween, putting new beginings in danger, and old threats into view of a full moon. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2021
The College Tapes | Caleb and Adam; past, present and future laid to bare on the eve of a sacrifice. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2021
The College Tapes | Caleb and Oliver grapple with the book and themselves, and Caleb makes a big decision that comes at a cost. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2021
The College Tapes | CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence. Listener discretion is advised. The gang goes in after Caitlin. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2021
The College Tapes | CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence and kidnapping. Listener discretion is advised. Caitlin gets in too deep and gets too close to some answers on a dagerous night. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2021
The College Tapes | Adam is alone on campus late at night and he decides to get to the bottom of things himself. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2021
The College Tapes | The adults have everything under control. ...except they don't. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2021
The College Tapes | CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of kidnapping and distress. Listener discretion is advised. Beck has information and painful memories come to light and life. For more information please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2021
The College Tapes | Caitlin has to put up with a BU invasion while Professor Beck is pulled into the mystery. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2021
The College Tapes | Caleb sneaks out to meet with Oliver before the gang arrives. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2021
The College Tapes | With the adults in the picture, and the gang from Boston soon on their way to Yale, Caleb and Adam grab some pillows and blankets. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2021
The College Tapes | Oliver can't get his head out of the book and all of its mysterious qualities. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2021
The College Tapes | Research in Adam's favorite library is the least of his and Caleb's problems when space and time decide to throw a wrench into everything. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2021
The College Tapes | Caleb and Adam each seek advice from the formidable female figures in their lives while The AM comes into the picture. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2021
The College Tapes | Adam arrives in Boston, and tensions are high between him and the BU friends...but nowhere near as tense as thing between him and Caleb. But their friend is missing and things have gotten serious. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2021
The College Tapes | A week in Boston. Caleb deals with the aftermath of his weekend with Adam, he talks through a bombshell with Frankie, tries to get life back to normal...but where is Ben? For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2021
The College Tapes | CONTENT WARNING: This episode of The College Tapes contains coerced experimentation and panic attacks. Listener discretion is advised. Oliver returns to Boston (and Mark), bringing secrets, a sketchy arranged meeting, and a lot of baggage. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2021
The College Tapes | It's an awkward reunion when Caleb arrives at Yale. But when bells toll, Atypical suspicions storm, and the unexplainable sends Caleb and Adam into a night they'll never forget. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com
Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2021
The College Tapes | It's another day at BU for Caleb. He's got his college friends, a new freshman to take under his wing, and he's doing what he can to keep things in the past. But something is making this year of big life decisions different for him...and a phone call from his ex makes things complicated. For more information, please visit thecollegetapes.com.
Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2021
The College Tapes | It's the fall semester of Senior year, and things are getting weird at Yale. When Adam comes across something he shouldn't have inside his favorite library, he makes a decision to reach back into his past. Please visit thecollegetapes.com for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2021
The AM Archives | Order & Chaos, Chapter Four: Tabula Rasa. Sarai and Marguerite make themselves known in “The Pocket Dimension”. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2021
The AM Archives | Order & Chaos, Chapter Three: Ad Meliora. Percy and Michal cause a problem in Serbia. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2021
The AM Archives | Order & Chaos, Chapter Two: Non Ducor Duco. Lee and Michal discuss the egg. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2021
The AM Archives | Order & Chaos, Chapter One: Barba Tenus Sapientes. Lee has tea with Percy. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2021
The AM Archives | Series Finale EPISODE CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence. Listener discretion is advised. Endings and beginnings. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2021
The AM Archives | EPISODE CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence and death. Listener discretion is advised. The eleventh hour. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2021
The AM Archives | EPISODE CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains violence and murder. Listener discretion is advised. The team's plan walks a knife's edge. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. stitchfix.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2021
The AM Archives | No supply for deadly demands as Helen's games go unchecked. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2021
The AM Archives | Joan is hunted. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2021
The AM Archives | Mags and Jackson face new problems as Helen makes her demands. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. stitchfix.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2021
The AM Archives | EPISODE WARNING: This episode contains violence and death. Listener discretion is advised. Sam discovers what's past is prologue. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2021
The AM Archives | The tables turn in the dark. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2021
The AM Archives | Dr. Bright and Helen have a session. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2021
The AM Archives | Mark straps in. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. dispeastories.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2021
The AM Archives | Amidst Tier 5 clearout plans and Dr. Sharpe's ticking time bomb, the Order makes an offer. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2021
The AM Archives | The team confronts some difficult choices regarding Alex and the serum. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. betterhelp.com/staystrange dispeastories.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2021
The AM Archives | Jackson settles in, Agent Green decides on a big change, and Joan struggles with the past. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. Skillshare.com/staystrange https://www.backblaze.com/landing/podcast-staystrange.html Listen to Life With LEO(h) now! linktr.ee/lifewithleoh
Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2021
The AM Archives | A familiar face tours the facilities while Joan and Sam butt heads. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. betterhelp.com/staystrange dispeastories.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2021
The AM Archives | Lockdown. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2021
The AM Archives | Agent Jackson Crawford’s first day at a new job doesn’t go as planned. SERIES CONTENT WARNING: The AM Archives​ is a fictional thriller appropriate for mature audiences. It involves imprisonment, extreme violence, murder, trauma, strong language, experimentation, emotional manipulation, and grey morality. Listener discretion is advised. Visit atypicalartists.co/the-am-archives for more information. betterhelp.com/staystrange Skillshare.com/staystrange
Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2021
The Bright Sides | Dr. Bright is interrupted as she winds down at the end of a long day. Written by Meghan Fitzmartin. Performed by Julia Morizawa & Charlie Ian. Go to atypicalartists.co/support to learn more about Atypi-pals.
Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2021
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