Interviewing Scharmel Iris reading excerpts from his "Spanish earth"

Sandra Lieb discusses the book "Mother of the Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey." Includes songs sung by Ma Rainey such as "Runaway Blues," "See See Rider," "Moonshine Blues," and "Oh, Papa Blues." Includes poem "Ma Rainey" by Sterling Brown. Includes "Oh, Daddy," by Ethel Waters. Includes "Young Woman's Blues" by Bessie Smith.

Sandra Cisneros sits down with Studs Terkel and provides behind the scenes commentary on poems from her new book "My Wicked Wicked Ways." She provides an enlightening history to them. "Curtains," "Velorio," "Arturo Burro," "I Told Susan Reyna," "Traficante," "In a redneck bar down the street," The Poet Reflects on Her Solitary Fate," "His Story," "Letter to Ilona from the South of France," "New Year's Eve" have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Sam Levenson discusses comedy and talks about his family life. He talks about the social push to get the children "off the corner" and how the roles in a traditional family have changed.

Humanitarian and author Sally Trench discusses her book “Bury Me in My Boots,” her work with the homeless communities in England, her journeys, and her belief in self-help with Studs Terkel. Both Trench and Terkel read an excerpt from Trench’s book “Bury Me in My Boots.”

Humanitarian and author Sally Trench discusses her book “Bury Me in My Boots,” her work with the homeless communities in England, her journeys, and her belief in self-help with Studs Terkel. Terkel reads an excerpt from Trench’s book “Bury Me in My Boots.”

Author and pianist Russell Sherman discusses his book “Piano Pieces” and the philosophical concepts associated with listening to and playing music. Sherman plays a selection of compositions in the studio.

Political science professor and author Russell Barrett discusses and reads excerpts from his book, “Integration at Ole Miss.” He examines the legal challenges, apathy, and aggression that contributed to the build up of racial tensions leading to the enrollment of the University of Mississippi’s first black student — James Meredith — and the resulting riots and violence. Includes a recording of the Chad Mitchell Trio singing "Alma Mater (About Ole Miss)."*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Lies, violence and history repeating itself are all topics covered in Russell Banks' book, "Affliction." Banks points out that his novel is about the men's complicated attempt to transcend their burdens.

Back in his day, there was no journalism school, explained Russell Baker. He spent time with the police and that's how he often got his stories about the underclass or the superfluous. Baker pointed out when a paper didn't want to print one of his stories, Baker was told the subject matter was in poor taste.

The writer, speaker, and humorist discusses his book, One Fell Soup: or I'm Just a Bug on the Windshield of Life.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Art historian Roxana Robinson discusses and reads from her book “Georgia O'Keeffe: A Life.” Robinson discusses the different eras of painting O’Keeffe went through during her lifetime and the outside forces that inspired these changes in subject matter, such as her attending the Art Students League of New York, her moving to Santa Fe, and her relationship with Alfred Stieglitz. Studs plays “Tosca, Act II: Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” - Renata Tebaldi, George London, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli (1959).

Author Ross Miller discusses his latest work, which centers around Chicago and the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire and its effects on rebuilding the metropolis and the advantages of gaining a new take on architecture and society.

Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.