Terkel comments and presents songs and stories from "The Eight Hours"

The comedic creative force of Lily Tomlin and Tomlin's comedy writer Jane Wagner discuss the character of Edith Ann as well as the bag lady, Trudy. The comic geniuses discuss with Studs Terkel the new release "Edith Ann: My Life So Far". Tomlin assumes the character of Edith Ann to relay stories of her life in a dysfunctional family as a six year old. Edith Ann writes letters to Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, and Senate representatives to get her message heard. She tells the Senator that kids model grownups and grownups need to act better to protect the kids.

Studs talks with versatile actor, singer, performer Danny Kaye who opens up about his worldwide appeal to children and adults alike, relating to children on their terms, his father's influence, the skills and work that go into his crafts, and much more. Kaye reveals his lack of musical training yet details his comic conducting talents ala Victor Borge via his charity work. The conversation continues with talk of his variety show performances, his fondness for Señor Wences, the medium of television, and his knack for dialects.

Promoting the Goodman Theatre's production of "The Gospel at Colonus"

Terkel comments and presents a musical performance by Andrea Marcovicci

Interviewing the company of Free Street Too with Pat Henry, Free Street Theater founder and producer. Free Street Theater is an arts outreach organization that provides workshops in writing, theater, music and dance and stages performances for populations

Mike Forrest, Beulah Garrick, and Donald Moffat discuss and read the writings of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Forrest, Garrick, and Moffat are all cast members of "The Hostage," a play by Brendan Behan.

Melvin Douglas and Frank Lovejoy discuss their roles in Gore Vidal's play "The Best Man", politics, and their careers.

Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. 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. Self-righteousness and values are topics covered by Marlon Brando. Here in the states, Brando said, we are living a dream. We do not want strife in our lives, and yet he says it seems as though we seek it.

Tomlin talks in depth about the characters she has created and played (Trudy the Bag Lady, Kate, Agnus Angst, Chrissy, Lynn, Marie, ) in the play "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" by Jane Wagner. Tomlin talks in detail about each character and inspirations and influences behind each, especially Trudy.