In an interview with Studs Terkel, Buddhist monk, peace activist, and poet Thich Nhat Hanh. The conversation focuses on the devastating effects of the Vietnam War; they discuss the loss of culture and poetry in Vietnam, the anti-war protestors in America and Vietnam, and the sadness and resignation of the Vietnamese. Thich Nhat Hanh talks about America’s role in the war, and his experiences campaigning for peace in the United States and speaking with U.S. anti-war veterans.

Discussing the books "Moon Crossing Bridge: Poetry" (published by Graywolf Press) and "Portable Kisses" (published by Capra Press) with poet Tess Gallagher. Program includes an excerpt of a 1986 interview with Gallagher and Raymond Carver.

Studs discusses writing and acting with John Schultz, Paul Pekin, and six of their students: Alex Wayne, Linda Gilbert, Will Jackson, Dan Michalski, Bill Johnson, and Fred Game. The main topic of conversation is the "Story Workshop" method of teaching writing, which Schultz had recently developed and were leading at CAM (Christian Action Ministries) Academy in Chicago. The group discuss their history as teachers and writers, and they demonstrate some of the techniques they employ in their methodology. Some of the students also express the successes they have had in developing their writ

Studs Terkel discusses poetry with writer and poet Ed English. Topics include race, history, religion, English's biography, and his creative process. Ed reads from his work throughout the interview.

Studs discusses poetry and mass media with American writer Norman Corwin, who was visiting Chicago to receive an honorary award from Columbia College. Works discussed include Corwin's radio address, "On A Note of Triumph," which the author delivered on May 8, 1945 to mark the end of World War II in Europe, and "Ballad for Americans", a cantata produced by Corwin on CBS radio in 1939. Topics include Corwin's personal and professional history, the process of writing "for the ear", World War II, the dawn of the nuclear age, and the television's role in eclipsing radio in popularity.

Discussing the book "Archibald MacLeish: An American Life" (published by Houghton Mifflin) with the author Scott Donaldson.

Rose Rigsby a writer and poet is interviewed along with Betty Shifflett, who teaches fiction at Columbia College. Ms Rigsby and Ms. Shifflett talk about writing with Studs. Ms. Rigsby reads from her stories and about her time in the Sanitarium and receiving shock therapy. Several excerpts are presented from an interview with Rose Rigsby speaking about children and of taking care of them. (1925145-3-1)

Studs interviews Rita Streich, and they discuss the meaning of some of her operas and lieds. Streich names Erna Berger and Maria Ivogun as her best teachers, and she speaks a little about her family. Studs and Streich read part of the poem, "The Nut Tree" by Robert Schuman. Streich reads a part of "Brahms Lullaby" and "Shepherd On the Rock" by Franz Schubert. She also discusses the difference between opera in her day compared to opera at the time of the interview. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Richard Dean Rosen discusses his new book, "Me and My Friends, we no longer profess any graces", a premature memoir. Mr Rosen discusses why he has written a memoir so early in his life and speaks about his other writings. Mr. Rosen reads excerpts from his book.

Terkel comments and reads poetry with Gary Merrill

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.

Discussing "Sweet Will: Poems" (published by Atheneum) with poet Philip Levine.

Nelson Algren discusses his short story, "How the Devil Came Down Division Street," the art of writing, and writers of the Beat Generation.