Growing Destinations

Hosted by Experience Rochester

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed YouTube

Episodes

102

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 10224 min

The World’s Tallest Nutcracker in Luverne, Minnesota

When you think about iconic attractions, a giant nutcracker probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But in Luverne, Minnesota, nutcrackers have become much more than a holiday decoration: they've become part of the community's identity and a growing tourism story that's attracting visitors and national attention. This episode offers a look at how one unique idea evolved into a destination brand and what other communities can learn from Luverne's experience. Joining the conversation are Betty Mann, whose remarkable nutcracker collection helped inspire it all; Katie Walgrave, who helped bring the world's tallest nutcracker to life; and Tony Schomacker, who has helped lead Luverne's destination branding efforts.

July 16, 2026Episode 10126 min

Building Places People Want to Visit and Live

When we talk about destinations, we often focus on attracting visitors, but the strongest destinations are also great places to live: communities where people want to build careers, raise families, start businesses and connect with others. Join Alison Zelms, City Administrator for Rochester, MN, Mike Mornson, City Manager for Hopkins, MN and Sharon Hanson, City Administrator for Marshall, MN as they discuss building places people want to visit and live. This episode was recorded in Rochester, Minnesota during the 2026 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference, where local leaders from communities across the state gathered to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

July 9, 2026Episode 10032 min

Purple Rain from the Inside with Dr. Fink

Matt Fink, known to millions around the world as Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, was the keyboardist for one of the most iconic bands in music history. He helped create music that continues to inspire audiences across generations and around the world. Matt talks about his journey into music, how he met Prince, what it was like to be part of the Revolution during the Purple Rain era, the friendships and experiences that shaped those remarkable years, the lasting legacy of Prince, and why music and culture continue to play such an important role in building strong communities. This special 100th episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

May 21, 2026Episode 9924 min

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 series featuring conversations with business leaders across the region. Charlie shares his career journey, what's actually working in business media right now and how he's thinking about telling the story of a state that's growing well beyond just the Twin Cities.

May 11, 2026Episode 9819 min

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 more: a hub for shared experiences that bring people together in ways that go well beyond what's in the glass. Steve Finnie, Co-Owner of Little Thistle, shares how his Scottish roots and passion for soccer are helping to shape a creative activation leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This conversation goes deeper than that. We'll talk about Steve's journey, the realities of running a brewery in today's environment and how thinking differently about programming, partnerships and place can turn a local business into a destination in its own right.

March 19, 202623 min

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 the city. Under her leadership, UMR has experienced significant enrollment growth and continues to expand its role as a downtown campus preparing the next generation of healthcare and research professionals. We discuss UMR’s unique place within the University of Minnesota system, its innovative approach to learning, and how the university’s growth is shaping the future of Rochester.

March 5, 202615 min

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-grade paranormal novels She's Still Here and The Forever Bride, as well as the family-centered children's book Baby Celebrates Both: Christmas & Hanukkah. In this conversation, we discuss building a creative life in Rochester, balancing newsroom leadership with novel writing, and why telling brave, age-appropriate spooky stories for kids matters.

November 13, 2025Episode 9515 min

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 known for its small-batch, handcrafted syrups that elevate coffee, cocktails, and culinary creations. In this episode, Erik shares the story behind launching Huxden Syrups, what it's like being an entrepreneur in today's challenging business climate, and how he's planning to scale and grow while staying true to his craft.

October 30, 2025Episode 9421 min

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 and co-owner of the World Wide College of Auctioneering . Over the course of his career, he's done it all. He won the International Auctioneer Championship in 1998 and went on to serve as President of the National Auctioneers Association in 2004 and 2005. Through his leadership, mentorship and passion for the craft, Mike has helped shape the future of auctioneering both on the auction block and in the classroom.

October 17, 2025Episode 9318 min

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 , Inc. isn't your typical haunted attraction; it's a nonprofit organization that channels the thrill of the scare into real support for students and the arts. Jay Masters, President of Monster Bash, Inc. shares how it all started, what keeps it going, and why this spooky tradition has become such a powerful force for good.