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

Dave Dellinger, activist, discusses his book, "More Power Than We Know: The People's Movement Toward Democracy." Dillinger describes his thoughts and past experiences with non-violent protesting. He recalls his experiences with the police during Vietnam War protests and the Trialrial of the Chicago . He also discusses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other well-known protesters.

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.

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing former government official, Vietnam War opponent, and political activist Daniel Ellsberg. Program includes an excerpt of a 1980 interview with Ellsberg. Includes a test tone lasting about 20 seconds. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language.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.

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.

Discussing the impact and significance of winning a Congressional Medal of Honor with recipient Charlie Litkey. A chaplain with the 25th Infantry in 1967, Litkey received the Medal of Honor for pulling several wounded soldiers to safety without regard to his own safety.

C.D.B. Bryan discusses his book "Friendly Fire" and the Vietnam War. Bryan discusses the true story of Michael Mullen who was killed by friendly fire in Vietnam and his family.

Arnold A. Hutschnecker, a doctor with specialization in psychiatry, talks about his book, "The Drive For Power." He explores mental illness and its negative connotation. He explores how people who look for power tend to need mental help, but that the negative stigma around it tends to make them shy away, which leads to national aggravation and war. He also recalls his meetings with Richard Nixon from before he was president and how continued help may have changed the Vietnam War.

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.

Alfred McCoy discusses the history of heroin trafficking within the context of American foreign policy.

Alfred McCoy discusses the history of heroin trafficking within the context of American foreign policy.