So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Mall of America is green every day of the year. But we truly celebrate in April which is Earth Month. Boasting more than 30,000 live plants and hundreds of trees, people often wonder how we handle potential plant pests. On this episode of So Much More, we feature two guests who are integral to our most fun and educational event to honor Earth Month, our annual Ladybug release! [Hint: they take care of other pests.] James Everhart a...

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  Two years ago, 11 year old Edyn Esparza cold-called Mall of America asking if we would sell her cake pops.  The answer was yes and the rest as they say is history.  This episode tells the story of young entrepreneur Edyn Esparza and her Mall of America Foods Manager mentor, Barb Ross-Hayes as they embark on her journey from dream to reali...

The right use of language has the power to foster connection between individuals and groups from all cultures.  Our guest, Ingrid Christensen, Founder and CEO of INGCO International has worked in the language industry for over 20 years.  First as an interpreter and eventually opening her own language service company to bridge translation gaps and connect cultures.   Connecting people through her book, The Language of Trust Ingrid s...

A kind word can change the world. Our guest, Adriana Carrig, CEO of Little Words Project has used words to help bring kindness to others and to yourself. More than a jewelry brand, it’s a community of people that support one another. In this affirming, uplifting conversation Adriana shares her views on compassion, kindness, building a business, Minnesota and Mall of America!

2:30 Why kindness and kind words matter 6:00 Who is the k...

With a strong connection to Minnesota, and to the local sports scene, our guest has built a successful career in television broadcasting, sports announcing and as a radio host. Marney Gellner is well known to fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx as well as listeners of the KFAN Power Trip morning show. A native of North Dakota, and a long-time Minnesota resident, Marney shares great stories about sports, culture and living l...

This episode features the return of a fan favorite guest, Roshini Rajkumar. Best known as a media personality, mainstage speaker, podcast host and C-Suite Advisor, Roshini shares practical insights on how to be present in the workplace and make meaningful impressions on your audience. She also covers her I.A.P. process that leads to successful interactions and partnerships. Her podcast the Crisis Files is currently in Season 3.

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It’s one of our favorite times of year at Mall of America…it’s Spring Break time!  We’re seeing and feeling the first bit of spring and families, college kids and many visitors want ideas for some fun things to do with the kids while they’re off from school.  Well, this episode is packed with tons of ideas for your ‘YAY-cation’ here at Mall of America. 

2:00 All about VIP Behind The Scenes Tours at Mall of America 5:50 All about SL...

Over the years, people have referred to Mall of America as ‘The Hollywood of the Midwest’ because of all the movies and production filmed in and around the Mall.  From Mighty Ducks 2 and Jingle All The Way, the Mall has hosted thousands of film crews from commercial shoots to feature film productions.  In this episode you’ll hear behind the scenes tales from these movies and discover what it takes to be a part of this production an...

In this episode, we dive our guests’ (Bryan Piatt and Laura Utecht) careers in TV journalism including the most adventurous stories they covered at Mall of America and beyond. In his current career as a mental health therapist, Bryan shares how the dark, cold winter months can impact people in different ways. He shares techniques and strategies to navigate these challenges and where help can be found.

1:40 Brian shares the ‘big tri...

Mall of America has played host to more than 10,000 weddings over the years. From a wedding in the shark tank at SEA LIFE Aquarium to couples getting married on the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coast so many of these unions were amazing memories. The Mall event built an ice castle one year and had couples getting married in the middle…it was beautiful and extremely cold! To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 83: ...

From silly, to romantic, to child-like idealism, this conversation discusses the wide array of date night options for those who have recently fell in love, to those who are celebrating decades with the love of their life. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 83:  Cupid’s Guide to MOA Valentine’s Fun.

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the c...

Ep. 83:  Cupid’s Guide to MOA Valentine’s Fun. 

In this episode, we dive into everything you need for the perfect Valentine’s Day at Mall of America! From unique gift ideas and delicious dining options to exciting attractions and fun memories of past Valentine’s celebrations. We cover it all! Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or a family adventure, this episode is your guide to making the day extr...

John O’Sullivan, who grew up in Mankato, MN and went to St. John’s University, shares his personal and professional journey. He embarked on a 12-year overseas journey of self-discovery. During that time, he became a tour guide on a Euro Bus. During a six-week training period he got to visit many countries and learn to be a great tour guide and storyteller. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 82: John O’Sulliv...

John O’Sullivan, famously known for his One Minute Tours on TikTok and other social media platforms shines during this episode. When asked for his favorite Mall of America memory, John’s eyes lit up. He immediately remembers Starship 3000, a laser-tag adventure from years ago at the Mall. His memory was it had a rotating spaceship and for his 12-year old self it was the eighth wonder of the world. To hear this story and more check ...

John O’Sullivan got his start as a tour guide as he says by being handed a microphone on a bus and starting to tell stories.  He soon turned these stories into a TikTok sensation that he calls One Minute Tours.  In this episode John tells us the secret to making these magical one minute videos, what makes a great tour guide and how he’s parlaying his love of storytelling into a longer format show on YouTube called The Hidden Middl...

What is the secret to getting great travel deals?  Our guest, Kyle Potter, executive editor for Thrifty Traveler, a service that helps travelers travel more for less, shares his advice on how to find cheap flights…hint, it’s not a certain day of the week…travel hacks and how to choose the right travel rewards credit card.  After having visited more than 30 countries and logging over 100,000 miles each year, Kyle has the inside trac...

Guest, Amanda Brinkman, founder of Sunshine Studios and former marketing executive at Deluxe Corporation shares her advice on finding purpose and pursuing your passion.  Starting her career in the corporate world led Amanda down several paths before as she says she took a sharp right turn and ran right into her passion—helping people find their passions and superpowers.  In this episode, Amanda teaches us not how to ‘find’ our pass...

Activate is a new interactive experience at Mall of America where guests (ages 6 and older) become players in their own video games.  With 13 different rooms, guests can customize their experience and work alone or in groups to solve puzzles, shoot hoops, dodge laser beams and jump, roll around and play, get silly and have fun!

The MN Aurora FC soccer club supports women with enthusiasm throughout the organization. From leadership to kit designers, from coaches to players, the Aurora empowers and embraces women and all they have to offer. Andrea Yoch and MacKenzie Langdok from the MN Aurora FC share their stories in the world of women’s soccer. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 78: MN Aurora FC. For Community, By Community.

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