Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. Taylor Branch discusses his book "Parting the Waters," touching on topics including the impact of Martin Luther King Jr., the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the March on Washington. Includes excerpts from interviews with Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia Jackson, E. D. Nixon, Rosa Parks, and Myles Horton.

Interviewing journalist and author Robert Caro about his book "The Years of Lyndon Johnson: volume two: Means of ascent," which details seven years of Lyndon Johnson’s life in the House of Representatives as he tries to climb the political ladder.

According to Richard Barnet's book, "The Rockets' Red Glare: When America Goes to War: The Presidents and the People," most people kept to themselves and didn't talk to one another about anything. Barnet talks about how the government would use propaganda to get people interested and thus backing the government with going to war.

In the book, "By the Bomb's Early Light: American Thought and Culture at the Dawn of the Atomic Age," Paul Boyer covers people's feelings and attitudes after the bomb was dropped in Hiroshima. Boyer admits he, himself, when he was a young boy, he sent away for a free atomic ring that was being advertised. The program includes an excerpt of David Lilienthal talking.

Discussing the book "Who Built America?: Working People and the Nation's Economy, Politics, Culture and Society," (published by Pantheon) with one of the authors, Stephen Brier.

Discussing the book "Backfire: A History of How American Culture Lead Us Into Vietnam and Made Us Fight The Way We Did," (published by W. Morrow) with the author Loren Baritz.

Journalist, novelist, and historian George Feifer discusses his book “Tennozan,” focusing on Okinawa Island during World War II and the impact of the atomic bomb. Includes a 20 second test tone. Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.