Author Calvin Trillin discusses the world of professional writing and his novel, Floater. Both Trillin and Studs read excerpts from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

While in a Dusseldorf prison, Gitta Sereny spent 70 hours interviewing Franz Stangl, the commandant of the Treblinka extermination camp. Her book, "Into That Darkness: An Examination of Conscience," questions how could an ordinary man with a wife and children become such an evil monster. Stangl rationalized his job by saying he never hurt anyone, that he never murdered anyone. Sereny said in the end, the only guilt Stangl harbored was that of still being alive.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Poor people, welfare, and egalitarianism are among the topics in Richard Elman's book, "The Poorhouse State: The American Way of Life on Public Assistance."  Elman shares some people's individual stories and he points out the problems with the system.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The game of baseball today is very different from when Bill Leonard was a young boy. Today, the last names of baseball players are on the backs of their uniforms. When Leonard was a boy, his father would tell him who was up to bat solely by the player's walk or his stance. The selling of players' contracts to other teams is when Leonard believes the business of baseball changed. This recording includes snippets of author Lawrence Ritter's interviews with early 20th century ballplayers Sam Crawford, Goose Goslin, Fred Snodgrass, Rube Marquard, and Chief Meyers.

Although he was not a historian, Robert Bendiner said he believed he could provide accounts of events through a journalist's eyes with his book "Just Around the Corner: A Highly Selective History of the Thirties". It was a depressing time, recalls Bendiner, a time he hopes no one has to experience again. Businesses needed people to buy goods but there wasn't enough money for people to buy food let alone goods and materials. Bendiner recalls Riverside Drive was once affluent and picturesque. The view then turned to one full of Hooverville shacks.

In Robert Bendiner's book, "Just Around the Corner: A Highly Selective History of the Thirties," Bendiner covered Herbert Hoover's ineptness and Franklin Roosevelt's heroism. Bendiner also remembers vividly the moment when Huey Long did a jig on the Senate floor. Long further explained that the New Deal had to happen because it was what all the people, of both parties needed.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

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

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

The musician and Lake Forest College scholar shares some of the songs and stories of his native Mawali and other East African traditions.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Reporter and author Richard Dudman discusses and reads from his book “Forty Days with the Enemy”, a book recounting his experience being held captive by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Dudman also discusses Michael Morrow and Elizabeth Pond who were held captive with him.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations