So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

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.

Ep. 17: Decorating the Nation’s Biggest Mall

Boasting hundreds of holiday trees, giant size ornaments and enchanted snowflakes…. What really goes into decorating Mall of America for the holiday season? 
In this episode our special guest, John Schouveller, Maintenance Manager at Mall of America, shares how he and his team take on the incredible task of decorating a 5.6 million square foot building. Early during the visit John explains the massive binder he brought with for the taping: The Big Book of Christmas. It contains documentation, blueprints, drawings, décor sizes – and even which direction they should face. And some of the instructions date back to the opening of the Mall in 1992.
The conversation shares some of the incredible numbers behind the holiday décor, how much time it takes to put in place, and the number of team members dedicated to this effort. We also talk about some other brands that really understand the importance of doing the holidays right.
Some of the unique holiday happenings at Mall of America are covered including our team member tree fluffing activity, the Candy Cane Institute, the Yule Log Chute, and the Enchanted Snowflake Experience. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of this fast-paced conversation are the memories of favorite gifts received as a child and as an adult.
So, if you are a fan of the holiday season – and honestly, who isn’t? – you won’t want to miss this episode!
Guest: John Schouveller, Maintenance Manager, Mall of AmericaHosts: Daniel Jasper, Chris Grap
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 16: Host Office Party

Hooray! The four hosts of So Much More, Jill Renslow, Chris Grap, Grant Buntje and Daniel Jasper shares stories from the first 15 episodes and look forward to the quickly approaching holiday season.
This episode captures fun podcast episode stories along with lessons learned from our amazing variety of guests. Among the most memorable episodes and guests were Arik Cannon with F1RST Wrestling; Sasha Cassadine, the Queen of Drag; John Ghermezian, Triple Five/Mall of America; and Christopher Straub, Designer and Author.
In short, some of the unique lessons learned include – but certainly not limited to: Have fun; Inspiration can come from different places; It doesn’t cost anything to be kind; Have a sense of curiosity and try new things.
And next the conversation shifts to the holiday season and Black Friday traditions. Their personal favorite Black Friday traditions and stories, observations of our many guests, and how our guests embrace the tradition at Mall of America. 
Whether you are new to this podcast, or just love hearing great stories and freewheeling conversation, you are certain to love this podcast.
Hosts: Jill Renslow, Chris Grap, Grant Buntje, Daniel Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 15: Epic Stories with Eric Pehle

Eric Pehle – nationally recognized for his work in strategic public relations and crisis communications – is our featured guest in this episode. He started his professional journey in broadcast journalism and transitioned to the PR agency world. 
Pehle has been connected to Mall of America before the Mall even opened in 1992. Prior to grand opening he worked with media members from around the world to give them behind the scenes preview tours. At opening more than 2,000 media outlets were present and he was part of the team that needed to manage those hectic first days and weeks. 
From stories about grand opening, to the local narrative of ‘doubt’ surrounding the Mall in the early days, to implementing a trend-setting Parental Escort Policy, Pehle shares some of the many lessons learned at Mall of America over the first thirty years.
In this conversation he also discusses the importance of being prepared for crisis, how to work with leadership and outside partners, and how to be authentic in communications efforts. Planning and practice are critical to the process.
When asked for the best advice to give anyone entering the world of public relations or business… learn to write well! It’s a lost artform and the most critical form of communication.
Guest: Eric Pehle, President and Owner, Epic AssociatesHosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 14: Telling Your Story on Social Media

Our guests in this episode both lead social media for international brands. Bari Rosenstein Tippett is the Social Media Manager for Auntie Anne’s and Jamba at Focus Brands LLC. Melanie Dietsch is the Social Media Manager for Mall of America including platforms for Nickelodeon Universe (MOA) and Crayola (MOA). 
During this conversation, Bari and Melanie share their respective professional journey that brought them to the position of leading social media for major brands. They share some of their favorite social media memories as well as times when things didn’t go as planned. And they talk about how you recover from a social media post that was received differently than the intended purpose.
Bari also talks about Auntie Anne’s first ever national search for the brand’s ‘Auntbassador’ to celebrate and recognize National Auntie Day. The winner of this national contest received a $10,000 shopping spree and all-expense paid trip to Mall of America. The background and idea for the search was based in the brands heritage and story.
Perhaps not the most important lesson covered during this episode – but one that should be remembered – the two podcast hosts have been saying it wrong! It’s not Auntie Anne’s with a soft ‘a’ – instead the proper pronunciation is Auntie – with a hard ‘a’ – Anne’s. 
Fans of social media and these specific brands will enjoy the wide-ranging conversation with our two guests.
Guest: Bari Rosenstein Tippett, Social Media Manager for Auntie Anne’s + Jamba at Focus Brands LLC; Melanie Dietsch, Social Media Manager for Mall of AmericaHosts: Daniel Jasper, Jill Renslow
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Ep. 13: Styling Paul Bunyan

Our guest in this episode is an author, illustrator, entrepreneur, and self-taught designer. Christopher Straub climbed to fame as a fan favorite during season six of Project Runway. But that was not the start – or the pinnacle – of his creative career. 
During this fascinating conversation Straub shares stories ranging from the many projects, he has worked on at Mall of America to his TV appearances. He talks about designing special outfits for Super Bowl 52 celebrations, his work helping to create massive fashion shows and his work on the famous log chute ride at the Mall. In the log chute ride, Straub designs and styles the massive 27-foot-tall Paul Bunyan – outfits themed for different seasons.
Straub also shares his experience as an author and illustrator of children's books, his work creating a line of plush animals, his life as a design and fashion entrepreneur and his most important and rewarding role as a father.
Guest: Christopher Straub, Author, Illustrator, Designer, EntrepreneurHosts: Chris Grap, Dan Jasper
Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.