On this episode of Neutral World, we're going to talk about one of my favorite people, Walt Disney,

a truly exceptional American who impacted on the lives of millions and millions, not just

him in the United States, but all around the world.

Part of the reason I've always liked Walt Disney is that his life was complicated.

It wasn't predictable. You know, Walt had two failed businesses in Kansas City before

moving to Hollywood with $40 in his pocket and a suitcase of clothes and drawing supplies.

Walt created Mickey Mouse only after he lost the rights to Huzzwold the rabbit when he

was contracted to create shorts for someone else.

Then made Walt decide to create characters himself rather than contracting on projects.

Walt created Steamboat Willie with sound after the jazz singer was released.

And I've seen Steamboat Willie many times at Disney World where they show him regularly.

It's amazing the beginning of what became an empire.

Walt's first animated film, Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, was a commercial success,

which was great because Walt had put the entire company on the line to make the film,

something by the way that he would do again in developing Disney Land.

To see what an extraordinary American Odyssey Walt Disney was, we have to go back to his

early life.

In 1901, Walter Elias, Disney was born in Chicago to Elias and Florida Disney.

In 1906, the Disney family moved to Marcelline, Missouri where Walt grew up in a farm and

developed a strong interest in drawing.

In 1910, due to poor health, Walt's father sold the farm.

In 1911, the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Walt rose every day at 3.30am to deliver

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