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

In this episode of the Lava Academy Podcast by Lava Show, hosts Iain MacKinnon (Lava Master) and Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson (Sales & Marketing Manager) welcome co-founder Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir, also known as Lady Lava.

Ragnhildur shares how growing up in Iceland’s volcanic landscapes shaped her outlook, and how the 2010 eruption at Fimmvörðuháls sparked the bold idea to create Lava Show—the world’s only live molten lava experience. She opens up about the challenges of building the show from scratch, the innovation required to safely bring real lava indoors, and the reactions of audiences who experience its heat and power up close.

The conversation also explores her role in cutting through dramatic headlines with clear eruption updates, and how Lava Show inspires children and adults alike to see nature—and science—in a new light.

Tune in to hear the story of passion, perseverance, and the dream that became Lava Show.

Follow Lava Show on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Tripadvisor, and YouTube for more lava-filled updates.

Follow Lady Lava on Instagram.

In our latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, we welcome the multi-talented geoscientist and marketing strategist Jessica Poteet for a fascinating conversation about Iceland’s fiery landscape, her personal journey, and the unique challenges of living on one of the world’s most volcanically active islands.

Jessica, originally from the United States, first came to Iceland on a hiking trip—and was so captivated by the raw beauty of the land that she quit her job in Silicon Valley and bought a one-way ticket back. Since then, she has built a thriving career in travel technology and communications, while also sharing her deep passion for geology as an admin of the hugely popular Iceland Geology Facebook group, which now has more than 160,000 members worldwide.

In the episode, Jessica explains what makes Iceland such a geological treasure compared to other volcanic regions, and why recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula are both scientifically significant and a reminder of the power beneath our feet. She also talks about her mission to combat misinformation during eruptions, offering science-based insights while encouraging respect for nature and safety.

Hosts: Iain MacKinnon, Lava Master at Lava Show, and Jon Heidar Ragnheidarson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Lava Show. Link: Iceland Geology Facebook group