Lava Academy by Lava Show
Lava Academy by Lava Show
Podcast Description
Welcome to Lava Academy, the official podcast from the team behind Lava Show in Iceland — the world’s only live Lava Show! Hosted by Ian McKinnon and Heiðar Ragnheiðarson. 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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the science and fascination of volcanoes, covering topics such as the formation of volcanoes, eruption styles, and the geological significance of Iceland. Example episodes include interviews with geologists discussing volcanic fundamentals and the unique geological activity of Iceland, as well as exploring lava types and myths surrounding eruptions.

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.
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.

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