Writer Gore Vidal discusses his novel, 1876, and how the political corruption and social atmosphere of the times inspired its plot. Vidal reads several excerpts from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his book “Myra Breckinridge,” the central characters of the book, and some of his previous work. Vidal reads excerpts from “Myra Breckinridge.” The songs “Crucifixion” by Jim & Jean and “Prisoner Numero 9” by Volutia are played. Additionally, Lily Kraus performs the 3rd Movement from Mozart’s Allegro number 15.

Discussing the book "Lincoln" with the author Gore Vidal.

Gordon Adams, political scientist, discusses his book, "The Iron Triangle: The Politics of Defense Contracting." He explores the military budget how it is a drain on the taxpayer's money. Adams explains how private contractors, such as Rockwell Corporation, enter into defense contracts and make money off the government's dependence on the military weapons.

Author and poet Gloria Wade-Gayles discusses and reads from her book “Pushed Back to Strength: A Black Woman’s Journey Home,” a collection of essays about race, faith, and family. She discusses how the title of the book was inspired by a phrase her grandmother used to say in which she acknowledges how segregation was pushing her back to her family, to community; pushing her back to strength, stories, ritual, and safety. Studs plays “God Bless the Child” - Billie Holiday (1956), "Wade In The Water" - Brother John Sellers (1960), and "Medley of Spiritual" - Belleville A Cappella Choir.

Interviewing former war correspondent, journalist and author Gloria Emerson.

Georgia Turner has been working in the fields since she was 8 years old. Today, she's 58 years old, and she lives in Tent City, in Fayette County, Tennessee. No matter how many hardships Turner encountered, she said she lives her life so that she can go to heaven. There are also excerpts from previous interviews of James Baldwin and Lillian Smith.

Author George Thayer speaks with Studs Terkel about Thayer’s book “The War Business: The International Trade in Armaments,” the business of weapons manufacturing, the arms trade, and what part the United States plays in international arms dealing. Terkel plays an audio clip of his interview with Gerald P. Nye, a Senator from South Dakota, and both Terkel and Thayer read excerpts from Thayer’s book.

Studs rebroadcasts an interview he did five years ago with George Flynn, composer and head of the music department at DePaul University. Flynn explains the creative part of his music and how worldly events such as the Vietnam War help him and other musicians like him, write their avant-garde music. Flynn defines some of his compositions that include: "Wound," "American Rest," and "Canal." He shares the people and events in his life from a teenager who have influenced his work.

Journalist, novelist, and historian George Feifer discusses his book “Tennozan,” focusing on Okinawa Island during World War II and the impact of the atomic bomb. Includes a 20 second test tone. 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.

Interviewing the director of the Center for Defense Information (CDI), retired United States Navy Admiral Gene La Rocque. Founded by La Rocque in 1972 as an independent monitor of the military, the CDI is a private, nongovernmental, research organization.

Recorded live on Chicago's South Side. Robeson is ill at the time of recording. Speakers: Earl Dickerson, Etta Moten Barnett, Judge Sidney Jones, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams, Joan Brown (possibly Abena Joan Brown), Charles Hamilton, Margaret Burroughs, [John Gray's sister], [Stevens?]

Discussing the book, "The Kennedy Imprisonment: A Meditation on Power," and interviewing the author Garry Wills.