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We’re expanding The Five – our semi-weekly list of things you should read, watch, listen to, experience and do. This week, our recommendations come from two podcast hosts in Minneapolis.

A podcast about how toxic masculinity informs our culture and the men within it — hosted and produced by this week’s The Five guests, Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre and Tony the Scribe. “In a time when we’re talking a lot about the effects of toxic masculinity — we realized the conversation seldom goes beyond a surface level,” said Tony. “We wanted a chance to dig in and discuss how our relationship with our own masculinity affects the world around us.” Part confessional, part irreverent humor, they hope it’s a space for honest, critical conversations about what manhood is and what it could be.

Written by Chanel Miller, formerly the “Emily Doe” in the Brock Turner sexual assault case, this memoir is an indictment of how our culture treats survivors. But Kyle said it’s not just important — it’s beautiful and well written. “As hard as it is to read sometimes, it’s hopeful. It’s mobilizing. It’s a call to action.”

Originally a comic book series published in the 1980s, it’s now an acclaimed television show on HBO — and Tony says you mustn’t miss it. It takes place in an alternate reality version of 1985 where superheroes exist but are being killed off. “It’s like Pixar’s ‘The Incredibles’ — only it’s nothing like Pixar’s ‘The Incredibles,’” he laughed. The comic book series played on the insecurities America was feeling around the Cold War. The TV series does the same with race and white supremacy.

The menu is enough to pull you in: an asiago, parmesan, sharp cheddar, and cracked pepper cheese grilled cheese, or maybe a jalapeno popper grilled cheese with candied bacon. But the real reason to visit this restaurant in southeast Minneapolis is its mission. It employs formerly incarcerated individuals, many of whom have a difficult time finding work when they get out of prison. “It’s an incredible way to support people,” said Tony. All Square is open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Hosted by local rapper g.p.jacob, this new podcast uses the Upper Harbor Terminal Development project in north Minneapolis as an excuse to take a deep dive into affordable housing in Minneapolis and how race, history and class intersect with economic development. “It sounds wonky and academic,” said Kyle. “But Jake is such a proud, working-class, down-to-earth dude, and the episodes are short and focused.” A great listen for anyone who cares about Minneapolis history.

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Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Arts and Culture

The Five

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Five things you should read, watch, listen to, experience and do, as recommended by the culture curious.

The Five with podcast hosts Kyle “Guante” and Tony the Scribe

A woman dressed in black stands in a dark setting.

The Five with podcast hosts Kyle “Guante” and Tony the Scribe

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