TV & Film

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.

Latest Episodes:

‘The Boiling Rock: Part 1’ with Josh Hamilton & May Chan Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

The Fashion of Avatar with Angela Song-Mueller Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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!

‘The Firebending Masters’ with Zach Tyler Eisen Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

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’.

Bringing Characters to Life with Bryan Konietzko Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

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.

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‘The Western Air Temple’ with Tim Hedrick May 28, 2024

Show notes

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).

Midseason Trivia May 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

‘Day of Black Sun Part 2’ with Hector Navarro May 14, 2024

Show notes

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).

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‘Day of Black Sun Part 1’ with Hector Navarro May 07, 2024

Show notes

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…

The Art of Cosplay with Superfans Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

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).

‘Nightmares and Daydreams’ with Grey DeLisle Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

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!

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