Authors and journalists Howard Wolinsky and Tom Brune discuss their book “The Serpent on the Staff: The Unhealthy Politics of the American Medical Association.” They discuss the political aspects of the healthcare and medical industry in the United States, with particular emphasis placed on the business-side of the American Medical Association (AMA). This program includes an excerpt of an interview with Dr. Quentin Young discussing the AMA. Studs plays "Like a Surgeon" - "Weird Al" Yankovic (1985).

Herman and Rick Kogan give a brief overview of the history of Chicago (1816-1955) by discussing their book "Yesterday's Chicago".

Having been a Lincoln biographer for a quarter of a century, Herbert Mitgang felt the importance of writing the play "Mister Lincoln: A Drama in Two Acts". Lincoln's rich language can be heard through Mr. Mitgang''s dramatic interpretation of Lincoln's life.

Herblock and Studs talk about his newest book "Straight Herblock." They talk about some of his most acclaimed drawings and the social/political questions they pose.

Salisbury continues talking about the artists like writers, musicians and dancers being national assets to Russia. In a country with its history of tyranny, Russian society is becoming more permissive and relaxed, explained Salisbury. Khrushchev keeps the peace right now, says Salisbury but wonders, like the title of a new book he's working on, is this "A New Russia?".

"The Long March: The Untold Story" is a piece of history that took place but wasn't reported by anyone until Harrison Salisbury wrote his book. Salisbury was 75 when he returned to China to talk to people who marched back in October of 1934. Most of the boys and some girls who went on the 6,000 mile/march were peasants.

The writer and public intellectual discusses his recent publications, Myron: A Novel, and, Burr, an historical novel about Founding Father, Aaron Burr.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his novel, 1876, and how the political corruption and social atmosphere of the times inspired its plot. Vidal reads several excerpts from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his book, the Eastern philosophy behind it, and its themes on media sensationalism.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing former war correspondent, journalist and author Gloria Emerson.

Author, journalist, and historian Garry Wills discusses his book “Witches and Jesuits.” Wills’ book, and this discussion, focuses on recontextualizing Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in the original setting of 17th century England, informing readers and listeners of how the play would have been received during that time and what exactly makes it a dark tale. Studs plays an English traditional song “Soul Cake” and a clip of a stage performance of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" by Margaret Leighton.

Garry Wills, writer and historian, discusses his book "John Wayne's America: The Politics of Celebrity." He explores the popularity of John Wayne that took him from an actor and made him into an American symbol. He explores how the symbol of John Wayne is used by white male politicians to influence their decisions and how that affected the Vietnam War. Wills gives a biography of John Wayne, including the many influential people in his life such as his working partner, John Ford.

Discussing the book "WLT, A Radio Romance," (published by Viking) with the author and radio host Garrison Keillor. Program also includes excerpts of a 1985 interview.

Studs interview with Garrison Keillor who discusses his books, "Happy To Be Here" and "True Story Of A Young Person" and his New Yorker story, "My North Dakota Railroad Days." The interviews starts with "The Ballad of Casey Jones" and ends with the hymn, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Studs and Keillor read from the "Sam Spade" novel. They also discuss Keillor home of Minneapolis and how his childhood led him to his career.

Discussing the book "Cities on a Hill: A Journey Through Contemporary American Cultures" (published by Simon & Schuster) with the author, journalist Frances FitzGerald. Program includes an excerpt of a June 3, 1986 interview with activist and social worker Maggie Kuhn.