Avatar: Braving the Elements

Janet and Dante welcome podcasters Afiya Augustine and Vincent Bernard for an intense look at the suspenseful ATLA episode 12 “The Serpent’s Pass.” As Team Avatar braves this perilous crossing, our guests dive into bending battles, relationship dynamics, and how Avatar: The Last Airbender keeps fans emotionally connected. Plus, they share their favorite ships, bending styles, and what keeps the Avatarverse magical after all these years. 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

This week we talk Avatarverse, voice acting and directing, and more with Critical Role’s Sam Riegel! Sam sits down with Janet and Dante to talk not just about what makes "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Legend of Korra" so special to Sam and his kids, but also what makes a great voice actor and how he approaches voice directing. From his early friendship with Janet to directing iconic shows, Sam shares insight on performance, creative collaboration, and what makes the world of ATLA so immersive. 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

Things get sandy—and serious—in this unforgettable ATLA episode 11, “The Desert.” Janet and Dante are joined once again by actor and comedian Jason Mantzoukas (The Good Place, Big Mouth) to dive into the heartbreak of Appa’s disappearance, the mystery of the White Lotus, and the horror of those terrifying buzzard wasps. Jason brings the laughs, but also gets real about what makes the Avatarverse so emotionally powerful. This is one Braving the Elements episode you won’t want to miss! 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

One of the most amazing things about the Avatarverse is the creativity it inspires in its fandom, as shown by this week’s guests, Daniel Mertzlufft and Katherine Lynn Rose! Janet and Dante are joined by these two innovative, collaborative content creators to talk about how they were inspired by "Avatar:The Last Airbender" and where that inspiration took their own artistic creations. Social media blew up over the songs they wrote and recorded, which collectively garnered millions of views. And... the gang comes up with a few brand new ideas during the episode! 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

Team Avatar uncovers ancient knowledge—and faces heartbreaking loss—in the pivotal ATLA episode 10 “The Library.” Janet and Dante are joined by pop culture critic Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man) to explore Wan Shi Tong’s mysterious desert stronghold and the revelations it holds about the Fire Nation. Can Toph save the day? What will happen to Appa? This is one of the most emotionally charged chapters in the Avatarverse, and our hosts break it all down with insight and humor. 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

It’s a family affair for this special midseason game of Avatarverse superfans! Our Season One player Abby Abebefe is back to once again test her ATLA knowledge, but this time she’s brought two of her sisters with her! Janet and Dante welcome Abisola and Ayosola Abebefe to Braving the Elements for the first time, challenging all three sisters to discover who knows the most about the Avatarverse. Guess the answers as you listen along, and let us know how YOU did! 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

“Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source.” It’s an episode full of Uncle Iroh wisdom! Janet and Dante delve into ATLA’s Ep. 9 “Bitter Work” this week, following the progress (or lack thereof) of a certain Avatar and his certain Earthbending Master, as well as training of a different sort between Iroh and Zuko. Along the way, we discover a connection between water and lightning, fire and rage, and Sokka and a very cute sabertooth moose lion cub. Gain a new appreciation for one of ATLA’s most philosophical episodes. 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

When other fandoms love the Avatarverse as much as we do, magic happens. Janet and Dante are joined by Broadway’s Major Curda (KPOP) and actor Lex Mayson (Joe vs. Carole) for a heartfelt roundtable about why Avatar: The Last Airbender is so beloved, including the ways it helps propel us forward to follow our own artistic passions. And as always with our guests, we talk hybrid animals, ships, and bending! 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’re back at San Diego Comic Con for another LIVE podcast recording! This time, Braving the Elements is joined by not one but TWO beloved voice actors: Jack DeSena (Sokka) and Phil LaMarr (Kuei the Earth King). Join us for an exclusive listen to our panel from this past July. Expect from thrilling conversations with our Avatar VOs, breaking Avatar Studios news, and of course - a dynamic table read featuring fans and friends alike of some iconic scenes from Book 2 (and beyond). With our amazing fans and friends in the room, this panel is anything but rough, buddy. 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

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

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

This week, Zuko is anything BUT alone, since Dante and Janet are joined by ATLA superfan Adal Rifai for “Zuko Alone!” It’s the episode (and episode title) that would end up launching future iconic storylines (“Suki Alone,” “Korra Alone”) and Adal Rifai (Hello From the Magic Tavern, Hey Riddle Riddle podcasts) is here for the deep dive! Find out more than ever before about Zuko’s troubled childhood, including his relationship with Azula, Ozai, and his beloved mother's mysterious disappearance. Oh, and yes—TURTLE DUCKS. You'll leave knowing why this solo story has become one of the most emotionally resonant moments 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

Continuing our celebration of all things Toph Beifong, Janet and Dante welcome Michaela Jill Murphy (aka Jessie Flower), the original voice of Toph! Find out more about the real-life personality behind one of the biggest personalities in the Avatarverse as we sit down with Michaela to hear more about her life before and after joining the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender, how much the young Jessie Flower (Michaela’s stage name) could relate to Toph’s bold and original characteristics, and what it’s meant to interact with fans in the recent resurgence of people discovering and re-discovering 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

Janet and Dante reconnect with their “two dads” to hear more about Toph’s origin story! A character as iconic as Toph deserves a whole episode about how she came to be! Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko reminisce about their original concept designs for Toph and how they evolved during the collaborative process with writers and animators, as well as their memories of Jessie Flowers (aka Michaela Jill Murphy) — the voice is behind fan-favorite Toph lines like “Twinkle Toes!" 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

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

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

“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

This week we bring you a special episode from our Braving the Elements LIVE appearance at San Diego Comic Con, winter of 2021! Janet and Dante are joined by an amazing audience of fans and friends at the show, featuring live performances by members of the audience playing all of your favorite characters in a myriad of different beloved scenes from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Among other things, this live recording just goes further to prove that the Avatarverse is one of the best fandoms in the 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

Which element reigns supreme in the Avatarverse? Janet and Dante moderate a passionate debate among four ATLA superfans, each repping one of the four bending styles—Water, Earth, Air, and Fire. From iconic benders like Katara and Zuko to the practical and aesthetic strengths of each element, this battle of bending is both hilarious and heartfelt. Who wins? You decide.For WATER: Amanda Castrillo FoxworthFor EARTH: Mikaila BaskinFor AIR: Suraj MuralidharanFor FIRE: Nicholas Mayfield 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

Step into one of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s most mystical episodes, “The Swamp,” with returning guest Hector Navarro! Janet and Hector break down the eerie visions, spiritual symbolism, and unforgettable swampbenders from this memorable ATLA chapter in Book Two. It’s a fun, thoughtful dive into how the Avatarverse blends folklore, philosophy, and comedy—with a few great accents along the way. This episode of BTE is at least as much fun as a screaming bird with a human voice! 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

Meet the voice behind the ever-cheerful and ever-dangerous Ty Lee, Olivia Hack! Janet and Olivia sit down to discuss her experience of voicing the first character we see in the Avatarverse who can seriously affect someone’s bending power! They talk about Ty Lee’s origin story as well as Olivia’s own origin story and how she came to the series for Book Two. And never fear— even an actor who voiced a chi blocker has thoughts about what kind of bender she would be! 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

Join hosts Janet and Dante—plus returning guest Jennie Kwan, the voice of Suki—as they revisit the action-packed ATLA Book Two episode “Return to Omashu.” Episode 3 introduces fierce non-benders Mai and Ty Lee, and deepens Azula’s fearsome squad. Jennie compares Suki’s fighting style to her new foes, and the trio dives into the dynamics of Azula’s control, friendship tensions, and the importance of freeing King Bumi. A must-listen for any Earth Kingdom enthusiast or Team Avatar fan! 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're diving further into "The Cave of Two Lovers,” this time with writer Josh Hamilton and composer Jeremy Zuckerman! This episode is truly a treasure trove of trivia you could only learn from Josh and Jeremy’s uniquely "inside" perspectives. From hearing about Josh and Tim Hedrick’s own renditions of the ATLA episode’s famous songs, to finding out more about the process of making a show like Avatar, to hearing what these behind-the-scenes contributors to the Avatarverse think about all of the amazing covers of “Secret Tunnel” that are out there in the Fandom: it’s a conversation not to be missed! 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 couldn’t cover this unforgettable ATLA episode without welcoming back Jack De Sena, the hilarious voice of Sokka. Join Janet, Dante, and Jack as they sing (maybe off-key) and laugh their way through the legendary “Cave of Two Lovers.” Celebrate the dynamic guest cast in Episode Two of Book Two of ATLA, including Dee Bradley Baker’s turn as troubadour Chong and his rendition of one of the most famous songs ever to hit animation! Will Jack, Dante and Janet be able to meet the standard? Can they carry a tune? Or even stay in sync? It’s a good thing Team Avatar isn’t depending on them doing so in order to get to Omashu! 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

This week brings you a conversation with the amazing Grey DeLisle Griffin, who voiced Azula on ATLA! It’s the long-awaited debut of the magnificent actor who brought Azula to life— in all her terrifying glory! Grey talks about her experience recording her part in the epic series, along with the process of discovering how beloved the show was after the fact. And that discovery came through the most perfect means possible— the fans themselves! Janet and Grey also talk about some of the other fantastic projects Grey has been working on the last couple of years, and Azula even pops in to deliver a message to Zuzu! 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

Team Avatar has a rough time of it in this first episode of Book Two, and Janet and Dante are feeling it! While Aang, Katara and Sokka (and, of course, Appa and Momo!) try to navigate a relationship with a very zealous Earth Kingdom General, Dante has to emotionally process the reality that before Zuko gets to enjoy the demise of Zhao, he’s confronted with his fierce and intimidating sister, Azula! Can Dante and Janet reconcile their fear of Azula with their total love of Grey DeLisle? Will she ever appear on Braving the Elements? And will Aang agree to forgo the rest of his training to face Ozai? Join us as we dig into the emotional weight of this pivotal Avatar: The Last Airbender episode. 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

Welcome back to Season 2 of Braving the Elements! Hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko himself!) reunite for an exciting kickoff to Book Two: Earth in the world of ATLA. This special episode features a heartfelt catch-up with none other than the co-creators of the Avatarverse, Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who share behind-the-scenes stories about how Book Two came together and tease what’s ahead for Team Avatar. Get ready to revisit the Earth Kingdom, meet fan-favorite Toph Beifong, and dive into some of the deeper themes that make Avatar: The Last Airbender one of the most beloved animated series of all time. Plus, could we get a sneak peek into what's cooking at Avatar Studios? Tune in and find out! 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

Ready to explore more of the amazing world of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Nickelodeon’s official companion podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements is back for a second season! Join hosts Janet Varney and Dante Basco every Tuesday as they rewatch and discuss every episode of Avatar Book 2. Plus, Janet and Dante are joined by special guests for more behind-the-scenes info you can’t get anywhere else. 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

Hear from The Avatar himself, Zach Tyler Eisen! Join Janet & Dante for an exclusive, rare appearance by the former actor who gave Aang life. We 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 current career passions! 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

This exclusive release of the live Avatarverse panel at ECCC features Janet, Dante, and friend of the podcast (and talent extraordinaire) Dee Bradley Baker! Recorded in the chilly December clouds of beautiful Seattle at Emerald City Comic Con, moderator Patrick Hawkins takes Janet, Dante and Dee through a thoughtful conversation before turning the questions over to the audience! And as usual, fans of the Avatarverse continue to prove how insightful, compassionate, and all-around awesome this fandom truly is. And don’t worry - as always, Dante represents for the Fire Nation! 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

This week, Janet and Dante reminisce about some of their - and YOUR! - favorite moments from Season One of the podcast. We'll hear memorable conversational gems with ATLA creators and Avatar Studios’ Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Jack De Sena (“Sokka”), Zach Tyler Eisen (“Aang”), and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”)! Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or are catching up on the podcast, this episode captures great moments with just a sampling of some of our many terrific guests! 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

Join Janet and Dante for their first-ever live Braving the Elements, which they did live at NYCC 2021! They are joined by their friend and ATLA/TLOK staple Dee Bradley Baker for a spirited discussion about the Avatarverse… and a very special table read! They are also joined by hundreds of amazing audience members, who made the live experience so incredible and heart-warming. Would you have had the right answer to win an ATLA collectible at the show? Did Dante show off any Zuko fight moves? And did Janet get super emotional about how much fun they were having with everyone? Find out, with your ears! 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

It’s the final episode of Braving the Elements’ first season, and Janet and Dante are celebrating with friends new and old! The game’s afoot as Janet and Dante are joined by two amazing superfans and two delightful voice actors for a series of games that will show off just how much these four really know about Book One: Water! Antoine Bandele and Kendall Byrd bring their passion and encyclopedic knowledge of the Avatarverse! Jack De Sena (“Sokka”) and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”) pair up with our experts for this two-team showdown! 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

It’s Book One’s spectacular finale episode, and we’re talking about it with the spectacular author of the first five ATLA graphic novels, Gene Luen Yang! Janet and Dante wrap up the recap side of BTE in the second-to-last episode of the podcast’s first season, and they’re doing it in style, thanks to Gene’s insight and perspective. Highlights include Gene’s own background (in teaching, which we love!) and how he came to the Avatarverse, the creepy coolness of Koh (and all the faces he loves to show off), and of course, a lot of talk around Princess Yue and a pair of very important fish. An epic Book One ending deserves an epic conversation. 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

As we approach the Season Finale of Book One: Water, Janet and Dante welcome back the awesome Hector Navarro! It’s a good time to take a close look at some of the big moments of Book One, and review the complex and very cool character arcs of many of our ATLA characters. And who better to join Janet and Dante than friend of the show, Hector Navarro, whose love of the Avatarverse and his passion for details has now earned him the official Avatarverse nickname: The Profector! Revisit how far Team Avatar has come in our story, relish the shifts we’ve seen in Iroh and Zuko, and much more! 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

The penultimate episode of Book One features our guest, the voice of Vegeta (Dragonball Z) and All Might (My Hero Academia): Christopher Sabat! It’s the first half of the two-parter that marks the finale of Book One of ATLA: “The Siege of the North, Part One!” Janet and Dante are joined by their buddy Christopher Sabat to talk discovering podcasts, confusing friend zones, and the coolest way to impress someone you’re crushing on (heads up, piano players!). And, of course, the trio has to spend some time talking about that wonderful moment with Iroh and Zuko... and whether Zuko can even handle it! 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

Join Janet and Dante for a fun and informative conversation with longtime ATLA Director, Giancarlo Volpe! Hear more about the early experience of working on ATLA from the Directing side, including very cool details about the animation process. Learn about Giancarlo’s background and what art has inspired him. And find out what final shot of a particular episode Giancarlo felt was missing… and the satisfaction of seeing how it ended up being created by a fan afterwards! And yes, more talk about… you guessed it… The Great Divide! 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’ve set our course heading North… and toward a great conversation with the voice of Princess Yue, Johanna Braddy! Janet and Dante explore the wonders of the Northern Water Tribe as we near the end of Book One Ep 19 of ATLA with “The Siege of the North, Part One.” After praising the amazing design of this episode’s extraordinary landscape and discussing the complicated introduction to Master Pakku, Janet and Dante are joined by Johanna Braddy for a chat about her own experiences in the Avatarverse and beyond. From Katara’s rise to Zuko’s pursuit and Pakku’s icy introduction, this episode unpacks big themes and the beauty of the North. 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

Janet and Dante are still abuzz over all the gadgetry in “The Northern Air Temple,” so they decide to talk to fellow lover of gadgets, Adam Savage! From the delivery systems of Omashu to Jet’s hooked swords to the Fire Nation’s reversible tanks, Adam geeks out with Janet and Dante about some of the very cool designs to come out of Book One of ATLA. But the trio also talks about the deep, abiding emotional calls to action that come from the series, and how we can foster our own imaginations and skills! 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

Hop onto your glider and come with us for this journey to “The Northern Air Temple” with special guest Jason Mantzoukas! Jason joins Janet and Dante for a rousing conversation about not just this conflict-laden episode of ATLA, but also the joy of the Avatarverse at large! Marvel at Aang’s willingness to forgive and move on; celebrate Sokka’s discovery of a cerebral kindred spirit; watch Katara soar like an airbender, and much more! 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

This week we take a closer look at the hugely important theme of "Family" with Cheyenne Ewulu! For a deeper dive into all of the various and layered family dynamics in Book One of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," Janet and Dante welcome actress, Amazon Prime Video and Funimation host, and all-around entertainer, Cheyenne Ewulu! Cheyenne’s love and understanding of the Avatarverse makes this is a great episode for fans who celebrate the depth and complexity of ATLA’s given and chosen families. 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

What do you do when you really want to wrap your head around an ATLA episode? Go to the source! This week, Janet and Dante break down Ep 16 of Book One “The Deserter” with ATLA, LOK, and Avatar Studios writer, Tim Hedrick! And yes, he IS credited with the writing of this acclaimed episode, in which we meet the mercurial Jeong Jeong, who has a lot of brilliant observations, but an equal amount of what you might call baggage. Plus! Dante draws our attention to the charms of a quaint Fire Nation village, including all the puppets and spicy snacks it has to offer. 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

You know it’s going to be an amazing conversation when you have Avatar Kyoshi and June the Bounty Hunter together in one person! Janet and Dante are thrilled to welcome their friend, VA and musician Jennifer Hale to the podcast! What follows is a conversation spanning from her beloved roles in ATLA (shout out to Nyla the shirshu), to the snowy wilds of Labrador (Jen's heritage!). And-- fascinating, inspiring thoughts on honoring your gifts, spirituality, and the word that seems to come up so often when we talk about Avatar: Balance. 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

This week, Janet and Dante are joined by Avatar Studios’ Consultant on Native Representation, Migizi Pensoneau! The trio discusses the many layers of “Bato of the Water Tribe,” including Aang’s actions in this episode (controversial amongst fans!), the introduction of the very memorable shirshu (multiple-animals-hybrid alert!) and bounty hunter June, and the reinforcement of what it means to honor not just your literal family, but also your chosen one, as well as the significant role representation plays in ATLA’s storytelling. 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

Happy Holidays from your pals at Braving the Elements! This week, Janet and Dante reminisce about some of their - and YOUR! - favorite moments from Season One of the podcast. Featuring memorable conversational gems with ATLA creators and Avatar Studios’ Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Jack De Sena (“Sokka”), Zach Tyler Eisen (“Aang”), and Jennie Kwan (“Suki”)! Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or are catching up on the podcast, this episode captures great moments with just a sampling of some of our many terrific guests! 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

For their interpretation and discussion of ATLA’s Episode 14 of Booke One “The Fortuneteller,” Janet and Dante are joined by their pal, the talented and wonderful Evanna Lynch (“Luna Lovegood” from the Potterverse)! Discussing Aunt Wu’s approach to fortunetelling (Cloud-reading! Osteomancy!) leads to some personal anecdotes about seeing psychic advisors IRL; everyone celebrates the introduction of the brilliant Jessie Flower/Michaela Murphy to the Avatarverse (pre-dating her role as Toph, she plays Meng in this episode!), and Evanna proves herself to be just as compassionate, thoughtful, and delightful as you could ever hope she’d be. Go ahead and press “Play:” there’s an hour of joy in your future! 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

Janet and Dante joyfully welcome Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra Sound Designer Benjamin Wynn to the podcast! Ben chats with Janet and Dante about his early experiences on ATLA, including what it’s like to jump into the deep end on a job you have no idea how to do! Hear about Ben and previous BTE guest Jeremy Zuckerman’s tandem approach to sound and music, learn about their creative manifesto, and find out what 99 Cent store purchase has become part of one of animation’s most iconic scores! 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

Janet and Dante discuss one of the most acclaimed episodes of ATLA Episode 13 of Book One: “The Blue Spirit” — and things get emotional! As Aang rushes to find a cure for what ails Katara and Sokka, Janet and Dante rush to lavish praise on the thirteenth episode of the series’ first season. Find out what color Zuko’s mask was originally supposed to be, and why they changed it! Learn more about real-life frogs and toads in a very unscientific way! And see if Janet can get through talking about Aang and Zuko’s changing relationship without crying. 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

Get ready for a very cool “big picture” conversation about the Avatarverse this week as Janet and Dante sit down with Karama Horne and Ijeoma Njaka! Hear from two extraordinarily awesome women who bring nuance, intellect, and humor to this very special round-table-style episode of BTE. Featuring discussions about big recurring themes in ATLA, find out about lessons we can all take into our own lives from Avatar. Karama is a culture journalist and content creator also known as @theblerdgurl, and Ijeoma is an arts educator, professor, writer and artist based in Washington, DC. 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

The wonderful Jack De Sena (“Sokka”) rejoins Janet and Dante as they sail together into ATLA’s Episode 12 of Booke One: “The Storm!" Jack comes back to bring us all a little more Sokka-- in this Book One episode that contains decidedly less Sokka than others! In addition to the gang’s breakdown of the revelations from “The Storm” (Zuko’s scar! Aang’s toys! Iroh’s lightning!), you’ll also get to hear about fun facts, like the ordinary temp jobs Dante and Jack tackled as teenagers. This episode sheds light on how Aang and Zuko's pasts shape their destinies as Avatar and Fire Nation prince. 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