Avatar: Braving the Elements

What happens when Korra finally enters the Spirit World - and it doesn’t go as planned? Actor and Avatar superfan Brandon Perea (Nope, The OA, Twisters) joins Janet and Dante to break down The Legend of Korra Book 2, Episode 9: “The Guide.” With his background in breakdancing, anime fandom, and spiritual exploration, Brandon brings fresh insight into Korra’s emotional turning point and the surreal beauty (and danger) of the Spirit World. From Tenzin’s surprising failure to Jinora’s rise as a spiritual prodigy, this episode dives deep into legacy, vulnerability, and what it really takes to connect with something bigger than yourself. Plus, Brandon shares his dream of joining the Avatar universe, his hilarious B-boy name, and how movement and meditation shaped his own journey - on and off screen. 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! 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 today's episode, we welcome real-life siblings and lifelong Avatar superfans Levon and Maya Hawke for a deep dive into the sibling relationships that define the Avatarverse. From Mako and Bolin to Amon and Tarrlok to Sokka and Katara, the conversation explores how family dynamics—rivalry, loyalty, and love—shape some of the most powerful character arcs in both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Levon and Maya share personal reflections on growing up in a big family, how they relate to characters like Toph and Katara, and what bending styles best match their personalities. They also reveal their favorite ships (Zutara fans, rejoice!), hybrid animals, and which Avatar characters they’d want on their escape room team. And in one of the episode’s funniest moments, Dante shares a family story that leads to a shoutout to “ugly babies”—a reminder that even the least likely characters (or siblings) can grow into greatness. 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!  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

Before Aang, before Korra - there was Wan. In this episode, Janet Varney and Dante Basco are joined by the voice of Asami herself, Seychelle Gabriel, to explore the origin of the Avatar cycle and the mythic battle between light and darkness. As Korra journeys into the past, we witness Wan’s transformation from a street-smart trickster into the bridge between humans and spirits. Along the way, we meet lion turtles, spirit creatures, and the two cosmic forces - Raava and Vaatu - whose eternal battle shaped the world as we know it. Plus, we dive into the gorgeous animation style, the mystery of hybrid animals, and the surprising role of Fire Nation healing. Join the fun and react to the stunning action featured in this episode on the official Avatar YouTube Channel! 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 are joined by Seychelle Gabriel, voice of Asami Sato, to unpack one of Book Two’s most pivotal episodes: “The Sting.” Seychelle dives into Asami’s emotional unraveling after discovering her company has been sabotaged and her warehouse emptied - all while navigating betrayal, explosions, and a surprise kiss with Mako. From Bolin’s propaganda-fueled movie stardom to shady triad deals and rooftop chases, this episode is packed with action, drama, and the moment Asami realizes she might have trusted the wrong mogul. Whether you’re Team Asami, Team Korra, or just here for the chaos, Seychelle gives a great behind-the-scenes POV on what it was like voicing Asami during one of her most vulnerable moments—and teases the emotional fallout fans won’t want to miss. And don't forget to watch the full episode on YouTube to see Seychelle, Janet, and Dante react to this episode in real 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

In this unforgettable episode, the brilliant John Michael Higgins, voice of the eccentric and endlessly quotable Varrick from The Legend of Korra, joins Janet and Dante! Higgins shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and reflects on how Varrick became one of the most beloved - and morally ambiguous- characters in the Avatar universe. The conversation dives deep into Varrick’s chaotic genius, his complex relationship with Zhu Li, and how his character embodies the tension between bending and technology in a post-ATLA world. We also dive into the unforgettable “idea storm” scene, Varrick’s platypus bear disguise, and the moment he declares, “If you can’t make money during a war, you just flat out cannot make money.” Plus, we unpack Korra’s emotional arc, her clash with President Raiko, and the explosive breakup with Mako that leaves desks shattered and hearts bruised. Join the fun and react to the stunning action featured in this episode on the official Avatar YouTube Channel! 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

Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez joins hosts Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko) to break down The Legend of Korra Book Two’s pivotal double episode: “Civil War Parts 1 & 2.” As tensions explode between the Northern and Southern Water Tribes, Korra faces her most difficult decision yet - choosing between her father Tonraq and her manipulative uncle Unalaq. Meanwhile, sibling drama unfolds at the Southern Air Temple as Tenzin, Kya, and Bumi confront their past and Avatar Aang’s legacy. Laurie shares her love for the Avatarverse, her favorite ships (Zutara and Korrasami!), and which bending style she’d master in real life. Plus: Bolin’s chaotic romance with Eska, Verick’s platypus bear escape plan, and the unforgettable names of the baby sky bison. 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! 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 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. 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 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!  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 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! 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 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! 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