So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 93: The Content Creator Life with Hannah Swenson + Gwen Dinh

On this episode of So Much More, host Jill Renslow is joined by first-time cohost Brinley Zoller from the Mall of America social team and influencer program. Together, they sit down with two powerhouse content creators—Hannah Swenson and Gwen Dinh—to talk all things influencing. From how they got started to their favorite brand moments and the content that means the most, this episode gives an inside look at the real life of social media influencers. Whether you're a content creator, brand partner, or just love the scroll, this one’s for you.
1:30 Get to know our guests…fashion and style rapid fire4:00 A day in the life of social content creator at the Mall (including Ed Sheeran)6:00 Hannah shares her journey (including as an MOA fashion intern)8:15 Gwen talks about her path to influencer10:15 The art behind content creation, scheduling and timing13:00 The superpower of multitasking14:30 How a world-wide brand like Mall of America partners with content creators16:00 Content creator vs. influencer vs. O.G. blogger19:30 The pressure of being a ‘public persona’ on social media21:55 Favorite content creation experiences23:30 Advice for those hoping to begin a career as content creators25:15 Rapid fire closing questions
Hannah Swenson: https://www.instagram.com/whereshewore/ Gwen Dinh: https://www.instagram.com/gwenxanh/
Guests: Hannah Swenson and Gwen Dinh; social media content creators + influencersHosts: Jill Renslow and Brinley Zoller
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 92: Ladybugs & Landscapes: Bugged Out for Earth Month

Mall of America is green every day of the year. But we truly celebrate in April which is Earth Month. Boasting more than 30,000 live plants and hundreds of trees, people often wonder how we handle potential plant pests. On this episode of So Much More, we feature two guests who are integral to our most fun and educational event to honor Earth Month, our annual Ladybug release! [Hint: they take care of other pests.] James Everhart a.k.a. our Resident Bug Wrangler (and landscaper) joins Paulette Bonneur who attends with her amazing Girl Scout Troop every year. 
2:17 What the interior landscaping team does at MOA4:00 Releasing a hundred thousand ladybugs5:30 How the Girl Scouts got involved with ladybug release6:30 Harper – the Ladybug Princess8:50 Why you don’t need to be afraid of ladybugs13:45 Leadership development at the Girl Scouts18:30 How to learn more about the plants at MOA22:00 Quick quiz questions
To follow James on TikTok and Instagram look for: Garden of JamesTo learn more about Paulette visit: https://paulettebonneur.com/To learn more about Girl Scouts visit: https://www.girlscoutsrv.org/ To learn more about plants at MOA: www.mallofamerica.com/green 
Guests: James Everhart, Interior Landscaper/Gardener at Mall of America; Paulette Bonneur, Director of Girl Scout Leadership InstituteHost: Daniel JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 91: Edyn's Cake Pops: Baking Up Business

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  Two years ago, 11 year old Edyn Esparza cold-called Mall of America asking if we would sell her cake pops.  The answer was yes and the rest as they say is history.  This episode tells the story of young entrepreneur Edyn Esparza and her Mall of America Foods Manager mentor, Barb Ross-Hayes as they embark on her journey from dream to reality.1:10 Barb tells the story of getting that fateful phone call3:50 Edyn shares how and why she wanted to sell cake pops at Mall of America5:00 Edyn’s mom Sharon shares what it’s like raising her determined daughter follow her dream7:20 Barb details what it took to make her dream a reality12:46 How Edyn juggles her business + being a full-time student14:15 Edyn’s cake pop baking trick15:15 Edyn describes the 3 flavors she sells:  Green Slime Vanilla, Purple Velvet, Orange and Purple Velvet
For information on Edyn’s Cake Pops:  @edyns_cakepops@mallofamerica @nickelodeonuniverse
Guest: Edyn Esparza, Owner and Creator of Edyn’s Cake Pops; Sharon Esparza, Edyn’s mom; Barb Ross-Hayes, Mall of America Foods Manager Hosts:  Jill RenslowPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 90: Ingrid Christensen: The Power of Using the Right Language

The right use of language has the power to foster connection between individuals and groups from all cultures.  Our guest, Ingrid Christensen, Founder and CEO of INGCO International has worked in the language industry for over 20 years.  First as an interpreter and eventually opening her own language service company to bridge translation gaps and connect cultures.   Connecting people through her book, The Language of Trust Ingrid shares why getting language right can literally be a matter of life and death.2:35 Ingrid’s career journey and how she learned by failure4:25 Language services her business INGCO International provides6:41 How Mall of America connects with different languages and cultures9:15 Making language the most equitable for everyone12:40 What tools should we be most cautious of when translating14:40 Mall of America hasn’t always gotten translation right  16:00 Ingrid talks about her book, ‘The Language of Trust’22:00    Being a translator holds a lot of responsibility.  How her interpreters are trained and vetted.24:12 Advice for young entrepreneurs26:00 Jill, Dan and Ingrid play a fun game, ‘Lost in Translation’
For information on INGCO International:  www.ingcointernational.comFor information on Ingrid Christensen: @ingridchristensen 
Guest: Ingrid Christensen, Founder + CEO of INGCO International, author, entrepreneur, speakerHosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper

Ep. 89: Adriana Carrig: The Power of Little Words

A kind word can change the world. Our guest, Adriana Carrig, CEO of Little Words Project has used words to help bring kindness to others and to yourself. More than a jewelry brand, it’s a community of people that support one another. In this affirming, uplifting conversation Adriana shares her views on compassion, kindness, building a business, Minnesota and Mall of America!
2:30 Why kindness and kind words matter6:00 Who is the key customer for Little Words6:40 How to share your message and pay it forward to someone who needs a kind word9:30 Choosing the perfect word for your bracelet11:40 Minnesota is a community of kindness14:30 Focus on partnerships including one of the newest, Winnie the Pooh21:00 Some words that may resonate with listeners
For information on Little Words Project: https://www.littlewordsproject.com/.For information on Adriana: https://adrianacarrig.com/. For information on the Glow Through It podcast: https://www.theglowthroughitpodcast.com/home.  Guest: Adriana Carrig, Founder + CEO of Little Words Project, author, entrepreneur and kind personHosts:  Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson, Emy Dominguez
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 88: Marney Gellner: Sportscaster, Radio Personality + Mom

With a strong connection to Minnesota, and to the local sports scene, our guest has built a successful career in television broadcasting, sports announcing and as a radio host. Marney Gellner is well known to fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx as well as listeners of the KFAN Power Trip morning show. A native of North Dakota, and a long-time Minnesota resident, Marney shares great stories about sports, culture and living life as a media personality and mom.
1:45 What is a trailblazer – Marney’s sports history and love of comedy4:30 Facing obstacles while building a career7:00 The experience of working with the KFAN Power Trip morning crew11:45 Balancing life when traveling with a professional sports team12:45 Why Marney loves Cleveland16:30 Some of the sacrifices that come with the job19:45 Minot memories: going to a MN Twins game and Mall of America22:15 Marney’s Mall of America go-to-favorite stores23:30 Why you never want to say, “The Dakota’s”27:45 The forgotten deodorant story…
For information on Marney find her on Instagram: @MarneyGellner 
Guest: Marney Gellner; broadcaster, sports journalist, radio hostHosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 87: Roshini Rajkumar: Path to Professional Growth

This episode features the return of a fan favorite guest, Roshini Rajkumar. Best known as a media personality, mainstage speaker, podcast host and C-Suite Advisor, Roshini shares practical insights on how to be present in the workplace and make meaningful impressions on your audience. She also covers her I.A.P. process that leads to successful interactions and partnerships. Her podcast the Crisis Files is currently in Season 3.
3:10 Roshini’s I.A.P. formula for success5:00 Intent, Audience Analysis, Performance – it’s all about the audience7:30 How this strategy relates to the sales cycle12:45 Tips for attending an event in person – how to beat anxiety and make connections15:00 How a leader can help younger team members navigate a social setting17:40 The Powerful Presence Scale23:00 First Impressions and how to recover if it didn’t go well26:00 LinkedIn professional profile tips, tricks and myths
For information on Roshini visit https://roshiniinc.com/. For information on The Crisis Files visit https://thecrisisfiles.com/. 
Guest: Roshini Rajkumar, entrepreneur, C-suite advisor, crisis strategist, podcast host, licensed attorney, and media insider.Hosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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.