What does it take to keep the nation’s busiest mall safe, day in and day out?   In this episode, we talk with Will Bernhjelm, Vice President of Security at Mall of America, about a career shaped by service, adaptability, and purpose. Will has been an integral member of the MOA security team, which he now leads, for more than 23 years. Will and his team of highly trained, dedicated professional security officers are the best of the best.   Will shares how his time in the Army National Guard influenced his leadership approach and elevated security training at MOA… a program that leads the industry. We explore the “Swiss cheese” model of security, where layered people, processes, and technology work together to keep guests safe. From bike and patrol officers to K9 teams and advanced tools like license plate readers and facial recognition, used responsibly and thoughtfully, combine to keep the Mall safe.   At its core, this conversation is about why security matters, and the deeply personal motivation behind protecting a place where millions of families come to make memories.   1:00       Will’s professional journey that led to Mall of America 3:10       Army National Guard deployments to Kosovo and Iraq led to supervisory role in security training 5:30       A new outlook on security training, leading the retail and attractions industries 9:00       The Swiss cheese strategy that keeps Mall of America safe 11:45    MOA bike officers, year-round patrols in all types of weather 12:50    Everyone’s favorite… Mall of America K9 teams 14:25    MOA Patrol Officers, the modern day ‘beat cop’ at the nation’s busiest mall 15:30    Technology at MOA including LPR cameras 16:45    How Facial Recognition technology is used responsibly at MOA and leads the industry 19:45    Why we work hard to keep this place safe (it’s all about family)   To learn more, visit: https://mallofamerica.com/security   Guests: Will Bernhjelm, Vice President of Security 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.

More great food is coming to Mall of America and everyone is excited! From handcrafted New Haven–style pizzas baked in just five minutes to customizable mac and cheese bowls that have gone viral on social media, these restaurants showcase the creativity and energy of the MOA dining scene.   Joining us are Chef Joshua Hedquist, the award-winning Food Network personality behind OG ZaZa, and Sam Danna, the Minnesota-based franchise owner bringing Roni’s Mac Bar to Mall of America for its first location in the state. Josh shares his journey from national television to building a pizza brand focused on simplicity, flavor, and second chances, while Sam takes us inside the comfort-food phenomenon that’s winning fans online and off.   We talk passion, personality, and what it means to be part of the Mall of America food community, plus what guests can expect when these two crave-worthy concepts open their doors.   NOTE: This episode was taped right before Black Friday weekend. Roni’s is expected to open mid-January on Level 3, South. OG ZaZa is currently open on Level 3, North in Culinary on North.   2:10       How Josh created OG ZaZa, New Haven-style pizza concept 4:30       Sam first experienced Roni’s at Texas A+M and was immediately sold on the idea 7:30       Ashley and our leasing team search high and low to bring the best food and stores here 12:00    Bringing new exciting concepts to Mall of America 18:00    Social media has helped spread the word on both of these great food brands 20:00    OG Zaza uses food for good – feeding and providing for those in need   Find all the great dining at Mall of America at: https://mallofamerica.com/diningguide Find OG Zaza at https://ogzazamn.com/ and OGZaZa and OGTrailer on social media Find Roni’s at https://ronismacbar.com/ and Roni’s Mac Bar on social media   Guests: Chef Joshua Hedquist, owner of OG ZaZa and Sam Danna, Roni’s Mac Bar franchise owner   Your host: Daniel Jasper, Ashley Hofmann   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

The holiday season at Mall of America doesn’t just happen. It’s carefully captured, crafted, and shared in real time by a creative team with a front-row seat to the magic.   In this episode, we’re stepping behind the camera with Brinley Zoller and Johanna Beierle, two of MOA’s talented Social Media Strategists who bring the holiday season to life across feeds, Stories, Reels, and TikTok. From documenting the first moments of décor installs, to planning the controlled chaos of Black Friday, to collaborating with seasonal influencers who help spread the spirit, Brinley and Johanna see the holidays earlier, and differently, than almost anyone.   Plus, we’ll share favorite holiday traditions, heartwarming moments, and a few behind-the-scenes insights that just might change how you see holiday content the next time it pops up in your feed. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to capture the heart of the season…this episode is for you.   2:35       The scope and scale of Mall of America social media 5:00       How to view the holidays from the viewpoint of a social media content creator 8:00       Preparing for Black Friday, and braving the cold 15:45    Touching and amazing stories that stand out 17:40    The wackiest social stories as told by our guests 20:00    Shout out to the rest of the SM team 21:30    Quick answer games with the two Johanna and Brinley   Follow Mall of America on all social channels: @Mall of America   Guests: Brinley Zoller and Johanna Bierle, social media content creators, strategists and experts 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.

Holiday shopping crunch time is here, and we’ve got you covered. In this episode, we’re rounding up the hottest gifts, toys, and last-minute finds from across Mall of America, perfect for everyone on your list (yes, even the tricky ones).   We’re joined by Gail Larson, Senior Store Manager of the LEGO Store at Mall of America, who shares why LEGO continues to top wish lists year after year, which sets are flying off the shelves this season, and how families of all ages are building holiday memories together…brick by brick.   From must-have toys and nostalgic favorites to personalized gifts and unforgettable experiences, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you shop smarter, faster, and with a little more holiday joy.   NOTE: This episode was taped in early December. There’s only 1 Week Left until Christmas!   3:45       The classic toy (year-round) is LEGO, the store and its giant LEGO structures 5:30       The play area that entertains kids of all ages, and free make-and-take opportunities 7:15       A unique ‘mural build’ experience that happens four+ times a year at MOA LEGO store 9:15       The LEGO Family Christmas Tree – an exclusive offering at LEGO store 13:00    LEGO Ideas – the space where you can share design ideas with LEGO 14:15    Great savings and deals at Mall of America retailers and stores 16:15    Hot toy, game, retro, and activity ideas for this holiday season 19:15    Tips for shoppers visiting Mall of America in the coming days 22:45    Gift ideas for men 25:45    Fact or Fiction – a fun quiz about toys and games   For more Info: www.mallofamerica.com/holiday   LEGO at MOA: https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores/store/mall-of-america LEGO Ideas: https://beta.ideas.lego.com/   Guests: Gail Larson, Senior Store Manager of the LEGO Store at Mall of America   Your hosts: Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

The holidays are just two weeks away, and if you’re feeling the pressure to track down those perfect last-minute Christmas gifts, don’t worry, Mall of America has your back. Today’s episode is all about saving time, reducing stress, and finding gifts people will actually love.   We’re joined by two fantastic guests who know the Mall inside and out. First up is Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at MOA, who’s here to share why attraction passes and experience-based gifts are the secret weapon for last-minute shoppers. From bundled deals to flexible digital options, she’ll help you find meaningful, memory-making gifts for everyone on your list.   Then we’re talking with Kaitlyn O’Brien, Manager at Rocket Fizz, the go-to spot for quirky, nostalgic, delightfully unexpected stocking stuffers. Whether you're shopping for kids, coworkers, or that tricky person who “doesn’t need anything,” Kaitlyn has fun, fast, under-$20 ideas ready to wrap.   If you’re racing the clock, craving inspiration, or just want to finish your list with confidence, this episode is packed with simple, joyful ways to bring the magic home—no panic required.   2:45       Our hosts and guests share their fun holiday tradition for the days leading to Christmas 5:30       The gift of experiences: countless ideas for the last-minute shopper 9:30       All deals are found on the website including great attraction bundles 10:00    The gift of annual passes – a wonderful way to spend time with families 11:45    The hottest stocking stuffers at Rocket Fizz and beyond (including pickle pop) 13:00    Customizable gift baskets and retro-era candy selection 20:00    Advice for last minute shopping and great gift ideas 22:00    ‘Gift’ or ‘Grinch’ a holiday-themed quiz   For more Info: www.mallofamerica.com/holiday     Guests: Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at MOA; and Kaitlyn O’Brien, Manager at Rocket Fizz  at MOA   Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

In this high-energy special holiday interview, we’re kicking off Black Friday Siwa-style! It’s bright, bold, and bursting with joy!   Join us for a magical 7 a.m. conversation recorded right on Santa’s chair inside the Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America, where JoJo Siwa herself stopped by to celebrate one of the biggest days of the year. With thousands of excited fans lined up for MOA’s legendary Door Busters (and counting down to JoJo’s first-ever holiday concert at noon) the energy was off the charts. JoJo didn’t just show up… she showed out. She surprised guests all morning by personally handing out exclusive Door Buster gifts, spreading sparkle and cheer one joyful moment at a time.   And then came the big moment: the debut of JoJo’s brand-new holiday song, “Message to the World (Little Drummer Girl)” — a glittery, powerful anthem that lit up the Rotunda.   In our interview, JoJo reflects on how Mall of America shaped her dreams, from visiting as a young dancer on the competition circuit to performing her very first solo MOA show eight years ago at just 14. She shares why she keeps coming back, what the world’s greatest mall still means to her, and how she hopes her new music becomes part of your family’s holiday traditions.   And because this is a Black Friday bonus episode… You’ll also get access to exclusive footage from JoJo’s holiday performance, filmed live at MOA! Grab your peppermint mocha, turn up the volume, and get ready — this is JOY-JO Siwa like you’ve never seen her before.   For more Info: https://jojosiwa.com/   Guests: JoJo Siwa, actress, recording artist, dancer, philanthropist, role model   Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Today on So Much More, we’re celebrating one of the biggest global sports moments headed straight for Minnesota: the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship! This high-octane tournament brings together the world’s best U20 hockey players for an electrifying, fast-paced competition that fans across the globe circle on their calendars.   We’re thrilled to welcome two of the powerhouse leaders behind bringing this international event to the Twin Cities: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul.   We explore everything from the fan experience to community impact, from the behind-the-scenes planning to what international visitors can expect when they experience Minneapolis–Saint Paul in the winter. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or new to World Juniors, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and hometown pride.   1:00       Why the World Juniors is coming to Minnesota – The State of Hockey 4:00       The history of World Juniors and the connection to Minnesota 5:15       The lessons Minnesota learned from Sweden and Canada as host countries 8:30       Preparing to welcome international amateur hockey players + fans 9:15       World Juniors HQ store is open at Mall of America 10:00    Bold North Breakaway and Fan Fest in St. Paul; and more family fun 12:45    Exhibition Series brings the World Juniors to cities across Minnesota 14:30    Community initiatives (Assist 26) are critical to the mission of MN Sports + Events 15:50    Volunteers help make large-scale events like this happen 20:00    How to find tickets, volunteer and enjoy the festivities 22:00    A trivia contest about World Junior Championships   For more Info: www.mnsportsandevents.org or www.worldjuniorsmn26.com   Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul   Your hosts: Jill Renslow   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Today on So Much More, we’re unwrapping all the magic of Black Friday and the Holiday Season at Mall of America. From Mystery Cards and giant doorbuster moments to early-morning music, hot cocoa, and a special holiday performance by JoJo Siwa. We’ll hit the highlights on the best deals, the can’t-miss entertainment, and all the festive fun happening throughout the Mall.   Jill and Dan have been here for every Black Friday for more than two decades – and they are ready to share the inside scoop, tips, and tricks with you. This year our holiday campaign is all about togetherness, so join us on this magical holiday journey and consider this your quick guide to a joyful, high-energy start to the holiday season at MOA!   Special thanks to the Spot It! card game and Minnesota Lottery for helping to make our Black Friday celebrations so exciting.   1:15       The action starts early on Black Friday at our North Entrance 3:30       Scratch off silver prizes and door busters – everyone’s a winner 5:45       Black Friday activations throughout the holiday weekend 6:30       World premiere of a new holiday single with JoJo Siwa! 9:45       Great Black Friday deals on attractions at MOA including annual Nick Universe passes 11:30    Elf. Air. Express. A new Chicago to Twin Cities holiday flight experience to visit MOA 13:15    More than 25 new stores have opened at Mall of America: how to gain rewards in our APP 16:45    Parking tips and tricks including valet services 18:00    Festival of Trees a free event that benefits four local charities 20:00    The world-famous Candy Cane Institute is ready to welcome guests… naughty + nice! 24:15    Our vision for this holiday season – HAPPY HOLIDAYS!   Black Friday + Holiday Happenings at MOA: https://mallofamerica.com/holiday   Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Get ready for a deep dive into the wild! In this episode, we’re joined by Liz Gilles, who leads the Minnesota Zoo’s innovative education programs, and Tyler Ahnemann, the mastermind behind its most exciting behind-the-scenes experiences. Together, they share how the Zoo sparks discovery for guests of all ages—from hands-on animal learning to jaw-dropping EdVenture trips across the globe.   Liz explains how education and conservation go hand in hand, offering families, schools, and community groups new ways to understand wildlife. Tyler reveals what really happens when guests step into restricted areas, meet animals up close, or take part in once-in-a-lifetime encounters. You’ll also hear how the Zoo and Mall of America collaborate in creative ways to bring joy, learning, and conservation awareness to millions of visitors each year.   Friendly Note: Our end-of-episode trivia game may or may not contain… let’s call them “imaginative interpretations” of sloth behavior. For the real scoop, check out the “Sloth Myths” link included at the end of this description.   1:15       Origins and mission of ‘The New Zoo’ – a new, modern take on zoos 4:45       Traveling the world and connecting that to the mission of the Minnesota Zoo 6:45       Traveling locally and the world with the Minnesota Zoo 8:00       Understanding the conservation programs and their importance 9:00       Backstage Pass experiences for MN Zoon guests 10:15    Exploring the collaborations between Mall of America and Minnesota Zoo 12:00    Winter animal finds and Winter Fest at the Zoo 14:00    Some of ‘our favorite’ animals and why they are so cute 18:15    Fun trivia games on animals, wildlife and the world   Minnesota Zoo info: www.mnzoo.org Travel EdVentures info: https://mnzoo.org/travel-edventures-2/ Backstage Pass info: https://mnzoo.org/backstage-pass-2/ Sloth Myths: Sloth Myths: 14 Things You Think You Know About Sloths — The Sloth Conservation Foundation   Guests: Liz Gilles, Curator of Education and Tyler Ahnemann, Unique Experiences Specialist of the Minnesota Zoo   Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Joining us is Lisa Stockert, better known as Twin Cities Frugal Mom. She is a trusted voice for parents who want to enjoy life on a budget without missing out on great experiences. From her first visit to the Mall as a wide-eyed kid in the 1990s to exploring it now with her own family, Lisa has seen how Mall of America continues to evolve, inspire, and deliver fun for every generation.   In this episode, Lisa shares her favorite money-saving tips, hidden gems, and her go-to list of free and affordable activities that make family time both joyful and budget-friendly. We’ll also dive into how she built a thriving online community of followers who trust her for honest, practical advice on stretching every dollar without sacrificing quality or fun.   Whether you’re a lifelong Minnesotan or planning your first visit, you’ll walk away with insider insights and inspiration for your next great adventure, right here at Mall of America.   2:00       With the origins of her blog 17 years ago, Lisa shares her frugal journey 5:35       Reminiscing about former Mall of America stores and attractions 10:00    Free family-friendly activities at MOA 15:00    Legends from when the Mall first opened 16:15    MOA Insiders and other cost-saving ideas including holiday-time annual pass savings 17:35    Holiday free fun for everyone to enjoy 20:00    Twin Cities holiday activities (outside of the Mall) 22:35    The joy of staying overnight at Radisson Blu and JW Marriott at Mall of America   For information on Twin Cities Frugal Mom visit: https://twincitiesfrugalmom.com/ For MOA holiday happenings, events and store information visit: www.mallofamerica.com   Guests: Lisa Stockert, Twin Cities Frugal Mom   Your hosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Sports retail is no longer just about what you buy, it’s about how it makes you feel. In this episode, we explore how the NBA Store and Lids are redefining the fan experience through innovation, customization, and immersive design.   Guest Adam Herstig, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Lids, shares how his team is transforming stores into destinations where passion and fandom come to life. From interactive customization zones to exclusive merchandise and digital storytelling, Adam explains how the future of sports retail is about connection, creativity, and community.   Whether you’re a lifelong basketball fan or simply love great brand experiences, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to shop like a fan.   1:30       A history of sports merchandise licensing, and Adam’s career journey 4:00       The Lids group including hats, apparel, NHL store and NBA stores 6:30       The future of sports fandom and sports retail 9:00       It’s all about customization from headwear to gear…The Custom Zone 13:50    The NBA Store and Lids stores culture…where passion drives service 18:45    Where the love for NBA continues to grow across the world 22:30    The measurement of success for the brand 24:00    The lightening round Q & A   For information on all the MOA NBA store visit: https://mallofamerica.com/directory/nba-store For information on the MOA Lids stores visit: https://mallofamerica.com/directory/lids-east346   Guests: Adam Herstig, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Lids   Your hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper   Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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.