Win Stracke, Bill Adelman, and Bill Neebe discusses the Haymarket Riot and the following trials and hangings which changed the labor movement around the world. The group discusses the American labor movement and police brutality that led to the protest and the eventual accusal of eight men. They also explore the roles George Pullman, Marshall Field, and the police force played and how they used the protest to weed out union leaders they did not like. The group briefly discusses the future of the labor movement.

Discussing the biography, "Unrepentant Radical: An American Activist's Account of Five Turbulent Decades," with the author Sidney Lens.

Robert Borisage, founder of the Center for National Security Studies, and Richard Criley, part of the Alliance to End Repression, talk about government spying on citizens and the constitutionality of it. The pair talk about corruption in the CIA and FBI and how new laws can help curb the issues. They also explain the S.1 - Criminal Justice Reform Act 94th Congress (1975-1976).

Pauline Kael (National Book award winner) discusses contemporary films and her recent publications. Much of the conversation is focused on Stanley Kubrick's work and the role of violence in movies.

Author Laurence Shoup discusses his book, "The Carter Presidency and Beyond: Power and Politics in the 1980s," and explains how President Carter came to be elected. He describes the Trilateral Commission and other groups created by corporations and the richest American families to lobby. the government. He also discusses the Carter presidency and his double-dealing with major issues such as unions and regulating big businesses.

Mr. Paulei talks with Studs about the air traffic controllers strike in 1980 and subsequent firing of over 1000 air traffic controllers. They discuss what a normal shift as an air traffic controller consists of, and the unions reasons for the strike in 1980.

Jeanne Stellman discusses her book, "Work Is Dangerous to Your Health: A Handbook of Health Hazards in the Workplace and What You Can Do About Them," and workplace safety issues in a variety of industries. Topics of discussion include the importance of prioritizing health in the workplace and consulting workers on workplace safety issues, and industry responses to occupational hazards.

Jadwiga Lopez and Andrew Patner discuss Poland and tell stories about their latest visits before and during the Poland Crisis of 1980-1981. Topics discussed include the economic hardships, food shortages, the Solidarity Union, politics, and the arts. Parts of polish music is played at the start and end.

Ira B. Harkey discusses the south, civil rights, race relations, racism, his newspaper, and his career. Includes Ira Harkey reading his writing from his newspaper the Mississippi "Chronicle-Star."

Author Francine du Plessix Gray discusses and reads from her book “Soviet Women: Walking the Tightrope.” The discussion is heavily focused on the feminist movement in Russia as it compares to the 1960s feminist movement in the United Sates; as Gray states the Russian movement being much more radical in terms of free love, eroticism, and artistic expression. Studs plays "Chastushki" - Zinaida Kozakova (1961).

Union official Ed Sadlowski, along with Joe Gutierrez, discusses the changing culture and values of union workers, their families, and management with Studs Terkel.

Marlene and Ed Sadlowski talk about their blue collar Chicago backgrounds, hopes for improving labor workers conditions, and Ed's underdog 2 to 1 victory to become the Director of the largest steel union's district.

Studs Terkel speaks with writer and economist Derek Shearer about the book “Economic Democracy: The Challenge of the 1980s,” which Shearer co-authored with Martin Carnoy. Terkel and Shearer also discuss workers’ rights and equality in economics. Shearer reads a few excerpts from his book as well as a quote from labor leader Sidney Hillman.

Chicago playwright and actress Cindy Caponera discusses and acts out portions of her one-woman show "Against the Grain." Caponera’s show features three soliloquies delivered by different family members of a Chicago fireman in which themes of masculinity, labor rights, and family dynamics are explored. Studs plays "Ace in the Hole" - Johnny Mathis (1961).