So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

What does it take to create unforgettable fan experiences and partnerships that go far beyond game day?   In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Kennedy, Vice President of Partnership and Premium Experience for the Minnesota Vikings, to explore how the team designs elevated fan moments at U.S. Bank Stadium and beyond. Morgan shares how premium experiences have evolved, what fans truly crave toda...

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 sec...

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 Dann...

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 docu...

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...

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...

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 legen...

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 bri...

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 he...

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 exp...

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 e...

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...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 Ge...

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 m...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 mag...

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 insi...

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 hi...

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-wi...