Excerpts from different episodes of "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression". Bonnie Laboring Boy: Joe Morrison talks about generational differences in laborers. Evelyn Finn talks about trying to unionize at clothing factories. Two Strikes: Jose Yglesias talks about strikes in cigar factories and the lifelong stigmas of strikebreakers. Bob Stinson discusses working at General Motors and the sit-down strike. The Farmer is the Man: Oscar Heline explains farmer's actions in response to farm foreclosures.

The acting and teaching couple discuss their Five Stories project - a theater production which draws on works by Chekhov, Faulkner, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and James Joyce. This program also includes a clip of William Faulkner speaking.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing comedy, humor, and politics with comedian Mort Sahl, upon the publication of his book, Heartland. Includes a clip from Studs' interview with Sahl in 1960.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs talks with the cast of Trevor Griffin's Comedians about their production at the Wisdom Bridge Theater. Includes clips from the British music hall performer Max Miller (as The Cheeky Chappie).*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The cast members of Richard Howard's Two-Part Inventions at the Goodman Theater discuss Edith Wharton and a meeting between Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Lisa Sergio was known as the "Golden Voice of Rome" for her radio broadcasts in French, English, and Italian in Italy from 1932-1937. Sergio also worked as a translator of Benito Mussolini's speeches.

Program includes excerpts from Shepherd's comedy albums.