Members of John F. Kennedy's administration are featured in David Halberstam's book, "The Best and the Brightest." Halberstam points out the irony of the title, as some in the administration may not have been the best or the brightest.  As a result of their bad decisions, America got tangled up in the Vietnam War.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Daniel Schorr discusses his work in television and print journalism and the limitations of each. Topics of discussion include Schorr’s experiences working for CBS, reporting on and from the Soviet Union, and censorship in the news media. Schorr reads excerpts from his memoir at the beginning and end of the program.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.

Writer Dan Wakefield discusses his book “Supernation at Peace and War” with Studs Terkel. Further discussion is had over civil unrest, draft dodging, and social injustices during the Vietnam War.

Writer Dan Wakefield discusses his book “Between the Lines,” his relationship with C. Wright Mills, and his career. Wakefield reads the epigraph from his book.

Connor Cruise O'Brien, Irish politician, writer, historian and academic scholar, discusses politics and the book "Writers and Politics: Essays and Criticisms".

Conor Cruise O'Brien discusses the culture and political state of Africa and his experiences with journalism in African countries including Congo and Ghana.

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.

When Cliff Norton performed his first live gig, he tried out his comedy on the band. Norton credits having good performances because of being given good material, funny material. Norton further explained that being an entertainer, one always has to be writing in order to maintain their creative edge.

The outspoken reporter, critic, and commentator joins Studs to discuss his book, The Trouble with Nowadays: A Curmudgeon Strikes Back.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Claudia Cassidy discusses being a critic of theater and opera etc. Cassidy also discusses her writing and journalism aspirations.

Clancy Sigal and Studs Terkel discuss Sigal’s book “Zone of the Interior” and the role that schizophrenia plays in it. Both Sigal and Terkel read excerpts from Sigal’s book.

This interview is a follow up, four years later, to the first interview with these women (1965115-3-1)

Christine Fox, Annie Merrill and Jennie Wilkes discuss sexism in the television industry, their upbringings, and what life is like in England for young women. This is the first of two interviews, four years apart, with these women. 1965631-3-1 is the follow up.