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.

• 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

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.

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