230: Imagineering the Future: Disney Innovation and Space Exploration

06/14/24 • 35 min

This week, in our ongoing summer series, “Summer-ease,” we meet at the intersection of innovation, Disney, and space exploration. Our returning and always insightful guest (and Disney insider), Hannah Stanley, joins us to discuss Disney's innovative culture and its profound influence on space-related endeavors.

Why Disney? Disney shares the same pioneering spirit as our nation’s space industry. Like NASA, Disney’s culture from the very beginning has encouraged the application of innovative ideas, leaving unforgettable imprints on various industries, from animation to theme parks and environmental initiatives. We delve into the visionary ideas of Walt Disney, such as the futuristic EPCOT, and the groundbreaking technological innovations that have propelled Disney's unparalleled success. Did you know that Wernher von Braun served as a spokesman for three Walt Disney television programs on space travel, Man in Space?

WATCH: How Disney Built America on the History Channel

https://www.history.com/shows/how-disney-built-america

“How Disney Built America” is a nostalgia-filled ride that paints a vivid picture of the world of Walt Disney and the history-making empire he and his brother Roy Disney built. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different example of game-changing brilliance in Disney’s history, including creating the world’s most recognizable characters, establishing the animated features industry, revolutionizing the concept of merchandising, and using groundbreaking design and engineering to construct Disneyland, Walt Disney World® Resort, and beyond. Viewers will hear from legendary Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr, a direct hire from Walt who developed over 100 designs for Disney theme park attractions, to gain surprising insights into the unique innovations and struggles involved in realizing the dreams of a visionary.

WATCH: Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot describes the HoloTile (we mention in this episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyc33U6f8rk

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share an innovation you are inspired by, I’d love to hear it! Please share it in the socials,

LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at [email protected].

*Don't forget!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com

WATCH: How Disney Built America on the History Channel

https://www.history.com/shows/how-disney-built-america

WATCH: Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot describes the HoloTile (we mention in this episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyc33U6f8rk

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share an innovation you are inspired by, I’d love to hear it! Please share it in the socials,

LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at [email protected].

*Don't forget!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com

Previous Episode

229: Is There Such a Thing as a “Bad” Space Movie?

Have you ever been captivated by a moment from a space movie? Did that movement make you laugh, learn, or even lean in a little further into the science or story?

In this third summary (summer-ease) episode of Casual Space, Chad and I plunge into the whimsical world of space movies, from makeshift force fields to mutant monsters born from nuclear waste. But amidst the laughter and incredulity, we uncover a deeper truth about the power of storytelling to inspire wonder and curiosity about the cosmos.

So grab your popcorn and join us as we journey through the cosmos of cinema, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of filmmakers who dare to dream beyond the stars.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share a space movie moment, I’d love to hear it! Please share it in the socials,

LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at [email protected].

*Don't forget!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com

Next Episode

231: The Power of STORY: Summer Camp

Ahh, the precious memories made from summer camp! The adventures, the friendships, the HEAT... they're all fun parts of the camp experience and stories that say with us through the years.

In this episode, we dive into the stories of Space Camp Alumni whose impressive careers within the space industry and as lifelong learners all began when they walked "through these doors" at the historic US. Space and Rocket Center. Whether you're an aspiring astronaut or just a space enthusiast, you'll be inspired by the incredible tales of dreams turned into reality.

Are you a Space Camp alumni? Reconnect with millions of campers who like you, share that space camp experience: https://rocketcenterfoundation.org/about-alumni/

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO SHARE YOUR STORY.

Send your story ABOUT space INTO to space for free at www.storiesofspace.com.

Tune in and let your imagination soar!