So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Today, we are joined by Megan and Mike Tamte, co-founders and co-CEOs of EVEREVE, we’re talking entrepreneurship, retail and the power of helping women feel confident in what they wear. They started with a single shop at 50th & France and built a nationally recognized brand with more than 100 stores. 
 
They share the shopping experience that sparked the idea for EVEREVE and talk about turning that vision into a business. Together, they reflect on the early risks, the importance of creating a welcoming experience for women and families, and how their teams carry that spirit into stores and online through styling services like TrendSend. They also share how EVEREVE keeps pace with changing customers and fashion, what they’re dreaming of for the next chapter, and the colorful trends they are excited to see ahead.  
 
1:45 The origins and inspiration and vision behind EVEREVE 
4:25 Taking dreams and crafting a strategic business plan 
10:20 Landing in Minnesota and choosing their first location in Edina 
15:30 Shaping the shopping experience for the entire family 
22:00 The journey from customer to team member 
24:30 TrendSend transforming an in-store styling experience into the digital world 
28:00 The fashion trends for the coming seasons 
 
Visit: https://evereve.com/  
Visit: https://www.trendsend.com/  
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/shopping  
 
Guests: Megan and Mike Tamte, owners of EVEREVE 
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Carrie Charleston 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

Halloween takes over Mall of America as we explore everything from nostalgic traditions and family-friendly fun to the adrenaline rush of a truly good scare. Tabitha Barron from Twin Cities Fear Fest and Jacob Mullan, Entertainment Manager at Mall of America join us to reveal what goes into creating Halloween experiences for guests of all ages.
 
We go behind the scenes of Nickelodeon BOOniverse, the Fog Chute, Mall-O-Ween and a pumpkin weighing more than 1,200 pounds. Then we step into the scarier world of Twin Cities Fear Fest, where immersive storylines, scare actors and a secret bar called The Sanctum bring the thrills to life. Plus, Jacob and Tabitha share favorite Halloween memories, unforgettable costumes and what makes being scared so much fun.
 
1:30       Nostalgic memories of the Halloween season from movies to costumes
6:55       All about Nick at Fright, BOOniverse plus a 1,200 pound pumpkin
11:15    Twin Cities Fear Fest at Mall of America, fun and frights for everyone
12:20    The Magic of Halloween – a family friendly exhibit new this year
14:15    Two new scary mazes inside the haunt side of Twin Cities Fear Fest
19:30    What it takes to be a ‘scare actor’ during Halloween
23:30    All about Mall-O-WEEN at Mall of America
 
Visit: https://twincitiesfearfest.com/
Visit: https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/booniverse/
Visit: Crayola Screamin’ Green
Visit: Trick or Treat for UNICEF
Visit: Mall-O-WEEN
 
Guests: Tabitha Barron from Twin Cities Fear Fest; Jacob Mullan, Entertainment Manager at Mall of America
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

What can a new pair of shoes change? For a child experiencing homelessness, it can mean comfort, confidence, belonging and the freedom to participate fully in school and everyday life. 
 
In this heartfelt episode of So Much More, host Jill Renslow talks with Theresa Miller, Vice President of Development for Soles4Souls, and Kevin Holmes, evening news anchor at KARE 11 and a passionate sneakerhead who understands firsthand the difference the right shoes can make. They share powerful stories about students whose lives have been changed by something many of us take for granted. 
 
You’ll also hear how Soles4Souls and Mall of America are working together through the Level Up for Every Kid campaign. Their partnership has already helped provide new shoes to approximately 7,300 local children, with the goal of reaching all 10,000 Twin Cities students experiencing homelessness. 
Sometimes a small step can open the door to a world of possibility. 
 
1:15 The mission behind Soles4Souls a global nonprofit organization with local impact 
2:30 The ‘for every kid’ program, a story about Lila (you must hear this) 
3:45 Level Up day at Mall of America, raising awareness and money 
8:15 Private shoe gifting for kids that need a good pair of shoes 
13:45 Partners that make this program possible locally 
16:45 How companies, donors and volunteers can get involved 
19:30 Understanding the impact a new pair of shoes can have on kids and their family 
 
Visit: www.soles4souls.org  
Visit: www.kare11.com  
 
Guests: Theresa Miller, Vice President of Soles4Souls; Kevin Holmes, anchor at KARE 11 
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

Southern Charm fan favorite and author Shep Rose joins us at Mall of America to talk about his memoir, Nothing in Moderation: A Psychedelic Reckoning With Excess. Shep shares what inspired him to tell his story and reflects on his journey toward recovery, self-discovery and a more intentional life.
 
We also look back at more than a decade of Southern Charm, including the friendships, relationships and unforgettable Bravo moments that have shaped his experience. Plus, Shep talks Minnesota State Fair adventures, meeting fans in person and which Bravo series he would join for a season.
 
1:35     Shep introduces himself as just a guy from an island in South Carolina
3:00     How outdoor sporting, hunting and fishing became part of his life
5:15     Thoughts on the Minnesota State Fair, and what to eat there
10:30    About Nothing in Moderation, how it came about and lessons learned
25:30    All about Southern Charm, favorite memories and stories
 
Visit: https://www.sheproseofficial.com/
https://www.bravotv.com/southern-charm
 
Guests: Shep Rose, author, actor, celebrity
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Ashley Hofmann (Bravo TV Superfan)
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

How is Metro Transit changing the way people travel across the Twin Cities, and what can riders expect in 2027? Adam Harrington, Director of Service Development at Metro Transit, joins us to answer those questions and explore the future of public transportation across Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding region.
 
Adam explains how the network has evolved, why the METRO Blue Line connection to Mall of America matters and how first-time riders can plan a trip and use Go-To Pay. We also look ahead to the METRO Green Line Extension, the Gold Line extension to Minneapolis and other improvements expected in 2027.
 
Plus, get a preview of Metro Transit at the Mall, a free, hands-on event September 19 in the Huntington Bank Rotunda at Mall of America. Guests can explore transit careers, sit in a bus driver’s seat, meet Skip Traffic and enjoy a Metro Transit Police K9 showcase.
 
0:55 — Meet Metro Transit: More Than Just a Ride
5:22 — Metro vs. Metro Transit: What’s the Difference?
11:02 — Making Transit Safer for Everyone
12:45 — Meet the People Helping Riders Along the Way
14:05 — How Metro Transit Keeps the Twin Cities Moving
18:08 — What’s Next for Metro Transit?
20:38 — Metro Transit Comes to Mall of America
 
 
Visit: https://www.metrotransit.org/
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38014
 
Guests: Adam Harrington, Director of Service Development at Metro Transit
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US, joins So Much More to celebrate the arrival of Primark at Mall of America, the global fashion retailer’s first Minnesota location. Recorded just one day before the grand opening, Kevin takes us behind the scenes of this highly anticipated retail debut.
 
We talk about how Primark came to Mall of America, why Minnesota was an important market, and what shoppers can expect from a brand known for combining fashion, quality and value. Kevin also shares what it takes to prepare for a major grand opening, including Primark’s in-store experience, a special Rotunda pop-up and creators visiting from around the country.
 
Plus, we explore what Primark’s arrival says about the future of retail, destination shopping and experiential retail and why global brands continue to choose Mall of America for their Minnesota debut. NOTE: The Primark store at Mall of America opened the week before this episode is broadcast.
 
1:35     Primark is an Irish fashion retailer that delivers value and style
3:30     Learning about the US shoppers and their habits
4:50     Why Primark chose to open at Mall of America, timing and location were key
8:45     The customer journey inside Primark, what guests can expect to find
16:40    Grand opening festivities, team building and beyond
22:40    How the brick-and-mortar experience continues to evolve
27:05    A Primark speed-round of guest-facing questions: everything you need to know
 
Visit: https://www.primark.com/en-us
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/directory/primark
 
Guests: Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Carrie Charleston
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is in full swing! In this special episode of So Much More, Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson and Kelsey Cunningham share their favorite Minnesota State Fair traditions, memories, foods and can’t-miss experiences—all recorded on opening day of the Fair.
 
You’ll also hear directly from Fair and Mall of America fans about what they love most about the Great Minnesota Get-Together, from favorite foods and activities to the things that still surprise them after all these years. Plus, Jill tests the fair-going personalities of Sara and Kelsey with a fun round of “This or That.”
 
Whether you’ve already been to the Fair or still have a visit on your calendar, this episode is packed with tips, favorites and inspiration to help you make the most of your time at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
 
1:00     The Mall of America opening day booth – an annual tradition
1:35     State Fair tips and fair favorites from SJ, Kelsey and Jill
5:00     Traditions and memories from the fair
6:30     Hearing directly from our fair-going fans; person-on-the-street interviews
18:30    ‘This Or That’ with Kelsey and SJ
19:45    Reactions from the MOA crew to fan feedback and recommendations
 
Visit: https://www.mnstatefair.org/
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/
 
Guests: Fans of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, The Minnesota State Fair
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson, Kelsey Cunningham
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Back-to-school shopping has changed, and today’s families are looking for more than just a checklist of school supplies. In this episode, we’re exploring the biggest back-to-school fashion trends, the influence of social media, the return of nostalgia, and why finding the best value and deals is top of mind for shoppers.
 
We’re joined by Madeline Nachbar, Trend and Style Editor at MSP Mag, for her take on what’s trending in back-to-school fashion, and Emy Dominguez Marin, who shares what Mall of America retailers are offering this season. We’ll also look at why families are combining shopping with dining, entertainment and attractions, and how the in-person shopping experience continues to matter. Quick tip: customization from patches to jibbitz are big this year.
 
1:15     The conversation starts right off with the hottest trends for BTS shopping
3:30     Fashion, shoe and styles that are in for students – including throwback style
6:45     How social media is influencing BTS shopping and brands
10:45    Tips for the first day of school photo, and putting your personal spin on style
14:30    Fashion that is back…again from socks to charms
17:30    Where to invest in key items, but understanding values and deals
21:00    The family tradition of Back-to-School shopping
24:30    BTS shopping in person helps connect with friends and family
26:45    Last minute advice for BTS shopping
 
Visit: https://mspmag.com/topics/madeline-nachbar/
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/BTS
 
Guests: Madeline Nachbar, Trend + Style Editor at MSP Magazine; Emy Dominguez Marin, Marketing Manager at Mall of America
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

What happens when thousands of grown-up Nickelodeon fans get the chance to relive their childhood? Nick@Nite at Mall of America! 
 
We’re joined by actor, comedian and Nickelodeon icon Kel Mitchell, known for All That, Kenan & Kel and the Good Burger movie. Kel looks back at his career, his favorite memories from Nickelodeon, the enduring popularity of Ed and Good Burger, and what it’s like meeting fans who grew up watching him. 
 
We’ll also talk about the power of nostalgia and what it was like bringing classic Nickelodeon memories to life at Mall of America with rides, throwback music, photo opportunities, Good Burger-inspired food and, of course, Kel himself. And Kel shares is thoughts on meeting his fans in person at the Mall and having his own kids join him. 
 
2:30 Memories from Kel’s first visit to Mall of America almost 30 years ago 
5:00 Mall of America fan experience with Kel 
7:00 How Kel got started in show business and built a career 
9:50 An impersonation of a coach and a voice helped create a fictional world 
13:00 Balancing life as a child actor, growing up in the spotlight 
17:30 Sharing details about Kel’s other business ventures 
20:30 Fan stories and memories 
22:00 Favorite lines from Good Burger 
 
Visit: @IamKelMitchell (Instagram) 
Visit: @realKelMitchell (TikTok) 
Visit: www.mallofamerica.com  
 
Guests: Kel Mitchell, Actor, Comedian and Nickelodeon Icon 
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Kelsey Cunningham 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

In this special birthday episode of So Much More, Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper and Sara Johnson take a rapid-fire trip down memory lane to celebrate 34 years of Mall of America.
 
From the opening birthday speed round to favorite memories, craziest things they’ve seen, celebrity encounters, boxing brides, unforgettable weddings and incredible nonprofit events, this episode is packed with stories…and plenty of laughs.
 
The three also share a behind-the-scenes look at what guests don’t see: their first days at MOA, the people and teamwork it takes to create an amazing guest experience, and what the walls of Mall of America might say if they could talk.
 
Plus, they look back at past birthday celebrations, share hints about what’s coming for the 35th birthday in 2027, and finish with their birthday wishes for Mall of America. 34 years of memories. One very special birthday. And so much more to come.
 
1:15     MOA Birthday speed round
4:15     Things that guests don’t realize about MOA
8:00     What was your first day at the Mall like?
14:15    What makes Mall of America unlike any place else?
16:00    Favorite celebrity appearances
21:30    This or That segments – quick answers
25:30    Our birthday wishes for Mall of America
 
Visit: www.mallofamerica.com
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.