Terkel comments and presents a musical performance of the LaSalle Quartet, comprised of two violins, a cello, and a viola. Terkel interviews Walter Levin, a senior member of the LaSalle Quartet, they discuss the following: the Second Viennese School; chamber music; transparency of quartets; subjective interpretation of compositions; the awareness of color as a musical element; and how the LaSalle Quartet was founded.

Writer and critic Walter Kerr discusses his book "The Silent Clowns," about the film era's greats including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Raymond Griffith, and Harry Langdon. Studs begins by reading an excerpt from James Agee's "Death in the Family" with music in the background followed by Kerr reading from his book. They begin talking about how silent films affected the audience, lesser known stars Lloyd Hamilton and Charley Chase, and then analyze several famous Charlie Chaplin scenes to assess the complex nature of his characters.

Discussing the book "Who Owns America?" and interviewing the author Walter J. Hickel, who became Governor of Alaska and Secretary of the Interior.

American screenwriter, Walter Bernstein, discusses his book "Inside Out: A Memoir of the Blacklist".

American screenwriter, Walter Bernstein, discusses his book "Inside Out: A Memoir of the Blacklist", a memoir about his life during and following his blacklisted status due to his alleged communist views. Bernstein uses the case of John Henry Faulk versus Laurence A. Johnson to serve as an example of how the entertainment industry was being diminished during this time.

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. Wallace Terry felt it was an important mission to tell people about the Black men who fought in Vietnam. There are stories from 20 men.

Studs Terkel and playwright Wallace Shawn discuss Shawn’s play “The Designated Mourner,” and the play’s deeper themes. Both Shawn and Terkel read monologues from the play.

W.H. Ferry discusses his article "Masscomm as guru" regarding mass communication outlets including newspapers, television, and radio, and their ethical responsibility to teach the public about social issues rather than only present them with current news.

Interviewing jazz musicians Von Freeman (tenor saxophone), Kenny Prince (piano), Bradley Parker-Sparrow(piano and composer), and Joanie Pallatto (vocalist).

Interviewing jazz musicians Von Freeman (tenor saxophone), Franz Jackson (vocals) and composer Kahil El'zabar.

Viveca Lindfors discusses her roles and the roles of women in society. Includes Viveca Lindfors reciting lines written by Lillian Hellman.

Discussing the book "The celluloid closet: homosexuality in the movies" with the author Vito Russo.

Virginia Collins said her grandfather believed if the parish communities could afford to provide a white teacher for white school children, then the parishes of Black communities must do the same for the Black children. Collins also talks about her son Walter's legal case and his being in jail for violating six counts of induction to the army.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs interview with Virgil Thomson about his career as a music composer. Thomson shares his work with Gertrude Stein in operas "Mother of Us All" and "Four Saints In Three Acts." He discusses his preference for black artists. Thomson describes his work in documentary films such as "Plow That Broke the Plains." He also shares information about the cajun music "Squeeze Box" in the film "Louisiana Story." This edited version does not include the music pieces.

Vine Deloria discusses Native American rights and history focusing on treaties formed and broken by the United State government. Original recording 1965063-3-1 includes music by Buffy Sainte-Marie.