Discussing the book "Twentieth century journey: 1930-1940" with the author William Shirer.

Investigative journalist William Shawcross speaks with Studs Terkel about Cambodia, Henry Kissinger, and Shawcross’ book, “Sideshow: Kissinger, Nixon and the Destruction of Cambodia.” Both Terkel and Shawcross read excerpts from Shawcross’ book and Terkel reads an excerpt from an interview Henry Kissinger did with reporter Theo Summer.

Wilfred Burchett (an Australian journalist) discusses his journalism career. He was reporting conflicts in Asia (North Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan) and their Communist supporters. He speaks briefly about his experiences in Nazi Germany and concentration camps. Towards the end of the interview he talks about his interest in learning and reporting more about the new euro-communism (prominent in Italy, Spain and France).

Tribute to Bill Leonard

Studs Terkel and Tom Wolfe discuss Wolfe's recent work. At the time of the interview, Wolfe had recently released "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test", his chronicle of Ken Kesey and his colleagues, and a collection of articles, "The Pump House Gang".

Studs Terkel and Tom Wolfe discuss Wolfe's recent work. At the time of the interview, Wolfe had recently released "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test", his chronicle of Ken Kesey and his colleagues, and a collection of articles, "The Pump House Gang".

Discussing the book "Convention" with the author Richard Reeves.

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

Nicholas Van Hoffman discusses the characters of his novel, "Two Three Many More" about campus protests against the Vietnam War. Political viewpoints, regulations, and character analysis are discussed. Von Hoffman opens the interview with a reading from the opening of the book that mentions peace, solidarity, and disunity. Terkel and Von Hoffman read excerpts together from the book.

With his book, "A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam", Neil Sheehan wanted to tell what happened in Vietnam and why it happened through telling the story of Lt. Colonel John Paul Vann. Sheehan said Vann had a keen sense of reality. Vann knew if they didn't change the Saigon government into something decent that would appeal to its own people, they'd never succeed at anything other than getting American soldiers killed for nothing. Although readers will find painful experiences in the book, Sheehan explained that his book is not an anti-war book.

Studs Terkel speaks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about their respective books “A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam” and “Is There No Place on Earth for Me?” Further discussion is had about journalism and Neil and Susan’s collaborations together. Audio clips of when Neil Sheehan and Susan Sheehan were previously on Terkel’s program are played.

Studs Terkel talks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about objective and responsible journalism, as well as what can influence a news story. A sound bite of photographer Jerome Zerbe is played where Zerbe discusses taking photos of the upper class during the Great Depression. Another sound bite is played of a man named Joe Begley discussing how laws created during the Great Depression should have met the needs of the people better.

Discussing the book "Observations from a Treadmill" and interviewing the author My (pseudonym).

Mike Royko discusses his book "Up Against It" which is a collection of early columns from the Chicago Daily News. The topic in his columns varies from machine politicians and gangsters to professional athletes, from well-heeled Chicagoans to down-and-out hoodlums.