Milton Mayer discusses the state of U.S. education and the educational ideas of Robert Hutchins.

Milton Mayer, journalist and educator, talks with Studs about Quakerism. They talk about how religion relates to society in the times of change. Mr Mayer describes an exchange with a gentleman who asked what is a Quaker. The man had been an SS officer who told Mr Mayer his story. The man had been touched by the anonymous generosity of the Quakers many years before. Mr Mayer speaks of A. J. Musty, clergyman and political activist as his mentor and friend, and the things he learned from him.

Chicago journalists Mike Royko, Dick Griffin, and Rob Warden discuss and read from the book “Done in a Day: 100 Years of Great Writing from the Chicago Daily News.” The group discusses prominent journalists featured in this book including Robert J. Casey and Ellen Warren. Studs plays "The Moon Shines on the Moonshine" - Bert Williams (1920) and "Elanoy" - Win Stracke (1958).

Chicago newspaper columnist Mike Royko discusses his book "Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago" and its subject, former Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley.

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.

Mike Royko, long time journalist of Chicago, discusses his column about William O. Douglas. Royko also talks about his column about Jim Lee Osborne, who moved from the Appalachians to Chicago. Studs and other staff members read the articles by Royko and some responses he received from the public.

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.

Chicago humorist and newspaper columnist for the Chicago Daily News, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Chicago Tribune, Mike Royko, goes over his past writings. Reflections include Royko's daily column, which covered race relations, politics, the Chicago Cubs, and life in Chicago. Together, Lois Baum and Studs Terkel read one of Royko's articles aloud.

Author-journalist Mike Royko's book, "I May Be Wrong, but I Doubt It" includes 65-70 of Royko's past articles. Royko talks about how his columns come to life. Never having been one to sit in an office, he talks about going out into the world to get the story and to report the facts. Royko includes a funny tale about the word, "clout," in his book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

In a rare turn of events, Mike Royko and Herman Kogan interview Studs Terkel about his book, "Division Street: America." Kogan is in awe of how Studs was able to get people to talk to him and give in-depth interviews. When asked by Royko, "What would you do if you were God?", Studs answered that he'd let man be man.

Studs, author-journalist Mike Royko and Cathy Zmuda discuss and read from Mike's 1973 collection, "Slats Grobnik and Some Other Friends". First half are Slats Grobnik tales; the second half features a variety of columns by Royko. Musical excerpts include the songs "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt", "Ma, He Wants to Marry Me", "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)", "Sweet and Low", "America The Beautiful". "Go 'Way From My Window" (performers uncredited).

Journalist and photographer Michael O’Sullivan discusses the IRA and civil strife in Northern Ireland. O’Sullivan plays several of his tape recordings, including news coverage clips and interviews with IRA organizers and Irish civilians. Studs plays recordings of traditional Irish pub music. *Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

"Laying Waste: The Poisoning of America by Toxic Chemicals," is Michael H. Brown's study of the Hooker Chemical Company and of toxic waste being dumped into the Love Canal. The toxic chemicals caused some women to suffer miscarriages. Some children were born with deformities, and some people developed cancer.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The interview begins with Mr Olson reading the first 3 paragraphs of his book. McKinley Olson discusses the dangers of atomic energy plants and the book "Unacceptable Risk: The Nuclear Power Controversy." Mr Olson describes several forms of alternative/renewable energy sources as a safe replacement of nuclear energy.

Euthanasia is the topic of Marya Mannes' book, "Last Rights: A Case for the Good Death". With cases of terminally ill patients, Mannes advocates having compassion and allowing one to chose a good and gentle death.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations