So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 120: From Labubu to Fine Chocolate: The Latest Buzz at Mall of America

What’s trending at Mall of America? Just about everything. From the buzz around Pop Mart and the playful energy of DUCK!, to new global fashion favorites like Mango, Primark, and Evry Jewels, and delicious food concepts like Roni’s Mac Bar, Mogouyan Hand-Pulled Noodles, and OG Zaza. There’s something new for every guest.
 
In this episode, leasing pros Carrie Charleston and Ashley Hofman return to give us the inside scoop on how brands are discovered, why certain concepts just click, and what it takes to keep 5.6 million square feet feeling fresh and full of energy.
 
We’ll talk about global icons like Samsung and Läderach, the comeback story of Love Your Melon, and how each new tenant adds its own flavor to the MOA experience. Whether you love collectibles, chocolate, or a great story…you’ll find it here.
 
1:30       Introducing our leasing guests and some of their new favorite finds
4:00       Scoping out new brands, products and tenants
6:00       The hidden strategy behind leasing ‘zones’
7:15       It’s all about Labubu (and more fun things)
10:15    New amazing apparel including Mango, EVRY Jewels, and Primark
16:30    Roni’s Mac Bar to hand-pulled noodles, new dining options at MOA
22:00    New experience/lifestyle tenants include Samsung and LYM
 
For more information on all the new stores visit: https://mallofamerica.com/shopping/new
 
Guests: Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing and Ashley Hofmann, Leasing Director at Mall of America
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 119: The First Hmong Arts Celebration at Mall of America

Mall of America is about to make history with its first-ever Hmong Arts Celebration, honoring 50 Years of Hmong Arts in Minnesota. This vibrant event will fill the Huntington® Bank Rotunda with music, dance, poetry, and visual art that showcase the depth and diversity of Hmong creativity.
 
In this episode of So Much More, we’re joined by Lue Finisher Thao, owner of Cypher Side Dance School and a leading voice in the Twin Cities arts community, and Kylie Passe, Experiential Events Coordinator at Mall of America. Together, they share the story behind this groundbreaking celebration; how it came together, what guests can expect, and why representation and cultural storytelling matter now more than ever.
 
Listeners will hear about Lue’s journey building Cypher Side into a hub for movement and mentorship, Kylie's behind-the-scenes insight into curating a lineup that spans generations of talent, and the shared pride of bringing Hmong artistry to one of the world’s most visited destinations.
 
Whether you’re an art lover, community supporter, or simply curious about the people shaping Minnesota’s creative future, this conversation is a celebration in itself.
 
1:45       How the name ‘Cypher Side’ came to being – it’s about individual creativity and community
3:30       The flavors and sounds of cultural community events at MOA
4:15       Traditional and modern-fusion fashion; music; dance; celebrities and more
6:35       All about Cypher Side Dance School
9:00       This event is about bringing awareness and encouraging big dreams
10:30    Interactive crafts and exhibits that will be part of the celebration
13:20    Break dancing elves and Santa – yes, it’s true!
15:00    Favorite past Mall of America Cypher Side dance events
18:00    How it takes great partners and a team to pull off major events
 
For more information on Cypher Side Dance School visit: https://cypherside.org/
 
For more information on the Hmong Arts Celebration visit: https://mallofamerica.com/events/view/35242
 
Guests: Lou Finisher Thao, owner of Cypher Side Dance School; Kylie Passe, Experiential Events Coordinator 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. 118: Heart on Ice: The Passion and Power of Hockey Moms

Guests Vineeta Sawkar and Kristi Plante, along with host Jill Renslow, have something special in common: they are proud Hockey Moms. From early-morning practices to late-night tournaments, hockey moms know the meaning of dedication—and the power of community. Vineeta and Kristi are also co-hosts of this year’s Hockey Mom Face-Off at Mall of America.
 
In this episode, we dive into what makes the hockey mom experience so unique, the moments that keep them cheering from the stands, and what guests can look forward to at this year’s celebration of all things hockey family. Whether you’re lacing up skates or packing the post-game snacks, this episode is for every parent (and fan) who knows the magic (and mayhem) of life at the rink.
 
1:30       A day in the life of a Hockey Mom vs. other activities
2:30       What the hockey community life means; about cheering for the kids and helping each other
6:00       The World Juniors Championship – reflections of a mom
8:00       The international impact and appeal of The World Juniors Championship
10:00    How the process works to select players for the United States team
13:15    Yes, there is going to be a Hockey Mom All-Star Challenge at Mall of America on November 13
19:30    Memories and joys of being a Hockey Mom (and a Goalie Mom)
22:30    Why Hockey Families have a specially-vented room in the garage
23:30    How The World Juniors will touch many parts of Minnesota and how to get tickets
25:20    A Hockey-Mom Face-Off Quiz
 
For more information on Hockey Mom All-Star Challenge visit: https://mallofamerica.com/events/view/35949
For information and tickets to The World Juniors Championship visit: https://www.mnsportsandevents.org
For information on Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO visit: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-morning-news-with-vineeta-sawkar-2e837
 
Guests: Vineeta Sawkar and Kristi Plante, co-hosts of the Hockey Mom Face-Off at Mall of America
 
Your host: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 117: When The Beatles Rocked Minnesota

In this special episode of So Much More, we take listeners back to August 21, 1965, when The Beatles performed their one and only Minnesota concert at Metropolitan Stadium — the very site where Mall of America now stands. Sixty years later, the magic of that night still echoes through music history and personal memories.
 
Our two guests share remarkable first-hand stories: Ron Butwin, who gave George Harrison a guitar that went on to become part of Beatles lore, and Bob Pratt, who, at just 10 years old, met the Fab Four and watched the concert from the dugout alongside his father.
 
Together, they share what it was like to witness Beatlemania up close, how those moments shaped their lives, and why the Beatles’ legacy still inspires new generations, especially as Paul McCartney returns to Minneapolis this fall.
 
This podcast was made possible with the help of our friends at WDGY.
 
2:00       How Ron, as an 18-year-old musician came to meet The Beatles
5:45       The story behind the guitar that was gifted to The Beatles
10:45    Ringo’s hilarious response to the gifted guitar
12:45    The story of the thank you note – and the importance of it – from George Harrison
15:00    The Beatles were notorious for following up with their fans
20:00    All about The Beatles press conference in the Twin Cities
22:45    Bob’s memories as a 10-year-old meeting The Beatles
26:45    What the concert was like for our two guests
 
For more information on WDGY The Original Rock & Roll Station visit: https://wdgyradio.com/
 
Guests: Ron Butwin and Bob Pratt, both are Beatles at Metropolitan Stadium aficionados and Minnesota music insiders/historians
 
Your hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 116: Frights, Fun, and Family: Halloween at Mall of America

This Halloween, Mall of America is the ultimate destination for spooky fun! From the thrills of the all-new Twin Cities Fear Fest, featuring immersive haunts like Deadwater Hollow and Sanctum of Shadows, to family-friendly adventures in Nickelodeon Booniverse, there’s something for everyone. Plus, MOA is celebrating 75 years of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF with a special pop-up experience, adding a meaningful twist to the festivities. Dive into sneak peeks of haunted attractions, exclusive add-on experiences, and unique partnerships—like the Elvira Pop-Up Bar and shop—that make Halloween at MOA unforgettable. Get ready for scares, surprises, and seasonal magic that appeal to families, teens, and thrill-seekers alike.
 
2:00       How Josh grew to love the haunted house business…as a child
5:30       All about Twin Cities Fear Fest, including Zombie GellyBall experience
6:30       All about Elvira and the Elvira Pop Up Bar at Fear Fest
8:15       Nickelodeon Booniverse – family friendly Halloween fun
9:00       A partnership with UNICEF: Kids Helping Kids
10:20    The annual tradition of Malloween continues at MOA
12:30    Economic impact on retail industry: by the numbers
14:10    Fear Fest: the haunted houses are where the scares happen
15:45    From E.T. to Toto to homemade costumes our guests wore as kids
18:00    A Halloween quiz to test your knowledge
 
For more information on Twin Cities Fear Fest visit: https://twincitiesfearfest.com/
For more information on Booniverse visit: https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/booniverse/
 
Guests: Josh Overturf, General Manager at Twin Cities Fear Fest and Kelsey Cunningham, MOA Marketing Manager
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 115: Retail Insights with Bruce Nustad

The economy, consumer budgets, and tariffs are all shaping today’s retail landscape. Bruce Nustad, President of the Minnesota Retailers Association, joins us to share how 50,000 retailers across Minnesota are navigating challenges, finding opportunities, and preparing for the future. From back-to-school shopping and fall fashion; from holiday prep to ever-evolving consumer habits, retail is always changing. Our guest is here to help us understand the state of retail.
 
3:00       The diverse retail marketplace across Minnesota
5:00       Entrepreneurism and retail innovation
6:00       The mix of local, small businesses and national brands at MOA
9:25       Back-to-School and fall shopping patterns – it’s all about the experience
15:30    The importance of guest service, merchandise mix and staffing
19:00    The shift in retail employment, the allure of flexibility, good teams, atmosphere
21:00    About the Minnesota Retailers Association and the tools and services available
 
For more information on the Minnesota Retailers Association visit: www.mnretail.org/
 
Guests: Bruce Nustad, President of the Minnesota Retailers Association
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow with Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 114: Interns, Insights and Getting Lost in the Mall [

This week, we hand the mic to the next generation of leaders, three of our summer interns! Meet Allison Siriouthay, Carter Kusilek, and Jacob Nelson, three recent University of Minnesota grads who spent their summer at Mall of America learning, laughing, and sometimes… getting lost in the sublevel.
 
From the unforgettable moment AJ and Big Justice brought the house down with We Bring the Boom, to the legendary Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel, to the chaos and thrill of Kids Choice Awards events, our interns saw it all. They share first-day jitters, the instant bond they formed as a team, the small joys of matcha-fueled afternoons (thanks, Jabba the Hutt), and the big lessons they’ll carry forward into their careers.
 
It’s a mix of humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who will shape the future of guest experience, PR, and events.
 
2:10       An introduction to three of our Summer 2025 Intern Class
4:45       All about the Kids Choice Awards events at MOA
5:45       ‘They Bring the Boom’ – A.J. and Big Justice and the entire family
7:15       Memories of the toughest day at Mall of America as an intern
15:45    The first time I felt trusted as an intern
18:00    Things the Mall could improve with the internship program
19:30    Understanding how fast-paced the Mall really is
22:00    How interns view the Mall of America culture (hint: fun!)
23:30    Advice for potential and future interns
24:30    Games that interns play – and win
 
Guests: Allison Siriouthay, Carter Kusilek, Jacob Nelson
 
Your hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 113: Fashion Ideas + Deals with Sara Rogers

Today’s episode is all about two things we can’t get enough of—fashion and deals. Shopping is always exciting at Mall of America, but there’s something extra satisfying about finding the perfect look at the perfect price. With so many discounts happening right now, it’s the ideal time to refresh your wardrobe without overspending.
 
With budgets tighter and savings top of mind, we’re diving into the best tips and tricks for looking stylish without breaking the bank. Joining us is our fashion and trend expert, Sara Rogers, who always knows how to put together a wardrobe that’s chic, timeless, and budget-friendly. Sara shares her insider strategies—from the power of the classic white button-up shirt, to knowing when to splurge or save, to making a shopping plan that really works.
 
We’ll also highlight current savings around MOA, including can’t-miss discounts from our tenants, special deals for everyday heroes, MOA Insiders rewards, and family-friendly perks like Toddler Tuesdays. Tune in for fashion inspiration, smart shopping advice, and plenty of ways to stretch your budget while keeping your look fresh—all right here at Mall of America.
 
3:30       Start with the classic white button up – the foundation for success
5:15       It’s all about the tuck
7:00       The monochromatic look – it’s timeless
9:30       Color-blocking feels unnatural but looks amazing
12:30    Tips for shopping on a budget
14:00    True perks of many brand loyalty programs
17:30    Castle collections, combining a classic ‘investment’ piece with trend products
19:30    Handbags for all seasons and styles
22:45    It’s time to up your shoe game – many at a great price point
 
Guests: Sara Rogers, MOA Trend + Fashion Expert
 
Your hosts: Jill Renslow with Sara ‘SJ’ Johnson
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 112: Dave St. PeterShaping the Story of Minnesota Baseball

Dave St. Peter, current Strategic Advisor and former President and CEO of the Minnesota Twins is a sports leader that has left an indelible mark on baseball in Minnesota and beyond.
Dave began his career with the Twins as an intern in 1990, rising through communications and business leadership roles before becoming President in 2002 and CEO in 2016. Under his guidance, the Twins have made multiple postseason appearances, hosted landmark events like the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, and spearheaded major initiatives including the “Go Twins, Go Green” sustainability program, the development of Target Field, and the expansion of the Twins Community Fund.
In this episode, Dave shares the role of innovation and community in professional sports, and the many ways the Minnesota Twins and Mall of America have teamed up over the years.
2:30       From Bismark, ND to Major League Sports: Dave’s professional journey
4:30       The importance of community outreach to the success of the Twins
9:30       Getting Target Field built and opened, the excitement and the challenges
12:45    The designed ‘grand reveal’ of Target Field
14:00    How the stadium is used beyond the scope of baseball
19:30    Memories of Harmon Killebrew and the famed ‘red chair’ at MOA
22:00    How leaders can grow, learn, look out for others and make real connections
23:45    What it takes to break into the sports industry
For information on MN Twins visit https://www.mlb.com/twins
For information on MN Twins Community Fund visit https://www.mlb.com/twins/community/fund
Guests: Dave St. Peter, Strategic Advisor to the Minnesota Twins; Twin Cities Business Hall of Fame (Class of 2025)
Your hosts: Jill Renslow with Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 111: MOA Day at the Fair in 12 Minutes

Take a quick behind-the-scenes tour of Mall of America’s opening day fun at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! It’s our third year at the Fair, and we’re bringing the excitement with MOA bag giveaways, mini golf, awesome prizes, and special appearances from SpongeBob and friends. Join MOA team members Dan Jasper, Sara Johnson, Kelsey Cunningham, Meri Ryan, and Kylie Passe for 12 minutes of fair magic and insider fun!
This special 12-minute episode was recorded entirely on site at the Minnesota State Fair. Sometimes it’s okay to break from the usual format. Shorter episodes give you a quick hit of fun and let you experience the moment right along with us. Have Fair-Fantastic day!
Your hosts: MOA team members Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson, Kelsey Cunningham, Meri Ryan, Kylie Passe
 
More information on Minnesota State Fair: www.mnstatefair.org
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.