Studs Terkel talks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about objective and responsible journalism, as well as what can influence a news story. A sound bite of photographer Jerome Zerbe is played where Zerbe discusses taking photos of the upper class during the Great Depression. Another sound bite is played of a man named Joe Begley discussing how laws created during the Great Depression should have met the needs of the people better.

Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.

Studs interviews Ned Rorem about his work and book "An Absolute Gift." Rorem discusses his work and how his Quaker background has influenced his work. He reflects on poets and other composers. Rorem shares the people and events that have influenced him and the arts. The musical recordings are not included in this edited version of the original.

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

Ned Goldberg, Bertice MacDonald, Alan D. Wade discuss social work, Jane Addams and the War on Poverty. Wade's article "What Would Jane Addams Do?" led the conversation. The three panelists are part of the National Association of Social Workers.

Julie Nadelhoffer and Illinois naturalist May Theilgaard Watts discuss the changing landscape of America and the conflict between nature and development.

Discussing the book "Black Power and Urban Unrest" and interviewing the author Nathan Wright.

Author and scholar Nathan Wright discusses black power and identity and his book, “Black Power and Urban Unrest.” Wright talks about the importance of identity in the Black community; leadership; violence and poverty in urban Black communities; the importance of higher education for Blacks; and the nature of power and how its creative use can bring about social change.

Discussing the book "Boston Boy," with author Nat Hentoff.

Discussing the book "Free Speech For Me--But Not For Thee: How the American Left and Right Relentlessly Censor Each Other," (published by HarperCollins) with the author Nat Hentoff.

The graphic designer turned poet shares some insight into her creative process, especially in the collections, Cry of the Peacocks, The Moonlit Upper Deckerina, and Ordinances.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Naomi Glasser talks about her book "What Are You Doing: How People Are Helped Through Reality Therapy," by discussing cases where reality therapy has worked on patients with selective mutism, depression, relationship problems, and mental illnesses.

A discussion of Nancy Walker's early career as actress and comedian of stage, screen, radio, and television.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Nancy Milio's book, "9226 Kercheval: The Storefront That Did Not Burn," is about community health services offered in a ghetto on the south side of Detroit, Michigan. As a nurse, Milio knew how important it was to offer quality health services to poor and uneducated individuals. With their real names changed, Milio talks about her experiences with Mrs. Watkins, Johhnie West and others at the center.