Discussing the book "Archibald MacLeish: An American Life" (published by Houghton Mifflin) with the author Scott Donaldson.

Benny Goodman was one of 12 children and when he was little, his father took him to a synagogue where he learned to play the clarinet. Ross Firestone's book, "Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman" is full of information about the musician. Goodman was a perfectionist, always wanting to better at his craft. According to Firestone, as a band leader, Goodman never thanked any musicians that played for him or with him.

Past radio transcripts of former President Ronald Reagan were being hidden or suppressed. Ronnie Dugger worked tirelessly at getting the transcripts so that people would learn the truth about Reagan. In Dugger’s book, “On Reagan: The Man & His Presidency,” Dugger points out that President Reagan was against the ERA. He didn’t believe in anti-trust, and he opposed every civil rights act every placed in front of him. Dugger said Reagan’s genius was that he’d get elected without people knowing of his records.

Discussing the book "Doing Battle: The Making of a Skeptic" (published by Little Brown) with author Paul Fussell.

Discussing American photographer Diane Arbus (the first American photographer to have photographs displayed at the Venice Biennale) with Patricia Bosworth, author of Diane Arbus: A Biography, published in 1985.

Martin Duberman, historian and biographer, discusses his latest work which focuses on the singer, actor, and political activist Paul Robeson. Robeson was known for his performance in Showboat and Emperor Jones.

Discussing the book "Jesse: The Life and Pilgrimage of Jesse Jackson" (published by Random House) with the author, journalist Marshall Frady.

According to Jack Newfield's book, "Robert Kennedy: A Memoir," Robert Kennedy spent a good part of his first 38 years of life in service to his brother. Robert was JFK's campaign manager, advisor, and Attorney General. Objectivity and seeking the truth as a journalist is also discussed in the interview.

Discussing "The Damnedest Radical: The Life and World of Ben Reitman, Chicago's Celebrated Social Reformer, Hobo King, and Whorehouse Physician," (published by University of Illinois Press) with the author Roger Bruns.

Discussing the book "A Second Look In the Rear-View Mirror: Further Autobiographical Reflections of a Philosopher at Large" (published by Macmillan) with the author Mortimer Adler. Program includes an excerpt of a September 21, 1959 interview with Robert Hutchins.

Discussing "It Ain't Necessarily So: An Autobiography" (published by Grove) with the author, musician Larry Adler.

Discussing the book "Damon Runyan," (published by Ticknor & Fields) with the author Jimmy Breslin.