Vivian Adams discusses the reasons behind the Mormon Church's stance against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The discussion includes the beliefs of the Church regarding the roles of men and women, as well as the history and music of the Mormon Church.

Discussing Sierra Leone, the Peace Corps, and interviewing the Collier Family, Dr. Kawalak, and Augustine Stevens. They also discuss the languages, culture, religion, and history of Sierra Leone. Includes clips of African music (from Sierra Leone).

Studs Terkel interviews the artist Gene Hall who created "The Black Christ Not Worthy Of Its Cross" and the head of the Loyola University Sociology Department, Dr. Paul Mundy, who used the title and painting reproduction to spark classroom discussions. Hall describes the creation of his 6 ft tall by 2 1/2 feet wide painting and how seeing the color of Christ diminishes Christ. You don't see Christ when you see color. Hall uses barbed wire instead of thorns in the painting to signify there is no time in painting, it is up to date.

Discussing prejudice in communities with Dr. St. Clair Drake and Dr. Paul Mundy. They discuss prejudice towards the races, religions, and ethnicities of people.

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

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

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

Poet Maya Angelou and journalist Tom Wicker discuss life in the U.S. South and how the region’s history has shaped its culture. Topics of discussion include social dynamics and race in the South, the concept of “home” and what it means to return to one’s roots, and religion in the South. Angelou reads excerpts of her poetry, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman,” and shares spiritual songs from her childhood.

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.

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.

Pavarotti recalls his meeting with the Pope was very special. Singing "Ave Maria" for him was like God lit up, explained Pavarotti. There are more younger people in the audience, said Pavarotti. They're very surprised that opera's so beautiful, as they believed it was an old fashioned thing.

John Lahr discusses celebrities, the media, and his book "Autograph Hound". Includes Studs Terkel and John Lahr reading from Lahr's book "Autograph Hound".

Writer Jamaica Kincaid talks with Studs Terkel about her book “The Autobiography of My Mother” and her life.

Hendaseyd Buchanan, a bookseller, discusses his bookshop, customers, and interests.

E.F Donahue discusses his book "The Higher Animals". Donahue goes into depth about the characters in his book and touches on the subjects of evolution, history, literature, and his life. H.E.F.