Studs Terkel presents the unveiling of the Chicago Picasso on August 15th, 1967, asking bystanders for their opinion on the new sculpture.

Interviewing at the Saint Mary's Center for Learning, an alternative school on the West Side of Chicago, with students Theresa Gonzales, Joan Perry, Cheryl Petrats and teachers Janice Eritch, Rozelle Nesbit, Sister Elaine Shuster and a parent, Mrs. Lori Waslewski.

Studs Terkel talks with Mr Law, the chief of the miners hospital, and the workers in the mine as he tours the gold mine. He he speaks to the miners about where they are from and talks with them about their jobs.

Discussing the political situation in the Philippines and the human rights organization Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) with Sister Margot Lloran. The TFDP works with the Filipino people to craft a response to militarization.

Discussing the biography, "Unrepentant Radical: An American Activist's Account of Five Turbulent Decades," with the author Sidney Lens.

Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian documentary photographer and photojournalist, converses with Studs about his book "Workers: An Archaeology of the Industrial Age". Mr. Salgado shares stories with Studs of the people he has photographed, and the things he has learned about the perseverance of human nature. Several songs are interspersed;

After being thoroughly disillusioned and disgusted with city life, Scott and Helen Nearing moved to a farm. They talk about homesteading in their book, "Living the Good Life: How to Live Sanely and Simply in a Troubled World". They built their house of stone and they farmed the land. They ate no meat, as they didn't believe in hunting or killing animals. The Nearings hadn't seen a doctor in over 40 years.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

While in town for the Chicago Jazz Festival, Sam Pilafian and Gerhard Meinl discuss the history of the tuba. With demonstrations on the tuba, they play scales and other short pieces. Gerhard Meinl's family business of making instruments like the tuba has been around since 1810, explained Meinl.

This is the Labor Day Program. The newsboy doesn't mind his job except when dealing with people who are mean to him or when people owe him money. The farmer recalls being so poor he was born in a cotton sack out in the farm fields because his parents couldn't afford a hospital stay. The waitress has been serving people for 24 years. She said she needed money quickly and cash tips came in handy. The truck driver likes his job because he says it's something different everyday and there's a sense of accomplishment with what he does.

Oliver Howes discusses his thoughts on racism in England, his daily life, and what he wants out of life. Audio is distorted from 15:39 to 35:42; part 2.

Nick Cherniavsky and Barbara (Bobbe) Herndon share their work of collecting oral histories of the coal miners of Southern Illinois who were members of the Progressive Mine Workers of America during the 1930s. The following oral history segments are played: Frank Bertetti, Joe Ozanic, Jack Battuello, James (Jim) Hopley, and Irene Allard.

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.

Ironworker and writer Mike Cherry discusses his book, "On High Steel: The Education of an Ironworker."

Michael Frayn reads from his book "At Bay in Gear Street" and how he approaches writing. Oliver Howes, a livery driver, talks about music, his middle class background, and his work;part 1.