So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 86: Mall of America, Your Spring Break HQ

It’s one of our favorite times of year at Mall of America…it’s Spring Break time!  We’re seeing and feeling the first bit of spring and families, college kids and many visitors want ideas for some fun things to do with the kids while they’re off from school.  Well, this episode is packed with tons of ideas for your ‘YAY-cation’ here at Mall of America. 
2:00 All about VIP Behind The Scenes Tours at Mall of America5:50 All about SLIME BREAK at Nickelodeon Universe – book early9:35 The Ultimate Spring Break Giveaway – all the details you need to know10:55 Easter activations throughout Nickelodeon Universe12:00 Great Staycation package ideas and deals surrounding Mall of America14:45 Budget saving ideas on attractions, shopping and more18:25 Great shopping ideas for those leaving on their Spring Break vacation20:37 The panel’s favorite MOA restaurant recommendations23:15 Other attraction opportunities for Spring Breaking families24:50 Prom shopping opportunities25:30 It’s Trivia Time!
For information on Spring Break visit https://mallofamerica.com/Spring. For more information on Nickelodeon Universe visit https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/home/. For more information on Mall of America attractions visit https://mallofamerica.com/entertainment. 
Guests: Sara Johnson, Marketing Director; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at Mall of AmericaHosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 85: The Hollywood of the Midwest

Over the years, people have referred to Mall of America as ‘The Hollywood of the Midwest’ because of all the movies and production filmed in and around the Mall.  From Mighty Ducks 2 and Jingle All The Way, the Mall has hosted thousands of film crews from commercial shoots to feature film productions.  In this episode you’ll hear behind the scenes tales from these movies and discover what it takes to be a part of this production and artist community.
1:49 Michelle shares what it was like working on the movie Fargo with Steve Buscemi4:34 Anne talks about her career journey from WCCO to location scout8:00 The story of how Grumpy Old Men was filmed in Minnesota10:25 Michelle meets the Coen Brothers from the movie Fargo13:15 Kris shares her memories of when Jingle All the Way filmed at Mall of America16:00 Favorite memories and challenges of filming Jingle all the Way at MOA18:45 Arnold Schwarzenegger threw a cigar party at Planet Hollywood21:00 Michelle and Anne share favorite celebrity stories from working on MN movies with Greg Kinnear + Charlize Theron26:40 Kris’ favorite production memory includes a John Legend story29:33 Anne tells the story of how Jingle was almost filmed in Milwaukee
Guests: Anne Healy, Healy Locations, Michelle Huchison, Actress, Writer, Proudcer, Kris Cegla Director Tenant Relations and Marketing Operations, Mall of AmericaFor information on Explore Minnesota Film visit www.mnfilmtv.orgHosts:  Daniel JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 84: From TV Reporting to Beating the Winter Blues

In this episode, we dive our guests’ (Bryan Piatt and Laura Utecht) careers in TV journalism including the most adventurous stories they covered at Mall of America and beyond. In his current career as a mental health therapist, Bryan shares how the dark, cold winter months can impact people in different ways. He shares techniques and strategies to navigate these challenges and where help can be found.
1:40 Brian shares the ‘big trip’ from Fargo was to Mall of America2:00 Both guests share their careers in TV journalism3:55 Memorable news stories from college journalism – winning a national Emmy award5:30 Wacky reporter adventures11:10 What it’s like to do early morning live-TV shots at Mall of America13:00 How the cold, dark winter can impact mental health16:35 It’s healthy to acknowledge that you aren’t feeling okay right now17:30 Basic self-care can help someone who is struggling21:45 If you’re aware of times that are tough (S.A.D.) how to prepare for and manage it25:45 Quick questions for our guests
To connect with Bryan through his clinic visit: https://stateofmindtherapy.com/. If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis call 988.
Guests: Bryan Piatt, mental health therapist and former KARE 11 reporter; Laura Utecht, Sr. Director of Communications at Mall of America
Hosts:  Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 19: Love and Marriage at MOA

Mall of America has played host to more than 10,000 weddings over the years. From a wedding in the shark tank at SEA LIFE Aquarium to couples getting married on the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coast so many of these unions were amazing memories. The Mall event built an ice castle one year and had couples getting married in the middle…it was beautiful and extremely cold! To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 83:  Cupid’s Guide to MOA Valentine’s Fun.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 18: Amazing Date Night Ideas

From silly, to romantic, to child-like idealism, this conversation discusses the wide array of date night options for those who have recently fell in love, to those who are celebrating decades with the love of their life. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 83:  Cupid’s Guide to MOA Valentine’s Fun.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 83: Cupid's Guide to MOA Valentine's Fun

Ep. 83:  Cupid’s Guide to MOA Valentine’s Fun. 
In this episode, we dive into everything you need for the perfect Valentine’s Day at Mall of America! From unique gift ideas and delicious dining options to exciting attractions and fun memories of past Valentine’s celebrations. We cover it all! Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or a family adventure, this episode is your guide to making the day extra special at MOA.1:00 Retail fun facts about Valentine’s Day1:55 The top five gift giving categories for Valentine’s Day3:45 Great gift ideas for everyone11:20   MOA dining options for Valentine’s Day13:00   Great date ideas and experiences at MOA15:49   We’ve had more than 10,000 weddings here.  Dan tells us some of the memorable ones.18:55   The Log Chute is now the Love Chute19:50   MOA is hosting a special Valentine’s Day Swing Dance Night Feb. 1420:38   Hosts and guests share their favorite love moments and Valentine’s Day memories
For great gift and Valentine’s Day ideas, visit:  https://mallofamerica.com/valentinesday Guests: Sara Rogers, MOA Trend Expert and Sara Johnson, MOA Integrated Marketing DirectorHosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 17: Being a Euro Bus Tour Guide

John O’Sullivan, who grew up in Mankato, MN and went to St. John’s University, shares his personal and professional journey. He embarked on a 12-year overseas journey of self-discovery. During that time, he became a tour guide on a Euro Bus. During a six-week training period he got to visit many countries and learn to be a great tour guide and storyteller. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 82: John O’Sullivan One Minute Tours.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 16: Starship 3000

John O’Sullivan, famously known for his One Minute Tours on TikTok and other social media platforms shines during this episode. When asked for his favorite Mall of America memory, John’s eyes lit up. He immediately remembers Starship 3000, a laser-tag adventure from years ago at the Mall. His memory was it had a rotating spaceship and for his 12-year old self it was the eighth wonder of the world. To hear this story and more check out So Much More Ep. 82: John O’Sullivan One Minute Tours.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 82: John O’Sullivan One Minute Tours

John O’Sullivan got his start as a tour guide as he says by being handed a microphone on a bus and starting to tell stories.  He soon turned these stories into a TikTok sensation that he calls One Minute Tours.  In this episode John tells us the secret to making these magical one minute videos, what makes a great tour guide and how he’s parlaying his love of storytelling into a longer format show on YouTube called The Hidden Middle.1:31:  From Mankato to Australia, how John fell into the art of being a great tour guide7:55:  John describes his favorite city, Berlin11:55:  How and why John made his first TikTok video and turned it into a video series13:44:  The trick to making a 1 minute video19:38:  How does John deal with negative comments and criticism on social media22:09:  John talks about his new YouTube project The Hidden Middle.23:16:  What makes the best story and tour?  Authenticity and staying in the moment27:50:  John shares his favorite Mall of America stories and memories growing up near here.Guest:  John O’Sullivan, One Minute Tours@oneminutetours www.oneminutetours.comHost:  Daniel JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 81: Kyle Potter, Thrifty Traveler

What is the secret to getting great travel deals?  Our guest, Kyle Potter, executive editor for Thrifty Traveler, a service that helps travelers travel more for less, shares his advice on how to find cheap flights…hint, it’s not a certain day of the week…travel hacks and how to choose the right travel rewards credit card.  After having visited more than 30 countries and logging over 100,000 miles each year, Kyle has the inside track when it comes to travel.
2:35  Tips for booking travel during peak season5:05:  Is there a best day to book flights?  Think best days to fly.7:20:  What is Thrifty Traveler and how do their free and premium subscription services work?9:57:  The silver bullet to saving on travel11:40:  The beauty of Minneapolis St. Paul International airport and it’s proximity to Mall of America14:15:  A Minnesota native, Kyle shares favorite memories of Mall of America17:41:  Kyle shares his favorite travel destination20:52:  How to navigate credit card travel rewards and choose the best one25:00:  Kyle shares his favorite travel hacks Guest:  Kyle Potter, Executive Editor of Thrifty Traveler@thriftytraveler  www.thriftytraveler.comHosts:  Daniel Jasper, Jill RenslowPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.