Avatar: Braving the Elements
Nickelodeon
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
Mentioned books
Aug 30, 2022 • 1h 1min
Chased by Azula: ATLA’s “The Chase” with Erika Ishii
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
Aug 23, 2022 • 48min
ATLA Beyond the Screen: Avatar Comics with Tim Hedrick
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
Aug 16, 2022 • 49min
Zuko Alone: ATLA’s Boldest Character Study with Adal Rifai
ATLA superfan Adal Rifai joins the hosts to discuss the emotionally charged episode 'Zuko Alone' and explore Zuko's troubled childhood, his relationship with Azula and Ozai, and his beloved mother. They discuss themes of power, family, duality, gaslighting, and sibling rivalry while highlighting the strong motherly characters in the episode. The hosts express gratitude to Adal Rifai for his valuable insights and encourage audience engagement.
Aug 9, 2022 • 35min
Meet the Voice Behind Toph: Michaela Jill Murphy
Janet and Dante welcome Michaela Jill Murphy, the original voice of Toph Beifong, discussing her life before and after joining the cast of Avatar, her journey into voice acting, and reflecting on the impact of the show on people's lives. They also talk about hybrid animals from the show and share their favorite, the turtle duck, as well as discuss different ships and express interest in a relationship between Toph and Jet.
Aug 2, 2022 • 33min
Creating an Icon: TOPH! with Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, co-creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, discuss Toph's origin story and her evolution as a character. They touch on the original concept designs for Toph, the collaborative process with writers and animators, and the impact of her character on fans. They also talk about the decision to make Toph a girl, her unique abilities as a blind earthbender, and the challenges they faced in convincing the network. The speakers also discuss the impressive voice acting for Toph and her impact as a queer icon.
Jul 26, 2022 • 51min
Toph’s ATLA Debut: “The Blind Bandit” with Director Ethan Spaulding
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
Jul 19, 2022 • 38min
Behind the Cool Exterior: Meet Cricket Leigh (Voice of Mai)
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
Jul 12, 2022 • 54min
“Avatar Day” + Cabbages! With James Sie, Voice of the Cabbage Merchant
“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
Jul 5, 2022 • 53min
Live from San Diego Comic Con!
Live from San Diego Comic Con! The hosts reflect on their experience as actors on Avatar and Korra. They discuss the enduring popularity of the show and its ability to evolve with its audience. The podcast includes live performances by audience members playing beloved characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Trivia contest and prize giveaways are held, and the hosts engage with the audience in a fun and interactive session.
Jun 28, 2022 • 56min
The Ultimate ATLA Debate: Which Element Is the Best Bending Power?
4 superfans passionately debate which bending power is the best, considering defensive/ offensive uses, awesomeness, and individual examples from ATLA characters. They discuss the power of firebending, blood bending, and water bending. They express frustration with the storyline, discuss alternate element choices, and appreciate the versatility and allure of airbending.
