Studs and John briefly discuss coal mining in Appalachia, specifically Blackey, Kentucky. Includes an interview with Joe Begley a coal miner from Blackey.

The opening song is a rebroadcast from a previous recording with Studs Terkel. John Prine talks about his family history in Paradise, Kentucky and when he was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois (Chicago Greater Area). Prine is known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as serious songs with social commentary, or which recollect melancholy tales from his life. All the songs are played in the studio from his albums "John Prine" and "Diamonds in the Rough"

John Peter Jones discusses English youth, the working class, and his book, "The Feather Pluckers."

Interviewing Shakespearean actor and director John Neville. Program includes an excerpt of a 1958 interview with Neville (T2299).

Discussing African drums, African music, and John Chernoff's book "African Rhythm and African Sensibility" with John Chernoff and Eric Rucker. Includes John Chernoff and Eric Rucker playing the drums. Includes an earlier interview clip of two drummers battling from the island of Silan.

Studs Terkel discusses the upcoming new play "Of Mice and Men", based on the novel written by John Steinbeck with the starring actors, John Malkovich (Lennie) and Gary Sinise (George). The program begins with the opening excerpt from the play "Of Mice and Men" featuring Terkel (George) and Win Stracke (Lennie) from 1952, which then leads into Malkovich and Sinise's interpretation of the rest of the scene. Folk singer Utah Phillips song "On the Goodnight Loving Trail" is presented as a comparison to themes expressed in "Of Mice and Men".

The poet and professor talks about his career and his new collection, Ghosts of the Heart.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book "The Freedom Principle: Jazz After 1958" (published by Morrow) with author and jazz historian John Litweiler.

Discussing the book "Smoke and Mirrors: Violence, Television and Other American Cultures" (published by The New Press) with the author, media critic John Leonard.

John Lahr discusses celebrities, the media, and his book "Autograph Hound". Includes Studs Terkel and John Lahr reading from Lahr's book "Autograph Hound".