Avatar: Braving the Elements

In our first-ever episode, get to know your hosts Janet Varney (“Korra” from The Legend of Korra) and Dante Basco (Zuko himself!), find out what to expect in this ATLA rewatch podcast, and dive into the series premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender — “The Boy in the Iceberg.” In Season 1, Episode 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), we meet Aang, Appa, Katara, Sokka, and the icy beginning of a legen...

Janet and Dante recap some great listener interactions and then dig into Episode 2 of Avatar: The Last Airbender — “The Avatar Returns.” In Season 1, Episode 2 of ATLA, Aang’s identity as the Avatar is revealed, and Prince Zuko intensifies his mission to capture him. Is Appa’s new nickname “the lazy canoe?” Did Zuko get bested by his own bed? Does Janet cry during EVERY episode of ATLA? Is ...

Janet and Dante are joined by former Nickelodeon exec Eric Coleman, who delves further into the development of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the stories behind some of the key moments and decisions that made the show work so beautifully. Listen in on this candid discussion with “The Godfather of Zuko” and learn more about Mike and Bryan’s early ideas, what it was like to work with them, and how to get ahead in a ...

In Season 1, Episode 3 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang takes us to the Southern Air Temple, where he must confront difficult truths about his past. Janet and Dante join the ride to unpack everything from Momo’s peach obsession to the intense Agni Kai. They explore the themes of family loss, chosen families, and the hard truths of Aang’s journey as the last Airbender. Join them for an emotional and adventurous episod...

Janet and Dante sit down with Jack De Sena, the voice of Sokka, for a hilarious episode full of great conversation! Find out about Jack’s beginnings as a child actor to his busy college years trying to balance school with his ATLA voice-acting duties. Discover Jack’s thoughts on Sokka’s insatiable appetite (don’t eat the hybrid animals!), his favorite Sokka ship, and Jack’s thoughts on bringing this ic...

Join Jennie Kwan as she discusses her iconic role as Suki in Season 1, Episode 5 of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Janet, Dante, and Jennie discusses their love of Suki and Kyoshi Warrior cosplay; something that suspiciously seems like Zuko’s breakdancing moves; the concept of gender fluidity in the Avatar legacy; and how to empower a person who has a lot to learn (Sokka!) by using toughness and a little patience.They also talk ...

This special episode featuring Jennie Kwan takes an even deeper look at her role as Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior. Janet and Dante discuss Suki’s evolution in ATLA, touching on her empowering nature and the personal challenges that she and other characters like Sokka face in the series. Jennie shares her experiences as an Asian American actor in Hollywood, and the trio explores the cultural significance of Suki’s role, as we...

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s time to travel to the eccentric city of Omashu, where Aang, Katara, Sokka, and the gang meet the the strange, spirited leader of Omashu himself, King Bumi. Dante and Janet chat with prolific voice actor André Sogliuzzo about bringing the quirky king to life, how he created Bumi’s distinct voice, and the unique energy he brought to the show. They also discuss the...

Get the inside scoop on the early days of writing Avatar: The Last Airbender from one of its original and long-standing writers, John O’Bryan! Meet the person who turned in the first draft of the script laying out the city of Omashu and introducing us to King Bumi! But we know what you’re all thinking… is this the mind that created one of the most iconic characters in the entire series? Is this the imagination re...

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Janet and Dante explore the layers of the powerful episode “Imprisoned” with voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson, who portrays Tyro. They discuss the intense themes of oppression, the Fire Nation’s cruelty, and the emotional resonance of the prison island. Kevin also shares his thoughts on race in voice acting, the challenges of portraying complex characters, ...

This week we dig into the careful design and detailed mechanics of animated martial arts with Sifu Kisu and Bryan Konietzko! What would a podcast about Avatar be without at least one episode showcasing the phenomenal artistry of the fighting styles in The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra? Bryan and Kisu share the history of meeting, collaborating, and ultimately how they worked with the whole ATLA team to develop the incredib...

It’s a very important first half of a two-part story arc in which Janet and Dante start to get acquainted with The Spirit World! In Ep. 7 of Book One, we meet the understandably grumpy Hei Bai, spend some time with an intimidatingly cool spirit dragon and his “nose hairs" and see a whole lot of Uncle Iroh’s hot bath-loving bare skin. Plus: Dante compares Prince Zuko to a couple of beloved vintage detectives, leadi...

That’s right! It’s the voice of The Avatar himself, Zach Tyler Eisen! Join us for this rare appearance by the wonderful former actor who gave us Aang. Janet and Dante 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 illumin...

Somehow we got lucky enough to welcome two back-to back Avatars! We go from Avatar Aang last week (Zach Tyler Eisen) to this week’s guest, James Garrett— otherwise known as Avatar Roku! Janet and Dante recap Ep 8. of Book One and discuss Part Two of "The Winter Solstice,” unpacking “hot stinkers," Appa’s flying style, and so many other details big and small! Then they’re joined by the great James...

Get ready for an amazing look inside the world of Avatar voice acting and directing with the legendary Andrea Romano! Join Janet and Dante as ATLA and TLOK’s Voice Director Andrea Romano treats them to a fascinating, in-depth and delightful conversation about her work on the other side of the microphone, and the road that led her to becoming one of the most beloved voice directors of all time. Not only will you hear wonderful...

This week Janet and Dante are joined by writer, gamer, comedian and podcaster Ify Nwadiwe, who jumps into the investigation of Ep 9 of Book One “The Waterbending Scroll!” The trio is quick to acknowledge that there is just a LOT going on in this episode, and the discussion goes from honest explorations about envy and competitiveness, to admiring Avatarverse fans for creating a real-life Pai Sho game, to Appa’s ped...

In this very special episode, ATLA & TLOK Composer Jeremy Zuckerman sits down with Janet, Dante, and Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway! The focus is all about the music in this lively discussion about the challenges and delights of scoring television and film. Listen to tales of the very early days of Avatar to the finale of Korra! Find out what instruments make the best “cold climate” soundtracks. And learn w...