Thor Heyerdahl, an adventurer and ethnographer, discusses his newly published book, "The Ra Expeditions." He talks about his adventures sailing from Africa to South America on the ships "Ra" and "Ra II" which were made from papyrus. Heyerdahl explains the trial and error he had getting the papyrus reeds, building the ship, and sailing. Briefly the two discuss environmental concerns with the ocean. Heyerdahl also talks about ancient peoples and their cultures and technologies they used. Near the end of the interview Thor reads a passage of his book.

Discussing prejudice in communities with Dr. St. Clair Drake and Dr. Paul Mundy. They discuss stereotypes, racism, and race relations.

Live musical performance by Smokey Stewart and Jaye Stevens

Interviewing African film maker Ousmane Sembene. Interpreted and translated by Jim Spiegler.

Oria and Iain Douglas-Hamilton discuss their lives among the elephants at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. They talk about the elephant life-cycle and the elephant social behavior. The two also discuss conservation and preservation of elephants across Africa.

Discussing the book "Divine Days" (published by Another Chicago Press) with author Leon Forrest.

Discussing African drums, African music, and John Chernoff's book "African Rhythm and African Sensibility" with John Chernoff and Eric Rucker. Includes John Chernoff and Eric Rucker playing the drums. Includes an earlier interview clip of two drummers battling from the island of Silan.

John Baldwin talks about his book "The Evidence of Things Not Seen" in which discusses the Wayne Williams Atlanta child murders of 1979-1981. This record is part of the Studs Terkel Almanac.

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.

British historian and writer Basil Davidson discusses Africa and his book "Lost Cities of Africa." Part 1. Part two of this recording also features Anne Graham Bell and Tony Mott discussing London's youth while Studs was in England. They are not included here, in part 1.