The British poet takes on the 1981 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas as the setting for his book, The Biggest Game in Town. He and Studs talk about the many people that inhabit Las Vegas at any given time - the tourists, the gamblers, the professional poker players, and everyone else.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Alfred Alvarez, poet and author, talks about his new book, "The Savage God," and how depression and suicide affects people. He talks about his past experience with his friend Sylvia Plath and the end of her life. The two men also discuss the history of suicide including the Greeks, Judas, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Alvarez also talks about famous artists who have committed suicide and why the 20th century may have caused so many suicides. Alvarez reads the opening passage and epilogue of his book.