David Mamet discusses his play Glengarry Glen Ross. Includes two scenes from the play recited by both David Mamet and Studs Terkel.

Studs interviews David Lowe about his book, "Chicago Interiors." Studs begins the interview with John Carpenter’s “Skyscrapers.” Studs leaf’s through the book as they discuss various photos and Lowe describes the history of various structures from the book that includes Chicago history. They discuss the history of architecture in Chicago and highlight various famous architects. Lowe explains how the industrial revolution, foreign countries and the Chicago fire all influenced Chicago architecture.

When looking at the set design, David Hockney, doesn’t want the viewer to see a tree but to see “tree-ness”. A true fan of music, but Hockney reveals that he is unable to paint if there’s music playing in the background. Hockney said it’s important to stay for more than opening night of “Turandot”. To see the opera on different nights, from different seats in the audience, allows him to make his current work and/or future work better. Program also includes an excerpt of an interview with British poet Stephen Spender 4:56 to 5:51.

According to David Hockney, all photographs have perspective in them. With pictures, there is no time and there are no close ups, said Hockney. As for a picture on the television, Hockney said a picture of grief stricken poverty can bring on an emotional toll but then because the next picture of image appears, we immediately forget about the poverty image.

Interviewing poet David Hernandez.

History, genocide, human rights and Amnesty International are all topics of this interview with David Hawk. Solutions to the problems in Cambodia are presented by Hawk, too. There is also an excerpt from Studs Terkel's conversation with William Shawcross.

David Hamlin, author and former Executive Director of ACLU, discusses his book "The Nazi/Skokie Conflict: A Civil Liberties Battle." Hamlin talks about Frank Collin, a jewish man turned leader of American Nazi Party leader and the court battle over the right to demonstrate in Skokie, Illinois. He also talks about the retaliation against the ALCU for defending Collin's case in court. At the end of the interview, Hamlin gives some advice on how to deal with people like Frank Collin.

David Halberstam, writer and historian, talks about his book, "The Fifties." The conversation includes Brown v. Board of Education, atomic weapons, the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, consumerism, birth control, suburbs, television and the start of the counterculture. Halberstam reads several passages from his book.

Members of John F. Kennedy's administration are featured in David Halberstam's book, "The Best and the Brightest." Halberstam points out the irony of the title, as some in the administration may not have been the best or the brightest.  As a result of their bad decisions, America got tangled up in the Vietnam War.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Biologist, natural historian, and author David Attenborough discusses his book and upcoming television series “Life on Earth.” The book, show, and this interview focus on discussing the evolution of life.

Dave Dellinger, activist, discusses his book, "More Power Than We Know: The People's Movement Toward Democracy." Dillinger describes his thoughts and past experiences with non-violent protesting. He recalls his experiences with the police during Vietnam War protests and the Trialrial of the Chicago . He also discusses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other well-known protesters.

Discussing the book "Subscribe Now!: Building Arts Audiences Through Dynamic Subscription Promotion" (published by Theatre Communications Groups) with the author, audience development consultant Danny Newman.

Daniel Yergin, author and economic historian, discusses his book, "Shattered Peace: The Origins of the Cold War and the National Security State." He explains the key players in the Cold War and his thoughts on the Yalta and Riga Axioms. Yergin also explores the end of World War II and other events that led to the tensions between US and the Soviet Union.

Who were these ordinary people who killed and what made them do what they did are among the questions answered in Daniel Goldhagen's book, "Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust". Jews were in league with the devil and their alleged evil came from their biology. It was believed, for the good of the country, to get rid of the German threat, the Jews had to be exterminated, according to Goldhagen.