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.

Members of John F. Kennedy's administration are featured in David Halberstam's book, "The Best and the Brightest." Halberstam points out the irony of the title, as some in the administration may not have been the best or the brightest.  As a result of their bad decisions, America got tangled up in the Vietnam War.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.

Writer Dan Wakefield discusses his book “Between the Lines,” his relationship with C. Wright Mills, and his career. Wakefield reads the epigraph from his book.

The outspoken reporter, critic, and commentator joins Studs to discuss his book, The Trouble with Nowadays: A Curmudgeon Strikes Back.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Clancy Sigal and Studs Terkel discuss Sigal’s book “Zone of the Interior” and the role that schizophrenia plays in it. Both Sigal and Terkel read excerpts from Sigal’s book.

This interview is a follow up, four years later, to the first interview with these women (1965115-3-1)

Christine Fox, Annie Merrill and Jennie Wilkes discuss sexism in the television industry, their upbringings, and what life is like in England for young women. This is the first of two interviews, four years apart, with these women. 1965631-3-1 is the follow up.

Carl Bernstein's parents had always hoped that government would be used to better the lives of the American people. Bernstein's book, "Loyalties: A Son's Memoir," happened as a result of his parents being accused of being disloyal and of being communists. The book also covers Bernstein's relationship with his father.

Washington Post journalists discuss their book "All the President's Men" about breaking the Watergate scandal.

Writer Calvin Trillin talks about his book “Third Helpings” and different regional foods and the ethnicities that influence them. Both Studs Terkel and Calvin Trillin read excerpts from Trillin’s book, and a soundbite from the former Commissioner of Immigration, Leonel Castillo, is played.

Writer Calvin Trillin discusses his book “Killings” and the murder cases included in the book. Trillin also reads a poem written by one of the victims.