So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 32: Nur-D. Comic Book Nerd to Hip Hop Sensation

It’s our pleasure to sit down with Matt “Nur-D” Allen, a fresh new Hip Hop artist and one of the fastest rising stars in Minnesota’s music scene. Nur-D has been sharing his energy infused musical performances at Mall of America® and beyond. Want to know how he turned his love for comic books and pro wrestling into a music career? How he ended up crashing a Mall of America employee retreat and had everyone on their feet? Or what it is like to work with a Grammy Award winning Orchestra? Then this episode is for you!
Growing up in Rosemount, MN and nurturing his love for theater and music, Nur-D burst onto the stage in 2018 and has since shared his boundary-crossing musical style with audiences around the globe. Never abandoning his roots, he has also been a featured performer at Mall of America. 
His journey has been winding, interesting and full of stories. Join us to learn why Nur-D believes bringing people together through music is so important. 
Guests: Matt “Nur-D” Allen, Musician, Artist, Performer
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. 31: Nothing Bundt Amazing

Our guests are Kim Cassens and Joe Cassens, the mother and son team who brought the delicious flavors of Nothing Bundt Cakes to Mall of America and other locations. Want to know how a party gift can turn into a career? How a family can work together and enjoy it? How a bundt cake became a national obsession? This episode is for you!
 
Nothing Bundt Cakes started more than 25 years ago in Las Vegas by two friends who loved to bake and has grown to more than five hundred bakery locations across the country. Kim shares her journey to becoming a Nothing Bundt Cakes business owner, how she and her family have grown the business and what their future looks like. Both Kim and Joe – with no previous bundt cake experience – have helped to build the family business and share their stories.
If you are a fan of entrepreneurs, realizing your dreams or simply of delicious desserts this podcast episode is for you!
 
Guests: Kim Cassens, Franchise Owner and Joe Cassens, Director of Operations at Nothing Bundt Cakes at Mall of America
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Grant Buntje
 
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 30: Slice Brothers Pizza: Creating Community One NY Slice at a Time

Our guests are Adam Kado and Hosie Thurmond, creators of Slice Brothers Pizza, a new Mall of America fan favorite! They brought the classic NY slice of pizza to Minnesota– and people are loving it!
Kado and Thurmond are longtime friends whose individual journeys reshaped their initial dreams as business owners and redefined what dreams means to them as entrepreneurs. With varied professional backgrounds, they came together to fill a need in the Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood, which they identified as affordable, single sliced pizza for the busy single consumer. And they continue to grow.
Want to know what is their most popular slice, how pickle pizza came to be, or what their dream flavor of pizza is? Curious about their current locations or their plans for growth? Join us as we dive into the story behind hometown favorite, Slice Brothers Pizza, how they adapt and respond to changes and how the power of community is often strengthened through food–one slice at a time.
Guests: Adam Kado & Hosie Thurmond, Co-Founders and Owners of Slice Brothers Pizza Hosts: Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 29: Business + Journalism: Open to Opportunities

Guests at Mall of America often see news stories on shopping, attractions, holidays and even celebrity events. The public gets to experience the Mall through these stories, but rarely gets to see behind the curtain and experience the story from the reporter's point of view.
Today, we are honored to talk with Allison Kaplan and find out how she combined her love for journalism, fashion and business to tell the story of Mall of America and the greater Minnesota business community. Kaplan is a writer, editor, speaker, retail guru, entrepreneur and a leader in the Twin Cities business, journalism, and retail landscapes. 
Kaplan shares her career journey, how she came to create a Mall of America ‘beat’ for a local newspaper, and how she has expanded her reach through podcasts, radio shows, online retail and so much more. Fashion remains a core focus in her life.
When asked how she can accomplish so much, her response was first to laugh, quickly followed by advice to master the art of multi-tasking, efficiency and loving what you do. She talks about how her role as a journalist is to inspire, explain and connect with readers, viewers and listeners. Kaplan also points out that life is about storytelling which includes serious stories as well as those focused on life and energy.
We invite you to join us as we take a deep dive into the retail industry, the local business community and the world of storytelling and journalism with Allison Kaplan.
Guests: Allison Kaplan, Editor-in-Chief at Twin Cities Business Magazine
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 28: L.L. Bean an Outdoor Tradition

L.L. Bean is the epitome of an American success story. This family owned and operated business began in 1912 and has built a multi-generational and very loyal fan base. And its iconic store has been at Mall of America for ten years.
Steve Smith, President and CEO at L.L. Bean is joined by Guy Booth, L.L. Bean Store Manager at Mall of America–together they share the history of the company, its legendary return policy and the heart of the company which is helping people enjoy the outdoors.
Smith shares the inspirational story of brand-founder, Leon Leonwood Bean and how he invented the original Bean Boot. L.L. Bean sent his new boots to one hundred outdoor enthusiasts in 1912–and ninety of the pairs were returned to him as defective. That was the origin of the brands world-famous product guarantee and return policy. He fixed the flaw and created a boot that remains one of the most popular in the world–and is still completely made in the United States.
Booth and Smith share the importance of hiring and empowering outstanding team members. In fact, Booth was one of thirteen recipients of the 2021 Beans Best awards out of more than 3,000 nominations. During the holiday season their employee base jumps from 5,000 to 9,000 which includes inviting partners, neighbors and friends to join the effort.
Listeners will learn about the company values, purpose, and vision; omni-channel and store expansion strategies. And there are even insider tips on favorite products and the latest items to watch for. The key message that both guests impart the audience with is to encourage everyone to spend time outdoors – even the casual walk counts.
Guests: Steve Smith, President and CEO at L.L. Bean; Guy Booth, L.L. Bean Store Manager
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 27: Operations by the Numbers

This episode is all about the numbers—in a fun way. If you’ve ever been curious about how many parking spaces there are, how many rolls of toilet paper are used, or how many rides are taken at Mall of America in a year—this one is for you.
Between our two guests, Rich Hoge and Brian Spielman, both long-time leaders at Mall of America, they have more than 50 years of experience at the Mall. They have seen it all, heard it all, and experienced it all. Hoge began his career at Mall of America before the Mall first opened in our HVAC department. Right after trade school he joined the Mall, and he is one of 11 current team members who were hired on or before opening day in 1992. In his role as COO, he oversees all aspects of operations at the nation’s largest Mall.
Speilman started his MOA journey in the Camp Snoopy General Store—his specialty was making fudge. As a self-proclaimed ‘coaster kid’, he has had an affinity for rides and considers his role as VP of Attractions his dream job. Both Hoge and Spielman—along with our hosts—share fun stories over the years at the Mall, including creating our infamous ‘farting chair’, interacting with guests in interesting ways and planning for the future of retail and entertainment.
They share some specific advice for young professionals early in their career journey including life-long learning, problem solving, attitude is everything and be willing to pitch in and help. Good advice for everyone.
Guests: Rich Hoge, Chief Operating Officer at Mall of America; 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.

Ep. 26: The Heart of Hospitality

Celebrating the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry. That’s the focus of this discussion—and the stories shared during the conversation are memorable.
Guests Bonnie Carlson and Jim Cunningham—both long time hosts and visionaries behind the nationally industry leading Diamond Service Awards—share what prompted the creation of the ceremony, how it has grown over the years, and the impact it has had on the industry. But the best parts are when they share personal stories of the front-line workers who are honored each year.
To Bloomington, MN-based hospitality workers, the Diamond Service Awards are often referred to as ‘The Oscars’ of Bloomington! Hundreds of honorees, colleagues and guests gather dressed to the nines. Nominees walk a red carpet and often dance into the ballroom as part of the formal procession at the start of the awards. Many award winners and nominees consider the honor a highlight of their career.
Carlson and Cunningham have a reputation as lively hosts who bring a sense of humor and compassion to the event. But they also share why it’s important to recognize and honor front-line workers in the industry. These are often people who go above and beyond to welcome guests to Bloomington—and they are ambassadors for the city and state. 
Guests: Jim Cunningham, Actor, Host, Master of Ceremonies at Cunningham Ltd.; Bonnie Carlson, President + CEO at Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 25: The Future of the Mall

Who better to share the story–and the future vision–of Mall of America than someone who has been connected from the first days of construction, John Ghermezian. As President of Mall of America, and a member of the family who owns and operates the Mall, Ghermezian brings keen insights and learnings about this successful operation.
 
Ghermezian shares how the Mall has changed over the years and which factors lead to its continued success. He first points to treating guests, team members and the building itself with kindness and respect. John also shares how continued investment in all those things are key. He details how the Mall was transformed over the past decade with a huge financial investment that completely reshaped the interior experience for guests and tenants alike.
 
Much of the conversation is centered around how Mall of America has been innovative in the past–including great examples such as a partnership with Amazon and Good Housekeeping to create GH Lab, a retail experiential activation with McKinsey and the creation of Community Commons. But he also shares the importance of continuing to form new partnerships, create new opportunities and invest in technology and innovation.
 
When asked the formula for success, Ghermezian quickly replies that for each problem or obstacle there is an opportunity. It’s having the ability to see the opportunity that leads to success.
 
Guests: John Ghermezian, President at Mall of America
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 24: Women in Leadership

This episode features three of the most accomplished female leaders in the Twin Cities. Wendy Blackshaw of MN Sports and Events and Tanya Dreesen of the Minnesota Vikings who are joined by host Jill Renslow of Mall of America.
Dreesen began her career in newspapers in Canada, then in Denver and finally to the Twin Cities publishing industry. Along the way she learned about the professional sports industry. In Minnesota, she wanted to follow her passion and reached out to the Minnesota Vikings; she was hired and has been with the team for more than 16 years. She was drawn to the Vikings since it is such a powerful brand and for what the team represents to the community. 
Early in Blackshaw’s career she handled marketing and sales for the Minnesota North Stars. When they moved to Dallas, she took a chance and joined the newly opened Mall of America in sales and marketing. After that she was a consultant, an executive with the MN Super Bowl Committee and finally President and CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events. And she's a proud, life-long Packers fan!
As prominent figures in historically male-dominated professions, the three shared other key advice. All leaders need to work together to change reality, so everyone has an opportunity to learn and grow. Have empathy and be kind. Don’t take things personally, learn from mistakes and move on. Build the right team and help them achieve more. Mentor others and help them find their right path. And laugh along the way.
Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, CEO + President at Minnesota Sports & Events; Tanya Dreesen, Vice President of Partnership Activations, Special Projects & Events at Minnesota VikingsHost: Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 23: Theme Park Rides: Part Art. Part Science.

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America is the premier indoor theme park in the nation. With millions of visitors and rides every year, Nick U delivers smiles and screams (the good kind) all year round. To stay fresh, it’s important to add new rides and attractions so guests continue to return.
Ron Hines, VP of Themed Entertainment at Nickelodeon visits with Nate Klutz from the Mall—and host, Jill Renslow—to talk the science and art behind choosing, designing, and installing new rides. Their conversation centers around how two international brands have forged a collaborative and creative relationship that helps foster new ideas for guest engagement.
The two share stories about how their teams identified the current mix of rides, what would help make the overall experience better and how it fits into the plan and flow of the theme park. With so much packed into a 7-acre indoor space – finding new rides and relocating others can feel like a never-ending jigsaw puzzle. But just like a puzzle, it’s beautiful when it is complete. 
Our guests discuss our two newest rides, Boots Banana Swing and Fly With Appa, and how they fit into the plan for the park – both the physical layout and how they will appeal to even more visitors. The key, they relay, is always trying to surprise and amaze the guests. After all, it is all about creating memories.
Guests: Ron Hines, Vice President of Themed Entertainment at Nickelodeon, and Nate Klutz, Vice President of Construction at Mall of AmericaHost: Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.