Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast cover art

Avatar: Braving the Elements

ByNickelodeon
148 episodes

Podcast Summary

Enter the amazing world of Avatar through the official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements from Nickelodeon. Join hosts Janet Varney (the voice of “Korra”) and Dante Basco (the voice of “Prince Zuko”) each week as they re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender then break down key themes, notable battles, and behind-the-scenes trivia you can’t get anywhere else. Special guests from cast members to producers join them to explore elements of the Avatarverse, including the origins of the story and how Avatar was brought to life. Braving the Elements listeners can use discount code "AVATAR20” for 20% off all Avatar: The Last Airbender products on ParamountShop.com.

#1

Introducing Avatar: Braving the Elements from Nickelodeon

Jump into the amazing world of Avatar with Nickelodeon’s official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements. Every Tuesday, join hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco as they re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender starting with Book 1. Special guests from cast members to producers join them to explore elements of the Avatarverse, including how Avatar was brought to life and behind-the-scenes info you can’t get anywhere else. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-06-141mins
#2

The Boy in the Iceberg: Beginning the Journey with Aang

In our first-ever episode, get to know your hosts Janet Varney (“Korra” from The Legend of Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko himself!), find out what to expect in this ATLA rewatch podcast, and dive into the series premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender — “The Boy in the Iceberg.” In Season 1, Episode 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), we meet Aang, Appa, Katara, Sokka, and the icy beginning of a legendary adventure. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-06-221hr 6mins
#3

ATLA Origins Pt. 1: With Creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko

Jump into a multi-layered conversation with Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the creative minds behind Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra! This episode gives fans invaluable insight into the birth of the Avatarverse — from Aang’s earliest concept sketches to bending philosophies and beyond. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-06-2554mins
#4

ATLA Origins Pt. 2: With Creators Mike DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko

It’s part two of our illuminating chat with Avatar: The Last Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko! Discover how key decisions shaped the show, what it took to bring Aang and Team Avatar to life, and how Mike and Bryan built a world that still inspires fans decades later. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-06-2950mins
#5

The Avatar Returns: Aang’s Awakening & Zuko’s Hunt

Janet and Dante recap some great listener interactions and then dig into Episode 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender — “The Avatar Returns.” In Season 1, Episode 2 of ATLA, Aang’s identity as the Avatar is revealed, and Prince Zuko intensifies his mission to capture him. Is Appa’s new nickname “the lazy canoe?” Did Zuko get bested by his own bed? Does Janet cry during EVERY episode of ATLA? Is Dante doing a British accent? And on a more serious note, Dante and Janet discuss how a shift in perspective can change the way you see your own life and choices! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-07-0654mins
#6

Behind the Avatar: ATLA Development with Eric Coleman

Janet and Dante are joined by former Nickelodeon exec Eric Coleman, who delves further into the development of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the stories behind some of the key moments and decisions that made the show work so beautifully. Listen in on this candid discussion with “The Godfather of Zuko” and learn more about Mike and Bryan’s early ideas, what it was like to work with them, and how to get ahead in a tough industry, all the way to getting a show made... while staying true to your vision! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-07-1339mins
#7

The Southern Air Temple: Aang’s Journey and the Search for Truth

In Season 1, Episode 3 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang takes us to the Southern Air Temple, where he must confront difficult truths about his past. Janet and Dante join the ride to unpack everything from Momo’s peach obsession to the intense Agni Kai. They explore the themes of family loss, chosen families, and the hard truths of Aang’s journey as the last Airbender. Join them for an emotional and adventurous episode of ATLA! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-07-2052mins
#8

Meet the Cast: Jack De Sena on Voicing Sokka

Janet and Dante sit down with Jack De Sena, the voice of Sokka, for a hilarious episode full of great conversation! Find out about Jack’s beginnings as a child actor to his busy college years trying to balance school with his ATLA voice-acting duties. Discover Jack’s thoughts on Sokka’s insatiable appetite (don’t eat the hybrid animals!), his favorite Sokka ship, and Jack’s thoughts on bringing this iconic character to life in the world of ATLA. It’s a can’t-miss episode guaranteed to make you laugh., To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-07-271hr 1mins

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#9

The Warriors of Kyoshi: Jennie Kwan on Playing Suki

Join Jennie Kwan as she discusses her iconic role as Suki in Season 1, Episode 5 of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Janet, Dante, and Jennie discusses their love of Suki and Kyoshi Warrior cosplay; something that suspiciously seems like Zuko’s breakdancing moves; the concept of gender fluidity in the Avatar legacy; and how to empower a person who has a lot to learn (Sokka!) by using toughness and a little patience.They also talk about Zuko’s growth and what makes Suki such a powerful and empowering character in the world of ATLA. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-0334mins
#10

Suki Speaks: More with Jennie Kwan on Her Evolution in ATLA

This special episode featuring Jennie Kwan takes an even deeper look at her role as Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior. Janet and Dante discuss Suki’s evolution in ATLA, touching on her empowering nature and the personal challenges that she and other characters like Sokka face in the series. Jennie shares her experiences as an Asian American actor in Hollywood, and the trio explores the cultural significance of Suki’s role, as well as the larger context of diversity within the world of Avatar. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-0334mins
#11

The King of Omashu: André Sogliuzzo Brings King Bumi to Life

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s time to travel to the eccentric city of Omashu, where Aang, Katara, Sokka, and the gang meet the the strange, spirited leader of Omashu himself, King Bumi. Dante and Janet chat with prolific voice actor André Sogliuzzo about bringing the quirky king to life, how he created Bumi’s distinct voice, and the unique energy he brought to the show. They also discuss the ATLA world-building that introduced this fan-favorite character and his iconic love for cabbages! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-1050mins
#12

ATLA Writer John O'Bryan and the Birth of Avatar

Get the inside scoop on the early days of writing Avatar: The Last Airbender from one of its original and long-standing writers, John O’Bryan! Meet the person who turned in the first draft of the script laying out the city of Omashu and introducing us to King Bumi! But we know what you’re all thinking… is this the mind that created one of the most iconic characters in the entire series? Is this the imagination responsible for… THE CABBAGE MERCHANT?? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-1731mins
#13

Imprisoned: Kevin Michael Richardson (Tyro) on Fire Nation Oppression

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Janet and Dante explore the layers of the powerful episode “Imprisoned” with voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson, who portrays Tyro. They discuss the intense themes of oppression, the Fire Nation’s cruelty, and the emotional resonance of the prison island. Kevin also shares his thoughts on race in voice acting, the challenges of portraying complex characters, and working in the Avatarverse. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-241hr 9mins
#14

Martial Arts Deep Dive with Sifu Kisu and Bryan Konietzko

This week we dig into the careful design and detailed mechanics of animated martial arts with Sifu Kisu and Bryan Konietzko! What would a podcast about Avatar be without at least one episode showcasing the phenomenal artistry of the fighting styles in The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra? Bryan and Kisu share the history of meeting, collaborating, and ultimately how they worked with the whole ATLA team to develop the incredible bending and combat styles of the Avatarverse. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-08-311hr 3mins
#15

The Winter Solstice Part One: Aang’s Journey into the Spirit World

It’s a very important first half of a two-part story arc in which Janet and Dante start to get acquainted with The Spirit World! In Ep. 7 of Book One, we meet the understandably grumpy Hei Bai, spend some time with an intimidatingly cool spirit dragon and his “nose hairs" and see a whole lot of Uncle Iroh’s hot bath-loving bare skin. Plus: Dante compares Prince Zuko to a couple of beloved vintage detectives, leading to a surprising impression. This episode sets the stage for Aang’s deeper connection with the spiritual side of his role as the Avatar. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-09-0746mins
#16

Meet the Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen on Voicing Aang

That’s right! It’s the voice of The Avatar himself, Zach Tyler Eisen! Join us for this rare appearance by the wonderful former actor who gave us Aang. Janet and Dante revisit Zach’s experience of recording ATLA, which he did when he was about the same age as the character he portrayed (while still enjoying the childhood Aang may have missed). Zach also weighs in on some of Aang’s tougher choices, and illuminates us about his current career passions! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-09-1439mins
#17

The Winter Solstice Part Two: Avatar Roku with James Garrett

Somehow we got lucky enough to welcome two back-to back Avatars! We go from Avatar Aang last week (Zach Tyler Eisen) to this week’s guest, James Garrett— otherwise known as Avatar Roku! Janet and Dante recap Ep 8. of Book One and discuss Part Two of "The Winter Solstice,” unpacking “hot stinkers," Appa’s flying style, and so many other details big and small! Then they’re joined by the great James Garrett, who drops some pretty cool info about the Royal Shakespeare Company, his inspiration for his portrayal of Roku, and issues a special request to the fans! It’s a fascinating look at the legacy of the Avatar and how Roku’s wisdom guides Aang's journey. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-09-211hr 7mins
#18

Meet Avatar's Voice Director Andrea Romano

Get ready for an amazing look inside the world of Avatar voice acting and directing with the legendary Andrea Romano! Join Janet and Dante as ATLA and TLOK’s Voice Director Andrea Romano treats them to a fascinating, in-depth and delightful conversation about her work on the other side of the microphone, and the road that led her to becoming one of the most beloved voice directors of all time. Not only will you hear wonderful behind-the-scenes tales from the Avatarverse, but stories from across the world of animation! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-09-2845mins
#19

The Waterbending Scroll with Ify Nwadiwe

This week Janet and Dante are joined by writer, gamer, comedian and podcaster Ify Nwadiwe, who jumps into the investigation of Ep 9 of Book One “The Waterbending Scroll!” The trio is quick to acknowledge that there is just a LOT going on in this episode, and the discussion goes from honest explorations about envy and competitiveness, to admiring Avatarverse fans for creating a real-life Pai Sho game, to Appa’s pedicure, to our friend the Cabbage Merchant, and much more. Plus! Ify brings what we think is a BRAND NEW Zuko “ship” to the table! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-10-0555mins
#20

Spotlight on Avatar's Soundtrack with Jeremy Zuckerman and Hrishikesh Hirway

In this very special episode, ATLA & TLOK Composer Jeremy Zuckerman sits down with Janet, Dante, and Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway! The focus is all about the music in this lively discussion about the challenges and delights of scoring television and film. Listen to tales of the very early days of Avatar to the finale of Korra! Find out what instruments make the best “cold climate” soundtracks. And learn what ATLA reprise may have snuck into Hrishi’s own music! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-10-1251mins
#21

Crawford Wilson on voicing "Jet" the Complex Freedom Fighter

Team Avatar encounters a controversial character in the ATLA episode “Jet”— and Janet and Dante encounter the delightful Crawford Wilson, the voice behind Jet! Take a visit to the treetops and find out the inspiration behind the Freedom Fighters’ woodsy hideout as Janet and Dante explore Episode 10 of Book One, celebrating all the terrifically-named characters in Jet’s gang (Smellerbee! Pipsqueak! Sneers! Longshot! The Duke!) and discussing the parallels between Jet and characters like Katara and Zuko. Then hear from Jet himself, the charming Crawford Wilson! Don’t miss this conversation about one of ATLA’s most controversial figures. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-10-191hr 0mins
#22

Animal Roll Call: Dee Bradley Baker on Appa, Momo, & More

This week brings you an unusual and exciting listen: an episode that was recorded live on Twitch, featuring the legendary Dee Bradley Baker!Janet and Dante spend a marvelous hour with the voice actor behind all of the animals you hear on both ATLA and TLOK —Appa, Momo, and even some of the more obscure animals in the Avatar universe.Dee even graciously tries to teach Janet and Dante how to make some of these iconic animal sounds themselves (emphasis on “try”)! Hear more about Dee’s unique and fascinating work, and find out more about how our career paths can take wonderful and unexpected turns, if we’re willing to let them. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-10-261hr 7mins
#23

Midseason Quiz Show: Test Your ATLA Knowledge!

To celebrate our halfway mark in Season One of the podcast, we’re bringing in some new friends to test their ATLA knowledge! Janet and Dante welcome four incredibly awesome Avatar fans for a game show-style quiz on some of the finer details of Book One (and some foreshadow report-ish topics, too)! Who will win the most points in this friendly competition? Will it be Abiodun “Abby"" Abebefe? Dominique Gayle? Phillip Hughes? Or Jordan Wolfe? The friendly competition takes on trivia about Aang, Zuko, Katara, and other key Avatarverse moments, and fans can play along too! See who wins the most points in this fun-filled quiz! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-11-0253mins

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#24

The Great Divide

Janet and Dante tackle one of the most debated-about episodes in Avatar: The Last Airbender as they plunge into Ep 11 of Book One “The Great Divide!” Listen in as our hosts discuss the creepy canyon crawlers and the fate of the Canyon Guide, the backstories of the bickering tribes and Aang’s surprising solution, and more of what makes this episode such a heated topic of conversation in the ATLA fandom. Will Janet and Dante be able to come to their own conclusions about it? And... what do you think about all this? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-11-0938mins
#25

The Great Divide Debate! with Hector Navarro and Danielle Radford

This week’s special guests jump in to help Janet and Dante further unpack the merits of “The Great Divide!” Following their lively recap last week, Janet and Dante bring in their two friends, Hector Navarro (SpongeBob BingePants podcast) and Danielle Radford (Honest Trailers), for a high-spirited-yet-extremely-friendly debate over whether this much-discussed episode of ATLA is in fact “thriller” or “filler!" To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-11-1655mins
#26

The Storm with Jack De Sena (“Sokka”)

The wonderful Jack De Sena (“Sokka”) rejoins Janet and Dante as they sail together into ATLA’s Episode 12 of Booke One: “The Storm!" Jack comes back to bring us all a little more Sokka-- in this Book One episode that contains decidedly less Sokka than others! In addition to the gang’s breakdown of the revelations from “The Storm” (Zuko’s scar! Aang’s toys! Iroh’s lightning!), you’ll also get to hear about fun facts, like the ordinary temp jobs Dante and Jack tackled as teenagers. This episode sheds light on how Aang and Zuko's pasts shape their destinies as Avatar and Fire Nation prince. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-11-231hr 1mins
#27

Life Lessons: Karama Horne and Ijeoma Njaka on the Avatarverse

Get ready for a very cool “big picture” conversation about the Avatarverse this week as Janet and Dante sit down with Karama Horne and Ijeoma Njaka! Hear from two extraordinarily awesome women who bring nuance, intellect, and humor to this very special round-table-style episode of BTE. Featuring discussions about big recurring themes in ATLA, find out about lessons we can all take into our own lives from Avatar. Karama is a culture journalist and content creator also known as @theblerdgurl, and Ijeoma is an arts educator, professor, writer and artist based in Washington, DC. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-11-3054mins
#28

The Blue Spirit and Zuko's Duality

Janet and Dante discuss one of the most acclaimed episodes of ATLA Episode 13 of Book One: “The Blue Spirit” — and things get emotional! As Aang rushes to find a cure for what ails Katara and Sokka, Janet and Dante rush to lavish praise on the thirteenth episode of the series’ first season. Find out what color Zuko’s mask was originally supposed to be, and why they changed it! Learn more about real-life frogs and toads in a very unscientific way! And see if Janet can get through talking about Aang and Zuko’s changing relationship without crying. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-12-0753mins
#29

Sound Off! Benjamin Wynn on Sound Design for Avatar

Janet and Dante joyfully welcome Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra Sound Designer Benjamin Wynn to the podcast! Ben chats with Janet and Dante about his early experiences on ATLA, including what it’s like to jump into the deep end on a job you have no idea how to do! Hear about Ben and previous BTE guest Jeremy Zuckerman’s tandem approach to sound and music, learn about their creative manifesto, and find out what 99 Cent store purchase has become part of one of animation’s most iconic scores! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-12-1451mins
#30

The Fortuneteller w/ Special Guest Evanna Lynch

For their interpretation and discussion of ATLA’s Episode 14 of Booke One “The Fortuneteller,” Janet and Dante are joined by their pal, the talented and wonderful Evanna Lynch (“Luna Lovegood” from the Potterverse)! Discussing Aunt Wu’s approach to fortunetelling (Cloud-reading! Osteomancy!) leads to some personal anecdotes about seeing psychic advisors IRL; everyone celebrates the introduction of the brilliant Jessie Flower/Michaela Murphy to the Avatarverse (pre-dating her role as Toph, she plays Meng in this episode!), and Evanna proves herself to be just as compassionate, thoughtful, and delightful as you could ever hope she’d be. Go ahead and press “Play:” there’s an hour of joy in your future! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-12-211hr 4mins
#31

Fan Favorite Holiday Special: Celebrating ATLA’s Best Moments

Happy Holidays from your pals at Braving the Elements! This week, Janet and Dante reminisce about some of their - and YOUR! - favorite moments from Season One of the podcast. Featuring memorable conversational gems with ATLA creators and Avatar Studios’ Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Jack De Sena (“Sokka”), Zach Tyler Eisen (“Aang”), and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”)! Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or are catching up on the podcast, this episode captures great moments with just a sampling of some of our many terrific guests! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2021-12-2844mins
#32

Native Representation: "Bato of the Water Tribe" with Migizi Pensoneau

This week, Janet and Dante are joined by Avatar Studios’ Consultant on Native Representation, Migizi Pensoneau! The trio discusses the many layers of “Bato of the Water Tribe,” including Aang’s actions in this episode (controversial amongst fans!), the introduction of the very memorable shirshu (multiple-animals-hybrid alert!) and bounty hunter June, and the reinforcement of what it means to honor not just your literal family, but also your chosen one, as well as the significant role representation plays in ATLA’s storytelling. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-01-0452mins
#33

Avatar Kyoshi, June, and Balance: A Conversation with Jennifer Hale

You know it’s going to be an amazing conversation when you have Avatar Kyoshi and June the Bounty Hunter together in one person! Janet and Dante are thrilled to welcome their friend, VA and musician Jennifer Hale to the podcast! What follows is a conversation spanning from her beloved roles in ATLA (shout out to Nyla the shirshu), to the snowy wilds of Labrador (Jen's heritage!). And-- fascinating, inspiring thoughts on honoring your gifts, spirituality, and the word that seems to come up so often when we talk about Avatar: Balance. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-01-1133mins
#34

The Deserter with Writer Tim Hedrick

What do you do when you really want to wrap your head around an ATLA episode? Go to the source! This week, Janet and Dante break down Ep 16 of Book One “The Deserter” with ATLA, LOK, and Avatar Studios writer, Tim Hedrick! And yes, he IS credited with the writing of this acclaimed episode, in which we meet the mercurial Jeong Jeong, who has a lot of brilliant observations, but an equal amount of what you might call baggage. Plus! Dante draws our attention to the charms of a quaint Fire Nation village, including all the puppets and spicy snacks it has to offer. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-01-1856mins
#35

ATLA Family Dynamics with Cheyenne Ewulu

This week we take a closer look at the hugely important theme of "Family" with Cheyenne Ewulu! For a deeper dive into all of the various and layered family dynamics in Book One of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," Janet and Dante welcome actress, Amazon Prime Video and Funimation host, and all-around entertainer, Cheyenne Ewulu! Cheyenne’s love and understanding of the Avatarverse makes this is a great episode for fans who celebrate the depth and complexity of ATLA’s given and chosen families. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-01-2531mins
#36

The Northern Air Temple with Jason Mantzoukas

Hop onto your glider and come with us for this journey to “The Northern Air Temple” with special guest Jason Mantzoukas! Jason joins Janet and Dante for a rousing conversation about not just this conflict-laden episode of ATLA, but also the joy of the Avatarverse at large! Marvel at Aang’s willingness to forgive and move on; celebrate Sokka’s discovery of a cerebral kindred spirit; watch Katara soar like an airbender, and much more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-02-0146mins
#37

Avatarverse Engineering with Adam Savage

Janet and Dante are still abuzz over all the gadgetry in “The Northern Air Temple,” so they decide to talk to fellow lover of gadgets, Adam Savage! From the delivery systems of Omashu to Jet’s hooked swords to the Fire Nation’s reversible tanks, Adam geeks out with Janet and Dante about some of the very cool designs to come out of Book One of ATLA. But the trio also talks about the deep, abiding emotional calls to action that come from the series, and how we can foster our own imaginations and skills! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-02-0833mins
#38

Princess Yue "The Waterbending Master" with Johanna Braddy

We’ve set our course heading North… and toward a great conversation with the voice of Princess Yue, Johanna Braddy! Janet and Dante explore the wonders of the Northern Water Tribe as we near the end of Book One Ep 19 of ATLA with “The Siege of the North, Part One.” After praising the amazing design of this episode’s extraordinary landscape and discussing the complicated introduction to Master Pakku, Janet and Dante are joined by Johanna Braddy for a chat about her own experiences in the Avatarverse and beyond. From Katara’s rise to Zuko’s pursuit and Pakku’s icy introduction, this episode unpacks big themes and the beauty of the North. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-02-1558mins
#39

Directing ATLA with Giancarlo Volpe

Join Janet and Dante for a fun and informative conversation with longtime ATLA Director, Giancarlo Volpe! Hear more about the early experience of working on ATLA from the Directing side, including very cool details about the animation process. Learn about Giancarlo’s background and what art has inspired him. And find out what final shot of a particular episode Giancarlo felt was missing… and the satisfaction of seeing how it ended up being created by a fan afterwards! And yes, more talk about… you guessed it… The Great Divide! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-02-2234mins
#40

Zuko, Iroh, and the Fire Nation: Part 1 of the Finale with Christopher Sabat

The penultimate episode of Book One features our guest, the voice of Vegeta (Dragonball Z) and All Might (My Hero Academia): Christopher Sabat! It’s the first half of the two-parter that marks the finale of Book One of ATLA: “The Siege of the North, Part One!” Janet and Dante are joined by their buddy Christopher Sabat to talk discovering podcasts, confusing friend zones, and the coolest way to impress someone you’re crushing on (heads up, piano players!). And, of course, the trio has to spend some time talking about that wonderful moment with Iroh and Zuko... and whether Zuko can even handle it! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-03-0149mins
#41

Book One Recapaganza! with Hector Navarro

As we approach the Season Finale of Book One: Water, Janet and Dante welcome back the awesome Hector Navarro! It’s a good time to take a close look at some of the big moments of Book One, and review the complex and very cool character arcs of many of our ATLA characters. And who better to join Janet and Dante than friend of the show, Hector Navarro, whose love of the Avatarverse and his passion for details has now earned him the official Avatarverse nickname: The Profector! Revisit how far Team Avatar has come in our story, relish the shifts we’ve seen in Iroh and Zuko, and much more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-03-0859mins
#42

The Finale! Siege of the North, Part 2 w/ Gene Luen Yang

It’s Book One’s spectacular finale episode, and we’re talking about it with the spectacular author of the first five ATLA graphic novels, Gene Luen Yang! Janet and Dante wrap up the recap side of BTE in the second-to-last episode of the podcast’s first season, and they’re doing it in style, thanks to Gene’s insight and perspective. Highlights include Gene’s own background (in teaching, which we love!) and how he came to the Avatarverse, the creepy coolness of Koh (and all the faces he loves to show off), and of course, a lot of talk around Princess Yue and a pair of very important fish. An epic Book One ending deserves an epic conversation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-03-1556mins
#43

Season One Finale Game Show with Jack De Sena, Jennie Kwan, Antoine Bandele & Kendall Byrd

It’s the final episode of Braving the Elements’ first season, and Janet and Dante are celebrating with friends new and old! The game’s afoot as Janet and Dante are joined by two amazing superfans and two delightful voice actors for a series of games that will show off just how much these four really know about Book One: Water! Antoine Bandele and Kendall Byrd bring their passion and encyclopedic knowledge of the Avatarverse! Jack De Sena (“Sokka”) and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”) pair up with our experts for this two-team showdown! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-03-2242mins
#44

Live From New York Comic Con '21!

Join Janet and Dante for their first-ever live Braving the Elements, which they did live at NYCC 2021! They are joined by their friend and ATLA/TLOK staple Dee Bradley Baker for a spirited discussion about the Avatarverse… and a very special table read! They are also joined by hundreds of amazing audience members, who made the live experience so incredible and heart-warming. Would you have had the right answer to win an ATLA collectible at the show? Did Dante show off any Zuko fight moves? And did Janet get super emotional about how much fun they were having with everyone? Find out, with your ears! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-03-2951mins
#45

Fan Favorite Special

This week, Janet and Dante reminisce about some of their - and YOUR! - favorite moments from Season One of the podcast. We'll hear memorable conversational gems with ATLA creators and Avatar Studios’ Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Jack De Sena (“Sokka”), Zach Tyler Eisen (“Aang”), and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”)! Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or are catching up on the podcast, this episode captures great moments with just a sampling of some of our many terrific guests! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-04-0542mins
#46

Live From Emerald City Comic Con ’21!

This exclusive release of the live Avatarverse panel at ECCC features Janet, Dante, and friend of the podcast (and talent extraordinaire) Dee Bradley Baker! Recorded in the chilly December clouds of beautiful Seattle at Emerald City Comic Con, moderator Patrick Hawkins takes Janet, Dante and Dee through a thoughtful conversation before turning the questions over to the audience! And as usual, fans of the Avatarverse continue to prove how insightful, compassionate, and all-around awesome this fandom truly is. And don’t worry - as always, Dante represents for the Fire Nation! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-04-1252mins
#47

Zach Tyler Eisen on Aang & more!

Hear from The Avatar himself, Zach Tyler Eisen! Join Janet & Dante for an exclusive, rare appearance by the former actor who gave Aang life. We revisit Zach’s experience of recording ATLA, which he did when he was about the same age as the character he portrayed (while still enjoying the childhood Aang may have missed). Zach also weighs in on some of Aang’s tougher choices, and illuminates us about his current career passions! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-04-1937mins
#48

Introducing Season 2 of Avatar: Braving The Elements

Ready to explore more of the amazing world of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Nickelodeon’s official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements is back for a second season! Join hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco every Tuesday as they rewatch and discuss every episode of Avatar Book 2. Plus, Janet and Dante are joined by special guests for more behind-the-scenes info you can’t get anywhere else. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-04-261mins
#49

Book Two: Earth Begins! (Season 2 Premiere)

Welcome back to Season 2 of Braving the Elements! Hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko himself!) reunite for an exciting kickoff to Book Two: Earth in the world of ATLA. This special episode features a heartfelt catch-up with none other than the co-creators of the Avatarverse, Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who share behind-the-scenes stories about how Book Two came together and tease what’s ahead for Team Avatar. Get ready to revisit the Earth Kingdom, meet fan-favorite Toph Beifong, and dive into some of the deeper themes that make Avatar: The Last Airbender one of the most beloved animated series of all time. Plus, could we get a sneak peek into what's cooking at Avatar Studios? Tune in and find out! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-05-0358mins
#50

“The Avatar State”: Team Avatar Faces Earth Kingdom Power

Team Avatar has a rough time of it in this first episode of Book Two, and Janet and Dante are feeling it! While Aang, Katara and Sokka (and, of course, Appa and Momo!) try to navigate a relationship with a very zealous Earth Kingdom General, Dante has to emotionally process the reality that before Zuko gets to enjoy the demise of Zhao, he’s confronted with his fierce and intimidating sister, Azula! Can Dante and Janet reconcile their fear of Azula with their total love of Grey DeLisle? Will she ever appear on Braving the Elements? And will Aang agree to forgo the rest of his training to face Ozai? Join us as we dig into the emotional weight of this pivotal Avatar: The Last Airbender episode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

2022-05-1038mins

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