Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Michael Anania discusses and reads his from his books of poetry called "The Red Menace" and "The Sky At Ashland". Anania also discusses his life and inspirations. Includes a clip of children speaking about the world and war. Includes a clip of a jazz song called "Lester Leap In" by Count Basie at the end of the program.

Poet Maya Angelou and journalist Tom Wicker discuss life in the U.S. South and how the region’s history has shaped its culture. Topics of discussion include social dynamics and race in the South, the concept of “home” and what it means to return to one’s roots, and religion in the South. Angelou reads excerpts of her poetry, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” and shares spiritual songs from her childhood.

Werner Burkhardt, German music journalist, critic, and translator, discusses his life and work with Studs. Mr Burkhardt speaks about his life during the time of Adolph Hitler, the Hitler Youth, and World War II. They end the interview talking about Jazz in Munich, a recording of "My Man" by Billie Holiday closes the interview.

Studs interviews Harry Chapin about his music and career. They discuss Chapin’s style of writing songs. Chapin describes some of his songs such as “Cats In the Cradle,” “Sniper,” “WOLD,” and “Mr. Tanner.” He stresses that his songs tell stories and often are influenced by real-life events. For example, “30,000 Bananas Pounds of Bananas” came from a trip he took on a Greyhound bus through Pennsylvania where there was a truck accident.

Martin Gottfried discusses his book "Broadway Musicals" and the history of the musicals by evaluating the different big name composers, lyricists, and directors of Broadway.

Studs interviews Christopher Durang, playwright, about his plays. "A History of the American Film" is the highlight of the interview, which is playing at the Heron Theater in Chicago. Durang describes parts of the play and it's characters. He explains that it portrays the different eras and famous moments of movies and references real actors and actresses. Durang reads several times from the play, but all musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Part 3. Alec Wilder and Harry Bouras discuss Wilder's book "American popular songs", published in 1972.

E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and Studs Terkel read from the book "At This Point in Rhyme". E.Y. Harburg also discusses his thoughts on humanity, how to properly write a song, and the importance of light verse and humor as a basis for everything he creates. Excerpts of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" by the Weavers, and a Broadway recording of "How Are Things in Glocca Morra" are played in the original airing but have been removed from this version for copyright reasons.

Edwin T. Buehrer, a Unitarian minister, discusses Unitarianism, his book "Changing Climate of Religion", and human problems. They also discuss humanity, religion, life on other planets, science, and the universe. Includes a clip of Arthur C. Clarke speaking about the universe and life on other planets. Includes a clip of a boy talking about who he thinks God is. Includes a clip of a boy talking about the fall of Rome.

Vlado Habunek, the Director of The Croatian National Theater, also a teacher at the University of Zagreb and board member for the Debrovnik Summer Festival discusses how all arts are seeking new revelations with Studs Terkel. Terkel asks Habunek to compare American Actors with Croatian actors because they are subsidized by the state. He sees Croatian actors as too secure and admires the ambition of American actors. The fact that theater reflects life and life is difficult begins a discussion on the status of theater today.

Connie Kolb and Ursula Bender discuss life in Germany, specifically Berlin. Connie Kolb discusses her life struggles, lack of confidence, and her work in journalism.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.

Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.