So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

Ep. 80: Amanda Brinkman Pursue Your Passion

Guest, Amanda Brinkman, founder of Sunshine Studios and former marketing executive at Deluxe Corporation shares her advice on finding purpose and pursuing your passion.  Starting her career in the corporate world led Amanda down several paths before as she says she took a sharp right turn and ran right into her passion—helping people find their passions and superpowers.  In this episode, Amanda teaches us not how to ‘find’ our passion but how to identify our purpose through our superpowers.
2:00 Amanda’s career journey from corporate world to TED talks, TV and public speaking4:22 The Small Business Revolution television show traveled across America highlighting 100 small businesses6:22  Amanda’s favorite small business story; from paralegal to dream of opening a bridal boutique9:38  Amanda’s journey to pursue her own passion.  Her calling to help others11:46  Making the ‘hard right turn’ to follow your dreams is scary15:25  How do we ‘find’ our purpose.17:44   How and why did Amanda create this event called the Purpose Pursuit and what is it20:30  What are our superpowers and how do we find them?Guest:  Amanda Brinkman CEO, Chief Creative Officer at Sunshine Studios@amandakbrinkman  www.amandakbrinkman.comHosts:  Jill Renslow, Daniel JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 79: 'ACTIVATE' Play at MOA

Activate is a new interactive experience at Mall of America where guests (ages 6 and older) become players in their own video games.  With 13 different rooms, guests can customize their experience and work alone or in groups to solve puzzles, shoot hoops, dodge laser beams and jump, roll around and play, get silly and have fun!
2:13:  What is Activate
6:13:  Come prepared …it’s a workout in disguise so bring tennis shoes, comfortable clothes and water!
7:50:  Each room is a different game.  In ‘PRESS’ guests run around and match colors and patterns by pressing buttons.
10:03:  MEGA GRID:  This room senses where you are stepping.  It’s like playing Floor is Lava.
14:52:  Activate is for school groups, dates, bachelor and bachelorette parties, families…anyone who wants to be active and have fun!
19:00:  HOOPS:  In this room guests answer trivia questions and shoot the basket they believe is the correct answer.
20:25:  LASER ROOM:  This is a fan favorite!  Half the room is laser blasting games and the other half guests dodge lasers amongst and bit of haze.
*Activate is located on the 3rd floor, East side of Mall of America.  www.playactivate.com/mallofamerica
 
Guests:  Blake Telshaw, Activate Mall of America store manager.
Hosts:  Dan Jasper, Chris Grap and Sara Johnson
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 15: MN Aurora Supporting Women

The MN Aurora FC soccer club supports women with enthusiasm throughout the organization. From leadership to kit designers, from coaches to players, the Aurora empowers and embraces women and all they have to offer. Andrea Yoch and MacKenzie Langdok from the MN Aurora FC share their stories in the world of women’s soccer. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 78: MN Aurora FC. For Community, By Community.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.