Nuclear physicist, Dr. Leo Seren, discusses atomic fission and nuclear experiments.

Dr. John Hope Franklin, professor of history at University of Chicago, outlines the history of reconstruction during the American Civil War and briefly his experience at the March to Montgomery; part 1.

Dr. John Hope Franklin, professor of history at University of Chicago, discusses the political history of reconstruction after the Civil War, along with which political decisions led to a power imbalance and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the southern states; part 2.

Dr. Jacob Bronowski, a mathematician and philosopher, discusses how the study of science has changed since the onset of government regulation or the military industrial complex. He also talks about humanity and explains how humans are the best species and therefore should come together to continue progress instead of killing each other. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language.

The world spends 600 billon dollars on the arms race, which is rather puzzling to Dr. Helen Caldicott when 2/3 of the world's children are starving. Caldicott explained if a bomb went off in Chicago, there'd be a crater a half a mile wide and 300 feet deep. In addition, 90% of the people will be dead, some from being vaporized.

Dr. Erich Fromm explains how he believes the Cold War was a moment of change for humanity where it would either bring about a "renaissance of humanism or immense bloodshed and barbarism for decades to come." Using his study into humanism, Dr. Fromm warns about how the love of death can overtake the love of life as nationalism and group narcissism takes hold in different countries. He goes on to explain that humanity has to decide that they have a right to demand independence and freedom.

Discussing observations and experiences as a medical practioner in Vietnam and then Central America, principally, El Salvador with Charlie Clements M.D.

After having flown 50 missions in Vietnam, Charles Clements went to medical school and became a physician and a human rights activist. Dr. Clements talks about his observations in the poorest sections of Nicaragua. Because medicine for the poor people was considered contraband, Clements had to resort to putting rusty nails into a cup of water and having his patients drink the water for iron supplements. Clements reminds the audience if we don't know our history, we are bound to repeat it.

Author Douglas Dowd discusses topics from his book "Blues For America: A Critique, A Lament, and Some Memories," including war, religion, and American history.

The program starts with a short clip of Studs Terkel interviewing Peggy Terry talking about The Great Depression and American propaganda during Vietnam War. After that clip. Dotson Rader starts to talk about his book "I ain't marchin' anymore"

Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about her book and her relationship with President Johnson.

Delving into their Irish immigrant backgrounds is what makes Doris Kearns Goodwin's book, "The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga" stand out from other books. Although they had wanted to settle on a farm in the West, the Fitzgeralds ended up in Boston. Goodwin talks a lot about Rose Fitzgerald and her husband, Joe Kennedy.

Terkel comments and presents Don Luce reading poetry

Anti-war activist Don Luce and Doan Hong Hai, a visiting student from a village near Saigon, talk about the bombing and defoliation of Vietnam.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Part 1 of this program begins with Studs Terkel reading an excerpt from the book "Giants of Jazz" , which describes Dizzy Gillespie's early life. Gillespie discusses the following: the state of jazz; his fellow musicians; jazz contributors; jazz fundamentals; and his tours abroad. Gillespie's "Groovin' High" is played towards the end of this part of the program.