Terkel comments and presents 1968 Democratic Convention documentary. He is introduced by William F. Malloch, a composer at the Convention.

Presenting "Hard Times: An oral history of the great depression": "Bonnie laboring boy" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn and Jose Yglesias (program V).

Presenting "Hard Times: an oral history of the great depression": "A gathering of survivors" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn, Jose Iglesias, Bob Stinson, Oscar Heline, Eml & Ruth Loriks, Buddy Blankenship, Mary Owsley, Sally Rand, Jerome Zerbe, John Beeche (promgram XIII)

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

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.

Ralph Ellison, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his book "Invisible Man," discusses his early life and education and his life as a writer and lifetime scholar. He speaks on being a musician (trumpet), the joy of music and the Church and how they fit into the lives of African Americans.

Terkel comments and presents a recorded performance of Shay Duffin

Discussing Billy Graham and revivalism with author and journalist Marshall Frady and singer and musician Win Stracke.

Langston Hughes, John Sellers, James Cotton, and Otis Spann discuss their origins and blues music. The interview focuses heavily on Langston Hughes and how deeply he is influenced by the blues. Hughes also discusses his upcoming book "An African Treasury" at length. Hughes, Sellers, Spann, and Cotton perform a number of songs during the interview, they have been removed due to copyright.

Mr. Blake talks to Studs about his book "The Joint." The book is a collection of letters written by Mr. Blake while in prison off and on for 13 of 20 years. He reads out loud some of the letters from the book.

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

Singer-songwriter and activist Holly Near discusses her work for fighting for social justice through outlets such as her music. Near a prominent proponent for the LGBTQ community has streamlined her work using folk and protest-inspired songs. Near has been awarded multiple honors from organizations such as the ACLU and the National Organization for Women for her work for social change.