Author George Keithley describes his process for researching and composing the long narrative poem, The Donner Party.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Journalist, novelist, and historian George Feifer discusses his book “Tennozan,” focusing on Okinawa Island during World War II and the impact of the atomic bomb. Includes a 20 second test tone. Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.

Before admittance, 17 members of the Illinois Bar Association asked George Anastaplo two questions. Should people in the Communist Party be allowed to practice law, to which Anastaplo answered yes. The members then asked Anastaplo if he was a member of the party. Anastaplo refused to answer that question because he deemed it an improper question for the Bar to ask. Anastaplo himself argued his case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The American Bar Association asked George Anastaplo if he was a Communist. Anastaplo refused to answer the question because he believed the Bar shouldn't have asked the question and knowing the answer was none of their business.

Greek songs about history, freedom and the Greek people are covered in this interview with George Anagnastopoulous. Greek songs are played throughout and both George and Studs read the English translations of the songs.

Terkel interview author Geoffrey Wolff about his latest book. Entitled "Black Sun," it is a biography of Harry Crosby.

Geoffrey Bridson and his wife Joyce, discuss his book "Prospero and Ariel: The rise and fall of radio a personal recollection.", as well as his life and career as a producer/broadcaster for BBC radio. The interview is interspersed with several excerpts from recordings: Excerpt of conversation at the home of Bridsons in England 1962. He talks about the play "Aarons field" and the sequel "Aarons Fallout shelter". Excerpt from Joyce Bridson backstage after the play "Oh what a lovely war" in New York.

Garson Kanin discusses his book "Hollywood: Stars and Starlets, Tycoons, Moviemakers, Frauds, Hopefuls, Great Lovers", published in 1967.

Author, journalist, and historian Garry Wills discusses his book “Witches and Jesuits.” Wills’ book, and this discussion, focuses on recontextualizing Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in the original setting of 17th century England, informing readers and listeners of how the play would have been received during that time and what exactly makes it a dark tale. Studs plays an English traditional song “Soul Cake” and a clip of a stage performance of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" by Margaret Leighton.

Garry Wills, writer and historian, discusses his book "John Wayne's America: The Politics of Celebrity." He explores the popularity of John Wayne that took him from an actor and made him into an American symbol. He explores how the symbol of John Wayne is used by white male politicians to influence their decisions and how that affected the Vietnam War. Wills gives a biography of John Wayne, including the many influential people in his life such as his working partner, John Ford.

Garry Davis, an international peace activist and founder of the World Government Authority, discusses his philosophy on world peace and his stance on being a world citizen.

Discussing the book "WLT, A Radio Romance," (published by Viking) with the author and radio host Garrison Keillor. Program also includes excerpts of a 1985 interview.

Studs interview with Garrison Keillor who discusses his books, "Happy To Be Here" and "True Story Of A Young Person" and his New Yorker story, "My North Dakota Railroad Days." The interviews starts with "The Ballad of Casey Jones" and ends with the hymn, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Studs and Keillor read from the "Sam Spade" novel. They also discuss Keillor home of Minneapolis and how his childhood led him to his career.

Gar Alperovitz, historian, writer, and political economist, discusses the bombing of Hiroshima, the Potsdam Conference, and the American confrontation with Soviet power.