Mike Royko discusses his book "Up Against It" which is a collection of early columns from the Chicago Daily News. The topic in his columns varies from machine politicians and gangsters to professional athletes, from well-heeled Chicagoans to down-and-out hoodlums.

Novelist Robert Kotlowitz discusses his book "The Boardwalk;" reads passages from book.

Norman Mailer discusses his writing, literary criticism, and American life. Other topics of conversation include Mailer’s thoughts on “affirmative” literary works, apathy and a lack of passion in modern life, beat writers and their reception in the United States, and many of his contemporary writers.

Discussing the book "Not Exactly What I Had in Mind" (published by Atlantic Monthly Press) with the author, journalist and humorist Roy Blount.

Discussing "Waverly Place," (published by Grove Press) with the author Susan Brownmiller.

Discussing the book "Under the Skin: The Death of White Rhodesia," (published by Penguin) with author, dramatist and journalist David Caute and South African poet Dennis Brutus.

Discussing the book "WLT, A Radio Romance," (published by Viking) with the author and radio host Garrison Keillor. Program also includes excerpts of a 1985 interview.

Studs Terkel has a brief conversation with Tom Wolfe and reads "Las Vegas (What?) Las Vegas (Can't hear you! Too noisy) Las Vegas!!!!" from Tom Wolfe's collection "The Kandy-Kolored, Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby." Songs of the 20's interspersed throughout: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" Cole Porter "Puttin on the Ritz" Irving Berlin "Look for the Silver lining" Jerome Kern/B.G. DeSylva "Sunny Side Of the Street" Jimmy McHugh/Dorothy Fields

Discussing the book "In My Place" (published by Vintage) with the author, journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

Studs, author-journalist Mike Royko and Cathy Zmuda discuss and read from Mike's 1973 collection, "Slats Grobnik and Some Other Friends". First half are Slats Grobnik tales; the second half features a variety of columns by Royko. Musical excerpts include the songs "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt", "Ma, He Wants to Marry Me", "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)", "Sweet and Low", "America The Beautiful". "Go 'Way From My Window" (performers uncredited).