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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Part 2 of our 100th episode celebration, Dave Ryan returns, this episode is packed with even more laughs, life lessons, and unexpected gems. Dave may be best known for waking up the Twin Cities on KDWB, but this episode reminds us why he’s truly so much more: a sharp thinker, thoughtful writer, and all-around joyful human. We start with a story that proves, once and for all, that Dave really is a genius (though he’s too humble to say so). From there, we dive into the process behind his bestselling book Take a Shower, Show Up on Time, and Don’t Steal Anything, and how the simplest things—like lemonade stands and thank-you cards—can teach us volumes about kindness and connection. This episode is the perfect reminder that joy can come from anywhere—a bike ride, a note in the mail, or a morning radio show that’s still making us laugh after all these years. 1:00 Dave Ryan really is a genius – and here’s the story 4:45 The importance of stopping at lemonade stands and sending thank you cards 6:00 All about his children’s book 7:15 The joy found in owning an electric bike 10:00 Engineers and architects design MOA with no central heating 11:00 Jill’s most embarrassing/favorite moment as an MOA intern 14:00 Little known facts about Mall of America 16:15 Dave’s first visit to Mall of America (before moving to Minnesota) 17:00 One final story from Dave Click here to purchase Dave’s book: Take A Shower… Click here to purchase: Little Dave’s Amazing Day Click here for information on The Dave Ryan Show Guests: Dave Ryan, radio personality, media legend, and host of The Dave Ryan Show on KDWB; Sara Johnson, Marketing Director for 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.