What we’re reading, listening to and thinking about this month.

Todd R.: I really like the podcast “The Oath” with Chuck Rosenberg, particularly his interview with former federal prosecutor Pat Fitzgerald, which was awesome. Maggie and I are almost through with our nearly nine-month effort to watch “The Wire.” We heard people were disappointed in the fifth season – I am not disappointed in any way. I’m also broadening my pop culture insights by adding Vulture to my reading list. And although I have yet to try it, Holman’s Table in St. Paul is the buzz at my house.

Alyssa: With my daughter racking up hours behind the wheel before she can get her driver’s license, I’ve been in the car a lot lately. Driving aimlessly needs music. So, as far as new music goes, Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You is so good. Because I have been a diehard Guns N Roses fan since I was 15, and I think bassist Duff McKagan is one of the most interesting guys in the band, I got Duff’s solo album Tenderness this month. For the throwback track I can’t get enough of, I’ve been into every live version available of Tom Petty’s “The Waiting.”

Todd S.: A family road trip to Chicago was the highlight of our month. Architecture tour by boat and a day at Millennium Park, including plenty of pictures with “The Bean,” were among our favorite moments.

Rich: I’ve been watching the DFL debates and playing a lot of golf. I also attended a performance at the Dakota to see Lisa Fischer, an amazing singer. Next week I leave for the Hamptons for a family vacation, so I’m looking forward to that.

Sarah: This month had me on the road with clients quite a bit so naturally I shredded through my podcast playlist. Some of my favorites: Comments by Celebs, Bloom and Grow Radio, Off the Vine and the Popcast. I’m also trying to be better at reading for fun, a practice I’ve fallen out of largely due to my college textbook days. I’m currently reading At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen. June also brought the return of the Jonas Brothers – both their documentary “Chasing Happiness” and their album “Happiness Begins” brought back my teenage fangirl in full force. 

Anna: I’ve come a bit late to the Stieg Larsson party, but I’m finally reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. When I’m not trying to keep all the Swedish names straight, I’m fascinated by his writing style and the intricate web of mystery he weaves. I also saw Aladdin in theaters and enjoyed it – it doesn’t touch the original movie of my childhood, of course, but I liked the vibrancy and slight plot twists of this version.