So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 58: Go Back to School in Style at MOA

With a chill in the air and the State Fair around the corner, everyone’s thinking about the kids going back to school. The good news is that Mall of America® is the destination for back to school shopping! 
On this episode, host Dan Jasper talks with MOA®’s Intergrated Marketing Director, Sara Johnson, and Sara Rogers, our Trend Specialist, about the ‘it’ items kids need for school and how to find them at every price point at the Mall. 
Among the trends this season, Sara Rogers shares that the top ‘looks’ will be tracksuits (especially with wide and loose legs pants), the Vans store for both sneakers and backpacks, animal prints, ballet flats + the color red.  This episode highlights more than 25 stores to find great back to school fashions and deals.   
To learn more about Mall of America’s back to school shopping deals and trends visit: https://mallofamerica.com/backtoschool 
2:16:  Our hosts share their favorite BTS trends growing up 
4:45:  Sara Rogers shares the must have items and looks for this BTS season 
10:00:  SJ shares special deals for teachers 
12:03:  Dan shares MOA survey results that show the ‘Savvy Shopper’ persona will be the #1 shopper this year and where to find deals at MOA 
15:13:  Sustainability is at the forefront and many MOA retailers are offering discounts for recycling clothes 
19:40:  Shop and Ride combo deal is a great way to save on shopping AND having some fun at MOA 
Guest:  Sara Rogers, Mall of America Trend Specialist and Sara Johnson, Intergrated Marketing Director, Mall of America 
Host: Dan Jasper 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn

Ep. 57: Fizzy Pop to Fun Fashion, New Stores at MOA

With more than five hundred stores, restaurants + attractions, Mall of America® truly does offer something for everyone. Part of the Mall’s success is by keeping it fresh and constantly adding to the retail and attraction mix.
On this episode, Carrie Charleston and Jill Renslow share their unique viewpoints on why this constant evolution works so well, and they highlight the newest additions to the Mall. Before the conversation even begins, the group does a blind taste test of some of the most unique flavors of soda (pop in Minnesota-speak) that you could imagine.
Among the leasing, marketing + communications strategies they share include the concept of creating ‘neighborhoods’ of stores, offering a unique merchandise mix, creating and enhancing the guest experience + having celebrities kick off their brand presence at Mall of America. This episode highlights the more than a dozen new additions that have opened in just the last few weeks.
To learn more about the Mall’s most recently added tenants visit:  https://mallofamerica.com/shopping/new. 
To check out all the Mall’s tenants, attractions and events visit: https://mallofamerica.com/. 
Guest: Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing at Mall of AmericaHost: Daniel Jasper with Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 56: First Time Visitors Share Stories + Excitement

So Much More is one year old, and Mall of America is gearing up for its 32nd birthday! To celebrate, our hosts speak spoke visitors from across the country. Catch our fast, furious + fun interviews filled with fascinating MOA® trivia. Plus, discover what our guests were most excited to see and do!
Friends from Iowa were excited about Nickelodeon rides and experiencing American classics Toys "R" Us and Bubba Gump Shrimp (and yes, they had shrimp.) Two moms and their daughters traveled from St. Louis; they could not wait to try FlyOver America and The Escape Game. And a group from Canada simply came to shop and ride rides.
A family of sneakerheads from Texas was not only anxious to go shoe shopping, but were also was celebrating a birthday (happy birthday, Vernon!). Our new friends from Colorado (and their cousin from Nebraska) were also celebrating a birthday (happy birthday, Jonathan) and wished their loved ones back home a hearty hello. 
A family from Phoenix was stuck in the Twin Cities on a delayed flight and looked forward to eating a whole bunch at the Mall. Finally, Kellen and Ben from Chicago loved going on the Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster. In Kellen’s words, “Go to Mall of America it has the best indoor park in the world!”
Plus! Host Chris Grap shared event highlights from the Mall’s 32nd birthday celebration including a basketball tournament, celebrity book signing and delicious treats.
To learn more about the Mall’s upcoming events visit: https://mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events/all. 
Guest: Families from Iowa, Missouri, Saskatchewan, California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois
Host: Daniel Jasper with Chris Grap
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 55: Paul Allen, Voice of The Minneapolis Miracle

A longtime fixture for Minnesota sports fans, Paul Allen never shies from telling a story. Not only does Allen host his own show on KFAN and announce races at Canterbury Park, but he is also the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings, where he has earned a reputation of having boundless energy and enthusiasm. 
Allen began his career announcing horse races in 1993 in California. After moving to Minnesota, he auditioned for KFAN but did not get the job. Not losing hope, Allen continued working as a race announcer until he asked to fill in with a one-day notice. The rest is history. 
He gained national acclaim when he coined the phrase “The Minneapolis Miracle”, referring to when Stephan Diggs made a spectacular reception to win a playoff game in 2018. Allen also talks about the history of Metropolitan Stadium that can still be found at Mall of America, his holiday shopping routines and what is next for his career.
To learn more about Allen’s KFAN show visit: https://kfan.iheart.com/featured/allen-s-page/. 
Guest: Paul Allen, KFAN radio host, “Voice” of the Minnesota Vikings, Canterbury Park announcer, podcast host
Host: Jill Renslow and Daniel Jasper  
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 54: Chase & Ovation, A Salute to the Music of Prince

This episode features special guest, Chase, lead vocalist and guitar for Chase & Ovation, a Prince tribute that has been performing live for the past 17 years. Chase shares that stories of his musical background, the journey to becoming a legendary Prince tribute band. It is the only official tribute band sanctioned by the late superstar, and Chase shares how the band once got two thumbs up from Prince himself at their inaugural gig.
Chase talks about his involvement in the film, Graffiti Bridge, the many celebrities he had a chance to meet over the years (including at Mall of America) and how the local music industry came together during the difficult pandemic years.
Chase & Ovation recently performed at Mall of America in the Huntington Bank Rotunda, which is building a renewed reputation as the go-to performance venue for local and national musical artists. Co-host, Taylor Lindemann, has a long history in music industry and is a critical technician on the MOA audio/visual team.
This episode is about positivity, community, and the joy that can be found in music.
To learn more about Chase & Ovation visit: https://chaseandovation.com/. 
Guest: Chase, lead vocals + guitar for Chase & Ovation
Host: Chris Grap  
Co-Host: Taylor Lindemann, Audio/Visual Technician at Mall of America
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 53: Larissa Loden, Jewelry That's a Whole Vibe

Larissa Loden, an artist, entrepreneur, jewelry designer + passionate leader, shares her path from teaching in the classroom to building a successful business. Her journey started in upstate New York and was inspired by a high school teacher who gifted her a beaded necklace — and she has never looked back. 
Her first job in Minnesota was at Mall of America®! Larissa taught for eight years, sold jewelry at art fairs, developed an online presence + recently opened her second brick and mortar location at Mall of America on the west side of Level 2. In this episode, she talks about first jobs, becoming an artisan, the trials of an entrepreneur + successfully building and leading a team.
1:30  Journey from High School to Mall of America. 4:20  Trends in jewelry. 6:10  Why sustainability is important. 9:10  Transition from online to going to brick & mortar. 12:00  How to expand and test the waters in a smart way. 14:30  Special Foodie Cutie and State Fair collections. 17:00  Journey from creator, to entrepreneur, to leading a team. 19:45  Advice for future entrepreneurs. 
To listen to Larissa’s podcast, The Worlds Okayest Entrepreneur visit: https://theokayestpod.com. To learn more about Larissa Loden visit: https://larissaloden.com/. 
Guest: Larissa Loden, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, owner, passionate leader
Host: Jill Renslow  
Co-Host: Sara Johnson, Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America
Presented by the Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 52: Office Party: Your Path to MOA

In this episode of So Much More, our four hosts talk all things Mall of America®. The lively discussion began with the journey that each of the hosts to the Mall. Each person had a unique pathway to their positions with unexpected twists and turns.
Dan Jasper started in non-profit nursing homes and shares his creative professional journey including his first national pitch to The Tonight Show…which worked! Grant had a background in department stores and marketing agencies and was quick to point out that every professional journey meanders and is an adventure.
With roots in the Hollywood film industry and then working for the Minnesota Film Commission, Chris began his MOA® path as a business development specialist. His roles morphed into a creative and imaginative leadership position. Jill began as a part-time intern while still in college. Upon graduation, she joined the MOA team full-time and has never looked back.
The conversation covers how the Mall is a ‘living lab,’ continually trying new things. The four discuss why this place is so special, and share memorable moments, including when Chris was recruited to introduce Arnold Schwarzenegger on stage at Mall of America.
If you like stories, and professional growth tips, this episode is for you.
Host: Jill RenslowCo-Hosts: Chris Grap, Grant Buntje, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep: 51: Let the Summer of Games Begin!

Mall of America® is excited to host the Summer of Games…all summer long! Our hosts, along with special guest Kylie Passe, share the fun that is in store for guests visiting MOA® this summer.
The Summer of Games hub at the Mall is in the Atrium, Level 1, in the north entrance. The area has been reimagined to look and feel like an Olympic sport stadium, complete with a giant graphic of a track on the floor. Guests can participate in a host of activities such as an over-sized bags tournament and minute-to-win-it games including card throwing, cup stacking + cookie face roll challenge.
Unique events throughout the summer boast Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel, break-dance competitions, 3X3 basketball competition, BMX bike demo + much more! Select attractions including Climb Zone and Fair on Four are participating by hosting competitions. Plus, guests have the chance to get slimed at Nickelodeon Universe. 
From mystery prize cards to ‘fun on us’ community takeovers, the guests share all the exciting summer details. They also talk Olympics, their favorite sports + which ‘dream’ sports they would like to see in the Olympics, and even participate in as an athlete.
For more information on Summer of Games @MOA: https://mallofamerica.com/summer. 
To learn how to register to get slimed at Nickelodeon Universe: https://mallofamerica.com/events/view/33141. 
Guests: Kylie Passe, Experiential Events Coordinator at Mall of America
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Chris Grap, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 50: Lori & Julia, Legendary Radio Host's Farewell Tour

Lori Barghini and Julia Cobb, local legendary radio hosts on myTalk FM 107.1, are featured on this episode as part of their farewell tour after 22 years hosting The Lori & Julia Show. They are best friends turned sisters-in-law and despite being as Minnesotan as Paul Bunyan, they speak fluent Hollywood and can bring it with the best of them! 
They are joined by host Chris Grap and Sara Rogers, a style expert, wardrobe consultant + frequent guest on The Lori & Julia Show. Lori and Julia share stories, memories + laughs throughout the conversation, like one of their favorite celebrity appearances at the Mall was Donny Osmond. They also share how they once lived inside Mall of America for three days and taped their radio show!
The conversation with Sara Rogers turns to fashion, trends + topics they have covered together in the fashion world over the years. Their friendship began when the three met at a local fashion show and blossomed into helping women find the fashion that is right for them.
Lori and Julia share how they started working together, which predates their radio show + how they’ve grown over the years. They are pioneers in the radio industry demonstrated by the fact that they were one of the first female-led talk radio shows that focused on women’s issues.
For more information on The Lori & Julia Show, visit: https://www.mytalk1071.com/shows/lori-julia/. 
To learn more about Sara Rogers, visit: https://sararogers.com/meet-sara-rogers/. 
Guests: Lori Barghini and Julia Cobb, legendary radio hosts; and Sara Rogers, style expert and wardrobe consultant
Host: Chris Grap
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 49: From X-mas Jammies to The Amazing Race...The Holderness Family

With eight million online followers and more than two billion total views, Penn and Kim Holderness are funny, incessant + very genuine online content creators. They have been featured on national and international media, are best-selling authors, award-winning podcast hosts + were winners on Season 33 of The Amazing Race. They first rose to internet fame when their X-mas Jammies holiday video card garnered more than fifteen million views in one week.
Penn and Kim, while at Mall of America to sign their latest book "ADHD Is Awesome", sat down for this episode of So Much More to share stories and insights from the book and their incredible journey as internet stars. 
4:45 How Xmas Jammies blew up the internet, and what it meant to their journey.8:30 Why they wrote this NY Times bestselling book, "ADHD Is Awesome".12:57 What it’s like being honest and vulnerable with online content.13:50 What they have learned from including their children in online content and how that has changed over time.18:05 The Amazing Race, what it was like, why they did it, and what the most difficult challenge was.24:40 Why pickleball truly vibes with their philosophy and life.26:12 Share their knowledge about Minnesota in a round of rapid-fire questions.
For more information on Penn and Kim Holderness and their projects, books + podcasts, visit: https://theholdernessfamily.com/. 
Guests: Penn and Kim Holderness; content creators, award-winning authors, podcast hosts, loving parents.
Host: Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.