Hey Riddle Riddle Podcast Summary
Episode: Patreon Preview #324: Welcome to Minnesota ❄️
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, John Patrick Coan (Headgum)
Introduction to Minnesota
The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing Minnesota, affectionately known as the "North Star State" and the "Gopher State." Aaron sets the stage by highlighting Minnesota as the 32nd state:
“The North Star state, land of 10,000 lakes. Gopher State. We are doing Minnesota.” [00:02]
Personal Experiences and Impressions
Cathy shares her limited but fond experiences in Minnesota, having lived there for about 25 years and recalling her last visit seven years prior for a friend's wedding:
“I haven't really spent a lot of time in Minnesota. I like Minnesota.” [00:32]
Bobby reminisces about his trip to Minneapolis, praising the city's cleanliness and mentioning his awe at the immaculate streets and sidewalks:
“I remember vividly being, like, being gobsmacked at how clean the city is.” [00:46]
Minnesota’s Vibrant Culture
The hosts delve into Minnesota’s rich cultural landscape. Bobby mentions encountering a music venue that once hosted Nirvana and acknowledges Minnesota as Prince's hometown:
“I know Prince is from Minnesota somewhere.” [01:24]
Cathy adds depth by discussing the extensive theater scene and the unique architectural features like sky bridges and underground pathways, which are particularly useful during Minnesota's harsh winters:
“I know they have a lot of Guthrie interconnected, like, sky bridges and underground things for the buildings downtown.” [01:32]
Humorous Anecdotes: The Moose Encounter
Cathy recounts a memorable encounter with a moose near the Canadian border in Minnesota, humorously comparing its size to Shaquille O'Neal:
“The moose was like seeing three Shaquille o' Neal's.” [02:17]
“I would equally would not know what one of them was going to do when they got a basketball in their hands.” [02:27]
Bobby jests about a fictional crossover:
“You've never seen if they made a Rocky and Bullwinkle with Shaquille o' Neal and, like, Joe Pesci.” [02:37]
Focusing on Mall of America
Transitioning to one of Minnesota's most famous landmarks, the hosts discuss the Mall of America. They highlight its vastness, diverse stores, and attractions:
“Mall of America, created in 1992. I have not been there.” [03:41]
Cathy shares an amusing memory of the Olsen twins promoting a movie at the mall:
“They had a banner that was three stories tall that was, like, hanging down the middle.” [04:04]
Bobby and Cathy praise the mall's comprehensive offerings, including roller coasters and mini-golf:
“It's like every store you could ever find at a mall. Plus, like, roller coasters.” [04:36]
“And mini golf as well.” [04:43]
Real or Fake Mini-Game: Mall of America Edition
The hosts engage in a fun mini-game discerning whether certain mall attractions are real or fake:
-
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge
Aaron: “That is real.” [05:51]
Bobby: “Real.” [05:52] -
The Paul Bunyan Log Chute
Aaron: “That is real.” [06:05] -
Dora's Sky Adventure
Aaron: “It's fake.” [06:11]
Cathy & Bobby: Agree it’s fake. [06:20] -
The Tater Tot Twister
Aaron: “Real.” [06:24]
Cathy: Shares a humorous past experience. [06:28] -
Fairly Odd Coaster
Aaron: “It's real.” [06:44]
Cathy: “No.” [06:50]
Final Verdict: Fake. [06:53] -
Minnesota Ice Slide
Aaron: “It is fake.” [07:05] -
Barnyard Hayride
Aaron: “It's fake.” [07:16]
The game showcases the hosts' camaraderie and playful banter, highlighting the unique and sometimes quirky attractions of the Mall of America.
Favorite Stores at Mall of America
In a show of trust and sincerity, the hosts discuss their favorite mall stores, hypothetically assigned a $100 budget:
-
Aaron:
“Candles and anthropology.” [08:14] -
Cathy:
“The LEGO store… and if available, the American Girl store.” [08:20]
“I would be ecstatic.” [08:38]
Bobby doesn't explicitly state his choice in the transcript provided but engages in the conversation by exploring the availability of stores like American Girl and Hooters, adding humorous remarks:
“I bet they have the other continents too.” [08:52]
Plans and Closing Remarks
The hosts express excitement about possibly visiting the Mall of America during their Minnesota tour, contemplating adding extra days if shows sell out:
“We're definitely going to this mall when we go there.” [07:39]
“We might add another day… spend all Monday at the mall and then go to our live show.” [07:57]
Cathy humorously refers to the Mall of America as "Darth," a playful nod to a previous joke, keeping the atmosphere light and engaging:
“To me, the Mall of America will always be Darth.” [05:13]
Notable Quotes:
- “I was around that same age when I saw Shaquille o' Neal in person for the first time. And the moose was like seeing three Shaquille o' Neal's.” — Cathy [02:17]
- “The mall was so big that it was like you could walk the whole mall and not see them.” — Cathy [04:14]
- “I hope so. Otherwise it's like... just. Just weirdo parents being like, I think we could ride this.” — Bobby [06:54]
Conclusion
This Patreon Preview episode offers a delightful glimpse into Minnesota's charm, the grandeur of the Mall of America, and the hosts' humorous interactions. Perfect for fans eager for more exclusive content, the episode blends personal anecdotes with playful games, encapsulating the essence of the "Hey Riddle Riddle" podcast.
Join the Clue Crew: For more engaging episodes and bonus content, consider supporting the podcast at Patreon.com/heyriddleriddle.