Avatar: Braving the Elements
Enter the amazing world of Avatar through the official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements from Nickelodeon. Join hosts Janet Varney (the voice of “Korra”) and Dante Basco (the voice of “Prince Zuko”) each week as they re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender then break down key themes, notable battles, and behind-the-scenes trivia you can’t get anywhere else. Special guests from cast members to producers join them to explore elements of the Avatarverse, including the origins of the story and how Avatar was brought to life. Braving the Elements listeners can use discount code "AVATAR20” for 20% off all Avatar: The Last Airbender products on ParamountShop.com.
Episodes
June 14, 2021 • 1 min
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 anyw...
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June 22, 2021 • 67 mins
In our first-ever episode: get to know Janet and Dante, find out what to expect in our first season, and dive into "The Boy in the Iceberg!”
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June 25, 2021 • 55 mins
Jump into a multilayered conversation with Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the creative minds behind “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “The Legend of Korra!”
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June 29, 2021 • 51 mins
It’s the second part of our two-episode illuminating chat with “Avatar” creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!
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July 6, 2021 • 55 mins
Janet and Dante recap some great listener interactions and then dig into Episode Two of ATLA: The Avatar Returns, which leads to some big revelations…
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 choic...
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July 13, 2021 • 40 mins
Janet and Dante are joined by former Nickelodeon exec Eric Coleman, who delves further into the development of ATLA 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...
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July 20, 2021 • 53 mins
Appa takes us to The Southern Air Temple (and Ep. 3 of ATLA), where Aang must face some tough truths while Zuko faces a formidable enemy… all with Janet and Dante along for the ride!
From peaches (Momo!) to barbecue (Agni Kai!), from root-breaking to gooey-caking, from the families we lose to the families we choose, there’s a lot of adventure to explore and unpack.
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July 27, 2021 • 62 mins
Janet and Dante are joined by voice actor Jack de Sena (“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 much more. It’s a can’t-miss episode guaranteed to make you laug...
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August 3, 2021 • 35 mins
The delightful Jennie Kwan breaks down Episode Four of ATLA with Janet and Dante, bringing her fabulous insight and wit!
Listen in as this trio 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.
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August 3, 2021 • 35 mins
A conversation with Jennie Kwan that was so inspiring, layered, and downright fun, it deserved its own episode!
Janet and Dante talk with Jennie about her background and multifaceted work in the arts and the entertainment industry, including her positive approach to her work. And Dante and Jennie share their experiences as Asian Americans working in Hollywood, with thoughts on how things have evolved and where they’re headed.
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August 10, 2021 • 51 mins
This week we’re headed to the fast-moving, earthbendingly-impressive city of Omashu, so hold on to your cabbages!
Who better to join Dante and Janet for this rollercoaster recap than the strange, spirited leader of Omashu himself, King Bumi? Meet prolific voice actor André Sogliuzzo (“Bumi”), hear the origin story of the king's distinctive voice, and celebrate the introduction of a different beloved character whose love of a certai...
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August 17, 2021 • 32 mins
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 ...
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August 24, 2021 • 71 mins
Janet and Dante explore the many layers of “Imprisoned,” and then settle in for a great chat with the voice of Tyro, Kevin Michael Richardson!
We delve into the intensity of the Fire Nation prison island and the oppression of a people, laugh about some truly inspired comic moments in the episode, and celebrate the amazing acting in this episode (including a turn by George Takei!). The icing on the cake is hearing from Kevin about h...
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August 31, 2021 • 65 mins
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 incredi...
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September 7, 2021 • 48 mins
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 this key episode 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 ...
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September 14, 2021 • 41 mins
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 curren...
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September 21, 2021 • 68 mins
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 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 Ro...
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September 28, 2021 • 46 mins
Get ready for an amazing look inside the world of 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-s...
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October 5, 2021 • 56 mins
This week Janet and Dante are joined by writer, gamer, comedian and podcaster Ify Nwadiwe, who jumps into the investigation of “The Waterbending Scroll!”
The trio is quick to acknowledge that there is just a LOT going on in this Book One 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 C...
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October 12, 2021 • 53 mins
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 h...
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