Writer Gore Vidal discusses his novel “1876” and how the political corruption and social atmosphere of the 1870s inspired its plot. Vidal reads several excerpts from the book. The song, “Tilden and Reform,” is played.

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his book “Myra Breckinridge,” the central characters of the book, and some of his previous work. Vidal reads excerpts from “Myra Breckinridge.” The songs “Crucifixion” by Jim & Jean and “Prisoner Numero 9” by Volutia are played. Additionally, Lily Kraus performs the 3rd Movement from Mozart’s Allegro number 15.

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 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. The song "I Ride an Old Paint" is played at the. start and end of the interview.

Discussing steelworkers and interviewing Ed Sadlowski of the United Steelworkers of America and Ted Smolarek.

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.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Charles M. Hardin, political science professor, discusses his book, "Presidential Power and Accountability: Toward a New Constitution." Hardin discusses presidents from Roosevelt to Nixon and explores political parties and the Constitution and the role both play in the American Government. He explains his studies in political science and how he has come to believe that the Constitution should be re-written and creating more political parties could limit presidential powers, which he believes could cause problems in the future.

Washington Post journalists discuss their book "All the President's Men" about breaking the Watergate scandal.

Discussing the book "Uncivil liberties" with the author Calvin (Bud) Trillin.

Discussing "Jesse Jackson, the Man, the Movement, the Myth" and interviewing the author Barbara Reynolds.

Arnold A. Hutschnecker, a doctor with specialization in psychiatry, talks about his book, "The Drive For Power." He explores mental illness and its negative connotation. He explores how people who look for power tend to need mental help, but that the negative stigma around it tends to make them shy away, which leads to national aggravation and war. He also recalls his meetings with Richard Nixon from before he was president and how continued help may have changed the Vietnam War.

British writer and journalist, Anthony Sampson discusses his book, "The Sovereign State of ITT". Mr Sampson converses with Studs about the book, the ITT(International Telephone and Telegraph) Corporation and the weakening of the authority of traditional national governments by the multinational corporations/conglomerates. Mr Sampson, speaks in-depth about Harold Geneen the President CEO of ITT, and his involvement in collusion with the GOP and Richard Nixon to avoid an anti-trust lawsuit with large campaign contributions.