Discussing the book "Homestead: The Glory and Tragedy of an American Steel Town" (published by Times Books) with the author, journalist William Serrin.

Presenting "Hard Times: An oral history of the great depression": "Bonnie laboring boy" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn and Jose Yglesias (program V).

Discussing the book "American journey" with the journalist-author Richard Reeves.

Poor people, welfare, and egalitarianism are among the topics in Richard Elman's book, "The Poorhouse State: The American Way of Life on Public Assistance."  Elman shares some people's individual stories and he points out the problems with the system.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Pierre Burton, Canadian writer and journalist, discusses his book “The Impossible Railway,” touching on topics including the significance of the Canadian Pacific Railway, poor labor conditions on the railway, and differences between America and Canada. Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Peter Lyon discusses the book "Success Story: The Life and Times of S. S. McClure." Includes recitation of "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan.

Paul Wilkes discusses his book "Trying Out the Dream : a Year in the Life of an American Family", published in 1973 and the suburban life style of a white American family in the seventies.

Discussing the book "Angry middle-aged man" with Pat Watters.

Mike Royko, a long-time journalist in Chicago, discusses some of his most popular columns. Topics include Cook County Hospital's lack of air conditioning in surgery rooms, the future of workers, and the Civil Right's Movement. The responsiblities of journalists and the effect of newspapers are also discussed.

Marya Mannes discusses her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Marya Mannes talks about her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Author and journalist Mark Singer discusses and reads from his book “Funny Money.” This book, and interview, documents the events of the Penn Square Bank failure. Studs plays "Easy Come, Easy Go" - Johnny Green and His Orchestra (1934) and "Patriotic Diggers" - John Allison (ca. 1800).

Discussing the book "A Passion of Poland: From Solidarity Through the State of War" with the author Lawrence Weschler.