Woody Allen discusses his life and art, the influence of both success and failure on his work, and how he finds comedy in life’s difficulties and trials. He discusses his first screenplay, “What’s Up Pussycat?” and other comedians who have influenced the development of his own comedic work, including Mort Sahl, Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, and George S. Kaufman.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

Nelson Algren discusses his short story, "How the Devil Came Down Division Street," the art of writing, and writers of the Beat Generation.

Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood discusses her poetry and her first novel, “Surfacing,” focusing on the novel’s symbolism and the themes of nature, religion and memory. She compares life, attitudes, and politics in Canada with those of the United States.

Discussing the book, "Free schools," and interviewing the author Jonathan Kozol. Jonathon Kozol also discusses education. Includes interview clip of Kermit Eby.

Interviewing British dramatist-novelist Michael Frayn.

Barno Hughes discusses being a writer in Johannesburg until 19:20 and Carl Douglas Fuchs discusses the diversity of South Africa: Studs Terkel in South Africa.

H. E. F. (Shag) Donahue and Nelson Algren discuss Donahue's book, "Conversations with Nelson Algren," a biographical exploration of Algren's life as a writer. They discuss the creative lives, successes and failures of other authors in relation to Algren's work, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger, Richard Wright, and others. Includes the author reading excerpts from "Conversations with Nelson Algren."

Writer Dan Wakefield discusses his book “Supernation at Peace and War” with Studs Terkel. Further discussion is had over civil unrest, draft dodging, and social injustices during the Vietnam War.

Connie Kolb and Ursula Bender discuss life in Germany, specifically Berlin. Connie Kolb discusses her life struggles, lack of confidence, and her work in journalism.

Claudia Cassidy discusses being a critic of theater and opera etc. Cassidy also discusses her writing and journalism aspirations.