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 postseason appearances, hosted landmark events like the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, and spearheaded major initiatives including the “Go Twins, Go Green” sustainability program, the development of Target Field, and the expansion of the Twins Community Fund.

In this episode, Dave shares the role of innovation and community in professional sports, and the many ways the Minnesota Twins and Mall of America have teamed up over the years.

2:30       From Bismark, ND to Major League Sports: Dave’s professional journey

4:30       The importance of community outreach to the success of the Twins

9:30       Getting Target Field built and opened, the excitement and the challenges

12:45    The designed ‘grand reveal’ of Target Field

14:00    How the stadium is used beyond the scope of baseball

19:30    Memories of Harmon Killebrew and the famed ‘red chair’ at MOA

22:00    How leaders can grow, learn, look out for others and make real connections

23:45    What it takes to break into the sports industry

For information on MN Twins visit https://www.mlb.com/twins

For information on MN Twins Community Fund visit https://www.mlb.com/twins/community/fund

Guests: Dave St. Peter, Strategic Advisor to the Minnesota Twins; Twin Cities Business Hall of Fame (Class of 2025)

Your hosts: Jill Renslow with Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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 magic and insider fun!

This special 12-minute episode was recorded entirely on site at the Minnesota State Fair. Sometimes it’s okay to break from the usual format. Shorter episodes give you a quick hit of fun and let you experience the moment right along with us. Have Fair-Fantastic day!

Your hosts: MOA team members Daniel Jasper, Sara Johnson, Kelsey Cunningham, Meri Ryan, Kylie Passe

More information on Minnesota State Fair: www.mnstatefair.org

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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 inside and out: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, who helps steer the tradition into the future, and Kelsey Cunningham, longtime fan and dedicated fairgoer who shares her favorite rituals and insider tips. Together they bring both the behind-the-scenes and the on-the-ground perspectives of what makes the fair magical year after year.

2:00       Renee’s humble beginnings as a State Fair intern

3:30       A hi-wire walker, elephant trainer and midway manager walk into a…

5:15       Opening day excitement at the Fair

6:30       Kelsey shares her life-long passion for the Fair

7:45       What it takes to run the nation’s largest (and best) state fair

9:00       Voted the #1 Fair in the nation

14:45    The importance of continuously investing and improving the buildings

18:30    Bringing Mall of America to the State Fair, all the details

22:45    Tips for fairgoers beforehand and at the fair

Guests: Renee Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair; Kelsey Cunningham, Marketing Manager at Mall of America (and life-long fair fanatic)

More information on Minnesota State Fair: www.mnstatefair.org

Be sure to download the official Minnesota State Fair app

Hosts: Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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 his leadership on and off the field; and Ryan Trench, from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, who helps run more than 20 adaptive sports programs each year.

They share personal stories, the excitement of competing at the highest level, and why hosting this world-class tournament at Mall of America is such a milestone. Plus, how you can be part of the celebration, whether cheering from the stands or stepping in as a volunteer.

2:00       How Jeff became in adaptive sports, and how that led to world travel adventures

5:00       A father’s tale – when Jeff realized the good that came from struggle

7:00       Brendan’s story – it started with neighbor friends and a kids love of sports

12:30    Courage Kenny’s support of the World Series tournament – featuring 300 athletes

17:45    Minnesota Twins Community Fund and sponsored clinic for kids

23:00    How to meet Brendan and the other wheelchair athletes at the event

Guests: Jeff Downes, Tournament Director and Organizer for 2025 USA Wheelchair Softball World Series; Brendan Downes, USA Team Captain and past president of National Wheelchair Softball Association; Ryan Trench, Supervisor of Adaptive Sports and Recreation Department at Courage Kenny

More information on USA Wheelchair Softball: www.wheelchairsoftball.org

More information on Courage Kenny: https://account.allinahealth.org/services/184  

On social media check: Minnesota Rolling Twins

Hosts: Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

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-winning authors.

Joining us is special guest Alissa Henriksen, Co-President and Founder of Grey Search + Strategy. Diagnosed with a learning difference as a child, Alissa shares how that challenge became a lifelong strength. Now a successful executive and entrepreneur, she offers practical advice for business leaders, parents, and individuals of all ages: how to lean into your superpower, lead with empathy, and unlock hidden potential.

1:30       Mall of America Community Foundation – it’s vision and purpose

5:00       Building a Culture of Reading, and Turning Pages Changing Lives events

8:45       Alissa’s tie to literacy – a story with challenges and successes

13:00    The courage to share your own story, hope for others

15:15    Literacy events represent the doors to opportunity

18:00    The keys to leaning into your ‘superpower’ even as an adult

21:15    The need to dig deeper in business: all about Grey Search + Strategy

23:00    Advice for the person dealing with learning differences

Guests: Alissa Henriksen, Co-President and Founder of Grey Search + Strategy; Sara Durhman, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Mall of America

To find out more about Alissa and Grey Search + Strategy visit www.linkedin.com/in/alissahenriksen/ and www.grey-search.com/

To learn more about MOA events and foundation visit www.mallofamerica.com/events and www.moacommunityfoundation.org

Hosts: Jill Renslow

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Today’s episode brings you a conversation with two of Minnesota’s most inspiring voices in leadership, innovation, and community impact. Steve Grove, journalist-turned-tech leader-turned-public servant, is now CEO and Publisher of the Star Tribune and a newly published author. His wife, Mary Grove, is a nationally respected investor and passionate advocate for entrepreneurs—especially those in underserved communities.

Together, Steve and Mary open up about their shared values, their move to Minnesota, and the deep purpose that drives both their professional work and personal life. We dive into Steve’s book, the power of community, and what it means to write—and live—with intention. If you’re passionate about purpose, progress, and people, you won’t want to miss this one.

3:30       How Mary & Steve aligned both personally and professionally

4:30       Why Minnesota? Innovation, family, culture, and grounding

9:00       The two toughest – and most rewarding – stories to write

11:00    Why is community important?

15:30    The importance of change and growth in the news industry

18:00    News fatigue is real, and an opportunity to be addressed

19:30    Ruthless prioritization is needed in personal and professional life

20:30    Mall of America adventures with young children

23:30    Quick fun quiz on Minnesota

Guests: Steve Grove, CEO & Publisher of Minnesota Star Tribune and author; Mary Grove, Managing Partner at Bread & Butter Ventures

To find out more about Steve and get his book go to www.stevegrove.com

For more on the Minnesota Star Tribune go to www.startribune.com

For more on Bread & Butter Ventures go to www.breadandbutterventures.com

Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

On this episode we have a guest like no other. She’s been on TV. She’s toured the country. She’s tiny, fluffy, and loves nuts. That’s right…it’s Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel! Her handlers Chuck and Toni share their stories as well.

What started as a simple rescue mission in Florida in 1978 turned into a full-blown, nutty legacy that continues to delight crowds of all ages. Learn how Twiggy became a worldwide sensation, her unexpected Minneapolis origins, and the sweet story of how one rescued squirrel sparked a movement rooted in joy, respect, and the belief that anything is possible.

You’ll hear how Twiggy became an MOA headliner, the surprising logistics of building a squirrel-sized water-ski pool inside a shopping mall, and yes—the question on everyone’s mind: How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?

Grab your life jacket, channel your inner rodent athlete, and join us for an episode filled with laughs, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.

2:15       How Meri Ryan first pitched Twiggy as the MOA-favorite entertainer

3:30       The mathematical logistics behind a 5.5” deep pool inside the Mall

6:15       How Chuck’s dad rescued a squirrel decades ago and it led to today

8:15       What the squirrel’s love to eat the most

10:45    Twiggy’s Hollywood history and her real cred’

12:00    How do you train a squirrel to water-ski?

14:50    Treating all animals with love and respect

20:00    What might Twiggy say to her super fans?

22:30    Squirrel or Nah – a fun quick quiz for the guests

Guests: Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel; Chuck Best, Jr. and Toni Marie Tedesco parents/trainers of Twiggy

To find out more about Twiggy go to: https://twiggyshow.com/ and www.clubtwiggy.com.

You can also find Twiggy on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @twiggyshow.

Hosts: Daniel Jasper with Meri Ryan, Senior Manager of Experiential + Events at Mall of America

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

On this episode of So Much More, hosts Jill Renslow and Sara Johnson sit down with two of KS95’s most beloved voices—Staci Matthews of Staci & Hutch and Dez from Crisco, Dez & Wes. From awkward on-air moments and unforgettable guests to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, Staci and Dez bring their signature humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes stories. Plus, hear their wildest Mall of America memories, favorite celebrity encounters, and where they’d eat, shop, and hide if locked inside the mall for 24 hours. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a peek behind the mic.

1:00       How Dez got started in radio – yes, it was love at first glance

3:30       From theater nerd to Kmart, Staci figured out radio was a better for her

6:00       Recalling those few ‘oops’ moments in their radio careers

10:15    What it’s like working together for more than two decades at KS95

12:25    How KS95, and radio personalities, make a difference in the community

15:30    Raising millions of dollars for charity right here at Mall of America

16:50    First experiences at the ‘Mega Mall’ and birthday party memories

20:45    Celebrity sightings and interactions at MOA, including a potential restraining order

25:00    Their non-radio ‘dream’ jobs

25:45    Rapid fire question round

Guests: Staci Matthews of Staci & Hutch, and Dez of Crisco, Dez & Wes from KS95

To find out more about Staci & Hutch click https://www.ks95.com/shows/staci-hutch/.

For find out more about Crisco, Dez & Wes click https://www.ks95.com/shows/crisco-dez-wes/.

Hosts: Jill Renslow, Sara Johnson

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

In this episode of So Much More, we dive into the dynamic world of sports, travel, and the booming esports industry with someone who's been shaping the conversation for years—Jason Gewirtz, Vice President, Managing Director, and Publisher of the Sports Division at Northstar Meetings Group.

From his roots in journalism to leading SportsTravel magazine and events like the TEAMS Conference, EsportsTravel Summit, and more, Jason brings sharp insight into how sports and esports are transforming economies, building community, and redefining how destinations market themselves.

Whether you’re in events, tourism, marketing—or just esports-curious—this episode is packed with insights and ideas for what’s next in the game. Don’t miss it!

2:25       Jason shares his professional journey; from the newsroom to sports and esports

4:45       All about the Esports Summit in Bloomington, Minnesota

8:00       The growth of Esports and why people love it

10:30    How Esports spans the generations, and the opportunities for marketers

14:30    What does the future of Esports look like in 10 years?

16:30    How event organizers meet the perfect locations

18:45    The world of esports, Pokemon GO and creating community at Mall of America

23:00    A quick quiz on sports and esports

Click here to find out more about Jason and Northstar Meetings Group at:

www.sportstravelmagazine.com

www.esportstravelsummit.com

www.teamsconference.com

Click here for Mall of America events: https://mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events

Guests: Jason Gewirtz, Vice President, Managing Director and Publisher of the Sports Division at Northstar Meetings Group; Sara Johnson, Director of Marketing at Mall of America

Hosts: Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.

Wendy Maybury, comedian, speaker and mom joins Bryan Gallagher, General Manager of House of Comedy to peel back the curtain on the world of stand-up comedy. Together, we explore the awkward, hilarious and heartfelt moments that make stand-up unforgettable. And listeners may learn why stand-up comedy may be the bravest thing you could ever do.

You’ll also learn about free comedy writing workshops, uncover some of the big names in comedy that have headlines at House of Comedy, and uncover the kindness that threads through the Twin Cities comedy community. This episode is funny, warm and filled with real-life punchlines.

2:00       Brian’s adventure that brought him to Minnesota and House of Comedy

4:00       Why stand-up comedy is one of the bravest things you can do

5:30       Attending a comedy show is a great idea for a first date

6:00       How being a military brat prepared Wendy for a career in stand-up

7:30       Her first private stand-up gig…what could go wrong?

8:45       Free comedy writing workshops every Wednesday at House of Comedy

11:45    Some of the national comedians that have performed at HOC

15:30    The kindness behind the Minneapolis comedy community

16:50    That time the comedians needed to pivot to fit the audience

19:30    ‘Day-drinking with Mom’ was created to give mom’s an opportunity to shine

Click here to find out more about Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy www.moa.houseofcomedy.net

Click here to find out more about Wendy at www.wendymaybury.com or on FaceBook, TikTok, and Instagram

Guests: Wendy Maybury, Comedian, Photographer, Speaker and mom; Bryan Gallagher, General Manager at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy

Hosts: Daniel Jasper

Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.