So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Mall of America®
  • 5.0 (34)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to SO MUCH MORE, A Mall of America® Podcast. From personal development and entrepreneurship to leadership and learning; we are excited to delve into a wide range of topics and share inspiring stories from a diverse group of guests.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 162: That’s All That! Kel Mitchell at MOA.

    What happens when thousands of grown-up Nickelodeon fans get the chance to relive their childhood? Nick@Nite at Mall of America!    We’re joined by actor, comedian and Nickelodeon icon Kel Mitchell, known for All That, Kenan & Kel and the Good Burger movie. Kel looks back at his career, his favorite memories from Nickelodeon, the enduring popularity of Ed and Good Burger, and what it’s like meeting fans who grew up watching him.    We’ll also talk about the power of nostalgia and what it was like bringing classic Nickelodeon memories to life at Mall of America with rides, throwback music, photo opportunities, Good Burger-inspired food and, of course, Kel himself. And Kel shares is thoughts on meeting his fans in person at the Mall and having his own kids join him.    2:30 Memories from Kel’s first visit to Mall of America almost 30 years ago  5:00 Mall of America fan experience with Kel  7:00 How Kel got started in show business and built a career  9:50 An impersonation of a coach and a voice helped create a fictional world  13:00 Balancing life as a child actor, growing up in the spotlight  17:30 Sharing details about Kel’s other business ventures  20:30 Fan stories and memories  22:00 Favorite lines from Good Burger    Visit: @IamKelMitchell (Instagram)  Visit: @realKelMitchell (TikTok)  Visit: www.mallofamerica.com     Guests: Kel Mitchell, Actor, Comedian and Nickelodeon Icon    Hosts: Jill Renslow, Kelsey Cunningham    Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  2. Aug 12

    Ep. 161: 34 Years. Millions of Guests. Countless Stories. And We’re Just Getting Started.

    In this special birthday episode of So Much More, Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper and Sara Johnson take a rapid-fire trip down memory lane to celebrate 34 years of Mall of America.   From the opening birthday speed round to favorite memories, craziest things they’ve seen, celebrity encounters, boxing brides, unforgettable weddings and incredible nonprofit events, this episode is packed with stories…and plenty of laughs.   The three also share a behind-the-scenes look at what guests don’t see: their first days at MOA, the people and teamwork it takes to create an amazing guest experience, and what the walls of Mall of America might say if they could talk.   Plus, they look back at past birthday celebrations, share hints about what’s coming for the 35th birthday in 2027, and finish with their birthday wishes for Mall of America. 34 years of memories. One very special birthday. And so much more to come.   1:15     MOA Birthday speed round 4:15     Things that guests don’t realize about MOA 8:00     What was your first day at the Mall like? 14:15    What makes Mall of America unlike any place else? 16:00    Favorite celebrity appearances 21:30    This or That segments – quick answers 25:30    Our birthday wishes for Mall of America   Visit: www.mallofamerica.com   Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  3. Aug 5

    Ep. 160: The Great Ryan Meetup at MOA

    What happens when hundreds of people who all share the same first name gather in one place? You get one of the most unique events Mall of America has ever hosted.    This week, we're joined by Ryan Fisher, Chief Communications Officer for Ryan Meetup, the nationwide community that brings together people named Ryan through fun events and local chapters across the country. Alongside Mall of America's Meri, we take you behind the scenes of the partnership that brought the unforgettable "Ryde the Ryan Coaster" event to life.    By the time this episode airs, hundreds of Ryans will have packed Nickelodeon Universe in an attempt to set a world record for the most people with the same name to consecutively ride a roller coaster, before heading to Target Field for the Ryan Baseball Classic. We talk about how this wonderfully quirky idea became reality, the planning that went into hosting it, what guests experienced throughout the day, and why a community built around a single name has captured the imagination of people across the country.    Along the way, you'll hear the story behind Ryan Meetup, why their famous motto is "No Bryans Allowed," some of the funniest moments from past gatherings, and why this may be one of the most memorable events ever held at Mall of America.    1:45 How the Ryan Meetup began with a simple flyer and a QR code  7:00 The “No Brians Allowed” rule for Ryan Meetups  8:30 The annual Ryan holidays for all Ryans to celebrate  9:15 How Ryan Meetup landed at Mall of America to set a new record  12:45 Setting a roller coaster record at MOA, meet in the ‘Rytunda’ and leave as friends  18:30 Ryans traveled from as far as Hawaii for the Ryan Meetup  21:15 What’s next for Ryan Meetup….    Visit: www.mallofamerica.com/events  Visit: https://www.ryanmeetup.com/     Guests: Ryan Cousins, Co-Founder and Creative Director and Ryan Fisher, Chief Communications Officer for Ryan Meetup    Hosts: Jill Renslow, Meri Ryan    Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  4. Jul 29

    Ep. 159: Minnesota Made: Chad Gable + Otis Return Home

    What does it take to become a WWE Superstar? For Chad Gable and Otis, it started right here in Minnesota with big dreams, hard work, and a passion for professional wrestling that's taken them from hometown heroes to the world's biggest stages.   In this episode, Chad and Otis share fun stories from their journeys to WWE, memorable moments from life on the road, and what it's like preparing for the spectacle that is SummerSlam. From their favorite Minnesota and Mall of America memories to the physical and mental challenges of performing week after week, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of two of WWE's most entertaining Superstars.   We're also joined by Tyler Boike from Minnesota Sports + Events to talk about bringing one of WWE's biggest events of the year to Minneapolis and the incredible fan experiences happening throughout SummerSlam weekend. Plus, we'll discuss WWE's partnership with Kids In Need Foundation, the excitement building across Minnesota, and why SummerSlam is about so much more than what happens inside the ring.   1:30     Our pro-wresters describe what Summer Slam is and how its expanded to 2 nights 2:30     All about Minnesota Sports + Events and how they helped land Summer Slam 5:30     How WWE and our wrestlers help local school kids through Kids In Need 7:45     Chad growing up in St. Michael, Minnesota and career in wrestling 10:00    Otis was obsessed with wrestling as a child 12:00    Chad and Otis became friends at the National Olympic Training Center 13:50    From this point forward it’s just non-stop stories and laughter   Visit: https://www.mnsportsandevents.org/home Visit: https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/summerslam Visit: Kids In Need Foundation   Guests: Chad Gable and Otis, professional wrestlers and fan favorites from Summer Slam; Tyler Boike from Minnesota Sports + Events   Hosts: Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  5. Jul 22 ·  Video

    Ep. 158: Panda Fest Returns to Mall of America

    On this episode, we sit down with Panda Fest Founder BiuBiu Xu to explore the story behind one of the nation's fastest-growing outdoor Asian food and culture festivals. Returning to the North Lot July 31–August 2, Panda Fest will feature more than 80 vendors, over 200 dishes, artisan shopping, cultural performances, and immersive panda-themed experiences for guests of all ages.   BiuBiu shares how Dragon Fest inspired the creation of Panda Fest, why Mall of America became the perfect home for the festival's Minnesota expansion, and what lessons were learned from its successful debut last year. We also discuss the event's remarkable growth, the importance of celebrating culture through food, and what first-time attendees won't want to miss.   1:30     How Panda Fest started in New York City as a street fair and continues to grow 4:00     The uplifting message behind using the panda as the symbol for the festival 10:45    How the festival connects to the Asian culture…beyond food 13:45    Family elements that are featured at the festival, performances and more 19:00    All about the food (new, unique and fan favorites) at the fest 24:15    Advice for first-time visitors to Panda Fest   Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37373 Visit: PandaFestMOA   Guests: BiuBiu Xu, Panda Fest Founder   Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  6. Jul 15

    Ep. 157: A World of Attractions at Mall of America

    What does it take to create unforgettable experiences for millions of guests each year? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Brian Spielman, Vice President of Attractions, and Kelsey Cunningham, Senior Marketing Manager, to explore how Mall of America brings its world-class attractions to life.    From Nickelodeon Universe and Crayola Experience to the new Star Express train, mini golf, and more, Brian and Kelsey share how their teams balance operations, marketing, staffing, seasonality, promotions, and guest feedback to keep every visit fresh and memorable. They also discuss the collaboration, creativity, and planning that go into delivering exceptional experiences every day, along with tips to help guests make the most of their next visit to Mall of America.    2:00 Brian started his MOA career making fudge at Camp Snoopy and continued to grow  5:00 Kelsey began in guest services at MOA gaining insights into our guests  7:30 The logistics behind operating many attractions under one roof  13:45 Attractions marketing – the magic behind the message  16:00 Ways to save money at MOA this summer  22:00 Tips for families from photo ops to best times    Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/entertainment/attractions/all   Visit: https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/home/  Visit: https://crayolaexperiencemn.com/   Visit: https://www.mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events/all     Guests: Brian Spielman, Attractions Vice President; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Senior Manager    Hosts: Daniel Jasper    Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  7. Jul 8

    Ep. 156: Boba, Beads & Building Community

    This week on So Much More, we're bringing you two special conversations featuring unique experiences happening at Mall of America.   In Part One, Jonathan Chong and Yenni Chen, co-founders of Niko Niko Boba, share the story behind their limited-time collaboration with Peanuts. From Snoopy-inspired beverages and exclusive merchandise to the nostalgia of Camp Snoopy, learn how this playful partnership came to life and why it's creating smiles for guests of all ages.   Then in Part Two, Rochelle Peterson and Kat Sry of Lotus Beads & Jewelry discuss The Grande Connection, a global effort to create a one-mile-long World Peace Chain in honor of Hiroshima Day, and how guests can be part of this meaningful community event.   1:45       How Niko Niko Boba got started (right here at Mall of America) 6:00       Partnering with fabled brand, Peanuts, featuring beloved characters 16Snoopy + Woodstock 10:00    The inspiration behind the Peanuts collab, and the great merch available 12:00    Quick questions and answers from Jonathan, Yenni and Dan 16:00    The Grande Connection – the story behind the creation of a Peace Chain 22:00    Bringing everyone together on August 6th at MOA for The Grande Connection 25:50    The message is about positivity, hope and the future 29:30    About Lotus Beads and Jewelry at MOA and some final thoughts   Visit: https://www.nikonikoboba.com/ Visit: https://www.lotusbeadsandjewelry.com/   Guests: Jonathan Chong and Yenni Chen, co-founders of Niko Niko Boba; Rochelle Peterson and Kat Sry of Lotus Beads & Jewelry   Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

  8. Jul 1

    Ep. 154: From Lady Gaga to MN Wild Hockey: Behind the Scenes of Grand Casino Arena

    From sold-out concerts and championship-caliber hockey to family shows and unforgettable live experiences, Grand Casino Arena is one of Minnesota's premier entertainment destinations. This week, we're joined by Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Grand Casino Arena, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep one of the region's busiest venues running at full speed.    Kelly shares her career journey, reflects on the excitement surrounding Lady Gaga's spectacular spring performance, and gives us a preview of an incredible summer lineup featuring artists like Alex Warren, Melanie Martinez, ZAYN, Cody Johnson, and Monster Jam. We also explore the unique energy of Minnesota Wild game nights, how fan expectations are evolving, and the countless details that go into creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the doors. Whether you're a sports fan, concert lover, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the venue where Minnesota comes together.    1:00 An introduction to Kelly McGrath and her professional journey  4:30 How the community comes together to put on extraordinary events  6:00 The summer lineup at Grand Casino Arena from soft rock to Monster Jam  10:30 Some musical surprises coming and the joy of seeing them in person  11:45 The shift in how consumers react to purchasing tickets  14:15 The challenges with operating a large, aging building  16:45 Service First Initiative at Grand Casino Arena – creating great memories  21:50 Tips for parking, dining and enjoying your night at the concert    Visit: https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/     Guests: Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Gand Casino Arena    Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper    Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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Welcome to SO MUCH MORE, A Mall of America® Podcast. From personal development and entrepreneurship to leadership and learning; we are excited to delve into a wide range of topics and share inspiring stories from a diverse group of guests.

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