Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist discusses his book "The End of Nature." McKibben talks about climate and weather, greenhouse gasses, fossil fuels, chlorofluorocarbons, and carbon dioxide. He also explains how climate change could damage the ecosystems including birds. He ends the interview discussing what can be changed such as solar power.

As a teenager growing up, Bill Mauldin thought he’d be an airline pilot or a submarine captain. He didn’t have ambitions to be a cartoonist until he realized that drawing was the one thing he was good at. Mauldin’s book, “The Brass Ring: A Sort of Memoir,” covers his background, his influences, and stories from time spent in the Army.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The game of baseball today is very different from when Bill Leonard was a young boy. Today, the last names of baseball players are on the backs of their uniforms. When Leonard was a boy, his father would tell him who was up to bat solely by the player's walk or his stance. The selling of players' contracts to other teams is when Leonard believes the business of baseball changed. This recording includes snippets of author Lawrence Ritter's interviews with early 20th century ballplayers Sam Crawford, Goose Goslin, Fred Snodgrass, Rube Marquard, and Chief Meyers.

Bill Cunningham, Jesuit priest and lawyer, discusses some court cases he has participated in. He talks about the Berrigan Brothers who protested against the Vietnam War. Cunnginham also talks about the Rice-Poindexter case, where two Black Panther Party members were charged for murder. He also discussed the Freedom of Information Act and the COINTELPRO the FBI's Counter Intelligence Program. Studs reads poetry from David Rice and plays a song by Hank Ferguson.

Studs interviews Bill Crofut about his career. They discuss Crofut’s recording label, “Cousin Jacks” and his album with Benjamin Luxon, “Simple Gifts.” Crofut shares his experiences working with various musicians and describes some of his songs. He reflects on his work with the Natalie Wood film, “Brainstorm.” Crofut sings part of the “Grandfather’s Clock” and an unnamed children’s song. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Bill Ayers' book, "A Kind and Just Parent: The Children of Juvenile Court" takes a look at kids getting caught up and lost in the system. While observing in the courts, Ayers said all kids just became a thing.

According to Bill Ayers, in order to be a good teacher, one must 1st become a student of his/her students' lives. New ideas on how to become a better teacher are offered in Ayers' book, "To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher.'

Commemorating the centennial of the Haymarket Square Riot, or Haymarket Affair, are authors and historians Bill Adelman, Paul Avrich, Carolyn Ashbaugh, and the grandson of Haymarket defendant Oscar Neebe, Bill Neebe. The interveiwees create a timeline of the events leading up to the Haymarket Riot including the German immigrants living situations, unions and strikes, police brutality and corruption. The group also lays out the events from May 1st to May 5th and then the following corrupt trials.

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues and growing up in Arkansas with parents who were former slaves. He talks about the family dynamic and sings: "Willie Mae", "Crawdad song", "Going down this road feeling bad" and "John Henry".

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues and growing up in Arkansas with parents who were former slaves. He talks about the family dynamic and sings: "Crying Joe Turner", "C.C. Rider", "Make my get away", and " You've got to stand your test in judgement" . Part 1

Big Bill Broonzy discusses the blues with Studs. Big Bill talks about getting ready for a European tour, his young life, and his life as a musician. The following performances have been removed for copyright reasons: "Ride Alberta, ride," "Going Down the road feeling bad," "House rent stomp," "The glory of love," "Plow hand," "I feel so good," and "Make my getaway."

Bess Myerson discusses her career including her experiences as Miss America and as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs for New York City.