Marya Mannes talks about her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Interviewing an organizer of a nurse's strike in Ashtabula, Ohio, which was the longest nurses' strike in U.S. history (July 21, 1980-Feb. 8, 1982): Kathy Keller and Mary Runyon (tape 2 of 2).

Interviewing an organizer of a nurse's strike in Ashtabula, Ohio, which was the longest nurses' strike in U.S. history (July 21, 1980-Feb. 8, 1982): Kathy Keller and Mary Runyon (tape 1 of 2).

Social activist and author Mary Norris Lloyd discusses her work and its reflection on Christian morality and views on the South. Topics covered include segregation, racism, and religion and how it has coincides with the issues of race.

Discussing the book, "Eighty Years at Hull House," and interviewing the co-author, Mary Lynn McCree Bryan. Mary Lynn McCree Bryan discusses the Hull House and its founders in Chicago, Illinois. Includes two clips of Florence Scala speaking: one about nature and about a tree that was taken down at Hull House and one about Jane Addams. Includes a clip of Jessie Binford discussing Jane Addams.

In Mary Lynn Kotz's book, "Rauschenberg, Art and Life," Kotz recounts the works and story of 20th century art pioneer Robert Rauschenberg. They survey his career beginning in Port Arthur, TX, discussing his Depression-era upbringing which caused him to reuse and salvage virtually any object and transform it into art, his studies in Paris, made possible by the G.I.

Studs Terkel interviews Mary Lou Williams and her manager, Father Peter O'Brien. They discuss music, musicians, and instruments. Some clips of piano music playing at the end.

Former ex-nun Mary Harding was accused of being a part of a group that was going to overthrow the Bolivian government. At the first meeting with counsel from the American Embassy, Harding could barely walk because she was kicked and punched over and over for information. Harding spent four of her five weeks in prison in solitary confinement.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs interviews Mary Collins about her husband, Lee Collins. They discuss the book that she and Lee wrote together until his death in 1960. Mary shares interesting stories of Lee’s experiences when he toured. She and Studs reflect on the other artists that Lee Collins worked with and those that influenced his music. Mary shares the story of how she and Lee reconnected in Chicago. She explains how Lee’s depression because of his health led to his attempted suicide and the horrible way he was treated at the psychiatric hospital.

Why certain people find eating certain products and/or animals taboo is a question Marvin Harris answers in his book, "Good to Eat: Riddles of Food and Culture". Hindus consider the cow the mother of life, and therefore sacred, Harris explains. Pork is a staple to the Chinese people, but to those of the Jewish faith, it's taboo, says Harris. Lastly, the rise of fast food restaurants made beef a favorite of Americans.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book "America now: The anthropology of a changing culture" with the author-Anthropologist Marvin Harris.

When the announcement was made, to let the audience know the opera singer they came to see would not be performing but that Martina Arroyo would be singing the part of Aida, Arroyo recalls that you could hear the crowd groan all the way in Chicago. Arroyo talks about singing in the operas. She also talks about even though she may have a starring role in the opera, the show is not hers, but rather everyone in the company works hard to put out a good production.

When the announcement was made, to let the audience know the opera singer they came to see would not be performing but that Martina Arroyo would be singing the part of Aida, Arroyo recalls that you could hear the crowd groan all the way in Chicago. Arroyo talks about singing in the operas. She also talks about even though she may have a starring role in the opera, the show is not hers, but rather everyone in the company works hard to put out a good production.