So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 62: Ambitious Kitchen, Food As a Source of Joy

Monique Volz is the writer and entrepreneur behind the enormously popular blog and website, Ambitious Kitchen. Having grown up in Minnesota and attended the University of St. Thomas she has close connections to Mall of America and the entire state. 
Her professional journey started when she began her food and cooking blog during college, and it eventually grew on Pinterest, Instagram + her own website. Now, she has published her first cookbook: "The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook: 125 Ridiculously Good for You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day." This all started as a passion project simply because she loved writing about food and life.
2:25 Monique shares her journey from college blogger to entrepreneur3:15 Life challenges and how it relates to food5:00 How Monique developed a healthier relationship with food as a source of joy7:25 Being a mother allowed her to slow down in a way that was good and balanced realities9:10 When she first realized she could earn income through her writing11:00 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs12:05 The importance of making connections  13:40 Why baking is therapeutic, it’s like a love letter15:10 Monique’s Minnesota and family favorites16:20 Pantry must-haves17:55 The Viral Ambitious Kitchen Cookie20:10 The ONE recipe you need to check out in the book23:07 Monique’s Mall of America memories
For more information visit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com. On Instagram: @AmbitiousKitchen.
Guest: Monique Volz, Ambitious Kitchen owner/CEO
Hosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 61: Autumn Moon Festival: Celebrating Asian Cultures

This Saturday, September 14, the Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations (AMCO), along with the Minnesota Chinese Community and local ethnic communities, will come together to celebrate the Moon Festival at Mall of America®. 
AMCO MC, Xiaoyan Luo, visits with Jill and Dan to share how this celebration comes to life with festive cultural performances by art troupes from local Chinese, Hmong, Laotian + Vietnamese communities. Describing how the rotunda is transformed with giant hanging lanterns and colorful décor, she says she is so proud to be a part of this event and what it means to her culture and community.
Joining Luo is Trisha Seng, who recently opened Treats Cereal Bar + Boba Tea at Mall of America. Seng shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner with her brother and how important it is for her to bring the nostalgia of growing up drinking tea every day to the community here, as well as share the nostalgia and tastes from home.
Episode highlights include:
3:40:  Description of Moon Festival Celebration4:30:  Why this celebration is important and how Xiaoyan Luo got involved and why8:50:  Trisha Seng talks about her journey opening up Treats Cereal Bar + Boba11:20:  Why Cereal Treats & Boba Tea combined together in one store?16:00:  Trisha talks about what it’s like being a small business owner/entrepreneur at MOA19:24:  Other Asian influenced brands at MOA:  Ebisu, Ichido Ramen, Master Noodle, Kura Sushi, Beard Papas20:20:  What is the Moon Festival and how they compare it to American’s Thanksgiving
To learn more about the Moon Festival visit:   https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/33653
Treats Cereal Bar + Boba is located at 372 East Broadway, Mall of America. 
Guest: Xiaoyan Luo, MC for AMCO The Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations, and Trisha Seng, owner of Treats Cereal Bar & Boba Tea
Host: Jill Renslow 
Co-Host: Dan Jasper
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 60: Erin Hatzikostas Leading With Authenticity

Our special guest for this episode is Authenticity Afficionado, keynote speaker, two-time award-winning author, podcast host, coach and consultant + the founder and CEO of b Authentic inc, Erin Hatzikostas. She is also the author of The 50% Rule and You Do You(ish). Here are some episode highlights:
3:47 What is authenticity? How to live and manage with authenticity.5:44 The Compromise Calculation: work time vs. home time.6:44 Do things YOUR way.9:50 Contemplating retirement at age 44, her coworkers said they would miss her authentic leadership, leading to this new career.11:11 Authenticity was working, and how to make your business thrive.14:20 The 50% Rule hack: What is our mission? What is our intent?17:20 Real life corporate examples of using the 50% Rule.22:00 Host Chris Grap is a recipient of an Authenticity Award.27:04 Learn about her podcast, b Cause…work doesn’t have to suck.
To learn more Erin and her authentic journey visit: https://www.bauthenticinc.com/. 
Guest:  Erin Hatzikostas, business owner, speaker, author, podcast host
Host:  Chris Grap with Sara Johnson
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn

Ep. 59: Old Time Photos...An MOA® Original

When Mall of America® first opened on August 11, 1992, it featured Knott’s Camp Snoopy, amazing restaurants + more than 350 stores…including Old Time Photos. As one of the Mall’s original tenants, Old Time Photos has been preserving memories for families and friends alike for more than three decades.
Rachel Zulegar and Landon Luther are the owners and masterminds behind Professor Z’s Old Time Photos and The Santa Experience at Mall of America. They share their journey on how Rachel first connected with the photography industry, became manager + then owner of the store. And they talk about how they met and fell in love, and like any beautiful story, it includes a grandma!
Hear how they created the Santa By Appointment concept, and why featuring diverse Santa experiences are so important to them and their guests. Plus, you will learn all the features these entrepreneurs have included in the Old Time Photo experience at Mall of America.
To learn more about Professor Z’s Old Time photos visit: https://www.professorzs.com/. 
Guest:  Rachel Zuleger and Landon Luther, Professor Z’s Old Time Photos
Host:  Daniel Jasper, Grant Buntje
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn

Ep. 58: Go Back to School in Style at MOA

With a chill in the air and the State Fair around the corner, everyone’s thinking about the kids going back to school. The good news is that Mall of America® is the destination for back to school shopping! 
On this episode, host Dan Jasper talks with MOA®’s Intergrated Marketing Director, Sara Johnson, and Sara Rogers, our Trend Specialist, about the ‘it’ items kids need for school and how to find them at every price point at the Mall. 
Among the trends this season, Sara Rogers shares that the top ‘looks’ will be tracksuits (especially with wide and loose legs pants), the Vans store for both sneakers and backpacks, animal prints, ballet flats + the color red.  This episode highlights more than 25 stores to find great back to school fashions and deals.   
To learn more about Mall of America’s back to school shopping deals and trends visit: https://mallofamerica.com/backtoschool 
2:16:  Our hosts share their favorite BTS trends growing up 
4:45:  Sara Rogers shares the must have items and looks for this BTS season 
10:00:  SJ shares special deals for teachers 
12:03:  Dan shares MOA survey results that show the ‘Savvy Shopper’ persona will be the #1 shopper this year and where to find deals at MOA 
15:13:  Sustainability is at the forefront and many MOA retailers are offering discounts for recycling clothes 
19:40:  Shop and Ride combo deal is a great way to save on shopping AND having some fun at MOA 
Guest:  Sara Rogers, Mall of America Trend Specialist and Sara Johnson, Intergrated Marketing Director, Mall of America 
Host: Dan Jasper 
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn

Ep. 57: Fizzy Pop to Fun Fashion, New Stores at MOA

With more than five hundred stores, restaurants + attractions, Mall of America® truly does offer something for everyone. Part of the Mall’s success is by keeping it fresh and constantly adding to the retail and attraction mix.
On this episode, Carrie Charleston and Jill Renslow share their unique viewpoints on why this constant evolution works so well, and they highlight the newest additions to the Mall. Before the conversation even begins, the group does a blind taste test of some of the most unique flavors of soda (pop in Minnesota-speak) that you could imagine.
Among the leasing, marketing + communications strategies they share include the concept of creating ‘neighborhoods’ of stores, offering a unique merchandise mix, creating and enhancing the guest experience + having celebrities kick off their brand presence at Mall of America. This episode highlights the more than a dozen new additions that have opened in just the last few weeks.
To learn more about the Mall’s most recently added tenants visit:  https://mallofamerica.com/shopping/new. 
To check out all the Mall’s tenants, attractions and events visit: https://mallofamerica.com/. 
Guest: Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing at Mall of AmericaHost: Daniel Jasper with Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 56: First Time Visitors Share Stories + Excitement

So Much More is one year old, and Mall of America is gearing up for its 32nd birthday! To celebrate, our hosts speak spoke visitors from across the country. Catch our fast, furious + fun interviews filled with fascinating MOA® trivia. Plus, discover what our guests were most excited to see and do!
Friends from Iowa were excited about Nickelodeon rides and experiencing American classics Toys "R" Us and Bubba Gump Shrimp (and yes, they had shrimp.) Two moms and their daughters traveled from St. Louis; they could not wait to try FlyOver America and The Escape Game. And a group from Canada simply came to shop and ride rides.
A family of sneakerheads from Texas was not only anxious to go shoe shopping, but were also was celebrating a birthday (happy birthday, Vernon!). Our new friends from Colorado (and their cousin from Nebraska) were also celebrating a birthday (happy birthday, Jonathan) and wished their loved ones back home a hearty hello. 
A family from Phoenix was stuck in the Twin Cities on a delayed flight and looked forward to eating a whole bunch at the Mall. Finally, Kellen and Ben from Chicago loved going on the Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster. In Kellen’s words, “Go to Mall of America it has the best indoor park in the world!”
Plus! Host Chris Grap shared event highlights from the Mall’s 32nd birthday celebration including a basketball tournament, celebrity book signing and delicious treats.
To learn more about the Mall’s upcoming events visit: https://mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events/all. 
Guest: Families from Iowa, Missouri, Saskatchewan, California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois
Host: Daniel Jasper with Chris Grap
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 55: Paul Allen, Voice of The Minneapolis Miracle

A longtime fixture for Minnesota sports fans, Paul Allen never shies from telling a story. Not only does Allen host his own show on KFAN and announce races at Canterbury Park, but he is also the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings, where he has earned a reputation of having boundless energy and enthusiasm. 
Allen began his career announcing horse races in 1993 in California. After moving to Minnesota, he auditioned for KFAN but did not get the job. Not losing hope, Allen continued working as a race announcer until he asked to fill in with a one-day notice. The rest is history. 
He gained national acclaim when he coined the phrase “The Minneapolis Miracle”, referring to when Stephan Diggs made a spectacular reception to win a playoff game in 2018. Allen also talks about the history of Metropolitan Stadium that can still be found at Mall of America, his holiday shopping routines and what is next for his career.
To learn more about Allen’s KFAN show visit: https://kfan.iheart.com/featured/allen-s-page/. 
Guest: Paul Allen, KFAN radio host, “Voice” of the Minnesota Vikings, Canterbury Park announcer, podcast host
Host: Jill Renslow and Daniel Jasper  
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 54: Chase & Ovation, A Salute to the Music of Prince

This episode features special guest, Chase, lead vocalist and guitar for Chase & Ovation, a Prince tribute that has been performing live for the past 17 years. Chase shares that stories of his musical background, the journey to becoming a legendary Prince tribute band. It is the only official tribute band sanctioned by the late superstar, and Chase shares how the band once got two thumbs up from Prince himself at their inaugural gig.
Chase talks about his involvement in the film, Graffiti Bridge, the many celebrities he had a chance to meet over the years (including at Mall of America) and how the local music industry came together during the difficult pandemic years.
Chase & Ovation recently performed at Mall of America in the Huntington Bank Rotunda, which is building a renewed reputation as the go-to performance venue for local and national musical artists. Co-host, Taylor Lindemann, has a long history in music industry and is a critical technician on the MOA audio/visual team.
This episode is about positivity, community, and the joy that can be found in music.
To learn more about Chase & Ovation visit: https://chaseandovation.com/. 
Guest: Chase, lead vocals + guitar for Chase & Ovation
Host: Chris Grap  
Co-Host: Taylor Lindemann, Audio/Visual Technician at Mall of America
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 53: Larissa Loden, Jewelry That's a Whole Vibe

Larissa Loden, an artist, entrepreneur, jewelry designer + passionate leader, shares her path from teaching in the classroom to building a successful business. Her journey started in upstate New York and was inspired by a high school teacher who gifted her a beaded necklace — and she has never looked back. 
Her first job in Minnesota was at Mall of America®! Larissa taught for eight years, sold jewelry at art fairs, developed an online presence + recently opened her second brick and mortar location at Mall of America on the west side of Level 2. In this episode, she talks about first jobs, becoming an artisan, the trials of an entrepreneur + successfully building and leading a team.
1:30  Journey from High School to Mall of America. 4:20  Trends in jewelry. 6:10  Why sustainability is important. 9:10  Transition from online to going to brick & mortar. 12:00  How to expand and test the waters in a smart way. 14:30  Special Foodie Cutie and State Fair collections. 17:00  Journey from creator, to entrepreneur, to leading a team. 19:45  Advice for future entrepreneurs. 
To listen to Larissa’s podcast, The Worlds Okayest Entrepreneur visit: https://theokayestpod.com. To learn more about Larissa Loden visit: https://larissaloden.com/. 
Guest: Larissa Loden, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, owner, passionate leader
Host: Jill Renslow  
Co-Host: Sara Johnson, Integrated Marketing Director at Mall of America
Presented by the Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.