Bruno Bettelheim discusses his book "The Empty Fortress: Infantile Autism and the Birth of the Self," and his theories on Autism, the cause of and how to treat the disorder.

Bruno Bettelheim discusses his book "Love is Not Enough: The Treatment of Emotionally Disturbed Children". He discusses his theories on treating "emotionally disturbed" children and he speaks about The Orthogenic School for Emotionally Disturbed Children where he is the director.

Studs Terkel plays a variety of audio clips pertaining to the concepts of life and mankind destroying itself. The audio clips featured are from various established and respected writers, social leaders, and musicians.

Bob Sandidge and Kathy Smith discuss a documentary film directed by Sandidge about a mock ward experiment at the Illinois State Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. The documentary investigates the experiences of hospital staff who participated in an experiment in which some of them were hospital staff and others were patients. Topics of discussion in the interview include the ways that institutionalization shapes behavior and how the experiences influence the way participants believe patients should be treated.

Studs interview with Basil Davidson, Africanologist, about his book, "Lost Cities of Africa." The interview takes place in Barnes, London. They touch on African culture, history, and civilization.

Arnold A. Hutschnecker, a doctor with specialization in psychiatry, talks about his book, "The Drive For Power." He explores mental illness and its negative connotation. He explores how people who look for power tend to need mental help, but that the negative stigma around it tends to make them shy away, which leads to national aggravation and war. He also recalls his meetings with Richard Nixon from before he was president and how continued help may have changed the Vietnam War.