Family and family secrets like Ms. Nelson's bout with alcoholism or her sister's mental health issues are covered in the book. Working for the Washington Post, she thought would be the highlight of her career, however, she talks about losing her journalistic integrity while working at that environment.

James and Ann Harper join Studs Terkel to discuss their personal stories and the work of their social center called Save the Alcoholic, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. James discusses his struggle with alcoholism and how his experiences influence the mission of Save the Alcoholic. Ann says its often hard to work with “Skid row alcoholics,” but ultimately, they both believe it’s important to help those who are alienated by society, despite their frustrations.

The biographer gives Studs some insight into the research that went into his book, Malcolm Lowry: A Biography.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Dr. Jan Fawcett and Marcella McGuire discuss alcoholism, its connection with mental health, and current practices for treatment. Studs plays "Father's a Drunkard and Mother is Dead" - E.A. Parkhurst (1866).