After Shows

Avatar: Braving the Elements

A new Avatar legend begins with the official companion podcast Avatar: Braving the Elements. Join hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Prince Zuko) each week as they watch brand-new episodes of the all-new series Avatar: Seven Havens! They’ll also be breaking down the new Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender movie, and revisiting The Legend of Korra Book 3: Change. Get ready to meet the voices behind new Avatar characters for the very first time, and hear from the creative team that helps bring these stories to life. Don’t miss the biggest season yet of Avatar: Braving the Elements!

Latest Episodes:

Korra's Family Fallout in Book Two 'Southern Lights' with Writer Tim Hedrick Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this revealing episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) are joined by writer Tim Hedrick to break down The Legend of Korra Book Two, Episode 202: “The Southern Lights.”

As Korra begins her spiritual journey under Unalaq’s guidance, long-buried family secrets surface - leading to a painful fallout with her father, Tonraq. Meanwhile, Tenzin, Kya, and Bumi arrive at the Southern Air Temple, sparking sibling tension and raising questions about Avatar Aang’s legacy.

Tim shares behind-the-scenes insights on crafting Korra’s emotional arc, the inspiration behind the Southern Lights, and the creation of fan-favorite Varrick. Plus: Bolin’s inflatable snowsuit, Pabu’s scene-stealing moments, and the eerie beauty of the spirit world.

Korra Turns on Tenzin?! David Faustino ("Mako") Breaks Down Book Two’s Wild Start Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Korra turns on Tenzin?! In this explosive kickoff to Book Two of The Legend of Korra, hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) are joined by David Faustino, the voice of Mako, to break down Episode 201: “Rebel Spirit.”

From Korra’s shocking decision to ditch her mentor to Mako’s new role as a motorcycle-riding Republic City cop, this episode is packed with drama, spiritual imbalance, and family tension. David shares behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on Mako’s firebending and lightning skills, and dishes on the infamous love triangle with Korra and Asami.

Plus: the debut of eccentric businessman Varrick, creepy twins Eska and Desna, and the mysterious dark spirits threatening the Southern Water Tribe. It’s a wild start to Book Two, and the Avatarverse will never be the same.

And as always, you can react to the epic action featured in this week’s episode by checking out the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

Book Two Begins: Avatar Wan's Origin Revealed with Creators Mike & Bryan Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this deep-dive episode of Avatar: Braving the Elements, hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) reunite with Legend of Korra creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to kick off Book Two: Spirits. From the evolution of bending to the rise of technology, the team explores the rich worldbuilding behind the Spirit World, the North vs. South Water Tribe conflict, and the emotional complexity of family dynamics in the Avatarverse.

Mike and Bryan share behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the first Avatar, Wan, the challenges of animation production, and how Book Two’s visual style was inspired by Miyazaki. Plus: new characters, sibling rivalries, and the introduction of fan-favorite Varrick.

And if you’d like to join Janet, Dante and their guest(s) as they react to some amazing action, check out the video version of this episode on the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

Book One Finale: Korra’s Endgame with Dee Bradley Baker (‘Tarrlok’) Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In the epic season finale of The Legend of Korra Book One, hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) are joined by voice acting legends Dee Bradley Baker (Tarrlok) and Andrea Romano (voice director) to unpack one of the most emotional and cinematic episodes in the Avatarverse: “Endgame.”

From Amon’s shocking unmasking to Tarrlok’s heartbreaking final decision, this episode dives deep into themes of redemption, trauma, and moral complexity. Dee Bradley Baker shares behind-the-scenes insights on voicing Tarrlok and the show’s beloved hybrid animals, while Andrea Romano reflects on the power of subtle performance and directing one of animation’s most nuanced finales.

Plus: Korra’s bending is restored, Lin Beifong rises again, and Naga proves once more that animals are the unsung heroes of the Avatar world.

Join the fun and react to the stunning action featured in this episode on the official Avatar YouTube Channel!

Amon’s True Identity Revealed! Stephen Root (‘ Gommu’) Breaks Down This TLOK Twist Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Janet Varney and Dante Basco are joined by legendary actor Stephen Root - voice of Gommu, Republic City’s underground hobo and secret telegraph master - to unpack one of Legend of Korra’s most jaw-dropping moments: the reveal of Amon’s true identity. Together, they dive deep into The Legend of Korra Book 1, Episode 11: “Skeletons in the Closet.”

Root shares his thoughts on playing morally complex characters, why he wouldn’t want bending powers (a first for any guest!), and his surprising connection to his favorite hybrid animal from the Avatar universe, Naga. The trio dives deep into the emotional backstory of Tarrlok and Noatak, the trauma of bloodbending, and the chilling legacy of Yakone.

Plus: relationship drama, epic bending battles, and a hilarious telegraph scene that proves Gou might be the most resourceful non-bender in the Avatarverse.

And as always, you can react to the epic action featured in this week’s episode by checking out the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

MLB’s Pablo López on Sports x Avatar Crossovers Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Minnesota Twins MLB pitcher Pablo López joins Braving the Elements to share his deep love for the Avatarverse - and yes, he really wears a Water Tribe belt on the mound. Hosts Dante Basco and Janet Varney dive into Pablo’s personal connections to Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, from childhood memories to life lessons drawn from Aang and Korra’s journeys. They build fantasy baseball teams with benders, debate pro-bending strategy, and explore how the show's themes mirror real-life challenges in professional sports. Plus, Magic: The Gathering designer Dillon Deveney gives us a first look at the epic ATLA x MTG crossover, revealing how the team brought bending battles and beloved characters to life in card form.

And if you’d like to join Janet, Dante and their guest(s) as they react to some amazing action, check out the video version of this episode on the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

TLOK’s Shiro Shinobi Speaks! The Voice Behind Avatar’s Iconic Radio Voice Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

You’ve heard his voice narrating every twist and turn in The Legend of Korra. Now the man behind Shiro Shinobi finally steps up to the mic! In this episode of Braving the Elements, hosts Dante Basco and Janet Varney sit down with Jeff Bennett, the voice behind Avatar’s most iconic radio broadcaster, to discuss the fan-favorite episode “Turning Tides.” From Shinobi’s Shakespearean flair to unforgettable lines like “I am currently wetting my pants,” this episode celebrates the character’s surprising rise and enduring charm. Jeff performs a custom Shinobi recap, reflects on his ATLA connections, and teases the return of General Iroh.

And as always, you can react to the epic action featured in this week’s episode by checking out the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

Toph and The Boulder Reunite! Michaela Jill Murphy & Mick Foley Spill Avatarverse Secrets Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Did you know The Boulder was almost voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson?! ATLA legends Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy) and The Boulder (Mick Foley) spill some Avatar secrets and join us for a joyful reunion full of laughs, live scene reenactments, and heartfelt fan stories. From their Earth Rumble 6 showdown to real-life convention adventures, this episode dives into the friendships and fandoms that continue to grow around the Avatarverse. Michaela shares a touching moment with a blind fan, while Mick reflects on how wrestling shaped his iconic character.

Join the fun and react to the stunning action featured in this episode on the official Avatar YouTube Channel!

Avatar Aang Returns in TLOK’s Most Emotional Episode feat. Zach Tyler Eisen Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Avatar Aang makes a powerful return in TLOK Book One: Air, Episode 9, “Out of the Past” - and this week, we’re joined by none other than ATLA’s original voice of Aang, Zach Tyler Eisen. Hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco dive deep into this unforgettable episode, where Korra’s captivity triggers a chilling vision of Aang’s final showdown with Yakone and a shocking revelation about bloodbending.

Zach reflects on his emotional journey voicing Aang and what it means to revisit the Avatarverse in a moment of such high stakes and spiritual weight. Together, we explore the disturbing legacy of Yakone, Tarrlok’s betrayal, and the pain that continues to ripple through time - from Aang’s struggle to bring justice, to Korra’s growing fear of losing control.

This episode is packed with tension, legacy, and heartbreak, as past and present collide. How does Aang’s courtroom memory guide Korra through her darkest hour? And what does this spiritual encounter say about the burden - and power - of being the Avatar?

And as always, you can react to the epic action featured in this week’s episode by checking out the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!

The Avatar Gets Bloodbent?! Feat. Special Guest Richard Epcar ("Saikhan") Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

This week we're diving deep into Book One: Air, Episode 8 of The Legend of Korra “When Extremes Meet” with special guest Richard Epcar, the voice behind Captain Saikhan!

Join hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) as they unpack the shifting politics of Republic City, the rise of Tarrlok, and the chilling return of bloodbending - all while celebrating the artistry, humor, and unexpected darkness of this pivotal ATLA-universe episode.

Richard shares behind-the-scenes stories from the booth, his take on Saikhan’s controversial alliance, and why he thinks Asami Sato deserves the title of Team Avatar MVP.

And as always, you can react to the epic action featured in this week’s episode by checking out the official Avatar Legends YouTube Channel!