Lava Academy by Lava Show

In November 1963, a volcanic eruption broke through the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland and created Surtsey—one of the world’s youngest islands and an extraordinary natural laboratory.
Host Iain MacKinnon is joined by Birgir Vilhelm Óskarsson, researcher at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland and board member of the Surtsey Research Society, and Hólmfríður Sigurðardóttir, Chairperson the Surtsey Research Society.
Together, they explore how Surtsey rose from the sea, how plants and animals colonised its barren landscape, the mystery of human footprints preserved in volcanic rock, and why the Atlantic Ocean is slowly reclaiming the island.
Discover what Surtsey continues to teach scientists about volcanoes, erosion and the remarkable resilience of life.
Links
The Surtsey Research Society site has a wealth of information about Surtsey.

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, Ian McKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir are joined by volcanologist and petrology PhD candidate Helga Torfadóttir to explore one of Iceland’s most powerful and overlooked volcanoes: Öræfajökull.
Hidden beneath glacier ice in southeast Iceland, Öræfajökull is Iceland’s highest peak — and the site of one of the most catastrophic eruptions in the country’s history. Helga takes us back to the devastating 1362 eruption, when a peaceful farming region was transformed into a ruined wasteland, reshaping both the landscape and Icelandic memory.
Together, we discuss explosive eruptions, ash clouds, tephra, glacial outburst floods, pyroclastic density currents, lost historical records, and why this “silent and sneaky” volcano is so challenging to monitor today.
We also dive into Helga’s fascinating research, including how she recreates possible eruption conditions in tiny gold capsules to better understand what may be happening deep beneath Öræfajökull.
A gripping mix of science, history, hazards, and Icelandic nature — this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by volcanoes.
Listen now, follow the Lava Academy Podcast, and join us as we uncover the stories behind Iceland’s volcanic giants.

What happens when one of the biggest eruptions in Iceland’s history meets modern-day science?
In the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with geologist Glen L’Estrange to explore the incredible story of the Eldgjá eruption—a volcanic event so powerful it reshaped landscapes, displaced early settlers, and left behind clues that scientists are still uncovering today.
Why You Should Listen
This episode takes you far beyond the surface of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
You’ll discover:
What made the Eldgjá eruption one of the largest in Iceland’s history
Just how massive a 75 km-long fissure eruption really is
How scientists reconstruct eruptions from over 1,000 years ago
The real-world impacts on people, landscapes, and even global climate
What a similar eruption could mean for Iceland today
It’s a fascinating blend of science, storytelling, and real-world relevance—perfect for anyone curious about volcanoes, Iceland, or the forces shaping our planet.
 
Meet the Guest: Glen L’Estrange
Glen is a volcanology master’s student and research assistant at the University of Iceland, currently studying some of the country’s largest historical eruptions. He also works at Lava Show as a Lava Master.
In this episode, he shares insights from his fieldwork—digging through layers of volcanic ash (tephra), camping in remote highlands, and piecing together the story of an eruption that happened over a thousand years ago.
 
A Glimpse Into the Episode
The Eldgjá eruption occurred around 937–940 AD and stretched across a fissure system roughly 75 kilometres long—over ten times larger than recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. But what makes this episode truly compelling isn’t just the scale—it’s how scientists like Glen are able to reconstruct these events using volcanic “fingerprints” preserved in Iceland’s soil. From ash layers that act like a geological barcode to fieldwork stories involving river crossings and Icelandic weather at its worst, this episode brings both the science and the human side of volcanology to life.
 
More Than Just History
This isn’t just a story about the past.
Understanding eruptions like Eldgjá helps scientists prepare for the future—especially in a country like Iceland, where volcanic activity is part of everyday life.
As Glen explains, modern monitoring systems give us a huge advantage—but large-scale eruptions still pose questions we don’t fully have answers to yet.
Listen Now
Whether you’re a volcano enthusiast, planning a trip to Iceland, or just love a great science story, this episode is not to be missed.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast and discover the story behind one of Iceland’s most powerful eruptions.
Link
Read an article on Eldgjá by geologist Jessica Poteet.
 
 

What does it take to monitor a country sitting on top of an active volcanic system?
In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Ragnhildur “Lady Lava” Ágústsdóttir and Iain MacKinnon sit down with Kristín Jónsdóttir, Head of the Department of Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Deformation Measurements at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
From earthquake swarms and magma movement beneath the surface to real-time monitoring and early warning systems, Kristín takes us inside the science and decision-making behind Iceland’s volcanic activity—especially on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
We explore how eruptions are tracked, why predicting them is so complex, and how new technologies like fibre optic sensing are changing the future of volcano monitoring.
If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, natural hazards, or the forces shaping our planet, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Tune in and discover what’s really happening beneath Iceland.
Links
The Icelandic Meteorological Office - contains a wealth of information and insights into Iceland's volcanoes, geography, and seismic activity
Skjálftalísa - A graphical representation of seismic activity in Iceland 
 

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with Júlíus Ingi Jónsson, Mr. Lava Lava, the founder of Lava Show.
Júlíus shares the incredible story behind the creation of the world’s only live lava show, where real molten lava is superheated and poured safely in front of a live audience.
From childhood summers on a farm near Vík and family stories about the 1918 Katla eruption, to witnessing spectacular eruptions first hand and turning a wild idea into a global attraction, this episode explores the inspiration, risks, and determination behind Lava Show. 
 
You’ll hear how a moment standing in front of cascading lava during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption sparked an idea that would eventually grow into an award-winning Icelandic experience visited by hundreds of thousands of people.
Júlíus also talks about entrepreneurship, Iceland’s deep connection to volcanoes, and why storytelling is such an important part of sharing geology with the world.
Whether you’re fascinated by volcanoes, curious about Iceland’s volcanic landscape, or interested in the story behind Lava Show, this episode offers a fascinating look at the passion and perseverance behind one of Iceland’s most unique experiences.
In This Episode
• The childhood story that sparked Júlíus’ fascination with volcanoes• Surviving Katla: a family story from the 1918 eruption• Witnessing Icelandic eruptions up close• The moment that inspired the idea for Lava Show• Turning a bold concept into a real attraction• Why volcanoes are central to Iceland’s identity
If you enjoy the Lava Academy Podcast, be sure to follow, rate, and share the show with fellow volcano enthusiasts.

Are volcanoes unique to Earth—or are they erupting across the solar system?
In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Iain MacKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir (AKA Lady Lava) sit down with Iceland’s beloved science communicator, and author Sævar Helgi Bragason for a mind-expanding journey beyond our planet.
Together, they explore volcanic activity on Mars, Venus, and Jupiter’s moon Io, icy cryovolcanoes on distant moons, and even evidence of eruptions on Pluto. Sævar explains how gravity, internal heat, and planetary forces create volcanoes in places far beyond Earth—and what studying them teaches us about our own planet’s past and future.
The conversation also touches on Iceland’s iconic volcanoes, why eruptions inspire awe rather than fear, and how volcanoes are essential to the story of life on Earth. To top it off, Sævar shares his passion for astronomy and gives an exciting preview of the total solar eclipse visible from Iceland in August 2026—an event he describes as one of nature’s most powerful experiences.
If you love volcanoes, space, science, or simply great storytelling, this episode is for you.
Listen now and explore volcanoes on Earth—and beyond.LinksSævar Helgi Bragason helps you see the northern lights, and prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse with these websites:
Iceland at Night
Eclipse 26

In this fascinating episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, we dive into the fiery intersection of volcanoes, carbon science, and the future of our planet. Hosts Iain MacKinnon, Lava Master at Lava Show, and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, Founder of Lava Show (aka Lady Lava), welcome two remarkable guests:
Professor Philip Ringrose — Energy Transition Geoscientist at NTNU in Trondheim, specializing in underground CO₂ storage and the role of geology in solving the climate crisis.
Chloé Delbé — PhD researcher studying CO₂ detection over volcanic regions using cutting-edge satellite technology.
Together, they explore some of the biggest questions in earth science today:• How much CO₂ do volcanoes actually emit?• Can basalt — the very lava we melt at Lava Show — help store carbon safely underground?• Why is Iceland such a unique “geological weirdo,” and what can it teach the world?• How can satellites detect volcanic gases from space with astonishing accuracy?• And what misconceptions still hold back climate solutions like CO₂ storage?
This episode blends engaging storytelling with accessible science, making complex topics feel down-to-earth (and occasionally molten-hot). Whether you’re a volcano enthusiast, a climate science follower, or simply curious about how the planet works, this conversation offers surprising insights and plenty of “I never knew that!” moments.
Listen now and discover how Iceland’s  geology may help shape a cooler, more sustainable future.
Links
TROPOMI
OCO-2
Air Quality in Iceland

What keeps Reykjavík warm, powers homes, and even heats the sidewalks in the middle of winter? In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, we uncover Iceland’s biggest energy secret: geothermal power.
Our guest, Kári Valgeirsson, geologist and science communicator at the
The Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant joins hosts Ian MacKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir to explain how Iceland harnesses volcanic heat deep below the surface. From drilling into geothermal reservoirs (think sponge, not lake!) to the role of volcanic systems and basalt bedrock, Kári breaks down the science in a way everyone can understand.
We explore:
How geothermal energy is formed and why Iceland is uniquely suited for it.
The history of Iceland’s transition from oil to renewables.
Everyday impacts—from heating homes and pools to powering cities.
The exciting future of super-critical geothermal projects like the Krafla Magma Testbed.
Whether you’re fascinated by volcanoes, curious about clean energy, or planning a trip to Iceland, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.
👉 Listen now and discover how Iceland turns lava and heat into one of the cleanest energy systems in the world.
 
Shownotes
The Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant
Iceland Deep Drilling Project
Krafla Magma Testbed

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast by Lava Show, hosts Iain MacKinnon (Lava Master) and Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson (Sales & Marketing Manager) welcome co-founder Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, also known as Lady Lava.
Ragnhildur shares how growing up in Iceland’s volcanic landscapes shaped her outlook, and how the 2010 eruption at Fimmvörðuháls sparked the bold idea to create Lava Show—the world’s only live molten lava experience. She opens up about the challenges of building the show from scratch, the innovation required to safely bring real lava indoors, and the reactions of audiences who experience its heat and power up close.
The conversation also explores her role in cutting through dramatic headlines with clear eruption updates, and how Lava Show inspires children and adults alike to see nature—and science—in a new light.
Tune in to hear the story of passion, perseverance, and the dream that became Lava Show.
Follow Lava Show on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Tripadvisor, and YouTube for more lava-filled updates.
Follow Lady Lava on Instagram.

In our latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, we welcome the multi-talented geoscientist and marketing strategist Jessica Poteet for a fascinating conversation about Iceland’s fiery landscape, her personal journey, and the unique challenges of living on one of the world’s most volcanically active islands.
Jessica, originally from the United States, first came to Iceland on a hiking trip—and was so captivated by the raw beauty of the land that she quit her job in Silicon Valley and bought a one-way ticket back. Since then, she has built a thriving career in travel technology and communications, while also sharing her deep passion for geology as an admin of the hugely popular Iceland Geology Facebook group, which now has more than 160,000 members worldwide. 
In the episode, Jessica explains what makes Iceland such a geological treasure compared to other volcanic regions, and why recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula are both scientifically significant and a reminder of the power beneath our feet. She also talks about her mission to combat misinformation during eruptions, offering science-based insights while encouraging respect for nature and safety.
Hosts:  Iain MacKinnon, Lava Master at Lava Show, and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Lava Show.Link:  Iceland Geology Facebook group