Discussing Reaganomics and federal economic assistance to local government and interviewing Dick Simpson.

Dick Simpson, a professor of political science and former Chicago alderman, speaks with Studs Terkel about the book he edited "Chicago's Future: An Anthology of Reports, Speeches, and Scholarship Providing an Agenda for Change," Jane Byrne’s administration, and the infrastructure of Chicago’s political leadership. Terkel plays a few audio clips of an interview he previously conducted with Byrne.

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]

Institute of Design instructor John E. Walley discusses teaching techniques and design trends.

Interviewing Derek Bell and Kevin Conneff two members of the Chieftains musical group specializing in Irish folk music.

Del Close discusses hipsters, what is hip, and comedy. Includes a clip of Del Close and his colleague John Brent from the beatnik satire "How to Speak Hip".

Studs starts by talking to David Thomson and two Welshmen outside of a rugby tournament. He then ends talking to David Thomson's wife Ann.

Photographer David Scherman talks with Studs Terkel about the stories that photos can tell, famous photographers, and the book “The Best of Life,” which Scherman edited. A recording of the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” by the Weavers is played.

David Brokensha discusses African literature and writers. Brokensha also discusses African culture. David Brokensha reads an excerpt from "The Dark Child" by Camara Laye.

David Brokensha discusses the books "The Palm Wine Drinkard" by Amos Tutuola, "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, and "The Dark Child" by Camara Laye. David Brokensha reads excerpts from "The Palm Wine Drinkard" and "The Dark Child".

Studs interview with Danny Newman, Public Relations Council for the Lyric Opera Company. Newman shares his theatrical opera introductions and discusses a variety of performers and operas for the Lyric Opera Company season.

Discussing the book "The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America" and interviewing the author Professor Daniel Boorstin.

Discussing death on the job with Dan Berman and Bob Fowler.

Cranston Jones discusses the idea of architecture as art, historic architecture ideals, and the future of architecture.