So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 48: Remembering Vietnam Veterans

Often referred to as ‘the forgotten war’, the Vietnam War was an integral part of a challenging time in our nation’s history. Our guests, Brand Lindsay, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and Tom Lyons, USAF veteran and host of The Minnesota Military Radio Hour, discuss a special event hosted at Mall of America® to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war.
Veterans of this war, many of whom were drafted, did not return home to a welcome party. Lindsay and Lyon share the focus behind this three-day event and the important components that Vietnam War veterans, their families + the public will see. The event will include a resource fair for veterans, a special screening of "Welcome Home! A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans" at B+B Theatres, an oral history presentation + a smaller scale recreation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that is in Washington, D.C.
The guests also stress the importance of supporting all veterans and their families. They share the history of the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) program and how it benefits impacted service members and their families. Mall of America has been a proud BTYR company for years.
For more information on the special MDVA Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration visit: https://mallofamerica.com/events/view/33083. 
Guests: Brad Lindsay, Commissioner at Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Tom Lyons, USAF Vietnam Veteran, author, host of The Minnesota Military Radio Hour, and Founder/Principal at Faelon Partners, Ltd.
Host: Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 47: Under the Big Top with Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is performing under the Big Top at Mall of America®. Our guests are Artistic Director Johnny Kim, and Duo Trapeze Artist Xander Taylor. BAZZAR is currently staged outside the north entrance of Mall of America and has been showered with rave reviews.
Johnny and Xander share their backgrounds and what life is like joining the circus. They can be on the road performing around the world for up to 45 weeks per year. They may be away from families, friends + home, but they find adventure and joy in exploring new cities, experiencing new cultures + meeting new people. Both have a long history of performing. In fact, Xander shares that prior to joining the circus he attended the “Hogwarts” for circus training in Montreal.
Both guests are quick to share that the Big Top experience is magical – audience members feel as though they are part of the show because it is such an intimate setting. In the case of BAZZAR, the audience truly helps bring the story together in an exciting ending.
BAZZAR invites audience members to discover a world where simple instruments and vocals create a dreamy music that blends with costumes inspired by different time periods. The array of breathtaking acts includes fire juggling, trapeze, rope artists, Indian pole, hair-suspension + tight wire performers.
 
Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.
 
Guests: Johnny Kim, Artistic Director and Xander Taylor, Duo Trapeze Artist at Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR
 
Host: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 46: Small Beginnings + Large Dreams

Daniel Johnson and Ricardo Hernandez Espinoza have quite a bit in common. They are entrepreneurs; took a risk to open their own business; started small and have big dreams. And they both enjoy bringing smiles to their customers and helping create a better world.
Following the unrest in 2020 and COVID, Mall of America created a 5,000 square foot space called Community Commons. It was a retail collective created to help support BIPOC owned business that had been hurt by these two events. It was a space for these businesses to establish themselves, gain exposure to millions of guests and rebuild their dreams. That’s where Daniel and Ricardo met – along with dozens of other impacted business owners and entrepreneurs.
Community Commons was open for more than two years and helped dozens of small businesses. Many of these businesses have opened their own in-line spaces at Mall of America including Johnson, owner of LEVELS Fashion (level 3 near Nordstrom) and Hernandez Espinoza, owner of La Michoacana Purepecha (level 2 near the Rotunda.) Led in conversation by host Jill Renslow, both Daniel and Ricardo share stories of their professional journeys, what it means to be located at Mall of America + their dreams for future growth…and those dreams are big!
Levels Fashion
La Michoacana Purepecha 
Guests: Daniel Johnson, owner of LEVELS Fashions, and Ricardo Hernandez Espinoza, owner of La Michoacana Purepecha.
Host: Jill Renslow; Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 45: It's All About Food-The Great Connector

Stephanie March knows about food and the local dining scene. It has been a significant part of her life and career. As Executive Editor of New Media + Food at Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, March has a reputation of telling a delightful story, especially when it comes to food. Along with host Jill Renslow and co-host Carrie Charleston, this episode is packed with stories about how food is the great connector.
 
In addition to her outstanding writing, March also co-hosts a live broadcast/podcast about cooking, travel, eating + food culture called The Weekly Dish. She has worked in the hospitality industry early in her career and was a restaurant consultant. March and Charleston share how they first connected in the restaurant scene and how their relationship has grown.
 
This episode also talks about the adventures of dining at Mall of America as well as the Minnesota State Fair and other Twin Cities locations. They look at what is hot and what’s missing in the dining scene. All three share how food has helped shape who they are today. And they talk about their can’t-miss dining experiences. March also talks about her newest project, Pickle by Steph March on Substack.
 
Pickle by Steph March: https://picklebystephmarch.substack.com/.
MSP Magazine: https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/the-feed.
Weekly Dish podcast: https://www.mytalk1071.com/shows/weekly-dish/.
Mall of America dining: https://mallofamerica.com/foodanddrink.
 
Guests: Stephanie March, writer, editor, podcast host, and Executive Editor of New Media + Food at Mpls. St. Paul Magazine; Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing at Mall of America
 
Host: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 44: Water-Skiing Squirrels to A-List Celebrities

Events experts Meri Ryan and Sierra Goerg share the storied history + behind-the-scenes tales of events at Mall of America. In 2023, the Mall hosted more than 370 events, and is set to surpass that mark in 2024. This team helps imagine, create + implement these amazing guest experiences.
Like the entire events team, Meri and Sierra have super personas. Meri – known as the Pineapple Powerhouse – began as an events intern in 2012 and joined the team full time in 2015. Her early event memories include the One Direction autograph signing, the appearance of the Hunger Games cast + the 100th Birthday Celebration for the Girl Scouts – and all the cookies you could ever imagine!
Sierra’s persona is the Sparking Superhero and her first claim to fame was being in the audience for One Direction including holding a sign which stated, “Harry, prom?” It didn’t work. But she did later land a spot on this world-class events team. Her favorite event memory was a pop-up performance by Ed Sheeran at the Lego Store.
Meri is the mastermind behind bringing Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel to Mall of America. From Sumo wrestlers to drag shows the conversation spans the gamut. If you want to know the ins and outs of events at the world’s greatest mall you won’t want to miss this episode.
To learn more about Mall of America events, visit our events page. 
Guests: Meri Ryan, Senior Experiential Events Manager and Sierra Goerg, Experiential Events Specialist at Mall of America
Hosts: Chris Grap, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 43: Falen Bonsett, Radio Show Host + Social Media Personality

“It’s an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like Chicago. I’ve seen the Bean, the museum, the aquarium. Don’t really like the pizza.” And away we go…. On this episode, KDWB radio host and social media personality, Falen Bonsett, tells it like it is! Falen shares stories and more than a few laughs with our audience.
Joined by Chris Grap and Sara Johnson, the trio discuss a 12-plus year partnership between Falen and the Mall of America, as well as many of the celebrities and unique events that have taken place during that time. Along with other timely issues like finding your place in school, raising a family, how to live with social media, + of course, shopping.
At the Mall, Falen has found a second home. And like so many other local fans of the Mall – she has her favorite route during her visits including where to park (insider tip – it’s the North surface lot), which stores she hits along the way + where to grab a good bite to eat. To cap off the conversation, Falen chimed in, “Mall of America has been the best partnership of my life!”
To learn about Falen’s show visit the KDWB website. 
Guests: Falen Bonsett, Host of the Falen & Colt show on 101.3 KDWB; Sara Johnson, Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America
Host: Chris Grap
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 42: A Mother's Day Conversation

This episode features Mall of America team members who are all working moms. With a wide range of work and parenting experience, they share insights on finding balance in their lives. They also openly discuss the challenges and joys of being a working parent.
Jill Renslow, host of So Much More podcast, has a daughter who is a senior in high school and a son finishing his first year in college. Carrie Wright is Vice President of Human Resources and has two sons in their twenties. Natasha Betts, a 20-year MOA team member, is Specialty Attractions Manager has children ranging from 18 years old to toddler age. And Laura Utecht, Director of Communications, is our newest MOA team member and has a two-and-a-half-year-old son.
On the topic of work-life balance the group readily agrees they don’t have the single answer. It is more about giving yourself grace, being kind to yourself and others + trying different approaches until you find the right fit. When asked about Mother’s Day traditions or memories, each of our four panelists share heart-warming and uplifting stories, from homemade gifts to riding the Log Chute in Nickelodeon Universe.
And when asked to give advice to new or potential new moms the responses all revolved around embracing the magic of family and the beauty found in each day.
To learn about Mother’s Day activities at Mall of America visit our website. 
Guests: Carrie Wright, Vice President of Human Resources; Natasha Betts, Specialty Attractions Manager; Laura Utecht, Director of Communications all at Mall of America
Host: Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 41: Patric Richardson Shares the Secret Joy of Laundry

Patric Richardson knows laundry. He has a passion for it. You might even call him The Laundry Evangelist – everyone does! He has been featured on national media, was HGTV's The Laundry Guy + author and owner of Mona Williams boutique at Mall of America. His philosophy: I love helping people take care of personal belongings and making the world a cleaner and greener place.
 
He first noticed his love for laundry at 2.5 years! He was hanging clothes with his grandmother. Next thing you know, Santa brought him a toy washing machine. It is still proudly displayed in his boutique. Patric studied apparel and textiles in college and his love of fashion – and laundry – grew even deeper.
 
Ever wonder where the name Mona Williams came from? Want to know the toughest stain Patric had to deal with? Want tips on how to do you laundry properly? Interested in attending Laundry Camp? Want to know more about The Laundry Evangelist? Tune into this episode to find out So Much More.
 
Guests: Patric Richardson, Laundry Evangelist | Host of The Laundry Guy Discovery+ – The Laundry Evangelist, author, owner of Mona Williams
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Chris Grap
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 40: Omni Talk Hosts Share the Future of Retail + Entrepreneurship

Anne Mezzenga and Chris Walton are the hosts and co-CEOs of Omni Talk, a podcast and retail blog for retailers, by retailers. 
 
They understand the world of retail better than anyone. Both had leadership roles with the Target Store of the Future program, are entrepreneurs + have boundless energy and enthusiasm. Their experience includes writing, podcast hosting, speaking engagements, online business management + more.
 
Chris and Anne share their insights on the current state of retail – who is doing it well and who is missing the mark – and the future of the industry. They also share their passions + how they created a path to where they are today.
 
Curious about their best career advice? Want to understand how A.I. will impact the world of retail? Ever wondered how you can follow your passion and make money at it? Want to know what the future of shopping malls will look like in ten years? Tune in to find the answers to these questions and more on this episode of So Much More!
 
Guests: Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, Co-CEOs of Omni Talk
 
Host: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 39: Sheletta and Andrew Brundidge Discuss Autism Acceptance Month

Sheletta Brundidge is an Emmy award-winning comedian and talk show host, commentator, influencer + activist, and The Boss Lady at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com. Sheletta and her son, first-time author Andrew Brundidge, are our guests to talk about Autism Acceptance Month.
 
Sheletta’s three youngest children all have Autism. Her oldest, Andrew, does not. Together, they share their story of living together and helping their family thrive. Sheletta speaks openly about wanting the best possible experiences for her children. And Andrew discusses his newly published book, Andrew Does His Dance, along with his upcoming book tour to New York City.
 
Want to understand what Autism is and how it often presents in public? Curious about how and if you should help a parent? Curious about how Mall of America and other leading companies offer unique training and assistance regarding families with Autism?
 
Tune in to find the answers to these questions and more on this episode of So Much More!
 
Guests: Sheletta Brundidge, The Boss Lady at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com and Andrew Brundidge, author, and older brother; along with Sara Durhman, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Mall of America.
 
Host: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.