Luis Valdez, author of the play, "Zoot Suit," and editor of "Aztlan: An Anthology of Mexican American Literature," discusses the Chicano experience; music by Mexican-American artists is played and discussed throughout the program.

During a visit to London, Studs interviews a 73 year old cab driver in London, who has 50 years on the job. They discuss traffic jams, the elderly and the young, poverty, welfare, and society. Studs also interviews a number of people attending the Tate Gallery's Lichtenstein Exhibition.

While in London, England, Studs Terkel interviews George Curry, a newspaper vendor with a storefront in a hotel. The two discussed Curry’s hometown of Dundee, Scotland and its politics, in addition to London’s current political atmosphere. They also talk about Curry’s political leanings; he is a socialist, and he criticizes England’s immigration policies. Curry comments on his interest in the arts and speaks on stereotypes surrounding the working class. The interview is interrupted intermittently by customers buying their morning paper.

Discussing Maxwell Street with Lew Kreinberg and vendors German (Herman) Leyte, and Nate Duncan.

Author Laurence Shoup discusses his book, "The Carter Presidency and Beyond: Power and Politics in the 1980s," and explains how President Carter came to be elected. He describes the Trilateral Commission and other groups created by corporations and the richest American families to lobby. the government. He also discusses the Carter presidency and his double-dealing with major issues such as unions and regulating big businesses.

Laurel Snyder describes to Studs Terkel her journey into prostitution and her involvement in the organization COYOTE, which advocates for the rights of sex workers and the decriminalization of prostitution.

Both interviews incomplete. King Solomon as Kid Pharaoh, hot dog shop owner in Chicago, and former prize fighter. Mr. Solomon talks about his business and how he has earned his place. He talks about being a gambler, and speaks of being "rough" and receiving his money in an unorthodox manner, "protection" so to speak. The Interview ends abruptly at 13:42. At 13:43 interview begins with Barry Byrne architect and student of the "Prairie Style" talks about his education with Frank Lloyd Wright. He speaks fondly of "father"(Frank Lloyd Wright) and his time studying under him.

Julia Koscis discusses being an immigrant, racism and daily life. She talks with Studs about her fears of African Americans upon arriving at Ellis Island, New York from Hungary, and living closely with them before moving on to Dayton, Ohio. She discusses some of her life before moving to Chicago from Dayton, Ohio.

Julia Koscis discusses living as a single parent family in 1940's Chicago. She discusses her three sons and their working and daily life. She also discussed meeting her second husband.

Jimmy Ray, John Ray, and Henry discuss their personal feelings on a variety of topics including religion, every day life, and what an ideal world looks like.

Studs Terkel discusses the upcoming new play "Of Mice and Men", based on the novel written by John Steinbeck with the starring actors, John Malkovich (Lennie) and Gary Sinise (George). The program begins with the opening excerpt from the play "Of Mice and Men" featuring Terkel (George) and Win Stracke (Lennie) from 1952, which then leads into Malkovich and Sinise's interpretation of the rest of the scene. Folk singer Utah Phillips song "On the Goodnight Loving Trail" is presented as a comparison to themes expressed in "Of Mice and Men".

John Kenneth Galbraith, economist and diplomat, discusses his book, "The Age of Uncertainty," which was being made into a PBS documentary. Galbraith talks about some of the most well-known economists and explains their writings. He explains how many of their ideas have long lasting effects on capitalism the US has today.

Blackey, Kentucky resident, Joe Begley, is all for deep mining and totally against strip mining. Rattlesnakes, explained Begley, are those individuals who come in from other states to destroy the land with their strip mining. Begley also talks about the poor and illiterate of Appalachia, some of whom will get Black lung disease from the coal mines.

Jimmy Ray talks about what he would like a future marriage to look like, music he likes and why, and things he worries about in the country; part 1.