So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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 destinati...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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 te...

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! 2:13:  What is Activate 6:13:  Come prepared …it’s a workout in disgui...

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....

What does it take to start a brand-new soccer team in Minnesota? How do you rally everyone to create a winning formula? And what is it like to start playing soccer at age 4 and become a professional soccer player? 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. F...

Minnesota Aurora FC is a women-led, community-owned, pre-professional soccer club playing in the USL W League. The Aurora joins a long tradition and rich culture of competitive Minnesota sports. With a goal of transforming outcomes for girls, teams, women, and communities the team remains focused on core values. Guests, Andrea Yoch, co-founder and board member at MN Aurora and MacKenzie Langdok, p...

Happy New Year! While our So Much More crew is taking a well-deserved break for the holidays, we’re excited to take you back to where this podcastand Mall of Americabegan. Today we are resharing our second episode that ever aired, and it is an inspiring conversation with John Ghermezian. In this special episode, John dives deep into the rich history and bold vision that brought Mall of America t...

Our So Much More crew is taking a well-deserved break for the holidays. But we’re bringing back a fan favorite episode: Episode 28, featuring an inspiring conversation with the President and CEO of L.L. Bean, Stephen Smith, and the Mall of America store manager, Guy Booth. Winter is just getting started, and let’s face it…Minnesota cold is no joke. So who better to learn from than the experts at L...

How long does it take to decorate the largest mall in the nation? Seventeen years ago it took more than five weeks to decorate Mall of America. The team has gotten so good at their job that, even with much more décor today, the holiday decorating crew finished the task in a record five days! Clayton Omberg and Chris Grap share the story of decorating for the holidays. To hear the entire conversati...

What are the hardest, and most amazing, holiday décor to put up at Mall of America? From giant toys to Enchanted Snowflakes, Clayton Omberg and Chris Grap share their stories on how they and the many helper elves decorate 5.6 million square feet of MOA for the holidays. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 75: Deck the Mall. Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Touri...

Ep. 75: Deck the Mall  [12/18/2024] Clayton Omberg, Mall of America’s Internal Maintenance Manager, joins this episode to take us on a visual tour of Mall of America’s holiday décor.  Dan, Chris and Clayton share stories of what it takes to decorate the largest Mall in America and how they did it in record time this year.  Spoiler alert, 5 nights to decorate 5.2 million square feet!  They share st...

Trinket and Garland – two of the most important elves from the North Pole – join this episode to shares stories of what it takes to be an elf. They and their fellow elves are a key part of creating holiday magic at The Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America, and for children around the world. Joining them is Mae Keapproth the head elf-wrangler. If you have questions about presents, wrapping, tins...

This episode of So Much More is a special holiday treat. But fair warning to parentsif you’ve got little ones tuning in you might want to hit pause. We visit The Santa Experience right here at Mall of America and lift the curtain on magical secrets about the man in red. From magical wishes to meaningful moments, you will want to sit back and enjoy this conversation with Santa Sam, Santa Herman, a...

What’s one of the biggest stress points every holiday season? Finding the perfect gift. Well, this episode is for you. Lizzy Newsome, owner of Kappa Toys, and Hayley Matthews-Jones, owner of Minneapolis Craft Market discuss what they offer to holiday shoppers. Kappa Toys is a permanent tenant located on Level 2 South and features unique toys and plenty of play space. Minneapolis Craft Market is a...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Mall of America as we prepare for Black Friday and the holiday season.  Hosts, Dan, Jill and Chris share how we get ready!  From decorating and creating a magical atmosphere to shopping tips, prepping to welcome thousands on Black Friday, planning events and best ways to refuel, park and share memories with your friends and family, this fun conversation...

Arik Hanson is a social media expert who helps mid-sized and large companies feel supremely confident about the way they show up in social. With more than 25 years of experience in social media and digital marketing, Arik has helped more than eighty companies achieve results. He is an early adopter in the field of social media, founded a social media blog in 2008 and is co-host of a podcast with m...

What are the secrets and strategy behind effectively using LinkedIn as a professional? Learn when and how to post, sharing corporate content, and the best way to highlight your team using your genuine personality. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 69: Arik Hanson Social Media Expert part 1. Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination mark...

Arik Hanson is a social media expert who helps mid-sized and large companies feel supremely confident about the way they show up in social. With more than 25 years of experience in social media and digital marketing, Arik has helped more than eighty companies achieve results. He is an early adopter in the field of social media, founded a social media blog in 2008 and is co-host of a podcast with m...

Beauty is having its moment – over the last few years this category has blossomed. When looking at the latest beauty trends and brands: What is attainable? How is it innovative? How do brands hop on trends – or lead them? And innovative, strategic marketing is critical to succeed. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 68: Glossy Brands Finding Inspiration in Beauty and Fashion...

How does a beauty and fashion information brand connect with their followers and stay timely? It’s about meeting the customer where they are. Keeping stories short and to the point. Leaning into pop culture. And use outside experts. To hear the entire conversation check out So Much More Ep. 68: Glossy Brands Finding Inspiration in Beauty and Fashion.