Michael J. Arlen discusses his book Thirty Seconds, published in 1980. He goes on to discuss the advertising agencies and the work that goes into a television commercial. Rebroadcast.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

"Laying Waste: The Poisoning of America by Toxic Chemicals," is Michael H. Brown's study of the Hooker Chemical Company and of toxic waste being dumped into the Love Canal. The toxic chemicals caused some women to suffer miscarriages. Some children were born with deformities, and some people developed cancer.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Michael Frayn reads from his book "At Bay in Gear Street" and how he approaches writing. Oliver Howes, a livery driver, talks about music, his middle class background, and his work;part 1.

Discussing the book "The Broken Cord" (published by Harper & Row) with the author Michael Dorris.

Michael Dorris' book, "A Yellow Raft in Blue Water," is about 3 Native American women: Rayna, Christine and Ida. Dorris said when he started to write the book, he didn't know where it would end up. He further explained that Rayna was originally Raymond but that Dorris liked the character better as a woman.

Three distinguished Chicago poets — Michael Anania, Ralph Mills, and Lisel Mueller — read selections of their work and discuss the art and rhythm of poetry, influences and inspiration, and the power of memory. Includes a recording of Gwendolyn Brooks reading her poem, "The Rites for Cousin Vit."

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “The Color of Dust” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses Midwest history and geography and his own Nebraska roots as influences on the work and its themes of love, war, and social issues. Episode includes relevant music and theatrical recordings, including “Immortality” read by William Jennings Bryan, “Rake and Rambling Boy,” Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love,” “Dust Bowl Refugee” by Woody Guthrie, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “Riversongs” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses the themes of place, transience, and permanence in the Midwest. Episode includes relevant music recordings, including a number of unidentified instrumental recordings and songs by Woody Guthrie, Los Jaivas, and Joni Mitchell.

Michael Anania discusses and reads his from his books of poetry called "The Red Menace" and "The Sky At Ashland". Anania also discusses his life and inspirations. Includes a clip of children speaking about the world and war. Includes a clip of a jazz song called "Lester Leap In" by Count Basie at the end of the program.

Interviewing Shelby Taylor, Paul Goren, Jean Tucker, Paul McCree from Metro High School in Chicago, Ill.

Merce Cunningham, choreographer and John Cage musician and composer speak about music and dance. The two gentlemen discuss with Studs how music and dance come together to create the avant-garde of art in both worlds (music and dance).

The day before their concert performance at North Park College, the Shanghai Quartet was at the WFMT studios. Betty Bucchari explained her job was to search for great musicians that were not well-known. The Li brothers were destined to play the violins, as their parents were music teachers for 15 years.

Ernesto Anaya, Hector Sanchez, José Ávila, Olga Alanís, and Rosalinda Renoso discuss the influence of Mexican culture and history in the music they perform and the instruments they use.

Studs Terkel interviews the members of the Fine Arts Quartet, 1st violin Leonard Sorkin, 2nd violin Abram Loft, viola Gerald Stanick, and cello George Sopkin. The members of Fine Arts Quartet discuss the following: Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge's contributions to chamber music in America, the centennial anniversary of Coolidge's birth, the history of chamber music in America, the nature of their rehearsals, and their performances.

Howard Levy, Stuart Rosenberg, and Johnny Frigo reminisce about their discovery of musical genres that inspired them and discuss the early roots of folk music.