So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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....

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 hel...

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 waterskii...

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...

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 lan...

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...

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...

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; ...

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 spec...

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, S...

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 un...

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 c...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

So Much More celebrates 100 episodes! Dave Ryan, the voice that’s been waking up the Twin Cities for decades on KDWB is here to help us party. In this special two-part milestone episode of So Much More, Dave brings his signature humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes brilliance to the mic for a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is insightful.

From the moment he steps in, Dave dives into the art of creativity—what sparks a gr...

Sun’s out, deals are on, and slime is flying! In this jam-packed episode of So Much More, we’re spilling the secrets behind Your Summer, Your Way at Mall of America. From crazy-good ride discounts (hello, Wednesdays in June!) to surprise giveaways, concerts, and yes—Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel—this summer is all about doing what you love. Hear from MOA marketing masterminds Sara Johnson and Kelsey Cunningham as they share insi...

Summer at Mall of America is more than just sunshine and shopping—it's a full-scale hospitality adventure. In this episode of So Much More, we’re joined by Preston Lougheed of Terratron Hospitality and Kate Anastasi of Radisson Blu Mall of America to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to welcome thousands of summer travelers. From youth sports teams and international tourists to family vacations and last-minute getaways,...