28 Oct 2026
Dina Benadon: The Untold Story of Walt Disney's Birthplace
What if the story of Walt Disney didn't begin with Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, or Hollywood—but inside a small house on Chicago's West Side?
Before Walt Disney became one of the most influential creative visionaries in history, he was a child growing up in a home designed by his mother, Flora Disney, and built by his father, Elias Disney. More than a century later, that same house is being restored and transformed into a place dedicated to inspiring imagination, creativity, and innovation in future generations.
Dina Benadon is the Co-Founder of Walt Disney Birthplace and CEO of Super 78, an award-winning creative studio developing immersive attractions and entertainment experiences for theme parks around the world.
On this episode of BETTER GOOD, Scott M. Curran sits down with Dina to explore the remarkable story behind the restoration of Walt Disney's childhood home, the family influences that helped shape his imagination, and how preserving an important piece of Disney history can inspire future generations.
Dina shares how she and her team discovered the historic home in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood, purchased the property, and began the challenging process of restoring it to its original appearance. Along the way, they uncovered fascinating details about Walt's earliest years, including the creative influence of his mother, the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, and the environment that helped nurture his imagination.
They discuss how Walt Disney Birthplace has evolved beyond historic preservation into a nonprofit organization focused on childhood creativity, education, innovation, and community engagement.
Dina also takes listeners behind the scenes of Super 78, where her team creates immersive entertainment experiences and groundbreaking theme park attractions. From interactive animated characters to flying theater experiences, she explains how technology, storytelling, and imagination can come together to transport audiences into entirely new worlds.
Scott and Dina explore the enduring influence of Walt Disney, the origins of Disneyland, the creative philosophy behind Disney Imagineering, and why Walt's willingness to take risks, embrace failure, and pursue seemingly impossible ideas remains relevant today.
They also revisit memorable moments from Walt Disney Birthplace, including community celebrations, events with Disney legend Dick Van Dyke, collaborations with D23, and efforts to introduce children to the power of imagination through creative educational experiences.
Beyond Disney history, Dina shares the personal experiences that shaped her belief in helping others, including her grandmother's extraordinary acts of compassion while surviving World War II.
Together, Scott and Dina examine a bigger question: How can we preserve the imagination and curiosity of childhood—and use those qualities to create a better future?
This is a conversation about Walt Disney, Disney history, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, historic preservation, childhood education, philanthropy, and the power of believing that extraordinary things are possible.
Guest: Dina Benadon, Co-Founder of Walt Disney Birthplace & CEO of Super 78
Host: Scott M. Curran
Better Good is a podcast series where you'll meet the visionaries and doers tackling the toughest challenges of our time. With moving stories and practical takeaways, Scott M. Curran brings listeners into the art and science of doing good through conversations with the social-impact leaders reshaping how we change the world.
Whether you lead a global workforce, run a fast-growing nonprofit, or are simply driven to make a difference, Better Good offers the ideas, inspiration, and tools to leave the world better than you found it.
The world's biggest problems won't wait. Neither should you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
