Studs Terkel discusses the upcoming new play "Of Mice and Men", based on the novel written by John Steinbeck with the starring actors, John Malkovich (Lennie) and Gary Sinise (George). The program begins with the opening excerpt from the play "Of Mice and Men" featuring Terkel (George) and Win Stracke (Lennie) from 1952, which then leads into Malkovich and Sinise's interpretation of the rest of the scene. Folk singer Utah Phillips song "On the Goodnight Loving Trail" is presented as a comparison to themes expressed in "Of Mice and Men".

John Kenneth Galbraith, economist and diplomat, discusses his book, "The Age of Uncertainty," which was being made into a PBS documentary. Galbraith talks about some of the most well-known economists and explains their writings. He explains how many of their ideas have long lasting effects on capitalism the US has today.

Blackey, Kentucky resident, Joe Begley, is all for deep mining and totally against strip mining. Rattlesnakes, explained Begley, are those individuals who come in from other states to destroy the land with their strip mining. Begley also talks about the poor and illiterate of Appalachia, some of whom will get Black lung disease from the coal mines.

Jimmy Ray talks about what he would like a future marriage to look like, music he likes and why, and things he worries about in the country; part 1.

Mr. Paulei talks with Studs about the air traffic controllers strike in 1980 and subsequent firing of over 1000 air traffic controllers. They discuss what a normal shift as an air traffic controller consists of, and the unions reasons for the strike in 1980.

Discussing the debate over the site of the new Chicago Public Library with poet Jim Fuerst and Terry Brunner, Executive Director of the Better Government Association.

Jeanne Stellman discusses her book, "Work Is Dangerous to Your Health: A Handbook of Health Hazards in the Workplace and What You Can Do About Them," and workplace safety issues in a variety of industries. Topics of discussion include the importance of prioritizing health in the workplace and consulting workers on workplace safety issues, and industry responses to occupational hazards.

Jadwiga Lopez and Andrew Patner discuss Poland and tell stories about their latest visits before and during the Poland Crisis of 1980-1981. Topics discussed include the economic hardships, food shortages, the Solidarity Union, politics, and the arts. Parts of polish music is played at the start and end.

Excerpts from different episodes of "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression". Concerning The New Deal: Ed Paulsen talks about conflicting feelings regarding the New Deal and how the government seemed more present in daily life. Gardner C. Means explains how the New Deal was created to help save the country. Joe Marcus remembers feeling like his ideas were valued and were making a difference in his government job. John Beecher talks about working in the transient camps.

Excerpts from different episodes of "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression". Bonnie Laboring Boy: Joe Morrison talks about generational differences in laborers. Evelyn Finn talks about trying to unionize at clothing factories. Two Strikes: Jose Yglesias talks about strikes in cigar factories and the lifelong stigmas of strikebreakers. Bob Stinson discusses working at General Motors and the sit-down strike. The Farmer is the Man: Oscar Heline explains farmer's actions in response to farm foreclosures.

Excerpts from different episodes of "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression". A Fairy Tale: Montage of young voices that talk about their parents' stories of surviving the Depression. The March: Jimmy Sheridan talks about what life was like on the rails as part of the Bonus March. Born Losers: Ed Paulsen discusses trying to find work in San Francisco and upon failing, marching to City Hall, which then led to rioting with the police. Hard Travelin': Pauline Kael remembers her mother feeding beggars that came to the back door.

two United Airlines flight attendants