So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

Ep. 38: Xcel Energy + MOA, The Power in Planning

Our guests are energy and efficiency experts! John Marshall is Regional Vice President at Xcel Energy. He and his team manage strategic relationships across three states in seven hundred communities. Also joining us is Rich Hoge, Chief Operating Officer at Mall of America, who leads the waste and recycling efforts at the Mall among a host of other areas.
John has been coming to Mall of America as a guest since it first opened in 1992 while Rich has worked at the Mall since before it opened. They both have a love for community, efficiencies + Mall of America.
Ever wondered how your purchase of an electric vehicle is planned for by energy companies and destinations? Want to know if it really is cheaper to leave lights on when you leave a room? Curious about the number of ladybugs the Mall releases on Earth Day? Want to know the easiest ways to save energy and money for your business?
Tune in to find the answers to these questions and more on this episode of So Much More!
Guests: John Marshall, Regional Vice President at Xcel Energy; and Rich Hoge, Chief Operating Officer 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.

Ep. 37: Artist Adam Turman, Celebrating Minnesota Icons thru Art

Perhaps best known for his bold illustrations that riff on everyday icons with stylized takes on all things Minnesota, from the BWCA to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, artist Adam Turman is a true state treasure. Adam works with major brands such as Mall of America, Surly Brewing + Pepsi, independent businesses + private collectors to make art part of our everyday.
Born in California, Adam moved to Minnesota when he was 10 years old. But ask him where he’s from and he is quick to reply that he is Minnesotan. In his words, “Wherever you go through puberty, well that’s where you’re from.”
Want to know what ‘deep local’ means to an artist? Wonder what it’s like to quit your day job and follow your passion? Can asking for free kegs of beer launch a career? Curious where the very best people watching is? Need advice for getting started?
Adam covers his career, family, love of beer + advice for those starting to follow their passion. You can find more about Adam at www.adamturman.com. 
Guest: Adam Turman, Fine Artists, Muralist, Illustrator & Owner at Adam Turman Artwork Co.
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 36: The Harlem Globetrotters, Creating Smiles + Memories

On this episode, two of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, Julian ‘Zeus’ McClurkin and Joey ‘Hot Rod’ De La Rosa join us for a fun-filled conversation. Zeus is one of the most decorated Harlem Globetrotters, holding six Guiness World Records, and he’s performed mind-blowing trick shots including his favorite location…Mall of America! Hot Rod is a 7’1” Bronx native that has dreamed of being a Globetrotter since the day they visited his elementary school when he was only 9 years old. 
Past Globetrotter visits to Mall of America featured record breaking, as well as successful trick shots from the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coaster, the zip line + the top of our Rotunda event space.
Want to know how many games each Globetrotter plays each year? Have you ever heard of the 5th Quarter at a Globetrotter game? Wonder what the Magnus effect is? Or do you want to learn about the famous Smile Patrol? Want to know their dream ‘trick shot’ location?
If you are curious and want to learn the answers, you won’t want to miss this episode. It is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
Guest: Julian ‘Zeus’ McClurkin and Joey ‘Hot Rod’ De La Rosa with the Harlem Globetrotters
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Lauren Anderholm (guest co-host)
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep.35: Surprisingly Delightful

On this episode, hosts Grant Buntje and Chris Grap welcome their colleague and co-delight creator, Sara Johnson, the Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America. Since the day it first opened in 1992, Mall of America has been surprising and delighting guests in unique ways and these team members help lead those efforts.
Curious why and how the Mall displays massive works of art? Are you aware of a nightly surprise light show in Nickelodeon Universe? Did you wonder how Ed Sheeran (like other celebrities) does surprise appearances at the Mall? Or do you want to know how NOT to surprise guests on tax day? Tune into this episode to find out the answers to these questions and so much more!
The group also discusses their favorite examples of MOA tenant surprises and experiences as well as other brands and attractions who shine (or whose shine has diminished a bit) while trying to delight their guests.
Guest: Sara Johnson, Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America
Hosts: Grant Buntje, Chris Grap
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 34: Creating A Universe (Nickelodeon Style)

What happens when inventive minds get together? They create a universe… specifically, Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America. This week our hosts welcome special guests who were part of the team that brought NU to life, Ron Hines, Vice President of Experiences at Paramount and Brian Spielman, Vice President of Attractions at MOA.
 
We invite you to join us as we explore what it takes to create, refine, develop, reshape + and grow the vibrant world you know and love as Nickelodeon Universe.
 
Have you ever wondered how teams decided which new rides to install? What it’s like to collaborate directly with the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender? What it feels like to see the faces on children of all ages when they enter a new theme park for the first time? Well, stay tuned and find out.
 
Mall of America has enjoyed a partnership with Paramount/Nickelodeon for more than 16 years. Host Jill Renslow was one of the key MOA team members who helped transition our theme park into an exciting new attraction. She and co-host Chris Grap, work closely with guests Hines and Spielman to continually move the theme park forward in new and exciting ways.
 
Guests: Ron Hines, Vice President Consumer Products and Experiences at Paramount; Brian Spielman, Vice President of Attractions at Mall of America
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Chris Grap
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.