The Apocryphal History of Flight

Cory Trunkhill

Welcome to the Apocryphal History of Flight! Hosted by Dr. Cory Trunkhill (PhD), this show will discuss the myths, legends, and early pioneers of flight from before the Wright Brothers. We will also explore technological advances such as the kite, balloons, and gliders. This history will attempt to maintain a narrative chronological format, though there will be some deviations for interest. You can contact the host via Facebook, X, or at apocflight@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. May 20

    Update 1 - May 2026

    Just a quick update on me taking some time for professional development. The next episode on legends and cryptids is on the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min

  2. Apr 27

    Episode 12 - Balloon Mania

    This episode covers the exciting developments in ballooning from the 1780’s to the 1900’s. There will be firsts, records, women aeronauts, war balloons, balloon bombs, the premier aircraft carrier, and the first and only aerial ballooning duel for the honor of an opera dancer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  3. Apr 3

    Episode 11 - They all float down here!

    Scientists are stymied trying to capture hydrogen until a Montgolfier brother stumbles across "Montgolfier gas" which triggers the race to First Manned Flight! Meanwhile, Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers succeed in capturing gas. 1783 is a banner year with Charles's balloon being stabbed to death by farmers while the Montgolfier brothers get the royal treatment. This episode will see French royals, Ben Franklin, farm animals, and a scientist flies across the English Channel without his trousers. There's more tales to boot as aerostats and aeronauts become legends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  4. Mar 6

    Episode 10 - Aerostats Assemble!

    The history of aviation reaches a watershed period with new theories and technologies swirling to constitute the beginnings of lighter than air aircraft, or aerostats if you like the fancier term. The concept of the vacuum, barometer, gas, heat, rubber, and animal bladders all combine with shear intuition to form the newest branch of aviation. Also Mongolians terrify the Polish with Chinese sky lanterns! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  5. Feb 17

    Episode 9 - Bogey Birdmen

    We take a look at some of the lesser known aviation pioneers from the Age of the Enlightenment. Were some completely made up? How many were persecuted? Why were clergy so willing to fly? Did whales play a key role in the development of aviation? Listen in to find out the answers to these questions as we look at the forerunners in the advancement of flight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  6. Jan 22

    Episode 8 - The Tower Jumpers, Part III

    On this last installment of the tower jumpers, we look at a pair of brothers from Istanbul. One who glides over the Bosporus and is exiled and the other who uses a rocket powered glider to splash down into the sea and was exiled. We finish with an eccentric French nobleman who half-succeeded and ended up with a broken leg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Episode 7 - Christmas Flight Special!

    On this very special holiday episode, we examine not only Santa's Sleigh and flying reindeer, but some of the quirky and lesser-known holiday personalities and animals who also fly to deliver yuletide joy, and also maybe dread. Listen in as we look at just who they are and how they do it! Happy Holidays from The Apocryphal History of Flight! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min

  8. 11/21/2025

    Episode 6 - The Tower Jumpers, Part II

    In Tower Jumpers Part II we start with someone who tried using an oversized robe in Constantinople. The next subject is a Portuguese schoolteacher with a biplane style design. Our last jumper for this episode was an Abbot who leapt from Stirling Castle in Scotland. Which of these were the most successful is subjective. Listen in and pick your favorite! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Apocryphal History of Flight! Hosted by Dr. Cory Trunkhill (PhD), this show will discuss the myths, legends, and early pioneers of flight from before the Wright Brothers. We will also explore technological advances such as the kite, balloons, and gliders. This history will attempt to maintain a narrative chronological format, though there will be some deviations for interest. You can contact the host via Facebook, X, or at apocflight@gmail.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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