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.
Geothermal 101: Unlocking Iceland’s Energy with Kári Valgeirsson
Lava Academy by Lava Show
52 minutes
6 days ago
Geothermal 101: Unlocking Iceland’s Energy with Kári Valgeirsson
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
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.
