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

Todd R.: Still working through the Emil Zatopek biography, and the next John Sandford novel is only days away. Even though I shudder at the thought of watching HGTV, DIY is now getting me hooked. Rod Stewart was fabulous at Treasure Island, but if Little River Band has no original members, aren’t they actually a cover band? Asking for a family member.

Alyssa: I read How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay, about the fundamentals of engaging in civil conversations about controversial topics. I also watched a couple good things on Netflix this month – I loved the new Dave Chappelle special “Sticks and Stones” and “Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates.”

Todd S.: I have been sucked into Ken Burns’ eight-part documentary series, “Country Music.” It’s quite the time capsule and quite fun seeing Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn (among so many others) when they were rising stars. And I forgot that Kris Kristofferson was such a prolific songwriter. All sorts of interesting details connecting the music to various eras of American life.

Rich: Reading Homo Deus (still). Following the Trump impeachment matter with “Fear and Loathing” (thank you Hunter S. Thompson.) Getting ready to attend the Twins versus Yankees playoff games (what could possibly go wrong)?

Sarah: Fall TV is back! Several of my favorites – Fresh Off the Boat, Grey’s Anatomy and Superstore – have returned to my Hulu feed and I couldn’t be happier. Speaking of Hulu, Mindy Kaling’s Four Weddings and Funeral mini-series was a great binge. It’s full of all the rom-com tropes your heart desires.

Anna: Watching the Minnesota United team clinch the playoffs for the first time was a highlight, even if the Loon Juice at the stadium is a bit pricey. I also enjoyed the charming, lighthearted #1 movie in America right now – Downton Abbey.