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Lanny Smoot, Hidden Hero of History

Dorktales Storytime

Chapters
1:06
Jonathan and Redge in Whimsy World
2:22
Jonathan tells Redge about Lanny Smoot
4:35
Lanny's early life
8:43
Lanny's work at Bell Labs
11:33
Lanny becomes an Imagineer!
16:02
Credits, how to contact Jonathan and Redge, theme song
Dorktales Storytime
Lanny Smoot, Hidden Hero of History
Sep 18, 2025 Season 6 Episode 118
Jonathan Cormur

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A tale of imagination, invention and real-life magic! Lanny Smoot is an Imagineer and electrical engineer with more than 100 patented inventions for Disney theme parks. He’s the mind behind the real-life lightsaber and a floor that makes you feel like you’re moving through other worlds. His inventive spirit started early, inspired by his father and a fascination with the lightbulb. He went from building his own unicycle as a kid to being honored in the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work with Disney. Lanny brings joy to millions and his journey lights the way for future inventors.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lanny-smoot/              

Get a free activity guide on Lanny Smoot: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep118freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Lanny Smoot, you may also enjoy learning about Lewis Latimer, the inventor and patent draftsman who helped improve Thomas Edison’s light bulb: https://jonincharacter.com/lewis-latimer/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Sign up for FREE access to our Dorktales Resource Library stocked with color pages, activity guides, conversation starter PDFs, printables and more: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card

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