About this episode

This episode recounts the daring escape of two East German families using a hot air balloon in 1979.

In September of 1979, two East German families escaped to the west using a very unconventional method - a hot air balloon. It was an escape that required failed prototypes, a near disaster, and raw gumption. This is the story of the East German Hot Air Balloon Escape. Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Germany_balloon_escape https://thewallmuseum.com/en/balloon-escape-from-the-gdr Popular Mechanics: Feb 1980; "The Freedom Balloon" History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt Breen, McKinley Breen

Topics covered

• East Germany
• hot air balloon
• escape
• history
• family
• adventure

Keywords

• East Germany
• hot air balloon escape
• 1979
• family escape
• history

Sponsors

Factor

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Dispatches, Airwave Media Network, Popular Mechanics

Books & works: The Freedom Balloon

Places: East Germany

More episodes of History Dispatches

• Gregorian Calendar · April 28, 2026 · 19 min
• Piasa - Monster of the Mississippi · April 27, 2026 · 20 min
• Hopewell Earthworks · April 24, 2026 · 19 min
• El Palo Alto · April 23, 2026 · 17 min
• The Original Ponzi Scheme · April 22, 2026 · 21 min
• Indestructible Jack Lucas · April 21, 2026 · 14 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the History Dispatches podcast page.