So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 133: Carl Radke: From Summer House to Self-Discovery

Joining us today is Carl Radke, star of Bravo’s Summer House and author of the new memoir, Cake Eater. Carl is at Mall of America for a special book event, and we’re grateful he took the time to sit down with us.
 
In Cake Eater, Carl shares a candid and deeply personal look at his life, navigating career shifts, family dynamics, profound loss, and his journey through recovery. It’s an honest, vulnerable story that reminds us growth and joy often come from the moments that challenge us most.
 
In this conversation, Carl opens up about what inspired him to write the book, how sharing his story has changed him, and what he’s still learning about authenticity, resilience, and staying grounded. It’s a thoughtful discussion about change, self-awareness, and what it really means to redefine success.
 
NOTE: Please be aware, there is the use of some colorful language in this episode.
 
2:15       An early Mall of America story from Carl Radke (been here many times)
5:00       Talking about writing a book, vulnerability and the platform to share his story
7:40       Getting men to speak out about critical issues, mental health, emotional issues
9:30       Learning from 10 seasons of Summer House (and life)
13:15    Cake Eater, how Pittsburgh, golf, and The Mighty Ducks helped inspire the book title
19:00    Launch of Carl’s new bar/café in New York: Soft Bar, it’s about intentionality
29:00    The world of running – and the community it builds
31:00    Wrapping up the visit with rapid fire questions
 
For the book tour: https://cakeeatertour.com/
For Cake Eater visit: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cake-Eater/Carl-Radke/9781998076765 (or Barnes + Noble and other booksellers)
To visit Soft Bar: https://soft-bar.com/
For info on Loverboy: https://drinkloverboy.com/
 
Guests: Carl Radke, star of Summer House and author of Cake Eater
 
Your host: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 132: New Year, New Stores, New Fun

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Carrie Charleston and Ashley Hofman from Mall of America’s leasing team, the minds behind the mix. Together, we explore how new retail, dining, and experiential concepts come together to create unforgettable moments for guests. From viral openings like KPOP NARA and Pop Mart, to nostalgic collaborations like Hello Kitty + Friends Build-A-Bear, to crowd-drawing moments like Tom Brady’s appearance for CardVault.
 
We’ll also dig into the evolving food scene with brands like Giordano’s, Sweetgreen, and Sweet Crunch Tanghulu, and look ahead to what’s coming next including immersive experiences like Vatican Unveiled and exciting new additions like DUCK, Mogouyan Noodle, Roni’s Mac Bar, and Mango.
 
This conversation goes beyond square footage and storefronts. It’s about timing, storytelling, guest emotion, and why leasing at Mall of America is really about creating moments people remember long after they leave.
 
1:10       New shopping, dining and fun additions and Ahley’s obsession with Labubus
3:00       Take time to explore recently opened Mavi jeans, MINISO and Card Vault by Tom Brady
8:15       KPOP Nara soon to open at MOA, the newest addition in Asian pop music + culture
12:25    Hello Kitty partners with Build A Bear, bringing generations together
13:30    Chicago-style pizza Giordano’s to Mogouyan hand-pulled noodles and Sweetgreen
18:45    Duck! claw-machine experience, Primark fashion and home-forward, Mango fashion
21:45    J. Crew and Banana Republic capturing nostalgia and forward-looking fashion coming soon
 
To learn more, visit: https://www.vikings.com/ and https://www.vikings.com/fans/
 
Guests: Carrie Charleston, Vice President + Head of Leasing; Ashley Hofmann, Leasing Director at Mall of America
 
Your host: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 131: More Than Football: Creating Unforgettable Vikings Fan Moments

What does it take to create unforgettable fan experiences and partnerships that go far beyond game day?
 
In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Kennedy, Vice President of Partnership and Premium Experience for the Minnesota Vikings, to explore how the team designs elevated fan moments at U.S. Bank Stadium and beyond. Morgan shares how premium experiences have evolved, what fans truly crave today, and how the Vikings choose brand partners that align with their values and enhance the fan journey.
 
We also dive into standout Vikings partnerships, including collaborations with Mall of America, lessons learned when experiences don’t go as planned, and how great partnerships help connect with fans outside the stadium. This conversation offers real insight into fan engagement, premium experiences, and partnership strategy from one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.
 
Skol.
 
1:45       Four pillars of Morgan Kennedy’s role at the Vikings
7:00       Reflections on athletes, sports and how they connect to fans and the world
8:45       How merchandising and partnerships gets fans excited (including brand collabs and vintage)
10:30    The art of aligning with key partners and building premium experiences
12:45    Amplifying the fan experience, at games and beyond – it’s generational
14:00    Favorite MN Vikings brand moments, introducing the world to the NFL and the Vikings
18:45    New partnerships that helped amplify the work and experience for fans
22:00    How the MN Vikings activate at Mall of America, and at US Bank Stadium
24:30    Lightning round for our guests
 
To learn more, visit: https://www.vikings.com/ and https://www.vikings.com/fans/
 
Guests: Morgan Kennedy, Vice President of Partnership and Premium Experience at the Minnesota Vikings
 
Your host: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 130: Protecting America’s Mall

What does it take to keep the nation’s busiest mall safe, day in and day out?
 
In this episode, we talk with Will Bernhjelm, Vice President of Security at Mall of America, about a career shaped by service, adaptability, and purpose. Will has been an integral member of the MOA security team, which he now leads, for more than 23 years. Will and his team of highly trained, dedicated professional security officers are the best of the best.
 
Will shares how his time in the Army National Guard influenced his leadership approach and elevated security training at MOA… a program that leads the industry. We explore the “Swiss cheese” model of security, where layered people, processes, and technology work together to keep guests safe. From bike and patrol officers to K9 teams and advanced tools like license plate readers and facial recognition, used responsibly and thoughtfully, combine to keep the Mall safe.
 
At its core, this conversation is about why security matters, and the deeply personal motivation behind protecting a place where millions of families come to make memories.
 
1:00       Will’s professional journey that led to Mall of America
3:10       Army National Guard deployments to Kosovo and Iraq led to supervisory role in security training
5:30       A new outlook on security training, leading the retail and attractions industries
9:00       The Swiss cheese strategy that keeps Mall of America safe
11:45    MOA bike officers, year-round patrols in all types of weather
12:50    Everyone’s favorite… Mall of America K9 teams
14:25    MOA Patrol Officers, the modern day ‘beat cop’ at the nation’s busiest mall
15:30    Technology at MOA including LPR cameras
16:45    How Facial Recognition technology is used responsibly at MOA and leads the industry
19:45    Why we work hard to keep this place safe (it’s all about family)
 
To learn more, visit: https://mallofamerica.com/security
 
Guests: Will Bernhjelm, Vice President of Security at Mall of America
 
Your host: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 129: Great New Eats at MOA

More great food is coming to Mall of America and everyone is excited! From handcrafted New Haven–style pizzas baked in just five minutes to customizable mac and cheese bowls that have gone viral on social media, these restaurants showcase the creativity and energy of the MOA dining scene.
 
Joining us are Chef Joshua Hedquist, the award-winning Food Network personality behind OG ZaZa, and Sam Danna, the Minnesota-based franchise owner bringing Roni’s Mac Bar to Mall of America for its first location in the state. Josh shares his journey from national television to building a pizza brand focused on simplicity, flavor, and second chances, while Sam takes us inside the comfort-food phenomenon that’s winning fans online and off.
 
We talk passion, personality, and what it means to be part of the Mall of America food community, plus what guests can expect when these two crave-worthy concepts open their doors.
 
NOTE: This episode was taped right before Black Friday weekend. Roni’s is expected to open mid-January on Level 3, South. OG ZaZa is currently open on Level 3, North in Culinary on North.
 
2:10       How Josh created OG ZaZa, New Haven-style pizza concept
4:30       Sam first experienced Roni’s at Texas A+M and was immediately sold on the idea
7:30       Ashley and our leasing team search high and low to bring the best food and stores here
12:00    Bringing new exciting concepts to Mall of America
18:00    Social media has helped spread the word on both of these great food brands
20:00    OG Zaza uses food for good – feeding and providing for those in need
 
Find all the great dining at Mall of America at: https://mallofamerica.com/diningguide
Find OG Zaza at https://ogzazamn.com/ and OGZaZa and OGTrailer on social media
Find Roni’s at https://ronismacbar.com/ and Roni’s Mac Bar on social media
 
Guests: Chef Joshua Hedquist, owner of OG ZaZa and Sam Danna, Roni’s Mac Bar franchise owner
 
Your host: Daniel Jasper, Ashley Hofmann
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 128: Reels, Stories, and Santa: Inside MOA’s Holiday Social Strategy

The holiday season at Mall of America doesn’t just happen. It’s carefully captured, crafted, and shared in real time by a creative team with a front-row seat to the magic.
 
In this episode, we’re stepping behind the camera with Brinley Zoller and Johanna Beierle, two of MOA’s talented Social Media Strategists who bring the holiday season to life across feeds, Stories, Reels, and TikTok. From documenting the first moments of décor installs, to planning the controlled chaos of Black Friday, to collaborating with seasonal influencers who help spread the spirit, Brinley and Johanna see the holidays earlier, and differently, than almost anyone.
 
Plus, we’ll share favorite holiday traditions, heartwarming moments, and a few behind-the-scenes insights that just might change how you see holiday content the next time it pops up in your feed.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to capture the heart of the season…this episode is for you.
 
2:35       The scope and scale of Mall of America social media
5:00       How to view the holidays from the viewpoint of a social media content creator
8:00       Preparing for Black Friday, and braving the cold
15:45    Touching and amazing stories that stand out
17:40    The wackiest social stories as told by our guests
20:00    Shout out to the rest of the SM team
21:30    Quick answer games with the two Johanna and Brinley
 
Follow Mall of America on all social channels: @Mall of America
 
Guests: Brinley Zoller and Johanna Bierle, social media content creators, strategists and experts at Mall of America
 
Your host: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 127: Last-Minute Magic: LEGO, Toy + Gift Ideas at MOA

Holiday shopping crunch time is here, and we’ve got you covered. In this episode, we’re rounding up the hottest gifts, toys, and last-minute finds from across Mall of America, perfect for everyone on your list (yes, even the tricky ones).
 
We’re joined by Gail Larson, Senior Store Manager of the LEGO Store at Mall of America, who shares why LEGO continues to top wish lists year after year, which sets are flying off the shelves this season, and how families of all ages are building holiday memories together…brick by brick.
 
From must-have toys and nostalgic favorites to personalized gifts and unforgettable experiences, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you shop smarter, faster, and with a little more holiday joy.
 
NOTE: This episode was taped in early December. There’s only 1 Week Left until Christmas!
 
3:45       The classic toy (year-round) is LEGO, the store and its giant LEGO structures
5:30       The play area that entertains kids of all ages, and free make-and-take opportunities
7:15       A unique ‘mural build’ experience that happens four+ times a year at MOA LEGO store
9:15       The LEGO Family Christmas Tree – an exclusive offering at LEGO store
13:00    LEGO Ideas – the space where you can share design ideas with LEGO
14:15    Great savings and deals at Mall of America retailers and stores
16:15    Hot toy, game, retro, and activity ideas for this holiday season
19:15    Tips for shoppers visiting Mall of America in the coming days
22:45    Gift ideas for men
25:45    Fact or Fiction – a fun quiz about toys and games
 
For more Info: www.mallofamerica.com/holiday  
LEGO at MOA: https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores/store/mall-of-america
LEGO Ideas: https://beta.ideas.lego.com/
 
Guests: Gail Larson, Senior Store Manager of the LEGO Store at Mall of America
 
Your hosts: Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 126: The Countdown to Holiday Gifts at MOA

The holidays are just two weeks away, and if you’re feeling the pressure to track down those perfect last-minute Christmas gifts, don’t worry, Mall of America has your back. Today’s episode is all about saving time, reducing stress, and finding gifts people will actually love.
 
We’re joined by two fantastic guests who know the Mall inside and out. First up is Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at MOA, who’s here to share why attraction passes and experience-based gifts are the secret weapon for last-minute shoppers. From bundled deals to flexible digital options, she’ll help you find meaningful, memory-making gifts for everyone on your list.
 
Then we’re talking with Kaitlyn O’Brien, Manager at Rocket Fizz, the go-to spot for quirky, nostalgic, delightfully unexpected stocking stuffers. Whether you're shopping for kids, coworkers, or that tricky person who “doesn’t need anything,” Kaitlyn has fun, fast, under-$20 ideas ready to wrap.
 
If you’re racing the clock, craving inspiration, or just want to finish your list with confidence, this episode is packed with simple, joyful ways to bring the magic home—no panic required.
 
2:45       Our hosts and guests share their fun holiday tradition for the days leading to Christmas
5:30       The gift of experiences: countless ideas for the last-minute shopper
9:30       All deals are found on the website including great attraction bundles
10:00    The gift of annual passes – a wonderful way to spend time with families
11:45    The hottest stocking stuffers at Rocket Fizz and beyond (including pickle pop)
13:00    Customizable gift baskets and retro-era candy selection
20:00    Advice for last minute shopping and great gift ideas
22:00    ‘Gift’ or ‘Grinch’ a holiday-themed quiz
 
For more Info: www.mallofamerica.com/holiday  
 
Guests: Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at MOA; and Kaitlyn O’Brien, Manager at Rocket Fizz  at MOA
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

JoJo Siwa at MOA: A Special Holiday Episode

In this high-energy special holiday interview, we’re kicking off Black Friday Siwa-style! It’s bright, bold, and bursting with joy!
 
Join us for a magical 7 a.m. conversation recorded right on Santa’s chair inside the Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America, where JoJo Siwa herself stopped by to celebrate one of the biggest days of the year.
With thousands of excited fans lined up for MOA’s legendary Door Busters (and counting down to JoJo’s first-ever holiday concert at noon) the energy was off the charts. JoJo didn’t just show up… she showed out. She surprised guests all morning by personally handing out exclusive Door Buster gifts, spreading sparkle and cheer one joyful moment at a time.
 
And then came the big moment: the debut of JoJo’s brand-new holiday song, “Message to the World (Little Drummer Girl)” — a glittery, powerful anthem that lit up the Rotunda.
 
In our interview, JoJo reflects on how Mall of America shaped her dreams, from visiting as a young dancer on the competition circuit to performing her very first solo MOA show eight years ago at just 14. She shares why she keeps coming back, what the world’s greatest mall still means to her, and how she hopes her new music becomes part of your family’s holiday traditions.
 
And because this is a Black Friday bonus episode…
You’ll also get access to exclusive footage from JoJo’s holiday performance, filmed live at MOA!
Grab your peppermint mocha, turn up the volume, and get ready — this is JOY-JO Siwa like you’ve never seen her before.
 
For more Info: https://jojosiwa.com/
 
Guests: JoJo Siwa, actress, recording artist, dancer, philanthropist, role model
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 125: The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship Comes to Minnesota!

Today on So Much More, we’re celebrating one of the biggest global sports moments headed straight for Minnesota: the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship! This high-octane tournament brings together the world’s best U20 hockey players for an electrifying, fast-paced competition that fans across the globe circle on their calendars.
 
We’re thrilled to welcome two of the powerhouse leaders behind bringing this international event to the Twin Cities: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul.
 
We explore everything from the fan experience to community impact, from the behind-the-scenes planning to what international visitors can expect when they experience Minneapolis–Saint Paul in the winter. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or new to World Juniors, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and hometown pride.
 
1:00       Why the World Juniors is coming to Minnesota – The State of Hockey
4:00       The history of World Juniors and the connection to Minnesota
5:15       The lessons Minnesota learned from Sweden and Canada as host countries
8:30       Preparing to welcome international amateur hockey players + fans
9:15       World Juniors HQ store is open at Mall of America
10:00    Bold North Breakaway and Fan Fest in St. Paul; and more family fun
12:45    Exhibition Series brings the World Juniors to cities across Minnesota
14:30    Community initiatives (Assist 26) are critical to the mission of MN Sports + Events
15:50    Volunteers help make large-scale events like this happen
20:00    How to find tickets, volunteer and enjoy the festivities
22:00    A trivia contest about World Junior Championships
 
For more Info: www.mnsportsandevents.org or www.worldjuniorsmn26.com
 
Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.