Afleveringen
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What happens when one of the biggest eruptions in Icelandâs history meets modern-day science?
In the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with geologist Glen LâEstrange to explore the incredible story of the EldgjĂĄ eruptionâa volcanic event so powerful it reshaped landscapes, displaced early settlers, and left behind clues that scientists are still uncovering today.
Why You Should ListenThis episode takes you far beyond the surface of Icelandâs volcanic landscapes.
Youâll discover:
What made the EldgjĂĄ eruption one of the largest in Icelandâs historyJust how massive a 75 km-long fissure eruption really isHow scientists reconstruct eruptions from over 1,000 years agoThe real-world impacts on people, landscapes, and even global climateWhat a similar eruption could mean for Iceland todayItâs a fascinating blend of science, storytelling, and real-world relevanceâperfect for anyone curious about volcanoes, Iceland, or the forces shaping our planet.
Meet the Guest: Glen LâEstrangeGlen is a volcanology masterâs student and research assistant at the University of Iceland, currently studying some of the countryâs largest historical eruptions. He also works at Lava Show as a Lava Master.
In this episode, he shares insights from his fieldworkâdigging 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 EpisodeThe EldgjĂĄ eruption occurred around 937â940 AD and stretched across a fissure system roughly 75 kilometres longâover ten times larger than recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. But what makes this episode truly compelling isnât just the scaleâitâs how scientists like Glen are able to reconstruct these events using volcanic âfingerprintsâ preserved in Icelandâs 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 HistoryThis isnât just a story about the past.
Understanding eruptions like EldgjĂĄ helps scientists prepare for the futureâespecially in a country like Iceland, where volcanic activity is part of everyday life.
As Glen explains, modern monitoring systems give us a huge advantageâbut large-scale eruptions still pose questions we donât fully have answers to yet.
Listen NowWhether youâre 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 Icelandâs most powerful eruptions.
LinkRead an article on EldgjĂĄ by geologist Jessica Poteet.
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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 âLady Lavaâ ĂgĂșstsdĂłttir and Iain MacKinnon sit down with KristĂn JĂłnsdĂłttir, 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, KristĂn takes us inside the science and decision-making behind Icelandâs volcanic activityâespecially 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 youâre fascinated by volcanoes, natural hazards, or the forces shaping our planet, this is an episode you wonât want to miss.
đ§ Tune in and discover whatâs really happening beneath Iceland.
LinksThe Icelandic Meteorological Office - contains a wealth of information and insights into Iceland's volcanoes, geography, and seismic activitySkjĂĄlftalĂsa - A graphical representation of seismic activity in Iceland -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, host Iain MacKinnon sits down with JĂșlĂus Ingi JĂłnsson, Mr. Lava Lava, the founder of Lava Show.
JĂșlĂus shares the incredible story behind the creation of the worldâs 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 VĂk 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.
Youâll 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.
JĂșlĂus also talks about entrepreneurship, Icelandâs deep connection to volcanoes, and why storytelling is such an important part of sharing geology with the world.
Whether youâre fascinated by volcanoes, curious about Icelandâs volcanic landscape, or interested in the story behind Lava Show, this episode offers a fascinating look at the passion and perseverance behind one of Icelandâs most unique experiences.
In This Episode
âą The childhood story that sparked JĂșlĂusâ fascination with volcanoesâą Surviving Katla: a family story from the 1918 eruptionâą Witnessing Icelandic eruptions up closeâą The moment that inspired the idea for Lava Showâą Turning a bold concept into a real attractionâą Why volcanoes are central to Icelandâs identity
If you enjoy the Lava Academy Podcast, be sure to follow, rate, and share the show with fellow volcano enthusiasts.
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Are volcanoes unique to Earthâor are they erupting across the solar system?
In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Iain MacKinnon and Ragnhildur ĂgĂșstsdĂłttir (AKA Lady Lava) sit down with Icelandâs beloved science communicator, and author SĂŠvar Helgi Bragason for a mind-expanding journey beyond our planet.
Together, they explore volcanic activity on Mars, Venus, and Jupiterâs moon Io, icy cryovolcanoes on distant moons, and even evidence of eruptions on Pluto. SĂŠvar explains how gravity, internal heat, and planetary forces create volcanoes in places far beyond Earthâand what studying them teaches us about our own planetâs past and future.
The conversation also touches on Icelandâs 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, SĂŠvar shares his passion for astronomy and gives an exciting preview of the total solar eclipse visible from Iceland in August 2026âan event he describes as one of natureâs most powerful experiences.
If you love volcanoes, space, science, or simply great storytelling, this episode is for you.
Listen now and explore volcanoes on Earthâand beyond.LinksSĂŠvar Helgi Bragason helps you see the northern lights, and prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse with these websites:
Iceland at NightEclipse 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 ĂgĂșstsdĂłttir, Founder of Lava Show (aka Lady Lava), welcome two remarkable guests:
Professor Philip Ringrose â Energy Transition Geoscientist at NTNU in Trondheim, specializing in underground COâ storage and the role of geology in solving the climate crisis.ChloĂ© DelbĂ© â PhD researcher studying COâ detection over volcanic regions using cutting-edge satellite technology.Together, they explore some of the biggest questions in earth science today:âą How much COâ do volcanoes actually emit?âą Can basalt â the very lava we melt at Lava Show â help store carbon safely underground?âą Why is Iceland such a unique âgeological weirdo,â and what can it teach the world?âą How can satellites detect volcanic gases from space with astonishing accuracy?âą And what misconceptions still hold back climate solutions like COâ storage?
This episode blends engaging storytelling with accessible science, making complex topics feel down-to-earth (and occasionally molten-hot). Whether youâre a volcano enthusiast, a climate science follower, or simply curious about how the planet works, this conversation offers surprising insights and plenty of âI never knew that!â moments.
Listen now and discover how Icelandâs geology may help shape a cooler, more sustainable future.
LinksTROPOMIOCO-2Air Quality in Iceland -
What keeps ReykjavĂk warm, powers homes, and even heats the sidewalks in the middle of winter? In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, we uncover Icelandâs biggest energy secret: geothermal power.
Our guest, KĂĄri Valgeirsson, geologist and science communicator at the
The Geothermal Exhibition at HellisheiĂ°i Geothermal Power Plant joins hosts Ian MacKinnon and Ragnhildur ĂgĂșstsdĂłttir 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, KĂĄri 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 Icelandâs transition from oil to renewables.
Everyday impactsâfrom heating homes and pools to powering cities.
The exciting future of super-critical geothermal projects like the Krafla Magma Testbed.
Whether youâre fascinated by volcanoes, curious about clean energy, or planning a trip to Iceland, this episode offers insights you wonât want to miss.
đ 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 HellisheiĂ°i Geothermal Power PlantIceland Deep Drilling ProjectKrafla Magma Testbed -
In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast by Lava Show, hosts Iain MacKinnon (Lava Master) and JĂłn HeiĂ°ar RagnheiĂ°arson (Sales & Marketing Manager) welcome co-founder Ragnhildur ĂgĂșstsdĂłttir, also known as Lady Lava.
Ragnhildur shares how growing up in Icelandâs volcanic landscapes shaped her outlook, and how the 2010 eruption at FimmvörĂ°uhĂĄls sparked the bold idea to create Lava Showâthe worldâs 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 natureâand scienceâin 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.
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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 Icelandâs fiery landscape, her personal journey, and the unique challenges of living on one of the worldâs most volcanically active islands.
Jessica, originally from the United States, first came to Iceland on a hiking tripâand 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
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Geologist Sean Willsey discusses Icelandic volcanic wonders
In this second episode of The Lava Academy by Lava Show, we sit down with Sean Willsey, a geology professor at the College of Southern Idaho and creator of the popular YouTube channel Geology Explained. Sean shares his deep connection to Iceland, what keeps pulling him back year after year, and how the recent eruption cycles on the Reykjanes Peninsula have rewritten our understanding of Icelandic geology.
Listeners will gain insight into the dramatic seismic activity and eruptions near GrindavĂk, the science behind magma movement and ground deformation, and how Iceland is balancing hazard mitigation with life on a volcanic island. Sean also reflects on how volcanic education, including live lava experiences like Lava Show, can build global awareness and fascination with the Earthâs dynamic processes.
The conversation covers real-time eruption response, shifting magma conduits, how the 2021â2024 eruptions compare to Icelandâs geologic past, and whether weâre entering a new volcanic era.
This is a must-listen episode for volcano-watchers, educators, and anyone curious about the incredible forces shaping Icelandâs ever-evolving landscape.
Hosts: Iain MacKinnon and JĂłn HeiĂ°ar RagnheiĂ°arson
Image mentioned in the podcast: Graph showing earthquake swarm from eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula on the 12th of November 2023
Links
Sean Willsey on the webGeology with Willsey on YouTubeLava Academy by Lava Show -
In the debut episode of Lava Academy by Lava Show, geologist Madison MacKenzie shares her personal journey from growing up near volcanoes in the U.S. and Japan to studying and working in Icelandâs fiery landscape. She walks listeners through volcanic fundamentals â what volcanoes are, how they form and erupt, and what makes Iceland one of the worldâs most geologically active regions. Madison explains how different types of lava and eruption styles shape volcanoes, and why Iceland's location on a tectonic boundary and above a hotspot creates such unique volcanic activity.The episode dives into lava types, eruption styles, and how scientists monitor volcanic behavior through seismic activity and satellite data. Madison also breaks down myths about eruptions, noting that many are mild and even beneficial. Hosts: Ian MacKinnon, and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson
Links
Lava ShowThe Lava Academy by Lava ShowThe Icelandic Met Office
