So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 74: Elves Unfiltered: Tales from Santa's Helpers.

Trinket and Garland – two of the most important elves from the North Pole – join this episode to shares stories of what it takes to be an elf. They and their fellow elves are a key part of creating holiday magic at The Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America, and for children around the world. Joining them is Mae Keapproth the head elf-wrangler. If you have questions about presents, wrapping, tinsel or the Big Man in Red himself, this episode is for you! Prepare for magic.
3:15 What it takes to wrangle the elves at Mall of America4:20 What is The Candy Cane Institute (CCI) and where do you find it?5:30 A fun description of the science found at CCI8:00 When guests meet with The Jolly Old Elf himself13:00 An explanation of the Wrap-O-Matic machine16:15 Heartwarming stories straight from the elves19:30 A tale of one particularly challenging guest25:40 Two elves and our elf wrangler give life-advice to Santa27:30 A wish for the children of the world
To learn more about The Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America visit https://mallofamerica.com/directory/candy-cane-institute 
Guests: Trinket (the elf); Garland (the elf); Mae Keapproth, Entertainment Manager at Mall of AmericaHosts:  Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 73: One Santa. Two Santa. Red Santa. Blue Santa.

This episode of So Much More is a special holiday treat. But fair warning to parentsif you’ve got little ones tuning in you might want to hit pause. We visit The Santa Experience right here at Mall of America and lift the curtain on magical secrets about the man in red. From magical wishes to meaningful moments, you will want to sit back and enjoy this conversation with Santa Sam, Santa Herman, and Santa Larry.
1:00 Getting to know Santa Sam4:10 The importance of matching energy7:15         Why we should strive to lead with love8:25 A message from Santa Sam9:10 An introduction to Santa Herman11:00 As Santa Herman says in Spanish, “Feliz Navidad a todos y cada uno.”12:40 How to respond when a child asks for a live reindeer17:15 The one, the only, Santa Larry20:45 Surprising his nephews for Christmas23:30 The magic of meeting with children25:00 Santa’s wish for the children of the world
To learn more about The Santa Experience at Mall of America visit:Website:  www.TheSantaExperienceMN.comInstagram:  @TheSantaExperienceMN   Facebook:  The Santa Experience MN
Guests: Santa Sam, Santa Herman, Santa LarryHosts:  Daniel Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 72: Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas

What’s one of the biggest stress points every holiday season? Finding the perfect gift. Well, this episode is for you. Lizzy Newsome, owner of Kappa Toys, and Hayley Matthews-Jones, owner of Minneapolis Craft Market discuss what they offer to holiday shoppers. Kappa Toys is a permanent tenant located on Level 2 South and features unique toys and plenty of play space. Minneapolis Craft Market is a seasonal pop-up at the Mall, located on Level 1, South featuring 40 artisans and opens on Black Friday and continues weekends through the holiday season. This fun conversation covers gift ideas from Nice Ice Baby to Monchhichi and from makers of 3-D printed gifts to hand-made jewelry to custom millinery.1:30 How Minneapolis Craft Market came to the Twin Cities3:55 All about Kappa Toys, a place for toys that everyone loves6:00 Best toy ideas for kids of all ages8:45 All about ‘blind boxes’ and finding the perfect ‘one’9:50 Hot gift items from Minneapolis Craft Market12:45 Walking into Minneapolis Craft Market is made to come to life16:30 Toys selected from around the world – unique and experiential19:00 The importance of celebrating small business22:15 Tips for prospective entrepreneurs
To learn more about Kappa Toys, visit https://kappatoys.com/. To learn more about Minneapolis Craft Market, visit https://www.mplscraftmarket.com/. Guests: Lizzy Newsome, owner Kappa Toys; and Hayley Matthews-Jones, owner of Minneapolis Craft MarketHosts:  Jill Renslow; Dan JasperPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 71: Holiday Happenings at Mall of America

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Mall of America as we prepare for Black Friday and the holiday season.  Hosts, Dan, Jill and Chris share how we get ready!  From decorating and creating a magical atmosphere to shopping tips, prepping to welcome thousands on Black Friday, planning events and best ways to refuel, park and share memories with your friends and family, this fun conversation will have you excited to experience the wonder of the holiday season with us.1:09   Hosts share their favorite thing about the MOA holiday experience2:37  Chris details plans for Santa’s arrival + Black Friday7:40   What guests can expect Black Friday weekend:  KFAN live broadcasting, Bells To Go performances11:40:  Tips and strategies to conquer the shortened shopping season this year14:00   Favorite ‘experiences’ at MOA:  Great Big Game Show, Cocoa Melon, Activate16:40   How to earn rewards by shopping at MOA with the Insiders app20:47   Parking and navigation tips at MOA25:40   Favorite new stores, brands and categories to shop29:44   Rapid Fire holiday questions with the hosts including favorite holiday stocking stuffers + favorite holiday drinksHosts:  Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow, Chris GrapPresented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 70: Arik Hanson Social Media Expert part 2

Arik Hanson is a social media expert who helps mid-sized and large companies feel supremely confident about the way they show up in social. With more than 25 years of experience in social media and digital marketing, Arik has helped more than eighty companies achieve results. He is an early adopter in the field of social media, founded a social media blog in 2008 and is co-host of a podcast with more than 175 episodes, one of the longest running social media podcasts in Minnesota. He also is committed to inspiring and teaching the next generation of leaders.
2:00   Video presence on social media is increasing.  How to maximize that tool.2:20  The pro’s and con’s of executives hiring someone to run and post content on their social media channels versus doing it themselves3:20  How  A.I. is shaping our social media content and best practices for using it7:15  There is a mental health crisis in our country especially as it relates to youth and social media.  How do we handle this?10:00  Lessons Arik has learned being a professor and what students have taught him14:27  How to protect your brand when it’s brought into conversations on social media18:50  Arik’s picks for social media channels that are gaining ground right now such as Reddit and SubStack
Check out Arik Hanson Social Media at: https://arikhanson.com/. Check out the Hanson & Hunt Podcast at: https://arikhanson.com/podcast/. 
Guest:  Arik Hanson, Owner of Arik Hanson Social Media, adjunct professorHosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 11: Arik Hanson The Art of LinkedIn

What are the secrets and strategy behind effectively using LinkedIn as a professional? Learn when and how to post, sharing corporate content, and the best way to highlight your team using your genuine personality. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 69: Arik Hanson Social Media Expert part 1.
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 69: Arik Hanson Social Media Expert part 1

Arik Hanson is a social media expert who helps mid-sized and large companies feel supremely confident about the way they show up in social. With more than 25 years of experience in social media and digital marketing, Arik has helped more than eighty companies achieve results. He is an early adopter in the field of social media, founded a social media blog in 2008 and is co-host of a podcast with more than 175 episodes, one of the longest running social media podcasts in Minnesota. He also is committed to inspiring and teaching the next generation of leaders.
1:45 Arik’s professional journey including early missteps along the way5:25 Realizing social media could change the word – and careers8:10 Understanding the origins and transformation of social platforms8:45 The myth of ‘creating a viral video’10:15 What life really is like being a solo practitioner11:45 The real-life obstacles of working on your own – including loneliness15:45 Getting involved with outside groups drives innovation, creativity and growth18:00 The value of LinkedIn to the professional21:00 A misconception many users have about LinkedIn22:45 Tips on how to build engaging and consistent content25:30 The balance between celebration and vulnerability
Check out Arik Hanson Social Media at: https://arikhanson.com/. Check out the Hanson & Hunt Podcast at: https://arikhanson.com/podcast/. 
Guest:  Arik Hanson, Owner of Arik Hanson Social Media, adjunct professor
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

SMM Short 7: Glossy Brands Trends for Today

Beauty is having its moment – over the last few years this category has blossomed. When looking at the latest beauty trends and brands: What is attainable? How is it innovative? How do brands hop on trends – or lead them? And innovative, strategic marketing is critical to succeed. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 68: Glossy Brands Finding Inspiration in Beauty and Fashion.

SMM Short 6: Glossy Brands Staying Timely

How does a beauty and fashion information brand connect with their followers and stay timely? It’s about meeting the customer where they are. Keeping stories short and to the point. Leaning into pop culture. And use outside experts. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 68: Glossy Brands Finding Inspiration in Beauty and Fashion.

Ep. 68: Glossy Brands Finding Inspiration in Beauty and Fashion

Jill Manoff, Editor-in-Chief of Glossy and Global Editorial Director for Glossy Brands shares everything fashion, beauty, brands, trends + wellness with our hosts. Manoff shares insights into the Glossy Brand, how it continues to grow and evolve, as well as sharing how brands continue to be innovative to meet new consumer expectations. Host Jill Renslow and co-host Sara Johnson engage in the conversation from style to pop culture.
1:00 All about Glossy Brand2:30 The holiday outlook for fashion and beauty – playing it safe6:05 Brands that have entered the physical retail space – think Rent The Runway9:30 How pop culture influences fashion and beauty10:45 Brands that tap into culture and move at the speed of light12:05 Why Glossy resonates so well with its audience13:20 Finding the balance between our expertise and our audience expectations14:45 How Glossy appeals to audiences on different platforms17:00 Trends and leaders in the beauty market22:40 How Jill refreshes during her down time – a sense of normalcy24:45 The need for a mood board and escape the day-to-day grind
You can check out Glossy at https://www.glossy.co/ and the Glossy podcast at https://www.glossy.co/podcasts/. 
Guests:  Jill Manoff, Editor in Chief of Glossy and Global Editorial Director for Glossy Brands; Sara Johnson, Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America