Avatar: Braving the Elements
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
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...
Episodes
- Inside Avatar Studios: Seven Havens, New Games, and What’s Next for the Avatarverse
Janet and Dante discuss Avatar Studios with Isabella Boettcher and Joan Hilty. They explore storytelling across Avatar animation, comics, novels, and games, covering topics from The Legend of Korra to new collaborations. The upcoming serie…
- Korra’s Shocking Season Finale Decision Explained! with Adrian LaTourelle ("Unalaq")
Adrian LaTourelle, the voice of Unalaq, joins hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco to discuss the Legend of Korra Book Two finale. They cover topics such as the Dark Avatar, Vaatu, and Korra's choice to leave the spirit portals open, as well…
- The Rise of the Dark Avatar w/ Special Guest Devery Jacobs
Devery Jacobs, Janet Varney, and Dante Basco discuss "Darkness Falls" from The Legend of Korra, focusing on Unalaq's plan to create a Dark Avatar and its implications for Korra and the Avatar cycle. They explore the episode's emotional imp…
- Korra’s Mom Speaks Out! Alex McKenna on Harmonic Convergence and the Dark Avatar
In this episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco interview Alex McKenna, the voice of Senna. They discuss Harmonic Convergence, the Dark Avatar, and Korra's family dynamics, along with behind-the-scenes s…
- The Twist That Changed Everything: Bolin’s Heroics in Night of a Thousand Stars
This episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements discusses Bolin's heroics in "Night of a Thousand Stars" from The Legend of Korra. Hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco, along with writer Josh Hamilton, delve into Varrick's scheme, Bolin's fight…
- Uncle Iroh Returns! Greg Baldwin & Cora Baker on Korra’s Spirit World Journey
Greg Baldwin and Cora Baker join this episode to discuss The Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 10: “A New Spiritual Age.” They talk about Korra entering the Spirit World, Iroh’s return, and their experiences with the show.
- Korra Crosses Over: Reacting to Her First Steps Into the Spirit World
Brandon Perea joins Janet and Dante to discuss The Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 9: "The Guide." They analyze Korra's first steps into the Spirit World, Tenzin's failure, and Jinora's spiritual abilities. The conversation includes themes…
- Siblings Levon & Maya Hawke Break Down Avatar’s Most Intense Sibling Rivalries
In this episode, Maya and Levon Hawke discuss sibling relationships and rivalries within the Avatar universe. They share personal reflections and explore how family dynamics shape character arcs in both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The L…
- The First Avatar: How Wan Changed the Avatarverse Forever
This episode explores the origin of the Avatar cycle through the story of the first Avatar, Wan. It covers his journey from a trickster to the bridge between humans and spirits, and introduces the cosmic forces of Raava and Vaatu. The epis…
- Asami’s Breaking Point, Betrayal & That Kiss in 'The Sting' with Seychelle Gabriel
Seychelle Gabriel, the voice of Asami Sato, discusses the episode 'The Sting,' focusing on Asami's emotional challenges, including betrayal and a kiss with Mako. The conversation covers key plot points of the episode.
- How Varrick Became the Avatarverse’s Most Unpredictable Character
John Michael Higgins, voice of Varrick from The Legend of Korra, joins Janet and Dante to discuss the character. They explore Varrick’s genius, his relationship with Zhu Li, and his impact on the Avatar universe. The conversation also cove…
- Civil War Parts 1 & 2 with Olympic Champion Laurie Hernandez
Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez joins hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco to discuss "Civil War Parts 1 & 2" from The Legend of Korra Book Two. They break down the pivotal double episode, exploring the tensions between the Northern a…
- Korra's Family Fallout in Book Two 'Southern Lights' with Writer Tim Hedrick
In this episode, writer Tim Hedrick joins hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco to discuss The Legend of Korra Book Two, "The Southern Lights." They delve into Korra's spiritual journey, family secrets, and the legacy of Avatar Aang.
- Korra Turns on Tenzin?! David Faustino ("Mako") Breaks Down Book Two’s Wild Start
David Faustino, voice of Mako, joins hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco to discuss "Rebel Spirit," the first episode of The Legend of Korra Book Two. They talk about Korra's decisions, Mako's new role, and the introduction of new character…
- Book Two Begins: Avatar Wan's Origin Revealed with Creators Mike & Bryan
In this episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco join creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to discuss Book Two: Spirits. They explore the worldbuilding, production, and characters behind Book Two,…
- Book One Finale: Korra’s Endgame with Dee Bradley Baker (‘Tarrlok’)
In this episode, Dee Bradley Baker and Andrea Romano join hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco to discuss "Endgame," the epic season finale of The Legend of Korra Book One. They delve into themes of redemption, trauma, and moral complexity,…
- Amon’s True Identity Revealed! Stephen Root (‘ Gommu’) Breaks Down This TLOK Twist
Janet Varney and Dante Basco are joined by Stephen Root to discuss the reveal of Amon's true identity in The Legend of Korra. They explore the emotional backstory of Tarrlok and Noatak, and discuss morally complex characters and bending.
- MLB’s Pablo López on Sports x Avatar Crossovers
Pablo López joins Braving the Elements to discuss his connection to Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Highlights include fantasy baseball with benders, pro-bending strategy, and how the show's themes reflect professional…
- TLOK’s Shiro Shinobi Speaks! The Voice Behind Avatar’s Iconic Radio Voice
Jeff Bennett, the voice actor for Shiro Shinobi in The Legend of Korra, joins hosts Dante Basco and Janet Varney on Braving the Elements. They discuss the fan-favorite episode "Turning Tides" and the character of Shiro Shinobi. Bennett als…
- Toph and The Boulder Reunite! Michaela Jill Murphy & Mick Foley Spill Avatarverse Secrets
Michaela Jill Murphy and Mick Foley, who voice Toph and The Boulder, reunite to discuss Avatarverse secrets, reenact scenes, and share fan stories. They also reflect on their characters and experiences with fans.
- Avatar Aang Returns in TLOK’s Most Emotional Episode feat. Zach Tyler Eisen
In this episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, Zach Tyler Eisen discusses Aang's return in The Legend of Korra. The hosts and Eisen delve into themes of justice, betrayal, and the spiritual challenges faced by the Avatar, as past and pre…
- The Avatar Gets Bloodbent?! Feat. Special Guest Richard Epcar ("Saikhan")
Hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco discuss "When Extremes Meet" from The Legend of Korra with special guest Richard Epcar, the voice of Captain Saikhan. They cover Republic City politics, the rise of Tarrlok, and bloodbending, along with b…
- The Cabbage Merchant Legacy Lives On feat. James Sie
James Sie, the voice of the Cabbage Merchant, joins Janet and Dante to discuss "The Aftermath" from The Legend of Korra. They explore themes of betrayal, legacy, and trauma, and the impact of the Cabbage Merchant's legacy.
- Metalbending Mastery feat. Mindy Sterling "Lin Beifong" (Toph’s Daughter!)
Mindy Sterling joins Janet and Dante to discuss voicing Lin Beifong in The Legend of Korra. They cover Lin's metalbending abilities, her character, and the legacy of Toph. The episode also includes behind-the-scenes stories.
- Love Triangles and 'The Spirit of Competition' with Seychelle Gabriel ("Asami")
Seychelle Gabriel, the voice of Asami, joins Janet and Dante to discuss "The Spirit of Competition" episode from The Legend of Korra. They explore the romantic tensions between Korra, Mako, and Asami, Seychelle's experience voicing Asami,…
- The Cinematic Evolution of Avatar with Director Joaquim Dos Santos
Director Joaquim Dos Santos joins Janet and Dante to discuss the cinematic evolution of Avatar. They delve into the character design of Korra, the noir-inspired tone of "The Voice in the Night" episode, and cinematic storyboarding in the A…
- Scoring TLOK's Jazz-Age Tension with Composer Jeremy Zuckerman
Composer Jeremy Zuckerman returns to discuss his musical approach to The Legend of Korra, particularly the Equalist uprising in Book One. He explores how 1920s jazz influences shaped the show's distinct musical identity.
- The Voice of Avatar Aang's Grandaughter! Darcy Rose Byrnes ("Ikki")
Darcy Rose Byrnes, who voiced Ikki, joins the hosts to discuss her experiences. The episode explores Ikki's character and Korra's challenges with airbending and personal growth in "The Legend of Korra."
- Avatar Korra's Debut: Welcome to Republic City with Steve Blum ("Amon")
Steve Blum, the voice of Amon, joins Janet and Dante to discuss his iconic role in The Legend of Korra. They explore Amon's character, Korra's introduction, themes in Book One, and differences between Korra and Aang.
- The Legend of Korra Begins: INSIDE Book One w/ Creators Mike & Bryan
This episode explores the creation of The Legend of Korra Book One with series creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Discussions include the development of Korra, Republic City, pro-bending, and the show's steampunk influences. Jane…
- Braving the Elements Season 4 Trailer: A New Avatar Rises!
Janet Varney and Dante Basco return to host Braving the Elements Season 4, focusing on The Legend of Korra. The season will explore the rise of a new Avatar, the evolution of Republic City, and Korra's legacy in Book One.
- Saying Goodbye and Hello
Janet and Dante reflect on past guests and Aang's era in Avatar: Braving the Elements. They discuss saying goodbye to the world of ATLA and getting ready for Korra.
- Gaming the Avatarverse
Doug Rosen, SVP of Games and Emerging Media at Paramount, joins Janet and Dante to discuss upcoming projects that will expand the Avatar gaming world. He shares a first look into these exciting developments.
- Sozin's Comet: Part 4 with Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
In this episode, hosts Janet and Dante are joined by Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to discuss the finale of the Avatar animated series. The discussion centers on Aang's final confrontation with the Fire Lord during Sozin's Comet.
- Trivia Spectacular! with Avatar Studios
Janet and Dante host a trivia spectacular with superfans and Avatar Studios insiders Isabella Boettcher and Pramodh Manian. They test their knowledge of the ATLA series in this episode.
- Sozin's Comet: Part 3 with Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Janet and Dante welcome back Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to discuss fan questions, future cosplay plans, and insider stories about the making of the series finale, "Sozin's Comet: Part 3." They unveil details about the climax of the…
- Meet the Cast with Mae Whitman and Jack De Sena!
Mae Whitman and Jack De Sena, the original voice actors for Katara and Sokka, discuss their early acting days and memories from working on the beloved animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. They join hosts Janet and Dante for this re…
- Sozin's Comet: Part 1 & 2 with Evanna Lynch
In this episode, Zuko shares the Fire Lord's plans with Team Avatar before Sozin's Comet arrives. Aang must decide if he can stop the Fire Lord to save his friends and restore balance. Evanna Lynch joins Janet and Dante for this discussion.
- Best Redemption with Gene Luen Yang
Janet and Dante welcome Gene Luen Yang to discuss character development and redemption arcs within the Avatar: The Last Airbender series. They delve into the importance of redemption in storytelling and identify characters with the best re…
- The Elemental Players with Tim Hedrick, Josh Hamilton, & John O'Bryan
Janet and Dante discuss 'The Ember Island Players' episode with writers Tim Hedrick, Josh Hamilton, and John O'Bryan, exploring fan-favorite moments and the possibility of a 'Zutara' relationship within the show.
- ‘The Ember Island Players’ with Andrea Romano
Janet and Dante are joined by voice director Andrea Romano to discuss "The Ember Island Players" episode. They talk about Team Avatar watching a play about themselves and Andrea's experience directing the guest actors.
- Favorite Non-Benders with Hector Navarro
On this episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, Janet and Dante are joined by Hector Navarro to discuss their favorite non-bender characters. They highlight characters such as Sokka, Suki, Mai, and Ty Lee, and talk about how these charact…
- The Southern Raiders with Jennie Kwan
Jennie Kwan, the original voice of Suki, joins the hosts to discuss the Avatar: The Last Airbender episode "The Southern Raiders." The discussion centers on the fate of Katara and Sokka's mother and features Zuko and Katara.
- The Gaang’s Bending Evolutions with Antoine Bandele
Janet and Dante are joined by Antoine Bandele to discuss the bending evolutions of characters in the Avatar series. They cover both iconic and underrated bending moments from the show.
- Fire Nation Vacation
This episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, titled "Fire Nation Vacation," features hosts Janet and Dante with guests Amytess Girgis and Lexie Henning. They explore various aspects of the Fire Nation, including its culture, towns, food,…
- ‘The Boiling Rock: Part 2’ with Josh Hamilton & May Chan
In this episode, Janet and Dante are joined by episode writers May Chan and Josh Hamilton to discuss ‘The Boiling Rock: Part 2’ from Avatar: Braving the Elements. They delve into various plot elements, including the character of ‘Uncle War…
- Favorite Adversaries with Ethan Schulteis
In this episode of 'Avatar: Braving the Elements', Ethan Schulteis joins Janet and Dante to discuss favorite adversaries from Books One, Two, and Three. They delve into who was the most fun and who deserves redemption.
- ‘The Boiling Rock: Part 1’ with Josh Hamilton & May Chan
Episode writers May Chan and Josh Hamilton join Janet and Dante to discuss "The Boiling Rock: Part 1". They delve into the inspiration behind the storyline and share behind-the-scenes information about Zuko and Sokka's mission to save Sokk…
- The Fashion of Avatar with Angela Song-Mueller
Janet and Dante discuss the fashion of the Avatarverse with Angela Song-Mueller, character wardrobe designer, and fashion student Valerie Bortolutti, who has a fashion line inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
- ‘The Firebending Masters’ with Zach Tyler Eisen
Zach Tyler Eisen, the voice of Aang, returns to discuss the episode "The Firebending Masters." The hosts delve into the episode's events and characters.