Her Impact

Journey to the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark , where geology tells the story of a landscape that travelled across an ocean before becoming part of Japan. In this episode of Her Impact Podcast , environmental geologist and geotourism storyteller Konstantia Achilleos explores volcanic landscapes, coastal cliffs, biodiversity, hot spring culture, Japanese folklore and the remarkable human stori...

What if one of Japan's most remarkable landscapes wasn't originally part of Japan? In this episode of Her Impact Podcast , we explore the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark , a destination shaped by volcanoes, tectonic forces, and an extraordinary geological journey that began far from Japan's mainland. Discover how volcanic islands travelled across the Philippine Sea before colliding...

What happens when people live among volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers and geothermal landscapes? They create stories. In this episode of Her Impact , travel across Iceland to discover how dramatic landscapes inspired myths, legends and folklore for centuries. Explore the hidden people of the lava fields, the trolls of Reynisdrangar, the ghost of Gunnuhver, the Elf Queen's hill and the legendary...

Iceland is a land of volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields and geothermal wonders, but it's also a land of stories. In this episode of Her Impact , we explore how extraordinary landscapes inspired hidden people, trolls, ghosts, and legendary creatures that still shape Icelandic culture today. From the Huldufólk and the ghost of Gunnuhver to the trolls of Reynisdrangar, the Yule Lads of Dimmuborgir,...

Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is a landscape still being born. Steam rises from cracks in the earth, lava fields stretch to the horizon, and the Mid‑Atlantic Ridge opens beneath your feet. This episode captures Gunnuhver, new lava, coastal cliffs, Reykjanesviti and the Bridge Between Continents. A cinematic look at Iceland’s living boundary — where the Earth breathes. Go to the full episode post...

Reykjanes is where the Earth opens — a peninsula shaped by steam, lava and the slow drift of continents. In this episode of Her Impact, we explore Gunnuhver’s roaring geothermal field, the fresh lava of Fagradalsfjall, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, coastal villages and the Bridge Between Continents. This is Iceland’s living rift — a place where geology, folklore and everyday life move together. Read t...

Step inside Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, where a sleeping volcano shapes black‑sand beaches, glacier valleys and moss‑covered lava fields. This video episode brings you into the dramatic landscapes of Vík, Reynisfjara and Sólheimajökull, showing how volcanic history and Icelandic nature create one of the country’s most extraordinary geotourism destinations. Through immersive visuals and storytelli...

Katla UNESCO Global Geopark is one of Iceland’s most powerful landscapes — a place shaped by volcanic eruptions, black‑sand beaches, glaciers and moss‑covered lava fields. In this episode, Konstantia explores Vík, Reynisfjara, Sólheimajökull and the moss fields of Skaftáreldahraun through geotourism storytelling, revealing how fire and ice continue to shape Iceland’s south coast. This episode blen...

A deep, human look at Iceland’s dramatic contrasts. From glaciers and volcanic systems to storytelling traditions and everyday life, this episode explores how nature and culture shape one another in one of the world’s most extraordinary countries.

Iceland is a place where the land feels alive — shaped by glaciers, volcanoes and the quiet power of geothermal energy. In this episode, we explore how these forces influence daily life, culture and the way people connect to their landscape. A calm, human journey into a country defined by contrasts.

Walk with me through the Pikrovrisi tis Merikas trail — a place where Troodos reveals its ancient ocean past. From pillow lavas in the Maroullena gorge to the Petravlako aqueduct and the Kokkinoritsos ochre‑and‑copper mine, this episode shares the landscape as I’ve experienced it in the field. Read the full story.

Pikrovrisi tis Merikas is a short trail with a deep geological heartbeat. Join me inside the gorge, across the Venetian bridge, through farmland and forest, and into the heritage of Kalo Chorio Oreinis. I’ve guided this trail many times — now I’m sharing its story with you. Go to the episode post.

Amiantos Mine shaped Cyprus’ industrial era for more than 80 years. In this episode, we explore how a remote Troodos valley became Europe’s largest chrysotile asbestos operation — and how it’s transforming today through one of the Mediterranean’s biggest restoration projects. A story of geology, industry, community, and recovery. Read the full episode .

Walk through the dramatic landscape of the Amiantos Asbestos Mine in the Troodos Mountains. This episode brings together its geological origins, the rise of a full mining community, the aerial ropeway that carried fibres across Cyprus, and the ongoing restoration reshaping the valley. A visual journey through Cyprus’ industrial giant. Read the full episode.

Step into the Setrachos valley and discover the sulfur springs of Kalopanagiotis. From the UNESCO monastery to the old stone bridge and the Kykkos watermill, this episode brings the landscape’s heritage to life. Read the full story .

Explore the sulfur springs of Kalopanagiotis — Stomachikos and Psamiakos — and the stories shaped by water, geology, and tradition. Walk beneath the monastery, cross the Venetian bridge, and follow the valley’s healing history. Read the full story.

In this audio episode of Her Impact , Konstantia Achilleos takes you along the Artemis Trail — a 7 km circular route around the summit of Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains. Through narrative, geology, mythology, and place‑based storytelling, she reveals why this high‑altitude trail is considered the crown of Cyprus. You’ll hear about the ancient black pine forest, the rare mantle rocks of the...

Artemis Trail is the crown of Cyprus — a 7 km high‑altitude loop circling the summit of Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains. In this video episode of Her Impact , Konstantia Achilleos guides you through one of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, blending geology, mythology, and storytelling with real on‑trail visuals. Walk through ancient black pine forests, explore uplifted mantle rocks...

Troodos Mountains carry a story that begins deep beneath the Tethys Ocean . In this first episode of the Troodos Mountains Series, we explore how this entire region started its life underwater around 92 million years ago and slowly rose to the surface through tectonic movement. You’ll hear how Troodos’ unusual origin still shapes the landscape today — from the steep valleys and cliff formations to...

In this first episode of the Troodos Mountains Series, we uncover the surprising origin of the Troodos Mountains — a landscape that began deep beneath the Tethys Ocean around 92 million years ago. Through clear, natural storytelling, this episode explains how an ancient ocean floor slowly rose to become the mountain range we know today. This video of the episode helps you connect the narrative wit...

Have you ever been to Ireland—the Ireland where the landscape tells its own story? In this episode, we explore the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark with Carol Gleeson, the manager leading its innovative approach to geotourism. Carol shares how geology, culture, and community shape this extraordinary region, how the Geopark supports local people, and why the Burren remains one of...

Have you ever been to Ireland beyond the postcards? Join me for a deep dive into the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark with Carol Gleeson. We talk about the region’s unique geology, its cultural heartbeat, and the community‑driven approach that makes the Geopark a global model for sustainable tourism. If you love Ireland, geotourism, or stories where people and place are deeply co...

Her Impact enters a new chapter—one shaped by landscapes, heritage, and the powerful connection between people and the Earth. This episode marks the transformation of the podcast into a global journey through geotourism, exploring the stories behind geoparks, national parks, and the communities that protect them. “Her” now refers to the Earth herself: the mountains, coastlines, rivers, and ancient...

Her Impact enters a new chapter—one shaped by landscapes, heritage, and the powerful connection between people and the Earth. This episode marks the transformation of the podcast into a global journey through geotourism, exploring the stories behind geoparks, national parks, and the communities that protect them. “Her” now refers to the Earth herself: the mountains, coastlines, rivers, and ancient...

In this episode of Her Impact, we uncover the remarkable life of Elisabeth Schiemann—a pioneering botanist and geneticist who not only shaped modern plant science but also risked everything to stand up to the Nazi regime.👉 Discover how she revolutionized our understanding of cultivated plants👉 Hear how she challenged injustice with courage and intellect👉 Learn why her story matters now more tha...