Lava Academy — Episode 1: Geologist Madison MacKenzie on Volcanoes, Eruptions & Life in Iceland
In the thrilling debut episode of Lava Academy, we sit down with geologist and Lava Show Operations Manager Madison McKenzie, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up near volcanoes like Mount Fuji and the Cascades to studying Iceland’s fiery geology — and eventually joining the Lava Show team.
Alongside co-hosts Lava Master Ian MacKinnon and Marketing Manager Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson, Madison unpacks the basics of volcanic science: what volcanoes are, how they form, and why Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. You’ll even learn the difference between magma and lava, how eruptions are monitored, and why not all volcanic activity is as dangerous as it seems.
Expect fascinating facts, surprising science, and a peek behind the curtain of the world’s only real molten lava show. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a geology nerd, or just lava-obsessed, this episode is your gateway into the explosive world of volcanology.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform — and don’t forget to subscribe to Lava Academy for more hot takes from the heart of Iceland’s volcanic wonderland.
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Lava Academy — Episode 1: Geologist Madison MacKenzie on Volcanoes, Eruptions & Life in Iceland
In the thrilling debut episode of Lava Academy, we sit down with geologist and Lava Show Operations Manager Madison McKenzie, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up near volcanoes like Mount Fuji and the Cascades to studying Iceland’s fiery geology — and eventually joining the Lava Show team.
Alongside co-hosts Lava Master Ian MacKinnon and Marketing Manager Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson, Madison unpacks the basics of volcanic science: what volcanoes are, how they form, and why Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. You’ll even learn the difference between magma and lava, how eruptions are monitored, and why not all volcanic activity is as dangerous as it seems.
Expect fascinating facts, surprising science, and a peek behind the curtain of the world’s only real molten lava show. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a geology nerd, or just lava-obsessed, this episode is your gateway into the explosive world of volcanology.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform — and don’t forget to subscribe to Lava Academy for more hot takes from the heart of Iceland’s volcanic wonderland.
Geologist Shawn Willsey breaks down Iceland’s eruptions
Lava Academy by Lava Show
48 minutes 8 seconds
3 months ago
Geologist Shawn Willsey breaks down Iceland’s eruptions
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 Grindavík, 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 Earth’s dynamic processes.
The conversation covers real-time eruption response, shifting magma conduits, how the 2021–2024 eruptions compare to Iceland’s geologic past, and whether we’re entering a new volcanic era.
This is a must-listen episode for volcano-watchers, educators, and anyone curious about the incredible forces shaping Iceland’s ever-evolving landscape.
Hosts: Iain MacKinnon and Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson
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 web
Geology with Willsey on YouTube
Lava Academy by Lava Show
Lava Academy by Lava Show
Lava Academy — Episode 1: Geologist Madison MacKenzie on Volcanoes, Eruptions & Life in Iceland
In the thrilling debut episode of Lava Academy, we sit down with geologist and Lava Show Operations Manager Madison McKenzie, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up near volcanoes like Mount Fuji and the Cascades to studying Iceland’s fiery geology — and eventually joining the Lava Show team.
Alongside co-hosts Lava Master Ian MacKinnon and Marketing Manager Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson, Madison unpacks the basics of volcanic science: what volcanoes are, how they form, and why Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. You’ll even learn the difference between magma and lava, how eruptions are monitored, and why not all volcanic activity is as dangerous as it seems.
Expect fascinating facts, surprising science, and a peek behind the curtain of the world’s only real molten lava show. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a geology nerd, or just lava-obsessed, this episode is your gateway into the explosive world of volcanology.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform — and don’t forget to subscribe to Lava Academy for more hot takes from the heart of Iceland’s volcanic wonderland.
