Director John Hirsch discusses and analyzes his interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with Studs Terkel during a party for the Stratford Theater Company. Hirsch calls “Hamlet” a pessimistic play, commenting on Shakespeare’s depiction of society and the nature of the characters. He also says that the play’s complexities allow for several interpretations and understandings of the work, which contributes to his bare and simple production of Hamlet. The two discuss Hirsch’s production of “Mother Courage” and how current events and personal experiences influence Hirsch’s work.

The American radio host discusses his part in the popularization of folk music, the fight against the blacklisting of the 1950s, and the corporatization of media outlets.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing journalist and screenwriter Ring Lardner, Jr. and humorist, author and radio host John Henry Faulk. Both men were blacklisted during Hollywood's anti-Communist campaign of the 1950s.

John Henry Faulk discusses his experience lecturing at so-called knife and fork clubs and colleges across the United States; feelings of fear and powerlessness in America; the value of young people's activism in the United States; and the enlistment of poor men to serve in the Vietnam War. Faulk also speaks as several characters he plays to challenge and comment on the Vietnam War.

Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language.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. American storyteller and radio show host John Henry Faulk discusses his experience lecturing in universities, the value of young people's activism in the United States, and speaks as several characters from his stories.

Folklorist and radio show host John Henry Faulk discusses his book "Fear on Trial," covering his experiences being on the Hollywood blacklist and his lawsuit against AWARE; includes Christmas story at the end of part 2.

Folklorist and radio show host John Henry Faulk discusses his book "Fear on Trial," covering his experiences being on the Hollywood blacklist and his lawsuit against AWARE; includes Christmas story at the end of part 2.

Presenting music with music producer (impresario) John Hammond. The following topics were discussed: various recordings; his encounters with famous jazz musicians; the first time he met Billie Holiday; the song "Strange Fruit"; improvisation; racial reform; Bessie Smith's death; and uniting rural and urban artists. The following musical excerpts were played and have been removed for copyright reasons: "7 Come 11"; "This Years Kisses"; "Lady Be Good"; "Young Woman's Blues"; "What More Can Jesus Do"; and "Piney Brown Blues".

Music producer John Hammond and jazz critic for Down Beat magazine John McDonough discuss: Hammond's career; the artists he worked with; the artists he was the first to sign; social reform; and more. The following musical excerpts are played: "7 Come 11"; "Sauce"; "Talking Union"; "Blowing In the Wind"; "Today I Sing The Blues"; and "Live Embers".

While inside a monastery, John Griffin wrote his book, "The Devil Rides Outside". Griffin talks about the first half of his book - life inside of a monastery. He also talks about how hearing music influences his writing.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book "Leaving Town Alive: Confessions of an Arts Warrior" (published by Houghton Mifflin) with author John Frohnmayer.