So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Ep. 27: Operations by the Numbers

This episode is all about the numbers—in a fun way. If you’ve ever been curious about how many parking spaces there are, how many rolls of toilet paper are used, or how many rides are taken at Mall of America in a year—this one is for you.
Between our two guests, Rich Hoge and Brian Spielman, both long-time leaders at Mall of America, they have more than 50 years of experience at the Mall. They have seen it all, heard it all, and experienced it all. Hoge began his career at Mall of America before the Mall first opened in our HVAC department. Right after trade school he joined the Mall, and he is one of 11 current team members who were hired on or before opening day in 1992. In his role as COO, he oversees all aspects of operations at the nation’s largest Mall.
Speilman started his MOA journey in the Camp Snoopy General Store—his specialty was making fudge. As a self-proclaimed ‘coaster kid’, he has had an affinity for rides and considers his role as VP of Attractions his dream job. Both Hoge and Spielman—along with our hosts—share fun stories over the years at the Mall, including creating our infamous ‘farting chair’, interacting with guests in interesting ways and planning for the future of retail and entertainment.
They share some specific advice for young professionals early in their career journey including life-long learning, problem solving, attitude is everything and be willing to pitch in and help. Good advice for everyone.
Guests: Rich Hoge, Chief Operating Officer at Mall of America; Brian Spielman, Vice President of Attractions at Mall of America
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Chris Grap
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 26: The Heart of Hospitality

Celebrating the unsung heroes of the hospitality industry. That’s the focus of this discussion—and the stories shared during the conversation are memorable.
Guests Bonnie Carlson and Jim Cunningham—both long time hosts and visionaries behind the nationally industry leading Diamond Service Awards—share what prompted the creation of the ceremony, how it has grown over the years, and the impact it has had on the industry. But the best parts are when they share personal stories of the front-line workers who are honored each year.
To Bloomington, MN-based hospitality workers, the Diamond Service Awards are often referred to as ‘The Oscars’ of Bloomington! Hundreds of honorees, colleagues and guests gather dressed to the nines. Nominees walk a red carpet and often dance into the ballroom as part of the formal procession at the start of the awards. Many award winners and nominees consider the honor a highlight of their career.
Carlson and Cunningham have a reputation as lively hosts who bring a sense of humor and compassion to the event. But they also share why it’s important to recognize and honor front-line workers in the industry. These are often people who go above and beyond to welcome guests to Bloomington—and they are ambassadors for the city and state. 
Guests: Jim Cunningham, Actor, Host, Master of Ceremonies at Cunningham Ltd.; Bonnie Carlson, President + CEO at Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 25: The Future of the Mall

Who better to share the story–and the future vision–of Mall of America than someone who has been connected from the first days of construction, John Ghermezian. As President of Mall of America, and a member of the family who owns and operates the Mall, Ghermezian brings keen insights and learnings about this successful operation.
 
Ghermezian shares how the Mall has changed over the years and which factors lead to its continued success. He first points to treating guests, team members and the building itself with kindness and respect. John also shares how continued investment in all those things are key. He details how the Mall was transformed over the past decade with a huge financial investment that completely reshaped the interior experience for guests and tenants alike.
 
Much of the conversation is centered around how Mall of America has been innovative in the past–including great examples such as a partnership with Amazon and Good Housekeeping to create GH Lab, a retail experiential activation with McKinsey and the creation of Community Commons. But he also shares the importance of continuing to form new partnerships, create new opportunities and invest in technology and innovation.
 
When asked the formula for success, Ghermezian quickly replies that for each problem or obstacle there is an opportunity. It’s having the ability to see the opportunity that leads to success.
 
Guests: John Ghermezian, President at Mall of America
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 24: Women in Leadership

This episode features three of the most accomplished female leaders in the Twin Cities. Wendy Blackshaw of MN Sports and Events and Tanya Dreesen of the Minnesota Vikings who are joined by host Jill Renslow of Mall of America.
Dreesen began her career in newspapers in Canada, then in Denver and finally to the Twin Cities publishing industry. Along the way she learned about the professional sports industry. In Minnesota, she wanted to follow her passion and reached out to the Minnesota Vikings; she was hired and has been with the team for more than 16 years. She was drawn to the Vikings since it is such a powerful brand and for what the team represents to the community. 
Early in Blackshaw’s career she handled marketing and sales for the Minnesota North Stars. When they moved to Dallas, she took a chance and joined the newly opened Mall of America in sales and marketing. After that she was a consultant, an executive with the MN Super Bowl Committee and finally President and CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events. And she's a proud, life-long Packers fan!
As prominent figures in historically male-dominated professions, the three shared other key advice. All leaders need to work together to change reality, so everyone has an opportunity to learn and grow. Have empathy and be kind. Don’t take things personally, learn from mistakes and move on. Build the right team and help them achieve more. Mentor others and help them find their right path. And laugh along the way.
Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, CEO + President at Minnesota Sports & Events; Tanya Dreesen, Vice President of Partnership Activations, Special Projects & Events at Minnesota VikingsHost: Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 23: Theme Park Rides: Part Art. Part Science.

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America is the premier indoor theme park in the nation. With millions of visitors and rides every year, Nick U delivers smiles and screams (the good kind) all year round. To stay fresh, it’s important to add new rides and attractions so guests continue to return.
Ron Hines, VP of Themed Entertainment at Nickelodeon visits with Nate Klutz from the Mall—and host, Jill Renslow—to talk the science and art behind choosing, designing, and installing new rides. Their conversation centers around how two international brands have forged a collaborative and creative relationship that helps foster new ideas for guest engagement.
The two share stories about how their teams identified the current mix of rides, what would help make the overall experience better and how it fits into the plan and flow of the theme park. With so much packed into a 7-acre indoor space – finding new rides and relocating others can feel like a never-ending jigsaw puzzle. But just like a puzzle, it’s beautiful when it is complete. 
Our guests discuss our two newest rides, Boots Banana Swing and Fly With Appa, and how they fit into the plan for the park – both the physical layout and how they will appeal to even more visitors. The key, they relay, is always trying to surprise and amaze the guests. After all, it is all about creating memories.
Guests: Ron Hines, Vice President of Themed Entertainment at Nickelodeon, and Nate Klutz, Vice President of Construction at Mall of AmericaHost: Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 22: Malibu Barbie Café: Pink & Timeless

If there’s one phrase that captured the nation this year, it is “Hi, Barbie!” This is quickly followed by the same phrase from multiple people. And it’s always said with enthusiasm, a big smile, and an unstoppable sense of optimism.
That is why opening the Malibu Barbie Café experience at Mall of America makes perfect sense! Derek Berry, President of Experiences at Bucket Listers – the group that imagined, created, and opened Malibu Barbie Café, is joined by Carrie Charleston to explain how they worked together to bring this dream to reality at the Mall.
This quick-paced conversation covers the phenomenon that is all-things Barbie and how she took the world by storm (again) in 2023. Berry shares how his team comes up with their concepts and how they bring them to fruition. He describes the experience that is the Barbie Café – including the great photo ops, the amazing décor, great food, a roller-skating experience, and of course – lots and lots of pink. 
Fun fact: Due to the Barbie craze in 2023, the paint industry ran out of ‘Barbie pink’ for a while.
Charleston also shares how she and her team proactively seek out amazing experiences and partners to bring to the Mall – including the challenges and rewards that are part of that process. While both guests hint at what may be possible in the future, for fans of Barbie and the Malibu Barbie Café experience, you won’t want to miss this discussion.
Guests: Derek Berry, President of Experiences at Bucket Listers and Carrie Charleston, Vice President of Leasing at Mall of AmericaHost: Jill Renslow and Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 21: Celebrating Community

In this episode, we explore the Mall’s commitment to supporting its community through nonprofit events, initiatives, and partnerships. We visit with Sara Durhman, Director of Community Relations, who shares her experience organizing and hosting events that benefit the Bloomington Community. This includes planning and hosting charity events and world-record breaking spectaculars.
Sara shares the story of her very first day at the Mall on the job. She arrived early in the morning to help host an event with more than ten thousand participants, which ended with a touching, tear-filled tribute to survivors of breast cancer, and those who we have lost. She goes on to share why she sees her role, and the Mall’s commitment to community, as important.
We also hear from Erik Anderson, a remarkable athlete who has overcome adversity to become a champion in the Special Olympics. Erik shares his inspiring journey, including the challenges he has faced and the triumphs he has achieved, and how the support of his community has been instrumental in his success. Together, Erik and Sara, talk about the excitement surrounding the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games coming to Minnesota.
Listeners will gain insights into the ways in which businesses can support the community, the inspiring stories of individuals who continue to achieve greatness, and why corporate/nonprofit partnerships are critical to the health and well-being of everyone.
Guests: Sara Durhman, Mall of America; Erik Anderson, Special OlympicsHost: Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 20: Behind the Wonder

Anyone who has visited Mall of America during the busy holiday season understands why this is a must-visit destination. The events, concerts, activations, décor, and great shopping help make the season bright.
But there is one ‘hidden gem’ at the Mall that many may not be aware of… the Candy Cane Institute (CCI). This episode features Chris Grap and Grant Buntje, along with host Dan Jasper, sharing the story and idea behind the Institute. Taped on location inside of CCI, the team shares how it came to life, what the experience is like and who our creative partners were in this venture. Using the science of Christmas, elves lead guests on guided tours of the Institute to help spread the joy of the season.
For those viewing this episode you will see some of the amazing sets and activations inside of the Candy Cane Institute. The host and guests also share fun stories of their personal holiday traditions and favorite gifts they have received. For even the Grinchiest among us, you will certainly enjoy this episode.
Guests: Chris Grap, Vice President of Experiential at MOA; Grant Buntje, Vice President of Marketing at MOAHost: Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 19: Giving from the Heart

The holiday season is often filled with families gathering, enjoying meals and gift giving. But that’s not the case for everyone. In this special episode of So Much More, our guests are working hard to bring that joy to those most in need.
Our guests, Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Tyree Stevens of the U.S. Marine Corps and Program Coordinator for the Twin Cities Toys for Tots, and Rob Williams, President and Founder of Every Meal share their incredible stories and the journeys that inspired them to want to make a difference.
New to Minnesota, SSgt Stevens was excited to help grow the Toys for Tots Twin Cities program this year. He announced that Mall of America is the official headquarters for the program and explained how this partnership should help to exceed their goals. Listeners will enjoy his backstory, discover where to find Toys for Tots and learn what the hottest toys are and where the need is highest.
Rob Williams shared the story of why Every Meal was created and how food insecurity impacts school children throughout the year – and why it is even more challenging when school is not in session, especially during times such as the upcoming holiday break. The two leaders, SSgt Stevens and Mr. Williams, shared how their organizations are intertwined, serving a common purpose. And there was a healthy competition on reaching and exceeding both of their goals for the holiday season.
The lively conversation, led by host Jill Renslow, also touched on the many other community outreach programs taking place at Mall of America throughout the holiday season.
Guests: SSgt Tyree Stevens, U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots Twin Cities Program Coordinator and Rob Williams, President, and Founder of Every Meal.Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 18: Creating Holiday Magic + Rewards

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. And at Mall of America, we are in the holiday spirit! This episode features two special guests, Matt McCormack the CRM + Loyalty Manger for Mall of America alongside Chris Grap who takes a break from his co-hosting duties to talk all things holiday.
Chris and his team collaborate with other Mall teams to transform this 5.6 million square foot building into a holiday wonderland. He shares stories about the amazing events and activations guests experience throughout the holiday season. Among the highlights are the over-sized, and simply amazing holiday décor pieces, our Holiday Music Festival, Black Friday activations, the Candy Cane Institute and of course, Santa’s arrival.
Matt – a specialist in CRM and loyalty programs – explains the launch of the new Mall of America app that features ease of use, great functionality and includes a reward component called MOA Insiders. Matt shares the history of holiday rewards at MOA and how that concept has expanded to benefit so many loyal Mall shoppers and guests.
To wrap up this discussion, guests and hosts alike reminisce about their favorite holiday traditions, movies, gifts, food, and music. If you enjoy the holiday season, or are simply a fan of the Mall, you will not want to miss this conversation.
Guest: Matt McCormack, CRM + Loyalty Manager, Mall of America; Chris Grap, Vice President of Experiential, Mall of AmericaHosts: Daniel Jasper, Grant Buntje
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.