So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

What happens when hundreds of people who all share the same first name gather in one place? You get one of the most unique events Mall of America has ever hosted. 
 
This week, we're joined by Ryan Fisher, Chief Communications Officer for Ryan Meetup, the nationwide community that brings together people named Ryan through fun events and local chapters across the country. Alongside Mall of America's Meri, we take you behind the scenes of the partnership that brought the unforgettable "Ryde the Ryan Coaster" event to life. 
 
By the time this episode airs, hundreds of Ryans will have packed Nickelodeon Universe in an attempt to set a world record for the most people with the same name to consecutively ride a roller coaster, before heading to Target Field for the Ryan Baseball Classic. We talk about how this wonderfully quirky idea became reality, the planning that went into hosting it, what guests experienced throughout the day, and why a community built around a single name has captured the imagination of people across the country. 
 
Along the way, you'll hear the story behind Ryan Meetup, why their famous motto is "No Bryans Allowed," some of the funniest moments from past gatherings, and why this may be one of the most memorable events ever held at Mall of America. 
 
1:45 How the Ryan Meetup began with a simple flyer and a QR code 
7:00 The “No Brians Allowed” rule for Ryan Meetups 
8:30 The annual Ryan holidays for all Ryans to celebrate 
9:15 How Ryan Meetup landed at Mall of America to set a new record 
12:45 Setting a roller coaster record at MOA, meet in the ‘Rytunda’ and leave as friends 
18:30 Ryans traveled from as far as Hawaii for the Ryan Meetup 
21:15 What’s next for Ryan Meetup…. 
 
Visit: www.mallofamerica.com/events 
Visit: https://www.ryanmeetup.com/  
 
Guests: Ryan Cousins, Co-Founder and Creative Director and Ryan Fisher, Chief Communications Officer for Ryan Meetup 
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Meri Ryan 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

What does it take to become a WWE Superstar? For Chad Gable and Otis, it started right here in Minnesota with big dreams, hard work, and a passion for professional wrestling that's taken them from hometown heroes to the world's biggest stages.
 
In this episode, Chad and Otis share fun stories from their journeys to WWE, memorable moments from life on the road, and what it's like preparing for the spectacle that is SummerSlam. From their favorite Minnesota and Mall of America memories to the physical and mental challenges of performing week after week, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of two of WWE's most entertaining Superstars.
 
We're also joined by Tyler Boike from Minnesota Sports + Events to talk about bringing one of WWE's biggest events of the year to Minneapolis and the incredible fan experiences happening throughout SummerSlam weekend. Plus, we'll discuss WWE's partnership with Kids In Need Foundation, the excitement building across Minnesota, and why SummerSlam is about so much more than what happens inside the ring.
 
1:30     Our pro-wresters describe what Summer Slam is and how its expanded to 2 nights
2:30     All about Minnesota Sports + Events and how they helped land Summer Slam
5:30     How WWE and our wrestlers help local school kids through Kids In Need
7:45     Chad growing up in St. Michael, Minnesota and career in wrestling
10:00    Otis was obsessed with wrestling as a child
12:00    Chad and Otis became friends at the National Olympic Training Center
13:50    From this point forward it’s just non-stop stories and laughter
 
Visit: https://www.mnsportsandevents.org/home
Visit: https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/summerslam
Visit: Kids In Need Foundation
 
Guests: Chad Gable and Otis, professional wrestlers and fan favorites from Summer Slam; Tyler Boike from Minnesota Sports + Events
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

On this episode, we sit down with Panda Fest Founder BiuBiu Xu to explore the story behind one of the nation's fastest-growing outdoor Asian food and culture festivals. Returning to the North Lot July 31–August 2, Panda Fest will feature more than 80 vendors, over 200 dishes, artisan shopping, cultural performances, and immersive panda-themed experiences for guests of all ages.
 
BiuBiu shares how Dragon Fest inspired the creation of Panda Fest, why Mall of America became the perfect home for the festival's Minnesota expansion, and what lessons were learned from its successful debut last year. We also discuss the event's remarkable growth, the importance of celebrating culture through food, and what first-time attendees won't want to miss.
 
1:30     How Panda Fest started in New York City as a street fair and continues to grow
4:00     The uplifting message behind using the panda as the symbol for the festival
10:45    How the festival connects to the Asian culture…beyond food
13:45    Family elements that are featured at the festival, performances and more
19:00    All about the food (new, unique and fan favorites) at the fest
24:15    Advice for first-time visitors to Panda Fest
 
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37373
Visit: PandaFestMOA
 
Guests: BiuBiu Xu, Panda Fest Founder
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

What does it take to create unforgettable experiences for millions of guests each year? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Brian Spielman, Vice President of Attractions, and Kelsey Cunningham, Senior Marketing Manager, to explore how Mall of America brings its world-class attractions to life. 
 
From Nickelodeon Universe and Crayola Experience to the new Star Express train, mini golf, and more, Brian and Kelsey share how their teams balance operations, marketing, staffing, seasonality, promotions, and guest feedback to keep every visit fresh and memorable. They also discuss the collaboration, creativity, and planning that go into delivering exceptional experiences every day, along with tips to help guests make the most of their next visit to Mall of America. 
 
2:00 Brian started his MOA career making fudge at Camp Snoopy and continued to grow 
5:00 Kelsey began in guest services at MOA gaining insights into our guests 
7:30 The logistics behind operating many attractions under one roof 
13:45 Attractions marketing – the magic behind the message 
16:00 Ways to save money at MOA this summer 
22:00 Tips for families from photo ops to best times 
 
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/entertainment/attractions/all  
Visit: https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/home/ 
Visit: https://crayolaexperiencemn.com/  
Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events/all  
 
Guests: Brian Spielman, Attractions Vice President; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Senior Manager 
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

This week on So Much More, we're bringing you two special conversations featuring unique experiences happening at Mall of America.
 
In Part One, Jonathan Chong and Yenni Chen, co-founders of Niko Niko Boba, share the story behind their limited-time collaboration with Peanuts. From Snoopy-inspired beverages and exclusive merchandise to the nostalgia of Camp Snoopy, learn how this playful partnership came to life and why it's creating smiles for guests of all ages.
 
Then in Part Two, Rochelle Peterson and Kat Sry of Lotus Beads & Jewelry discuss The Grande Connection, a global effort to create a one-mile-long World Peace Chain in honor of Hiroshima Day, and how guests can be part of this meaningful community event.
 
1:45       How Niko Niko Boba got started (right here at Mall of America)
6:00       Partnering with fabled brand, Peanuts, featuring beloved characters 16Snoopy + Woodstock
10:00    The inspiration behind the Peanuts collab, and the great merch available
12:00    Quick questions and answers from Jonathan, Yenni and Dan
16:00    The Grande Connection – the story behind the creation of a Peace Chain
22:00    Bringing everyone together on August 6th at MOA for The Grande Connection
25:50    The message is about positivity, hope and the future
29:30    About Lotus Beads and Jewelry at MOA and some final thoughts
 
Visit: https://www.nikonikoboba.com/
Visit: https://www.lotusbeadsandjewelry.com/
 
Guests: Jonathan Chong and Yenni Chen, co-founders of Niko Niko Boba; Rochelle Peterson and Kat Sry of Lotus Beads & Jewelry
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

From sold-out concerts and championship-caliber hockey to family shows and unforgettable live experiences, Grand Casino Arena is one of Minnesota's premier entertainment destinations. This week, we're joined by Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Grand Casino Arena, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep one of the region's busiest venues running at full speed. 
 
Kelly shares her career journey, reflects on the excitement surrounding Lady Gaga's spectacular spring performance, and gives us a preview of an incredible summer lineup featuring artists like Alex Warren, Melanie Martinez, ZAYN, Cody Johnson, and Monster Jam. We also explore the unique energy of Minnesota Wild game nights, how fan expectations are evolving, and the countless details that go into creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the doors. Whether you're a sports fan, concert lover, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the venue where Minnesota comes together. 
 
1:00 An introduction to Kelly McGrath and her professional journey 
4:30 How the community comes together to put on extraordinary events 
6:00 The summer lineup at Grand Casino Arena from soft rock to Monster Jam 
10:30 Some musical surprises coming and the joy of seeing them in person 
11:45 The shift in how consumers react to purchasing tickets 
14:15 The challenges with operating a large, aging building 
16:45 Service First Initiative at Grand Casino Arena – creating great memories 
21:50 Tips for parking, dining and enjoying your night at the concert 
 
Visit: https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/  
 
Guests: Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Gand Casino Arena 
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper 
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn. 

Tony Oliva’s story is about much more than baseball. In this episode of So Much More, we sit down with Minnesota Twins legend Tony Oliva and his son, Ric Oliva, author of No Hay Problema: The Amazing Story of Tony Oliva, for a conversation about resilience, family, and legacy.
 
Tony reflects on his journey from Cuba to the major leagues, the sacrifices and second chances that shaped his path, and what it meant to finally receive the call to the Hall of Fame. Ric shares why he wanted to tell his father’s story for a younger audience and how Tony’s signature outlook “no hay problema” became a guiding philosophy for their family. Together, they talk about baseball, belonging, Minnesota, and the lasting connection between Tony’s Twins legacy and the site where Mall of America now stands.
 
1:45     Tony recalls playing at Metropolitan Stadium, and loves visiting Mall of America and home plate
3:15     Tony recalls former teammates and how they helped him as a rookie
5:00     What drove Tony to earn a Gold Glove and All Star status
9:00     Ric talks about growing up with a famous father, and the book he wrote
15:00    How never giving up can lead to success
21:00    When father gets to pitch to hall-of-fame father at MN Twins Fantasy Camp25:15    What it meant to be called into the Hall of Fame
28:40    All about the book, “No Hay Problema” and the most important lesson
 
Visit: https://ricoliva.com/
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/MNTwinsFantasyCamp/
 
Guests: Tony Oliva, Ric Oliva
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.