Growing Destinations
Your go-to source for insightful discussions on destination development. The Growing Destinations podcast delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes that drive community growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local and national experts, uncovering universal themes and innovative practices that can be applied to any city or region.
Episodes
99 episodes
Charlie Rybak Reflects on Media, Storytelling, Minnesota, and His Last Name
Charlie Rybak has worked across just about every corner of modern media, from traditional journalism to digital strategy to launching hyperlocal news platforms. Today he leads editorial innovation at Twin Cities Business and hosts a YouTube ser...
How A Rochester Brewery Is Building A World Cup Home Base
At Little Thistle Brewing in Rochester, Minnesota, community creativity and a real smart approach to experience-building are all on tap. This isn't just a neighborhood brewery. It's a gathering place, and increasingly, it's becoming something m...
A Conversation with Chancellor Lori Carrell - University of Minnesota Rochester
On Growing Destinations, we’re joined by Chancellor Lori Carrell of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). Chancellor Carrell received the Rochester Mayor’s Medal of Honor in 2025 for her leadership in higher education and her impact on t...
Two Worlds of Storytelling: Newsroom and Novel
Caitlin Alexander is an Emmy award-winning anchor and Executive Producer at KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minnesota, and a published children’s author. While many viewers know her from the nightly newscast, Caitlin is also the writer behind the middle-...
Sweet Success: The Huxden Syrups Story with Erik Karow
Erik Karow is founder and owner of Huxden Syrups. Erik's passion for flavor and creativity turned a simple idea into a growing business. What started as a creative side project has evolved into a brand kn...
Finding Your Voice: Lessons from Hall of Fame Auctioneer Mike Jones
Mike Jones is a Hall of Fame Auctioneer, educator and owner of America's Auction Academy
A Haunted House That Gives Back in Harmony, Minnesota
In Harmony, Minnesota, a group of dedicated volunteers turn their love for Halloween into something extraordinary: a haunted house that helps fund local arts and music programs. Monster Bash
A Year of Westopolis: Lessons from a Bold Destination Rebrand
Becky Bakken is President and CEO of Westopolis, the destination marketing organization representing the Minnesota cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis...
Discovering Place: Stories from a Life in Travel and Tourism with John DeLeva
John DeLeva, Global Marketing Executive with Miles Partnership, has built a career that has taken him around the wo...
From Silicon Valley to Minnesota: A Journey of Reinvention
Steve Grove is a leader whose career journey has spanned Silicon Valley, state government, and now the publishing world. Steve is the CEO and Publisher of the Star Tribune, Minnesota’s largest news org...
Leading with Insights: Amir Eylon on the Power of Tourism Research
This episode dives into the world of tourism research, strategy, and storytelling with one of the industry’s most recognized voices. Amir Eylon is the President and CEO, and Partner, at Longwoods Internatio...
No Lease? No Problem. How Slingshot Real Estate is Rethinking Workspaces
Andrew Robinson is the founder of Slingshot Real Estate and the visionary of The Hub on 3rd in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, a flexible office space...
Michael Mick Meilahn: Artist in the Cornfield
Michael (Mick) Meilahn is a third-generation farmer and nationally recognized glass artist whose immersive installation, Pri...
Finding Her Voice: Gina Marcucci of My Grandma’s Cardigan
Rochester, Minnesota is home to a growing live music scene, and one of the voices helping shape its sound is Gina Marcucci. She's a founder and lead singer of the folk-rock band My Grandma'...
The Great Race Makes a Stop in Rochester, Minnesota
Today, we’re going on a journey with Houston Gibson, race organizer of The Great Race, a legendary cross-country rally featuring vintage vehicles and classic Americana. Since 1983, this time-speed...
The Modern Chamber's Essential Role in Business Success with Ryan Parsons
This episode takes a closer look at the intersection of business leadership and community engagement with Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, Minnesot...
Real Estate Evolution: Navigating Today's Housing Market
This episode dives into the ever-evolving world of residential real estate. A market that impacts nearly everyone, whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s going on with home prices, interest rates, and invento...
The State of Local Broadcasting
This episode explores the evolving landscape of local broadcasting with Stephanie Hedrick, Vice President and General Manager of KTTC-TV and Vice-Chair of the
Miles of Impact: The Med City Marathon in Rochester, Minnesota
The Med City Marathon in Rochester, Minnesota is one of the longest running marathons in the state. This race has become a signature event in the region, drawing runners, volunteers and spectator...
Building Better Destinations: Inside the Work of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center
Today’s guest on the Growing Destinations podcast brings a thoughtful, research-driven lens to the tourism landscape. Xinyi Qian is Director of the University of Minnesota Touris...
Evolving Media, Engaging Communities: Tammy Galvin of Greenspring Media
Greenspring Media is the team behind Minnesota Monthly, Midwest Design, custom content for destinations and a rob...
The Local Gift Revolution: How Neighborly Gifts Transformed Corporate Gifting
Sarah Richardson, of Rochester, Minnesota, never expected to transform corporate gifting. As a graphic designer, she was focused on helping clients build their brands. But when the pandemic hit, a weekend idea to create an e-commerce platform f...
Laughing Through Life: Miss Shannan Paul on Humor, Resilience, and Reinvention
Join the laughter-filled journey of Miss Shannan Paul, a multi-talented comedian who swapped legal briefs for punchlines, transforming from an aspiring lawyer into a beloved performer and community advocat...