Discussing the book "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors: A Search for Who We Are" about the evolution and the future of the human species. Includes an excerpt of the astronomer Harlow Shapley speaking at the beginning. Includes Carl Sagan reading an excerpt from the book at the end.

Discussing the book "A Time of Change: A Reporter's Tale of Our Time". Harrison Evans Salisbury discusses his career and the stories he has covered as a reporter. Includes Harrison Evans Salisbury reading a passage from the book at the beginning.

Andrew Cockburn discusses his book "The Threat: Inside the Soviet Military Machine." Includes untitled Soviet and American marching songs. Includes a quote of General Douglas MacArthur. Includes passage from the book "The Threat."

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 death. 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.

Discussing nuclear armageddon and the medical consequences of nuclear war with panel Herbert Scoville, George Kistiakowsky, Dr. Jack Geiger and Dr. Quentin Young.

Geoffrey Bridson and his wife Joyce, discuss his book "Prospero and Ariel: The rise and fall of radio a personal recollection.", as well as his life and career as a producer/broadcaster for BBC radio. The interview is interspersed with several excerpts from recordings: Excerpt of conversation at the home of Bridsons in England 1962. He talks about the play "Aarons field" and the sequel "Aarons Fallout shelter". Excerpt from Joyce Bridson backstage after the play "Oh what a lovely war" in New York.

Discussing the book "Laughing last" with the author Tony Hiss.

Discussing the book "The American inquisition: justice and injustice in the cold war" with the author Stanley Kutler.

Terkel comments and presents the Hiroshima commemoration program

Studs has a spirited discussion with Jonathan Kozol who shares his adventures and learnings in Cuba that formed the basis of his book "Children of the Revolution: A Yankee Teacher in the Cuban Schools." Kozol explains the ambitious Cuban Literacy Campaign begun in the 1960s that aimed to educate the entire population, tells of children teaching adults in remote villages by lantern light, and the unity and national pride that resulted. He and Studs explore the idea of generative words in literacy education and contemplate Kozol's hope to adapt a similar approach to American education.

Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, psychiatrist and psycho-historian, discusses the acceptance and embrace of nuclear disaster, doctors' opposition to nuclear weapons, difference in Americans' and Europeans' opposition to nuclear weapons, psychological impact of nuclear bombings in Japan, and the mental disconnect experienced by those who build atomic weapons who then see the bombs' effects.