So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

Ep. 33: Host Office Party: A Spring Break Adventure

The snow has melted. The birds are chirping. Spring Break is finally here! Our So Much More hosts are eager to share the options, stories + insider tips for a Spring Break adventure at Mall of America.
Need pointers on how to plan a visit to MOA that fits within your budget? Curious what unique events or celebrities are visiting the mall? Want to find out how your family can finally get slimed? Stick around for all the details!
Our four hosts are Mall of America experts who, alongside their MOA colleagues, have helped create amazing memories for families from around the world. And they can’t wait to share all the exciting news of what’s happening at the mall this Spring Break season. They dive into the new attractions and stores that have opened and share their favorite family Spring Break memories. 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Chris Grap, Grant Buntje, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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.