Studs Terkel discusses the transportation of students for school integration with psychologist Thomas J. Cottle. The main topic of conversation is Cottle's book, "Busing" (1976, Boston, MA, Beacon Press). Terkel and Cottle discuss busing in several cities, focusing on Boston, MA, where Cottle did his research and writing. They each read passages from the book, and discuss the relationship between busing and racism in America.

In schools, reading, writing and speech are all on the decline because there are too many visual images from the TV, according to Neil Postman’s book, “Teaching as a Conserving Activity”. Postman criticized “Sesame Street” for its instantaneity. There are no short cuts in teaching, said Postman. He believed the worst thing a teacher could do was to make teaching entertaining for their students.

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.