Award-winning composer and Avatarverse legend Jeremy Zuckerman returns to the pod to break down his sonic approach to The Legend of Korra, especially the eerie tension of Book One’s Equalist uprising. Jeremy joins Janet and Dante to discuss Episode 3, “The Revelation,” where Korra uncovers the terrifying rise of Amon, chi-blockers, and steampunk-inspired resistance fighters. The team explores how the show’s 1920s jazz influences and rhythmic experimentation shaped Korra’s distinct musical identity, from moody horns to haunting motifs. Plus, they revisit the Avatar live concert, the legacy of chi-blocking from Ty Lee to the Equalists, and why limitations in the score made Korra’s world sound more raw, real, and revolutionary. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Korra takes her first (reluctant) steps into airbending in Episode 102 of The Legend of Korra, and joining Janet and Dante is voice actor Darcy Rose Byrnes, who brought the energetic Ikki to life! Darcy shares what it was like voicing the granddaughter of Avatar Aang at just 10 years old, and how Ikki’s joy and goofiness connect the spirit of ATLA to TLOK. The crew dives into Korra’s frustration with Tenzin’s teachings, her impulsive pro-bending detour, and the deeper lesson behind “being like the leaf.” What makes airbending so elusive for Korra? How does her struggle reflect her inner resistance to change? Darcy celebrates Ikki’s role as the heart of the Airbender family and even honors fan-favorite Shinobi with a fun impression. Plus, the team reflects on Korra’s moment of growth (and regret) after breaking a 2000-year-old Air Nomad artifact, the strength it takes to say sorry, and the pride in being seen by your teacher. And of course, Uncle Iroh’s Tea Time returns, with Darcy drawing wisdom from a teapot of classic Iroh quotes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voice legend Steve Blum joins Janet and Dante to unpack his iconic role as Amon, The Legend of Korra’s masked adversary! From early audition notes to the eerie voice restraint that made Amon so chilling, Steve shares how he brought this complex villain to life. The crew explores Korra’s explosive arrival in Republic City, her fiery declaration as the Avatar, and how Book One tackles weighty themes like nonbender inequality and political unrest. They also reflect on what sets Korra apart from Aang, explore their favorite ships, and challenge Steve to a round of “Quip or Cabbage?” to see how well he remembers Amon’s most iconic lines. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are back, but this time with a new Avatar! Season 4 of Braving the Elements launches us into The Legend of Korra: Book One with series creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. From Korra’s earliest sketches to the design of Republic City, the invention of pro-bending, and the show's steampunk-inspired elements, this episode explores how TLOK came to life. The Two Dads dive deep into the art, themes, and groundbreaking decisions that shaped the next era of the Avatarverse. Plus, Janet shares the story of her audition and defends Korra's character arc in what would become a new kind of YA hero. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The official trailer for Braving the Elements Season 4 has arrived! Join hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) as they return to explore The Legend of Korra. This season, it’s all about the rise of a new Avatar, the evolution of Republic City, and the bold legacy Korra forges in Book One. Featuring cast interviews, behind-the-scenes lore, and plenty of surprises from the Avatarverse. Available everywhere you get your podcasts on May 20th. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the end of an era—Aang’s era, at least—as Janet and Dante look back at some fan favorite guests and various “visiting professors” that have joined their journey to their degrees in Avatar. Featuring never-before-seen video from past seasons, our favorite co-hosts reminisce as they bid a fond farewell to the world of ATLA and get ready to meet the new Avatar seventy years into the future... Korra! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You want the inside scoop, we’ve got the inside scoop - directly from “Dad of the Podcast” and SVP of Games and Emerging Media at Paramount, Doug Rosen, as he shares a first look with Janet and Dante into some of the exciting projects set to expand the Avatar gaming world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The end already? Say it isn’t so! Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko join Janet and Dante once more, for the EPIC finale to this beloved animated series.The comet has arrived and with the rest of Team Avatar spread out fighting their own battles, the time has finally come for Aang to go toe-to-toe with the Fire Lord and face his destiny. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We couldn't wrap up the ATLA series without one last ultimate test of Avatar knowledge. Janet and Dante welcome more phenomenal superfans to go head to head with some of the series' insiders, like Avatar Studios' Isabella Boettcher & Pramodh Manian! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Answers to fan questions, (potential) future cosplay plans from Bryan and Dante, and insider stories about how this epic, multi-part finale came to be. There’s lots of Avatar goodness to unveil as Janet and Dante welcome back their two dads, Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for the brilliant climax to this series finale! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a water tribe family reunion! Meet the voice actor who originated the courageous, compassionate and inspiring Katara - Mae Whitman! And what would a water tribe family reunion be without the voice of everyone’s favorite boomerang guy, Jack De Sena. This fantastic duo joins Janet and Dante to talk about Mae’s early acting days and what it was like to voice an iconic character like Katara. Along the way, the group shares some of their favorite (and some very silly) memories from their time working on the beloved animated series.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Sozin’s Comet only a few days away, Zuko shares the Fire Lord’s plans with Team Avatar. They must stop him before the comet arrives, but when the time comes, will Aang have the heart to do what he must to save his friends and restore balance to the world? It’s a heavy burden to carry (good thing it's him and not us!). Janet and Dante are joined once again by Evanna Lynch for the first half of this spectacular series finale! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Forget about main character ENERGY, let’s talk about some character DEVELOPMENT. Janet and Dante welcome back award-winning artist, and the writer of the first 5 ATLA graphic novels, Gene Luen Yang, for a thoughtful discussion about redemption - which characters deserve it, the importance of redemption in a storyline, and who had the best redemption arc of the ATLA animated series (and possibly ALL of American television???). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante take a closer look at the marvel that is ‘The Ember Island Players’, getting the inside scoop from the writers of the episode: Tim Hedrick, Josh Hamilton, and John O'Bryan. Then, Janet shares some fan-favorite moments and we find out if the writers ever really believed ‘Zutara’ could exist.  Were they just humoring us??? Tune in to find out! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the icy South Pole, to the heart of Ba Sing Se - featuring singing nomads, pirates, and a surprisingly knowledgeable merchant of cabbage, it’s ‘The Ember Island Players’. Janet and Dante are joined by legendary Voice Director, Andrea Romano, to talk about this LEGENDARY episode where team Avatar stumbles upon a play about themselves and their adventures. The trio recalls their own experiences working together on past Avatar projects, and Andrea gives an inside look into what it was like to direct the star-studded (and unexpected!) group of guest actors in this hilarious tale. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are joined once again by expert of all things Avatarverse, Hector Navarro, to give some love to the sterling non-bender characters who show us time and again their ability to defeat the toughest adversaries, come up with perfect plans, or make or break someone else's! From total powerhouses like Sokka and Suki to Mai, Ty Lee, and more - these characters prove that you don’t have to master earth, fire, water, or air to be completely in your element! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the welcome return of the original voice of Suki, Jennie Kwan, who joins Janet and Dante for a deeper dive into the fate of Katara and Sokka's mother. Strap in for this emotional rollercoaster as Zuko and Katara team up for the ultimate side quest filled with heartbreak and healing in, ‘The Southern Raiders’. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante continue their journey to become officially unofficial professors of the Avatarverse as they are joined by Author, YouTuber, and Avatar expert, Antoine Bandele, to talk about the fiercest benders throughout the series. From the most iconic bending moments to the most underrated, the group nerds out about some of our favorite bending prodigies. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know it, we know it, and if you don’t know yet, Dante will surely remind you - there are a lot of good people in the Fire Nation! Join special guests Amytess Girgis and Lexie Henning, along with our favorite co-hosts Janet and Dante, to celebrate just that. From cool towns to spicy foods to festivals and culture, there's a lot to love in this complicated nation with a deep and layered history. Flameo, everyone! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into part two of the most epic escape! Janet and Dante are once again joined by episode writers May Chan and Josh Hamilton for the twists and turns of ‘The Boiling Rock: Part 2’.  We see just how much ‘Uncle Warden’ gets into everyone’s business, talk about the least ideal place to run into an ex, and catch yet another surprise appearance of everyone’s favorite “people person”. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Admiral Zhao to the Fire Lord himself, Team Avatar has had their fair share of fiery foes - but how do we really feel about their greatest enemies?  Ethan Schulteis joins Janet and Dante for a lively discussion drilling down into some of the adversaries we've met in Books One, Two, and Three. Who’s the most fun? Who deserves redemption? And how do badgers fit into all of this?? Tune in to find out! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Things really start to heat up (literally) as Zuko and Sokka venture out on an impromptu, secret rescue mission to save Sokka’s father in, “The Boiling Rock: Part 1”.  Uncover more behind-the-scenes info as Janet and Dante are joined by episode writers May Chan and Josh Hamilton, who reminisce about the inception of this tense, thrilling adventure. May shares the real-life influences that made it into the final storyline of the episode and the group debates the *proper* etiquette for plus-ones during a prison escape. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet & Dante are joined by Avatar insider, Angela Song-Mueller, and fashion student Valerie Bortolutti, for an in depth discussion about the fashion of the Avatarverse. From Angela's work designing character wardrobe for the beloved animated series, to Valerie's real-life fashion line inspired by her love of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Master of all four elements, in the house! Voice of Aang, Zach Tyler Eisen, returns for another huge fan-favorite episode. We know Twinkle Toes has got some moves, but what other members of Team Avatar can keep up with his fancy footwork? And more importantly, can Janet convince Dante and Zach to attempt the Dragon Dance themselves? Find out, as the trio dives into, ‘The Firebending Masters’. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Co-creator Bryan Konietzko drops in to talk about the design of some of our favorite characters from the Avatarverse. He gives Janet and Dante some true insider info about what went into the choices that made these characters so visually dynamic, recognizable, and iconic; from the beginnings of Avatar the Last Airbender, to the first drafts of The Legend of Korra. Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/ELEMENTS Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscription. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello, iconic episode here! Janet and Dante hide out at ‘The Western Air Temple’ with Avatar writer, Tim Hedrick. Together, they discuss animals that are not just animals but also verbs, the most memorable lines from the episode, and their opinions on what might be a misuse of Katara’s healing water. Dante and Janet share their personal boomerang histories and the group sympathizes with the newest friend of Team Avatar that is just SO bad at being good. (Oof, that’s rough buddy). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think you know Avatar? Put your knowledge to the test with Janet and Dante as they’re joined by two superfans for some FIRE trivia made by one of the biggest Avatar enthusiasts we know - Janet! We find out who really remembers their fictional musical instruments from the Four Nations, and put Dante in the hot seat to judge fans’ best impressions of some of the most iconic characters from the animated series. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hold on to your ostrich horses - we’re back with ‘Day of Black Sun Part 2’! Janet and Dante are once again joined by friend and Avatar aficionado, Hector Navarro, to collectively scream over this mid-eclipse twist, as Team Avatar finally makes their way to the Fire Lord’s secret underground bunker only to find Princess Azula sitting smugly on her father’s throne. Follow along as we witness a major turning point for Zuko, ponder the effectiveness of the team’s eclipse glasses, and determine who would be the best real-life PR rep for the Fire Nation (not a hard job when there are just SO many good folks there). Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/ELEMENTS Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscription. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your eclipse glasses ready - Janet, Dante, and Avatar aficionado, Hector Navarro, are catching up with the Gaang in, ‘Day of Black Sun Part 1’. With the arrival of some familiar faces and fancy new gadgets, Team Avatar is ready to bring the fight to the Fire Lord’s doorstep, but what trouble awaits on the other side of the palace gates? Who knows! Will they find success and redemption after their failure at Ba Sing Se? We hope so! Can Dante really find the good in ANYONE in the Fire Nation? You’ll have to tune in to find out… To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are joined by OG Avatar superfans to talk about their best character recreations from the show, their ultimate dream cosplays, and the coolest group cosplay they’ve seen at a con to date. We hear about DJ Dante’s most uncomfortable fit, and the gang deliberates the best character from the Avatarverse to bring to a party (SPOILER ALERT: it is most certainly, NOT Azula). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Revisit the most stressful episode of Book 3, ‘Nightmares and Daydreams’ with Janet, Dante, and…Azula?? Not quite, but it IS the iconic voice actress behind this most delightful and nightmarish princess, Grey DeLisle! With the solar eclipse only a handful of days away, Team Avatar sets camp at the meeting spot for the invasion force. Everyone prepares and rests up for their next square off with the Fire Lord. That is, everyone except Aang who is having just a *bit* of trouble coping with the pressure before the big event (but hey, who wouldn’t be?). Let this be a reminder to all, when facing your biggest enemy in a battle to restore peace and harmony across all four nations, it’s usually best to remember your pants! Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/ELEMENTS Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscription. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scary ghost stories, creepy dark woods, and an eerie little town in the Fire Nation…what could possibly go wrong?  Dive into this fan favorite ep with Janet & Dante as they are joined by storyboard artist & director Joaquim Dos Santos. We hear some insider info about alternate titles for the episode and all the ways the original series broke the rules of animation. Then Joaquim shares his most memorable moments from working on the show, and the trio talks about the importance of stranger danger when hanging out in the woods at night (we’re lookin at you, Team Avatar). Catch Dante’s survival instincts kicking in and find out what Janet has deemed the “most effective scare” in the series, in ‘The Puppetmaster’. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nerd out with Janet, Dante, and two superfans as they talk about all things Avatar - from which show characters they would want on their team for a 48-hour film challenge, to the impact of the thoughtful representation of disabilities in the Avatarverse. We’ll learn a bit about the origins of extreme martial arts from real-life Korra (a title bestowed by Janet herself) and hear some spirited discussion about questions you may not have thought to ask, like ‘Is there anything worse than a spa day with Azula??’. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are thrilled to welcome back Michaela Jill Murphy, the original voice of everyone’s favorite earthbending melon lord, Toph. We’ll uncover more golden nuggets from Dante’s past (y’all ever seen a pre-teen do a 3 card monte?) and discuss the one person you NEVER want to pull a scam with. Find out what happens when cheating a cheater goes too far in, ‘The Runaway’. Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/ELEMENTS Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscription To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s it like to be besties with the Avatar? Who gave Roku his lewk? Are there any good folks in the Fire Nation?? Answers to these questions and more as Janet, Dante and special guest, Ify Nwadiwe dive into, ‘The Avatar and the Firelord’. We’ll catch up with Aang as he receives yet another very specific calendar ask from his predecessor, Avatar Roku, and follow along as Zuko digs deeper into his past to unearth the one family connection we truly didn't see coming. If you’ve ever wondered what a Fire Nation reality TV show would look like, this episode is for you! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big burly men with lovely lady legs, iconic superheroes, and more - all in a day’s work for a storyboard artist and director, and this episode Janet and Dante are joined by one of the best, Lauren Montgomery!   Lauren gives a behind-the-scenes scoop on a couple animal hybrids that didn’t quite make the cut, and shares her very surprising favorite ship from the Avatarverse (you’re seriously never going to guess who it is).   We hear Dante’s FIRE rec for the best tea in Ba Sing Se, then he and Janet try their hands at drawing and interpreting some character shorthand. A high stakes challenge - with unreliable erasers - that you won’t want to miss!  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Zuko, Azula, and the girlies for a bit of sun, a little relaxation, and just a touch of ambition for total world domination. We’ll get a taste of the trials and tribulations of Fire Nation teens, and witness a touching moment between siblings that *almost* convinces Dante that Azula means well. Almost. Guests Olivia Hack (voice of Ty Lee) and Cricket Leigh (voice of Mai) help Janet brainstorm some new nicknames for Combustion Man - which is just soooo formal - and we see the line between Dante and Zuko blur yet again as we follow this fiery bunch of adolescents in, ‘The Beach’. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leaves from vines and secret tunnels - feel all the feelings with Janet and Dante as they are joined by composer, Jeremy Zuckerman and original show editor, Jeff Adams to talk about the Avatar live concert tour and the iconic music that makes us laugh and makes us cry (especially Janet). We’ll hear more about Jeremy's super airbending music powers and what it’s like to put the score at the forefront of storytelling and truly capture the essence and emotions of the Avatarverse. There may even be a couple special performances from Jeremy and Janet… FORESHADOW REPORT: there definitely will be. Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/ELEMENTS. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscription. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Space rocks, training montages, and Fire Nation shopping sprees - there is never a dull day on a road trip with Team Avatar. In ‘Sokka’s Master’ we follow the journey of our favorite (and only) non-bending member of the Gaang as he discovers his own unique strengths and learns the skill of the blade. And who better to join this Sokka-focused side quest than the voice of the boomerang guy himself, Jack De Sena! Jack, Janet, and Dante catch up with each other, question whether or not our friends REALLY miss us when we’re not around, and discuss the importance of honesty and humility on the path to power. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author of the Avatar Kyoshi & Avatar Yangchen novels, F.C. Yee, and the novels’ audiobook actor/narrator, Nancy Wu, join Janet and Dante to geek out! Together, they discuss team Avatar throughout history, what it's like to expand the Avatarverse with a master like Michael DiMartino, and why ‘The Great Divide’ is such an important episode. Nancy talks about the cultural relevance and authenticity she feels as an Asian American and fan of the Avatar series. Then, Dante asks F.C. which of the novels is his favorite (possibly the full box set? *wink wink*), and more importantly, if the Fire Nation will ever receive any love from the books in the future. Catch up with the story of Avatar Kyoshi and Avatar Yangchen here: https://www.abramsbooks.com/?s=avatar To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are joined by Avatar graphic novel and comic book author, Faith Erin Hicks, as we follow our favorite Gaang to a peculiar little fishing village in, ‘The Painted Lady’. Plagued by the toxic run-off from the Fire Nation weapons factory up the river, the villagers suffer greatly from the surrounding polluted waters - that is, until a mysterious female figure comes to their aid… Janet and Dante find out who Faith’s REAL favorite member of Team Avatar is, talk about the diversity and richness of female characters in the Avatarverse, and discuss the presumably *unique* flavor of turtle ducks (yum?). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante welcome 3 superfans to tell us what kind of bending THEY would love to see in the Four Nations. Along the way, important questions are answered like, who is the best ship? Do animal hybrids exist IRL? And is any type of bending innately good or evil?   Together, Janet, Dante, and our fiery fans stretch the fabric of the Avatarverse to its limits with their dream bending possibilities, and maybe even stumble upon a powerful new super bending gang of their own… To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are delighted to welcome back John O’Bryan, the writer who gave us the most iconic (and unlucky) cabbage merchant ever! John shares more behind-the-scenes intel as we catch up with Aang, the gang, and their sticky fingers, doing their best to assimilate to the Fire Nation; including ‘picking up’ some fresh new fits and taking a *brief* break from restoring world balance, to host the hottest Fire Nation school dance of the century...likely the only Fire Nation school dance of this century. Not so far away, Zuko experiences the perks and drawbacks in his relationships after returning home, and seeks help from a mysterious stranger to destroy the Avatar, once and for all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are joined once more by dynamo director, Giancarlo Volpe, as we welcome Aang back to the land of the living in, ‘The Awakening’! After the fall of the Earth Kingdom, Aang wakes up in some alarming new digs with a hair-raising new look (iykyk) as the Gaang makes their way towards unfamiliar Fire Nation territory. Meanwhile, Zuko finds himself feeling uneasy about his long-awaited return home after helping Azula defeat the Avatar, troubled by the question - is there a chance he could still be alive?    Janet and Dante get some insider info from Giancarlo about the elements that make this such a powerful season opener, marvel at the masterful displays of waterbending from Katara, and dive into Dante’s strong feelings about Zuko’s sinister sister and …her chess playing skills? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back and fired up for a new season! Janet and Dante have a ‘family’ reunion with their two dads, Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, as everyone catches up on some of the major moments from Team Avatar’s time in the Earth Kingdom. To get ready for Book Three: Fire, we’ll talk about the epic cliffhanger of season two, fiery characters we’ll meet in season 3, and some of our favorite episodes we can’t wait to watch again. Janet and Dante ask Mike and Bryan some questions from fans, and we may even hear a bit about what’s going on over at Avatar Studios…Flameo, it’s Fire Nation time!  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming in HOT - Nickelodeon’s official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements is back for it’s third season! Join hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco every Tuesday as they rewatch and discuss every episode of Book 3: Fire with 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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The long-awaited Avatar The Last Airbender Soundtrack, Book 1: Water, coming soon! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a special milestone as we celebrate the 100th episode of Braving the Elements! In this rebroadcast from Season 1, Janet and Dante are joined by former Nickelodeon executive (now CEO of Avatar Studios) Eric Coleman, aka "The Godfather of Zuko," for a candid discussion about the development of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Learn about Mike and Bryan's early ideas, their creative process, and valuable insights on navigating network animation development from an industry veteran! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's celebrate the funniest moments of Book 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, with comedian and Avatar fan Ron Funches. This episode rebroadcast highlights not only some of Janet, Dante and Ron's favorite scenes but also the moments our fans have shared with us over social media.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's celebrate one of the most cherished episodes in Book 2 - "The Tales of Ba Sing Se"! Joined by our dear friend and fellow Avatar stan Danielle Radford, Janet and Dante dive into an epic recap of this special collection of sentimental and emotional Avatar vignettes. We're not crying, you are...  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by Lauren Tom, the multi-talented actor and voice artist who brought to life Joo Dee, the smiling guide of Ba Sing Se and so many other memorable characters. Listen as Janet and Dante chat with Lauren about her prolific career in voiceover and on-screen acting, her success as a writer, mother, and being such a prominent figure in the Asian artistic community. In this captivating rebroadcast, Lauren shares her journey and insights into the entertainment industry, showcasing the qualities that make her a superstar.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Janet and Dante as they continue to celebrate the remarkable Toph Beifong by sitting down with Michaela Jill Murphy (aka Jessie Flower), the original voice of Toph. In this rebroadcast, Michaela shares insights into her life before and after joining the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and how much she relates to Toph's bold personality. This episode promises to be a compelling and insightful conversation about the beloved character and her real-life counterpart - you won't want to miss.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready to hear the story of one of the most iconic characters in the world of animation! Join Janet & Dante as they bring back Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to reminisce about the creation of the legendary Toph. With exclusive insights into the creative process, we'll unpack early character concept designs and their evolution to the Toph we all know and love today. This rebroadcast promises to be an enthralling experience for all fans of the show.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the finale episode of Braving The Elements season two, and we’re going out big with two returning guests: Mike DiMartino and the voice of Aang, Zach Tyler Eisen! Hear from two adored members of the ATLA world as we face the final episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book Two. The action-packed finale of the television season may not have as happy a conclusion as the one we have closing out our podcast season… but that’s what makes getting into Book Three so exciting!  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our penultimate Season Two episode, Janet and Dante welcome back Ijeoma Njaka to the pod! Who better to explore some of Book Two’s most formative and critical turning point moments than Ijeoma, an academic professor who created a class syllabus highlighting some of the great “big picture” themes of Avatar: The Last Airbender? The trio explores Zuko’s journey, the power of knowledge -- and its risks — and much more, including lots of discussion around fan favorite responses! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Janet and Dante welcome the actor who stepped in as Uncle Iroh: the delightful Greg Baldwin! Meet the warm, kind, and humble voice of the man who truly honored his predecessor by joining the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" cast after the passing of the great Mako. Always committed to respecting and continuing the work that Mako began, Greg shares some of his own background in the arts, his love of voice acting, and how his life has been impacted by interacting with so many fans who love Uncle Iroh. From his love of tea to his unparalleled guidance for Zuko, get ready to explore the heartwarming and thought-provoking lessons that Iroh imparts on the young prince and viewers alike. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The journey to spiritual enlightenment and emotional transformation is on full display in “The Guru,” one of ATLA’s most pivotal episodes. Janet and Dante are joined by friend and writer Migizi Pensoneau to unpack Aang’s chakra training, Sokka’s reunion with his father, and Azula’s cunning political maneuvering in Ba Sing Se. With Iroh and Zuko sharing a moment of joy over tea and Toph breaking free in true Earthbender style, this discussion captures everything that makes Avatar: The Last Airbender so layered and powerful. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in remembering Mako, the legendary actor whose iconic voice brought Uncle Iroh to life. Janet and Dante are joined by Mike, Bryan, and ATLA Voice Director Andrea Romano for a wonderful conversation honoring the great Mako Iwamatsu. In addition to sharing memories of Mako’s work as Iroh in "Avatar: The Last Airbender," the group looks back on Mako’s extraordinary life and career, including his stage, screen, and television work. And the episode wouldn’t be complete without sharing some cast, crew, and fans’ favorite Iroh moments. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom are about to collide in this high-stakes episode of ATLA, and Azula is never far from the action! Voice actress Grey DeLisle returns to Braving the Elements to join Janet and Dante in recapping Book Two, Episode 18: “The Earth King.” As Zuko battles illness and Team Avatar finally gains access to the palace, political intrigue unfolds. With the voices of Zuko and Azula reunited, expect laughs, tension—and maybe even a power struggle over the mic. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante welcome two amazing advocates in the disability community who also happen to be big fans of the Avatarverse: Jimmy Clare and Ru Jones! Jimmy Clare is a Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author, and Founder of CrazyFitnessGuy, and Ru Jones is a Disability advocate + content creator! Both bring their love of Avatar: The Last Airbender to BTE, and sharing their perspectives on the represenation of disability in the Avatarverse. They also make some amazing choices after questions about which characters they’d like to cook a meal with, play a game night with, and more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive deep into one of the most suspenseful episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender—“Lake Laogai”—with comedian and actor Joel Kim Booster! Janet and Dante explore the mystery surrounding Jet, the brainwashing truth behind Ba Sing Se’s political cover-ups, and Team Avatar’s daring rescue of Appa. Joel shares his love for the Avatarverse, bending preferences, and favorite creatures—including a certain polar bear dog from The Legend of Korra. This episode uncovers hidden truths in more ways than one. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrate the gorgeous design of Ba Sing Se and more with three key artists of the Avatarverse! This week Janet and Dante welcome the brilliantly talented Elsa Garagarza, Angela Song Mueller, and podcast regular and “dad,” Bryan Konietzko! Find out incredible behind-the-scenes details as Elsa (Supervising Background Designer) and Angela (Character Designer) talk about their artistic development and roles in the Avatarverse. Learn about the inspirations behind many of the gorgeous scenic and character designs of Book Two and beyond, and hear all three delve into the creative process of making an episode begin to come to life! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante recover from “Appa’s Lost Days” with the brilliant and hilarious Ron Funches! What better way to transition from the emotionally poignant Appa-centric episode of Book Two to the rest of the season? By taking a break with one of the funniest comedians around to focus on some of the joyful, silly, and especially funny moments of ATLA, with particular focus on the second season. You’ll also hear from Ron about how he found both ATLA and TLOK, what he loves about the Avatarverse, and what YOU all told us were your favorite funny moments of Book Two. Plus: Ron makes his own fabulous suggestion for what we should call the listeners of Braving the Elements! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grab the tissues—this one's an emotional ride. Janet and Dante are joined by longtime ATLA fan Evanna Lynch (aka Luna Lovegood in “Harry Potter”) to explore the heartbreaking story told in “Appa’s Lost Days.” Revisit one of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s most gut-wrenching episodes as the trio discusses Appa’s journey, the importance of compassion in the Avatarverse, and the power of silent storytelling. How many tissues will it take to absorb our tears as we talk through Appa’s entrapment, horrible treatment, brave escape, and reunion with a gentle and much-needed friend? Get your own box of tissues ready, and find out! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re not done celebrating the magic of “The Tales of Ba Sing Se.” This week we welcome two of episode's writers, Andrew Huebner and Katie Mattila! Janet and Dante are thrilled to be joined by writers Katie Mattila (“The Tale of Zuko”) and Andrew Huebner (“The Tale of Iroh”) for one of the podcast’s best behind-the-scenes episodes yet. Find out more about how The Tales came to be, including what Katie and Andrew’s actual “regular" jobs were at ATLA at the time. Get some in-depth intel on the inspirations behind Iroh’s tale, why Katie was so excited to tackle Zuko’s date, and much more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ring in the new year with Azula herself! Janet and Dante revisit their fan-favorite conversation with voice actress Grey DeLisle, the iconic voice behind one of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s most formidable villains. From behind-the-scenes memories in the ATLA booth to Azula’s most chilling lines, Grey shares her unique experience in the Avatarverse and updates us on what she’s been working on outside of Ba Sing Se and the Fire Nation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy holidays from your friends at Braving the Elements! This week, our gift to you is one of our favorite conversations we've had with Avatar show creators (and our two dads), Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko! We get into the beginnings of Book 2 and how this season came to be in the Avatarverse.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrate this beloved ATLA episode of multiple character stories with the return of our friend Danielle Radford! Janet and Dante are rejoined by the wonderful Danielle Radford, who'll ride the laughter and tears of the tales of Toph and Katara, Iroh, Aang, Sokka, Zuko, and Momo along with you. From Iroh’s legendary tale to Momo’s search for Appa, this discussion captures the heart of the Avatar: The Last Airbender experience. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know her as Joo Dee from Ba Sing Se, but Lauren Tom’s voice acting legacy stretches far and wide! Janet and Dante sit down with the multi-talented Lauren to talk about her work on Avatar: The Last Airbender, her voiceover and on-screen acting career, and her representation as a powerhouse in the Asian American artistic community. Lauren talks about her career not just in voiceover, but as an on-screen actor, accomplished writer, mother, and we celebrate her stellar representation as part of the Asian artistic community. We hope she inspires you as much as she inspired us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante are joined once again by Bryan Konietzko to talk about one of his favorite episodes! Expect a ton of great insider info for this recap and discussion surrounding the mysterious “City of Walls and Secrets,” Episode 14 of Book Two of ATLA. Explore Ba Sing Se under the watchful eye of Joo Dee as more and more walls and rings of the city are revealed… to some degree. But many secrets remain, and Janet, Dante and Bryan dig into them all! Plus: listen up for an important message about a new school of etiquette founded by an unlikely character! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder what it’s like to work behind the scenes in the Avatarverse? Janet and Dante welcome Avatar Studios friends Isabella Boettcher and Pramodh Manian for a lively conversation about their roles shaping the future of Avatar: The Last Airbender. From favorite ATLA moments to which characters they’d travel with, loan money to, or vacation alongside, this episode is a fun and fascinating peek into the people helping to expand the world of Aang, Zuko, and the Four Nations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week brings you our happy return to NYCC (where Janet and Dante recorded their first live, in-person episode last year)! Because NYCC 2021 was such a blast, we know we had to turn it up a notch— and you were there for it! Recorded on October 6th, 2022, Janet and Dante were joined by guest after extraordinary guest! From an in-depth conversation with David Burtka and Robbie Daymond about the marvels of the Avatarverse to a table read including Michaela Jill Murphy (Toph!!) and Greg Baldwin (Iroh!!), this packed show even finished off with trivia and prizes for fans. Thank you, New York Comic Con! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Friend of the show Karama Horne returns to dig into “The Drill!” As a giant drill threatens to breach the walls of Ba Sing Se, Team Avatar has to figure out if it’ll be possible to stop it in time. As Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai push Team Avatar to their limits, our hosts dive into the episode’s stunning animation, smart battle strategy, and subtle character dynamics. And don’t miss Karama’s hot takes on what kind of fashion icon Mai would be in the real world! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Janet and Dante live at London Fan Expo, recorded this summer! Our Braving The Elements hosts rounded up hundreds of Avatar fans for a delightful discussion across the pond. This conversation, led by Janet and Dante featuring some truly fantastic questions from the audience, once again proves how insightful, charming, and enthusiastic the community of ATLA lovers truly is. And find out if Dante got some love of the Fire Nation from our U.K. friends! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante welcome podcasters Afiya Augustine and Vincent Bernard for an intense look at the suspenseful ATLA episode 12 “The Serpent’s Pass.” As Team Avatar braves this perilous crossing, our guests dive into bending battles, relationship dynamics, and how Avatar: The Last Airbender keeps fans emotionally connected. Plus, they share their favorite ships, bending styles, and what keeps the Avatarverse magical after all these years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we talk Avatarverse, voice acting and directing, and more with Critical Role’s Sam Riegel! Sam sits down with Janet and Dante to talk not just about what makes "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Legend of Korra" so special to Sam and his kids, but also what makes a great voice actor and how he approaches voice directing. From his early friendship with Janet to directing iconic shows, Sam shares insight on performance, creative collaboration, and what makes the world of ATLA so immersive. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Things get sandy—and serious—in this unforgettable ATLA episode 11, “The Desert.” Janet and Dante are joined once again by actor and comedian Jason Mantzoukas (The Good Place, Big Mouth) to dive into the heartbreak of Appa’s disappearance, the mystery of the White Lotus, and the horror of those terrifying buzzard wasps. Jason brings the laughs, but also gets real about what makes the Avatarverse so emotionally powerful. This is one Braving the Elements episode you won’t want to miss! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most amazing things about the Avatarverse is the creativity it inspires in its fandom, as shown by this week’s guests, Daniel Mertzlufft and Katherine Lynn Rose! Janet and Dante are joined by these two innovative, collaborative content creators to talk about how they were inspired by "Avatar:The Last Airbender" and where that inspiration took their own artistic creations. Social media blew up over the songs they wrote and recorded, which collectively garnered millions of views. And... the gang comes up with a few brand new ideas during the episode! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team Avatar uncovers ancient knowledge—and faces heartbreaking loss—in the pivotal ATLA episode 10 “The Library.” Janet and Dante are joined by pop culture critic Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man) to explore Wan Shi Tong’s mysterious desert stronghold and the revelations it holds about the Fire Nation. Can Toph save the day? What will happen to Appa? This is one of the most emotionally charged chapters in the Avatarverse, and our hosts break it all down with insight and humor. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a family affair for this special midseason game of Avatarverse superfans! Our Season One player Abby Abebefe is back to once again test her ATLA knowledge, but this time she’s brought two of her sisters with her! Janet and Dante welcome Abisola and Ayosola Abebefe to Braving the Elements for the first time, challenging all three sisters to discover who knows the most about the Avatarverse. Guess the answers as you listen along, and let us know how YOU did! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source.” It’s an episode full of Uncle Iroh wisdom! Janet and Dante delve into ATLA’s Ep. 9 “Bitter Work” this week, following the progress (or lack thereof) of a certain Avatar and his certain Earthbending Master, as well as training of a different sort between Iroh and Zuko. Along the way, we discover a connection between water and lightning, fire and rage, and Sokka and a very cute sabertooth moose lion cub. Gain a new appreciation for one of ATLA’s most philosophical episodes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When other fandoms love the Avatarverse as much as we do, magic happens. Janet and Dante are joined by Broadway’s Major Curda (KPOP) and actor Lex Mayson (Joe vs. Carole) for a heartfelt roundtable about why Avatar: The Last Airbender is so beloved, including the ways it helps propel us forward to follow our own artistic passions. And as always with our guests, we talk hybrid animals, ships, and bending! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back at San Diego Comic Con for another LIVE podcast recording! This time, Braving the Elements is joined by not one but TWO beloved voice actors: Jack DeSena (Sokka) and Phil LaMarr (Kuei the Earth King). Join us for an exclusive listen to our panel from this past July. Expect from thrilling conversations with our Avatar VOs, breaking Avatar Studios news, and of course - a dynamic table read featuring fans and friends alike of some iconic scenes from Book 2 (and beyond). With our amazing fans and friends in the room, this panel is anything but rough, buddy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sleep-deprived and running for their lives—Team Avatar is feeling the heat in Book Two’s action-packed episode 8, “The Chase.” Janet and Dante are joined by actor and performer Erika Ishii for a breakdown of the Gaang’s mounting tension and Azula’s relentless pursuit. They discuss Ty Lee and Mai’s tracking tactics, Katara’s leadership, and just how real things get when rest runs out. It’s a fun and fiery look at an ATLA episode full of friction (and Fire Nation pressure). To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the Avatarverse makes friends with the amazing Dark Horse Comics world? Janet and Dante chat with longtime Avatar: The Last Airbender writer Tim Hedrick about expanding the ATLA story through the Dark Horse realm. From The Promise to Smoke and Shadow, Tim shares what it’s like building the post-series world of Aang, Zuko, and the rest of Team Avatar. If you love the comics or want to know where to start, this is your must-listen guide to the canon beyond the screen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Zuko is anything BUT alone, since Dante and Janet are joined by ATLA superfan Adal Rifai for “Zuko Alone!” It’s the episode (and episode title) that would end up launching future iconic storylines (“Suki Alone,” “Korra Alone”) and Adal Rifai (Hello From the Magic Tavern, Hey Riddle Riddle podcasts) is here for the deep dive! Find out more than ever before about Zuko’s troubled childhood, including his relationship with Azula, Ozai, and his beloved mother's mysterious disappearance. Oh, and yes—TURTLE DUCKS. You'll leave knowing why this solo story has become one of the most emotionally resonant moments in the Avatarverse. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing our celebration of all things Toph Beifong, Janet and Dante welcome Michaela Jill Murphy (aka Jessie Flower), the original voice of Toph! Find out more about the real-life personality behind one of the biggest personalities in the Avatarverse as we sit down with Michaela to hear more about her life before and after joining the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender, how much the young Jessie Flower (Michaela’s stage name) could relate to Toph’s bold and original characteristics, and what it’s meant to interact with fans in the recent resurgence of people discovering and re-discovering the Avatarverse! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Janet and Dante reconnect with their “two dads” to hear more about Toph’s origin story! A character as iconic as Toph deserves a whole episode about how she came to be! Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko reminisce about their original concept designs for Toph and how they evolved during the collaborative process with writers and animators, as well as their memories of Jessie Flowers (aka Michaela Jill Murphy) — the voice is behind fan-favorite Toph lines like “Twinkle Toes!" To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Say hello to Toph Beifong! Janet and Dante welcome Ethan Spaulding, the director of “The Blind Bandit,” to celebrate the epic ATLA episode 6 that introduced one of the Avatarverse’s most iconic characters. Learn behind-the-scenes trivia about Earth Rumble Six, the casting of Toph, and what makes this earthbender such a fan favorite. Get ready for seismic-level insights into Toph’s legacy in Avatar: The Last Airbender. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delight in this conversation with the incredibly warm and energetic Cricket Leigh, whom you also know as the voice of the significantly less warm and energetic Mai! Cricket opens up to Janet about joining the ATLA cast, Mai’s emotionally complex character arc, and how her chemistry with Ty Lee and Azula makes for one of the series’ most intriguing friendships. Plus, you’ll hear Mai thoughts on Zuko, shipping, and the subtleties of non-bending strength in the Avatarverse. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“MY CABBAGES!” If you love this iconic ATLA line, then this episode is for you. Janet and Dante welcome James Sie, the voice behind the unforgettable Cabbage Merchant, to revisit ATLA Book Two episode 5 “Avatar Day.” They explore the episode’s themes of justice, Kyoshi Island lore, and why some villagers want to cancel the Avatar. A fun, nostalgic deep dive into one of Book Two’s quirkiest chapters—and the character who became a fandom meme legend. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we bring you a special episode from our Braving the Elements LIVE appearance at San Diego Comic Con, winter of 2021! Janet and Dante are joined by an amazing audience of fans and friends at the show, featuring live performances by members of the audience playing all of your favorite characters in a myriad of different beloved scenes from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Among other things, this live recording just goes further to prove that the Avatarverse is one of the best fandoms in the world! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which element reigns supreme in the Avatarverse? Janet and Dante moderate a passionate debate among four ATLA superfans, each repping one of the four bending styles—Water, Earth, Air, and Fire. From iconic benders like Katara and Zuko to the practical and aesthetic strengths of each element, this battle of bending is both hilarious and heartfelt. Who wins? You decide.For WATER: Amanda Castrillo FoxworthFor EARTH: Mikaila BaskinFor AIR: Suraj MuralidharanFor FIRE: Nicholas Mayfield To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step into one of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s most mystical episodes, “The Swamp,” with returning guest Hector Navarro! Janet and Hector break down the eerie visions, spiritual symbolism, and unforgettable swampbenders from this memorable ATLA chapter in Book Two. It’s a fun, thoughtful dive into how the Avatarverse blends folklore, philosophy, and comedy—with a few great accents along the way. This episode of BTE is at least as much fun as a screaming bird with a human voice! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet the voice behind the ever-cheerful and ever-dangerous Ty Lee, Olivia Hack! Janet and Olivia sit down to discuss her experience of voicing the first character we see in the Avatarverse who can seriously affect someone’s bending power! They talk about Ty Lee’s origin story as well as Olivia’s own origin story and how she came to the series for Book Two. And never fear— even an actor who voiced a chi blocker has thoughts about what kind of bender she would be! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join hosts Janet and Dante—plus returning guest Jennie Kwan, the voice of Suki—as they revisit the action-packed ATLA Book Two episode “Return to Omashu.” Episode 3 introduces fierce non-benders Mai and Ty Lee, and deepens Azula’s fearsome squad. Jennie compares Suki’s fighting style to her new foes, and the trio dives into the dynamics of Azula’s control, friendship tensions, and the importance of freeing King Bumi. A must-listen for any Earth Kingdom enthusiast or Team Avatar fan! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're diving further into "The Cave of Two Lovers,” this time with writer Josh Hamilton and composer Jeremy Zuckerman! This episode is truly a treasure trove of trivia you could only learn from Josh and Jeremy’s uniquely "inside" perspectives. From hearing about Josh and Tim Hedrick’s own renditions of the ATLA episode’s famous songs, to finding out more about the process of making a show like Avatar, to hearing what these behind-the-scenes contributors to the Avatarverse think about all of the amazing covers of “Secret Tunnel” that are out there in the Fandom: it’s a conversation not to be missed! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We couldn’t cover this unforgettable ATLA episode without welcoming back Jack De Sena, the hilarious voice of Sokka. Join Janet, Dante, and Jack as they sing (maybe off-key) and laugh their way through the legendary “Cave of Two Lovers.” Celebrate the dynamic guest cast in Episode Two of Book Two of ATLA, including Dee Bradley Baker’s turn as troubadour Chong and his rendition of one of the most famous songs ever to hit animation! Will Jack, Dante and Janet be able to meet the standard? Can they carry a tune? Or even stay in sync? It’s a good thing Team Avatar isn’t depending on them doing so in order to get to Omashu! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week brings you a conversation with the amazing Grey DeLisle Griffin, who voiced Azula on ATLA! It’s the long-awaited debut of the magnificent actor who brought Azula to life— in all her terrifying glory! Grey talks about her experience recording her part in the epic series, along with the process of discovering how beloved the show was after the fact. And that discovery came through the most perfect means possible— the fans themselves! Janet and Grey also talk about some of the other fantastic projects Grey has been working on the last couple of years, and Azula even pops in to deliver a message to Zuzu! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices