So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

Ep. 110: The Great Minnesota Get-Together: Food, Fun & Fair Stories

Step right up! In this episode, we wander through the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. From butter sculptures and bucket-sized cookies to unexpected traditions and hidden gems, the Minnesota State Fair is more than corn dogs and carnival rides, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and pure joy.
 
Joining the conversation are two people who know the fair inside and out: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, who helps steer the tradition into the future, and Kelsey Cunningham, longtime fan and dedicated fairgoer who shares her favorite rituals and insider tips. Together they bring both the behind-the-scenes and the on-the-ground perspectives of what makes the fair magical year after year.
 
2:00       Renee’s humble beginnings as a State Fair intern
3:30       A hi-wire walker, elephant trainer and midway manager walk into a…
5:15       Opening day excitement at the Fair
6:30       Kelsey shares her life-long passion for the Fair
7:45       What it takes to run the nation’s largest (and best) state fair
9:00       Voted the #1 Fair in the nation
14:45    The importance of continuously investing and improving the buildings
18:30    Bringing Mall of America to the State Fair, all the details
22:45    Tips for fairgoers beforehand and at the fair
 
 
Guests: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at Mall of America (and life-long fair fanatic)
 
More information on Minnesota State Fair: www.mnstatefair.org
Be sure to download the official Minnesota State Fair app
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 109: USA Wheelchair Softball World Series at Mall of America

From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, the 2025 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series is about far more than the game: it’s about determination, teamwork, and the power of sport to bring people together.
 
This week, hear from Jeff Downes, Tournament Director with decades of leadership in adaptive sports; Brendan Downes, USA Team Captain whose passion for the game is matched only by his leadership on and off the field; and Ryan Trench, from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, who helps run more than 20 adaptive sports programs each year.
 
They share personal stories, the excitement of competing at the highest level, and why hosting this world-class tournament at Mall of America is such a milestone. Plus, how you can be part of the celebration, whether cheering from the stands or stepping in as a volunteer.
 
2:00       How Jeff became in adaptive sports, and how that led to world travel adventures
5:00       A father’s tale – when Jeff realized the good that came from struggle
7:00       Brendan’s story – it started with neighbor friends and a kids love of sports
12:30    Courage Kenny’s support of the World Series tournament – featuring 300 athletes
17:45    Minnesota Twins Community Fund and sponsored clinic for kids
23:00    How to meet Brendan and the other wheelchair athletes at the event
 
Guests: Jeff Downes, Tournament Director and Organizer for 2025 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series; Brendan Downes, USA Team Captain and past president of National Wheelchair Softball Association; Ryan Trench, Supervisor of Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department at Courage Kenny
 
More information on USA Wheelchair Softball: www.wheelchairsoftball.org
More information on Courage Kenny: https://account.allinahealth.org/services/184  
On social media check: Minnesota Rolling Twins
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 108: Turning Pages, Changing Lives – Literacy, Learning Differences & Community Strengths

In this episode, we shine a light on literacy, learning differences, and how we can all help strengthen our communities. The Mall of America Foundation is proud to host two powerful events this weekend: Building a Culture of Reading—a resource-rich gathering for educators—and Turning Pages, Changing Lives—a free and fun celebration of literacy for children, families, and friends featuring award-winning authors.
 
Joining us is special guest Alissa Henriksen, Co-President and Founder of Grey Search + Strategy. Diagnosed with a learning difference as a child, Alissa shares how that challenge became a lifelong strength. Now a successful executive and entrepreneur, she offers practical advice for business leaders, parents, and individuals of all ages: how to lean into your superpower, lead with empathy, and unlock hidden potential.
 
1:30       Mall of America Community Foundation – it’s vision and purpose
5:00       Building a Culture of Reading, and Turning Pages Changing Lives events
8:45       Alissa’s tie to literacy – a story with challenges and successes
13:00    The courage to share your own story, hope for others
15:15    Literacy events represent the doors to opportunity
18:00    The keys to leaning into your ‘superpower’ even as an adult
21:15    The need to dig deeper in business: all about Grey Search + Strategy
23:00    Advice for the person dealing with learning differences
 
Guests: Alissa Henriksen, Co-President and Founder of Grey Search + Strategy; Sara Durhman, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Mall of America
 
To find out more about Alissa and Grey Search + Strategy visit www.linkedin.com/in/alissahenriksen/ and www.grey-search.com/
To learn more about MOA events and foundation visit www.mallofamerica.com/events and www.moacommunityfoundation.org
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 107: Mission, Media & Minnesota: A Conversation with Steve and Mary Grove

Today’s episode brings you a conversation with two of Minnesota’s most inspiring voices in leadership, innovation, and community impact. Steve Grove, journalist-turned-tech leader-turned-public servant, is now CEO and Publisher of the Star Tribune and a newly published author. His wife, Mary Grove, is a nationally respected investor and passionate advocate for entrepreneurs—especially those in underserved communities.
 
Together, Steve and Mary open up about their shared values, their move to Minnesota, and the deep purpose that drives both their professional work and personal life. We dive into Steve’s book, the power of community, and what it means to write—and live—with intention. If you’re passionate about purpose, progress, and people, you won’t want to miss this one.
 
3:30       How Mary & Steve aligned both personally and professionally
4:30       Why Minnesota? Innovation, family, culture, and grounding
9:00       The two toughest – and most rewarding – stories to write
11:00    Why is community important?
15:30    The importance of change and growth in the news industry
18:00    News fatigue is real, and an opportunity to be addressed
19:30    Ruthless prioritization is needed in personal and professional life
20:30    Mall of America adventures with young children
23:30    Quick fun quiz on Minnesota
 
Guests: Steve Grove, CEO & Publisher of Minnesota Star Tribune and author; Mary Grove, Managing Partner at Bread & Butter Ventures
 
To find out more about Steve and get his book go to www.stevegrove.com
For more on the Minnesota Star Tribune go to www.startribune.com
For more on Bread & Butter Ventures go to www.breadandbutterventures.com
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 106: Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel: The Tail of a Legend

On this episode we have a guest like no other. She’s been on TV. She’s toured the country. She’s tiny, fluffy, and loves nuts. That’s right…it’s Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel! Her handlers Chuck and Toni share their stories as well.
 
What started as a simple rescue mission in Florida in 1978 turned into a full-blown, nutty legacy that continues to delight crowds of all ages. Learn how Twiggy became a worldwide sensation, her unexpected Minneapolis origins, and the sweet story of how one rescued squirrel sparked a movement rooted in joy, respect, and the belief that anything is possible.
 
You’ll hear how Twiggy became an MOA headliner, the surprising logistics of building a squirrel-sized water-ski pool inside a shopping mall, and yes—the question on everyone’s mind: How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?
 
Grab your life jacket, channel your inner rodent athlete, and join us for an episode filled with laughs, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
 
2:15       How Meri Ryan first pitched Twiggy as the MOA-favorite entertainer
3:30       The mathematical logistics behind a 5.5” deep pool inside the Mall
6:15       How Chuck’s dad rescued a squirrel decades ago and it led to today
8:15       What the squirrel’s love to eat the most
10:45    Twiggy’s Hollywood history and her real cred’
12:00    How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?
14:50    Treating all animals with love and respect
20:00    What might Twiggy say to her super fans?
22:30    Squirrel or Nah – a fun quick quiz for the guests
 
Guests: Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel; Chuck Best, Jr. and Toni Marie Tedesco parents/trainers of Twiggy
 
To find out more about Twiggy go to: https://twiggyshow.com/ and www.clubtwiggy.com.
You can also find Twiggy on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @twiggyshow.
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper with Meri Ryan, Senior Manager of Experiential + Events at Mall of America
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 105: Staci + Dez: Radio Beginnings to Celebrity Stories

On this episode of So Much More, hosts Jill Renslow and Sara Johnson sit down with two of KS95’s most beloved voices—Staci Matthews of Staci & Hutch and Dez from Crisco, Dez & Wes. From awkward on-air moments and unforgettable guests to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, Staci and Dez bring their signature humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes stories. Plus, hear their wildest Mall of America memories, favorite celebrity encounters, and where they’d eat, shop, and hide if locked inside the mall for 24 hours. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a peek behind the mic.
 
1:00       How Dez got started in radio – yes, it was love at first glance
3:30       From theater nerd to Kmart, Staci figured out radio was a better for her
6:00       Recalling those few ‘oops’ moments in their radio careers
10:15    What it’s like working together for more than two decades at KS95
12:25    How KS95, and radio personalities, make a difference in the community
15:30    Raising millions of dollars for charity right here at Mall of America
16:50    First experiences at the ‘Mega Mall’ and birthday party memories
20:45    Celebrity sightings and interactions at MOA, including a potential restraining order
25:00    Their non-radio ‘dream’ jobs
25:45    Rapid fire question round
 
Guests: Staci Matthews of Staci & Hutch, and Dez of Crisco, Dez & Wes from KS95
 
To find out more about Staci & Hutch click https://www.ks95.com/shows/staci-hutch/.
For find out more about Crisco, Dez & Wes click https://www.ks95.com/shows/crisco-dez-wes/.
 
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 104: Esports, Events + the Future of Sports Travel

In this episode of So Much More, we dive into the dynamic world of sports, travel, and the booming esports industry with someone who's been shaping the conversation for years—Jason Gewirtz, Vice President, Managing Director, and Publisher of the Sports Division at Northstar Meetings Group.
From his roots in journalism to leading SportsTravel magazine and events like the TEAMS Conference, EsportsTravel Summit, and more, Jason brings sharp insight into how sports and esports are transforming economies, building community, and redefining how destinations market themselves.
Whether you’re in events, tourism, marketing—or just esports-curious—this episode is packed with insights and ideas for what’s next in the game. Don’t miss it!
 
2:25       Jason shares his professional journey; from the newsroom to sports and esports
4:45       All about the Esports Summit in Bloomington, Minnesota
8:00       The growth of Esports and why people love it
10:30    How Esports spans the generations, and the opportunities for marketers
14:30    What does the future of Esports look like in 10 years?
16:30    How event organizers meet the perfect locations
18:45    The world of esports, Pokemon GO and creating community at Mall of America
23:00    A quick quiz on sports and esports
 
Click here to find out more about Jason and Northstar Meetings Group at:
www.sportstravelmagazine.com
www.esportstravelsummit.com
www.teamsconference.com
Click here for Mall of America events: https://mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events
Guests: Jason Gewirtz, Vice President, Managing Director and Publisher of the Sports Division at Northstar Meetings Group; Sara Johnson, Director of Marketing at Mall of America
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 103: Laughter and First Dates at House of Comedy

Wendy Maybury, comedian, speaker and mom joins Bryan Gallagher, General Manager of House of Comedy to peel back the curtain on the world of stand-up comedy. Together, we explore the awkward, hilarious and heartfelt moments that make stand-up unforgettable. And listeners may learn why stand-up comedy may be the bravest thing you could ever do.
 
You’ll also learn about free comedy writing workshops, uncover some of the big names in comedy that have headlines at House of Comedy, and uncover the kindness that threads through the Twin Cities comedy community. This episode is funny, warm and filled with real-life punchlines.
 
2:00       Brian’s adventure that brought him to Minnesota and House of Comedy
4:00       Why stand-up comedy is one of the bravest things you can do
5:30       Attending a comedy show is a great idea for a first date
6:00       How being a military brat prepared Wendy for a career in stand-up
7:30       Her first private stand-up gig…what could go wrong?
8:45       Free comedy writing workshops every Wednesday at House of Comedy
11:45    Some of the national comedians that have performed at HOC
15:30    The kindness behind the Minneapolis comedy community
16:50    That time the comedians needed to pivot to fit the audience
19:30    ‘Day-drinking with Mom’ was created to give mom’s an opportunity to shine
 
Click here to find out more about Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy www.moa.houseofcomedy.net
Click here to find out more about Wendy at www.wendymaybury.com or on FaceBook, TikTok, and Instagram
 
Guests: Wendy Maybury, Comedian, Photographer, Speaker and mom; Bryan Gallagher, General Manager at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
 
Hosts: Daniel Jasper
 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 102: Retail Magic at MOA…Behind the Lease

Mall of America keeps raising the bar—and the leasing team is the secret sauce behind the magic. In this episode, we’re joined by Carrie Charleston and Ashley Hofmann, two powerhouse women who are bringing first-to-market flagships, pop-up sensations, and big-name brands to life at MOA.
From the buzz of Glossier’s record-breaking pop-up to the insider scoop on SKIMS, Edikted, Marine Layer, ALO, and the NBA Store, Carrie and Ashley dish on what’s trending, what’s next, and how deals really get done. Curious how a brand goes from dream to grand opening at one of the most iconic malls in the world? This episode pulls back the curtain.
If you love retail, trends, or just want to know why CoComelon is now an immersive experience—hit play. There’s so much more to leasing than you think.
 
1:30       The strategy behind world-class leasing
4:00       Apparel additions: Marine Layer, Edikted, Chubbies, True Classic, NBA Store
9:45       Other retail/experiences: Glossier, MINISO (Stitch), SITKA Gear, Human Crane, Activate, CoComelon Playdate, Sweet Paris, Arabian Oud
19:00    Freshly opened: Alo, New Balance, Mavi, SKIMS, EVEREVE, Pandora
24:45    Which categories we’re hoping to focus on
27:00    Retail roundup – the friendly competition game
 
Click here to find out new + opening soon stores: https://mallofamerica.com/shopping/new
Guests: Carrie Charleston, VP and Head of Leasing at Mall of America; Ashley Hofmann, Leasing Director 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.