E.R. Braithwaite, Guyanese-born British-American novelist, writer, teacher and diplomat discusses his writing and career. The interview opens with Mr. Braithwaite, reading from his book "Reluctant neighbors".

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.

E. L. Doctorow’s way of writing has turned to storytelling in his book, “Lives of the Poets: A Novella and Six Stories”. To get the reader interested, it is as though the storyteller has placed a sort of spell on his audience, explained Doctorow. As the author and storyteller, Doctorow’s said his job was to make uneventful events seem more interesting than they actually are.

The novelist, best known for his works of historical fiction, expresses hope that his book about New York City in the early 20th Century will find its way into the hands of people who don’t normally pick up novels.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Dr. Young talks about his policy about addictive medications at Cook County Hospital, and about the financially driven connections between pharmaceutical companies and doctors.

It is not enough to just treat a disease, explained Dr. Meir Yoeli. Dr. Yoeli said there needs to be a bridge for both science and for the truth of the heart. Also a poet, Dr. Yoeli reads a poem in English and then in Hebrew.

Discussing the book "Center of the Cyclone: An Autobiography of Inner Space" with the author Dr. John C. Lilly.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

After having flown 50 missions in Vietnam, Charles Clements went to medical school and became a physician and a human rights activist. Dr. Clements talks about his observations in the poorest sections of Nicaragua. Because medicine for the poor people was considered contraband, Clements had to resort to putting rusty nails into a cup of water and having his patients drink the water for iron supplements. Clements reminds the audience if we don't know our history, we are bound to repeat it.

Dr. Carlo Levi talks about the differences in Italian and American literature in the first part. In the second part, children Julio and Phillipo sing Italian nursery rhymes. In the last part, Maria Caniglia and husband Pino Donati discuss opera; part 2.

Dr. Carlo Levi talks about his book "Christ Stopped at Eboli", the human condition, and compassion for those suffering during and after World War 2.

Trinidadian historian Dr. C.L.R. James discusses his book "The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution." The book was originally published in 1938. At the end of the interview, the song "Voodoo American: Bya Bulako" by Michel LaRue is played (00:46:26-00:51:

Dr. Eugene Mindel, child psychologist and author, discusses his book, "They Grow in Silence: The Deaf Child and His Family,". Dr. Mindel and Studs talk about deaf children and how they learn to communicate without the ability to hear or speak. Studs reads an excerpt from the book about a deaf person feeling locked into themselves. Studs and Dr. Mindel talk about the the book "In this sign" by Joanne Greenberg a novel that portrays the isolation and loneliness of the deaf couple and the struggle of their hearing daughter.

Douglas W. Druick, scholar and curator of the Art Institute of Chicago, discusses his book "Odilon Redon: Prince of Dreams, 1840-1916." The interview explores Redon's life and art work, including his techniques he developed because of the time period he lived in.