Lava Academy by Lava Show

Lava Show
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Welcome to Lava Academy, the official podcast from the team behind Lava Show in Iceland — the world’s only live Lava Show! Hosted by Iain MacKinnon and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson. Each monthly episode dives into the explosive world of volcanoes. From Iceland’s fiery fissures to famous eruptions around the globe, we explore how volcanoes form, why they erupt, and what they mean for the people who live near them. With expert guests like geologists and volcanologists, Lava Academy blends science, storytelling, and first-hand experience. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a student of earth science, or just fascinated by molten rock, this show brings the power and mystery of volcanic activity straight to your ears. Get ready for lava facts, eruption myths, behind-the-scenes stories from Lava Show, and much more. Subscribe and join us each month as we journey into Earth’s most dynamic forces.

  1. Aug 28

    The Volcanoes of Antarctica

    Antarctica may appear frozen and still, but beneath its vast ice sheet lies one of Earth’s most remarkable volcanic regions. In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, Iain MacKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir are joined by Ann-Sophie Bader, who divides her year between working at Lava Show in Vík and a remote tourism camp in Antarctica. Ann-Sophie takes us beneath the ice to explore: The volcanic landscape hidden beneath West Antarctica How scientists find volcanoes buried under kilometres of ice Deception Island and the enormous eruption that created its flooded caldera Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth The rare, persistent lava lake inside Erebus Why its unusual phonolite lava behaves differently from Icelandic basalt How Erebus produces volcanic bombs and releases microscopic particles of gold The relationship between volcanic heat, moving glaciers and Antarctic ice loss Ann-Sophie also shares what it is like to live and work at Union Glacier, surrounded by ice, mountains and one of the most remote environments on the planet. From hidden volcanoes and gold-carrying gases to molten lava surviving in extreme cold, this episode reveals an Antarctic landscape far more dynamic than it first appears. Lava Academy Podcast episodes mentioned  Science Educator Sævar Helgi Bragason talks about volcanoes in space Hólmfríður Sigurðardóttir, and Birgir Vilhelm Óskarsson discuss the unique volcanic island of Surtsey Discover more volcano stories through Lava Academy at https://www.lavashow.com/blog/lava-academy

  2. Jul 20

    The extraordinary story of the volcanic island Surtsey

    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.

  3. Jun 29

    From Shire to Wasteland: The Catastrophic Story of Öræfajökull

    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.

  4. May 11

    Iceland’s Largest Eruption

    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.

  5. Apr 16

    Inside Iceland’s Volcano Nerve Center

    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

  6. Mar 9

    From Katla to Lava Show: The Story Behind World's Only Live Lava Experience

    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.

  7. Jan 7

    Volcanoes in Space? A Cosmic Conversation with Sævar Helgi Bragason

    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. Links Sævar Helgi Bragason helps you see the northern lights, and prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse with these websites: Iceland at Night Eclipse 26

  8. 12/04/2025

    Exploring Volcanoes, CO₂ & the Future of Our Planet

    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

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About

Welcome to Lava Academy, the official podcast from the team behind Lava Show in Iceland — the world’s only live Lava Show! Hosted by Iain MacKinnon and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson. Each monthly episode dives into the explosive world of volcanoes. From Iceland’s fiery fissures to famous eruptions around the globe, we explore how volcanoes form, why they erupt, and what they mean for the people who live near them. With expert guests like geologists and volcanologists, Lava Academy blends science, storytelling, and first-hand experience. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a student of earth science, or just fascinated by molten rock, this show brings the power and mystery of volcanic activity straight to your ears. Get ready for lava facts, eruption myths, behind-the-scenes stories from Lava Show, and much more. Subscribe and join us each month as we journey into Earth’s most dynamic forces.

Information

  • Creator
    Lava Show
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Lava Academy by Lava Show

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