Cole Porter biographer Robert Kimball talks with Studs about his book "Cole" and his subject's life and work as they listen to classic performances of some of his most beloved songs. They marvel at how Porter perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times in his lyrics, his lyrical influences, his unique method of outside-in composing lyrics and music simultaneously, Bobby Short's masterful interpretations, controversies over some of his works, and how well his material holds up.

Interviewing television and theater director Michael Bogdanov. He discusses major themes from the play “Timon of Athens,” his life, and his work as a director. Includes a 10 second test tone. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. 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.

Studs interview with German writer and freelance journalist, Dieter Lattman, who shares his military family background and the influence that WW II had on his desire to involve himself in politics. They discuss other German authors and the German family and culture. Studs quotes German journalist and political critic, Joachim Kaiser, who called the young people of Germany a "fatherless generation." Studs interviews Lattman in Germany.

They discuss Mr. Cavett's life and his work as a talk show host. The interview ends with "Reverend Eli Jenkins' Prayer," a poem by Dylan Thomas sung by Osian Ellis, a Welsh singer, and harpist. These have been removed from the broadcast due to copyright.

Discussing "L.S.D" and interviewing journalist David Solomon.

Discussing "L.S.D" and interviewing journalist David Solomon.

Photographer David Scherman talks with Studs Terkel about the stories that photos can tell, famous photographers, and the book “The Best of Life,” which Scherman edited. A recording of the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” by the Weavers is played.

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

Daniel Schorr discusses his work in television and print journalism and the limitations of each. Topics of discussion include Schorr’s experiences working for CBS, reporting on and from the Soviet Union, and censorship in the news media. Schorr reads excerpts from his memoir at the beginning and end of the program.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist and former military analyst, discuses his release of the Pentagon Papers and his thoughts on how the Vietnam War played out. He also discusses what he believes the next war could look like and how America, and the world, would be affected by nuclear war.

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.

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.

Writer Dan Wakefield discusses his book “Between the Lines,” his relationship with C. Wright Mills, and his career. Wakefield reads the epigraph from his book.