The following songs were removed due to copyright restrictions:, "East Virginia", "Sticking With The Union", "Old Blue", "Jesu, Meine Freude", "We Shall Overcome", "The Draft", "Sailin' Up, Sailin' Down", and "Precious Friend" an instrumental song.

Cole Porter biographer Robert Kimball talks with Studs about his book "Cole" and his subject's life and work as they listen to classic performances of some of his most beloved songs. They marvel at how Porter perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times in his lyrics, his lyrical influences, his unique method of outside-in composing lyrics and music simultaneously, Bobby Short's masterful interpretations, controversies over some of his works, and how well his material holds up.

Dick Simpson, alderman of Chicago, discusses neighborhood governments. He describes the history, explains the uses of wards, and shows how the system can work in light of a recent election in Chicago. Studs reads an article about the recent election by Mike Royko.

Lillian Smith excerpt opens the program.

Comedian and activist Dick Gregory joins Studs Terkel to discuss his new book “Dick Gregory's Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat: Cookin' With Mother Nature.” Gregory talks about his experiences fasting for both political and health reasons, and he comments on hunger in America, the power of the navy bean, and changing trends in eating. The two discuss the peace movement and Watergate, and Gregory shares his experience as a black man in the military. Gregory believes that how you treat yourself and your body reflects how you treat others.

This interview begins with a clip of one of Dick Gregory’s performances, where he talks about nonviolence and Native Americans. Studs Terkel introduces his guest as an observer, explaining that comedians are the best observers in society. Gregory offers extended analogies to communicate his views on a variety of topics, including the Vietnam War, race relations, segregation, human rights, and urban renewal. [The date is unclear, but it has to be after 1970, since the Kent State Shootings were mentioned]

Civil rights activist, lawyer, and professor Derrick Bell discusses his latest work and protest against Harvard University due to their lack of diverse hiring in academics. Bell is known for his work on the concept of critical race theory and his relentless pursuit of fair treatment for his colleagues.

Judith Todd, daughter of prime minister of Rhodesia, discusses the book "Right to say no"; Dennis Brutus, poet and involved in protest of Rhodesia taking part in 1972 Olympics, and John Fry pastor First Presbyterian Church and social writer, race, South Africa, and Rhodesia. Excerpt from interview of people in South Africa - a guide, an Afrikaner, and a Chicago policeman regarding race (1895817-6-1 South African Tapes). The three were brought together to have a round table discussion about race relations in South Africa.

Dennis Brutus discusses and reads his poetry. He discusses life in South Africa. Dennis Brutus reads poems from his books of poetry "Sirens, Knuckles and Boots", "A Simple Lust", and "Letters to Martha and Other Poems from a South African Prison". Includes music in the beginning. Includes a clip of Albert Lutuli speaking.

David Hamlin, author and former Executive Director of ACLU, discusses his book "The Nazi/Skokie Conflict: A Civil Liberties Battle." Hamlin talks about Frank Collin, a jewish man turned leader of American Nazi Party leader and the court battle over the right to demonstrate in Skokie, Illinois. He also talks about the retaliation against the ALCU for defending Collin's case in court. At the end of the interview, Hamlin gives some advice on how to deal with people like Frank Collin.

Discussing the book "Manchild in the Promised Land" with Claude Brown. Brown also discusses growing up in Harlem, New York as an African American man. Includes a clip of a man speaking from the county jail. Includes a song sung by Mahalia Jackson. Includes a clip of children singing.

Recorded in the Taylor's home against a backdrop of sounds created by a nine-children family, Studs, Alice and Bob discuss aspects of a white family living in a predominately African-American amidst an exodus of the white, Christian community. Includes a performance of "Onward, Christian Soldiers" by the family around their piano, and "Jesus Loves Me" by two of the children.