We’re at the peak of a typical Minnesota summer and that means long days, golden nights, and a perfect excuse to unwind lakeside or kick back in front of the AC. To get the most out of these precious sun-soaked moments, we asked the Goff team to share their summer watch, read and listen picks. Dive into our list of entertainment selections below for ideas to freshen up your own!
🪙 Allison Winters is watching “The Gilded Age” season 3 on HBO Max.
If you love stunning sets, great costumes and a talented cast – and you haven’t been following “The Gilded Age” – now is a perfect time to catch up. It’s another winner from Julian Fellowes, and Christine Baranski’s extra sharp zingers this season are a treat.
🗺️ Cali Torell is listening to “The Thrifty Traveler” podcast.
With zero trips booked in 2025, I am antsy to finally start traveling with my toddler. This podcast from the Thrifty Traveler always inspires me to book the trip while providing practical ways to get the most out of our points and miles. We’re headed to Hawaii next spring break thanks to the TT Pod!
👑 Chris Beeth is reading the “Wolf Hall” trilogy by Hilary Mantel.
This summer I’ve been reading the “Wolf Hall” trilogy by Hilary Mantel, a series of historical fiction novels following the ascent and fall of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII. Staying true to the history, figures and events of Tudor England, the books offer a riveting look at the political intrigue and societal conflict of 16th century Europe while drawing a subtle yet resonant parallel to our modern world.
🏛️ Chris Georgacas is reading “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” Andrew George’s 2019 translation.
After re-reading a lot of archaic Greek poetry lately, I’ve been acquainting myself better with the ancient Near Eastern literature which influenced it. This highly readable edition presents several versions of the Gilgamesh story, the world’s earliest literary masterpiece: A gripping exploration of friendship, social duties and the reality of one’s own mortality. Timeless stuff.
📚 Ellen Larson is reading through her list of long to-be-reads.
I am a chronic book buyer, and I’ve had a handful of 600+ page books sitting on my shelf for years. One of my new year’s resolutions was to finally get around to them. Earlier this year, I read the 900-page “The Books of Jacob” by Olga Tokarczuk and am currently working on “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn. Next up, I’m going to tackle “And the Band Played On” by Randy Shilts and “Present at the Creation” by Dean Acheson.
🕺🏻Grace Rose to listening to the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” movie soundtrack.
The ultimate summer car trip album! It is filled with fun 60s music – The Mamas & the Papas, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Neil Diamond. The best part: It has real retro radio ads for things like tanning butter and cologne sprinkled throughout. You feel like you’re driving around LA in 1969.
🔎 Halle Orr is reading “The Marlow Murder Club” by Robert Thorogood
This summer I am trying to get back into reading, and I love a good murder mystery show or book. I recently started “The Marlow Murder Club” by Robert Thorogood, which is about a woman who lives on her own and witnesses a murder at a pool. When the police don’t believe her, she takes matters into her own hands and investigates it for herself alongside her friend. Together they are The Marlow Murder Club and continue to solve mysteries as they realize they’ve got a serial killer on their hands.
🍿Heidi Larson is watching summer blockbusters on the big screen.
Experiencing the latest summer blockbuster movies in the theater on the big screen (with a box of Junior Mints) is a favorite summer tradition. My favorite so far this summer is “F1,” a film starring Brad Pitt that delves into the world of Formula 1 racing.
🎥 Jen Hellman is watching the New York Times Best Movies of the 21st Century.
I’m getting back into movies by working my way through the Top 20 movies on the New York Times’ 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century chosen by 500 directors, actors and Hollywood notables. It has saved me significant time trying to decide what to watch next because I’m watching them in descending order (with no skips for having previously seen one or not being in the mood for watching!).
⚔️ Jenny Alvermann is reading “Words of Radiance” by Brandon Sanderson.
My goal this summer is to finish the hefty second book of the epic fantasy series, “The Stormlight Archive,” before the first pile of leaves gets raked. The richly woven storylines of all the characters and extensive world-building feel accessible even for epic fantasy newbies like me, thanks to Sanderson’s masterful writing that draws you in and keeps the pages turning. I’ve also found that sipping a seasonal, iced drink at a cozy local coffee joint makes the chapters whiz by!
🧑🏻❤️🧑🏼 Mila Jester is reading “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller.
I have always been drawn to Greek mythology and this book is a heartbreaking retelling of “The Iliad,” told from the perspective of Patroclus, who shares a deep bond with Achilles. The author does a great job combining the themes of friendship, love and heartache in this book while also providing a story of devotion and loss that reimagines a classic tale through a deeply human lens.
🎧 Rachel Sosnowchik is listening to “Palomino” by First Aid Kit.
This album came out a few years ago, but it’s one I return to every summer and play on repeat. It sets the perfect tone for all warm-weather activities: sunny afternoons on a pontoon, dinner and drinks on the deck, and road trips across the Midwest.
🐳 Sara Swenson is listening to “The Good Whale” podcast by Serial.
I’ve been listening to “The Good Whale,” a podcast by Serial telling the true story of Keiko, the killer whale who played Willy in the movie “Free Willy.” You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll never be more invested in the life of a killer whale.