David Halberstam, writer and historian, talks about his book, "The Fifties." The conversation includes Brown v. Board of Education, atomic weapons, the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, consumerism, birth control, suburbs, television and the start of the counterculture. Halberstam reads several passages from his book.

Members of John F. Kennedy's administration are featured in David Halberstam's book, "The Best and the Brightest." Halberstam points out the irony of the title, as some in the administration may not have been the best or the brightest.  As a result of their bad decisions, America got tangled up in the Vietnam War.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

David Farber discusses his book “Chicago ‘68” and reflects on the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Studs plays “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” - Phil Ochs (1965) and “Days of Decision” - Phil Ochs (1965). This interview features a clip of a previous interview Studs had with an unnamed Chicago police officer who describes his opinion on police brutality.

In 1967, Clair Culhane worked as a hospital administrator at a tuberculosis hospital near Saigon, Vietnam. She discusses what she observed at the hospital and her anti-war work when she returned home.

Discussion with Cao Ngoc Phuong a Buddhist educator from Southern Vietnam and, one of the founding members of the Buddhist Student Movement, and the Buddhist School of Youth for Social Service. Includes poetry reading by Thich Nhat Hanh from his book "Vietnam: Lotus in a sea of fire-a Buddhist proposal for peace" Includes songs sung by Cao Ngoc Phuong: "The old man and the child" by Trinh Cong Son, "The Cio Linh mother" by Pham Duy, and "Lullaby" by Chinh Ba and Nhat Hanh.

Studs Terkel interview with Andrew Patner about his book, "I.F. Stone: A Portrait" that speaks to the life of newspaper man Izzy Stone. Patner describes his preparation and efforts to interview Stone. They discuss Stones incredible work in spite of the fact that he was nearly blind and deaf. Both Studs and Patner read excerpts from the book. They discuss Stones knowledge of literature, Greek philosophy, the Vietnam War, and his ability to speak French. Studs quotes a review of Patner's book from a newspaper. Patner also quotes Izzy Stone comments about Socrates.

The writer and Vietnam War veteran gathered various accounts from his fellow soldiers in an effort to document the thoughts and emotions of those who fought. His book, Everything We Had: An Oral History of the Vietnam War, is discussed here with Studs.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Amiya Chakravarty discusses Rabindranath Tagore. Includes song and poem by Rabindranath Tagore.

Editor and writer Abe Peck discusses and reads from his book “Uncovering the Sixties: The Life and Times of the Underground Press.” Peck discusses the social and political forces, such as the lack of questioning authority forces seen during this time, that drove the alternative press to formation. This program includes audio clips of Studs interviewing attendees of a Vietnam War protest in Chicago. Studs also includes a clip of British journalist James Cameron discussing the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention. Studs plays "The Times They Are A-Changin'" - Bob Dylan (1964).

The poet and Vietnam veteran joins Studs to discuss his anthology - Demilitarized Zones - made up of poems written by veterans still grappling with the complexities of life after their service.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations