Jimmy Ray, John Ray, and Henry discuss their personal feelings on a variety of topics including religion, every day life, and what an ideal world looks like.

While riding in a cab, the driver talks about the narrow streets of London. He also talks about the traffic and why he believes traffic will only get worse in the future. Producer and director Karel Reisz explains how making films in England and America differ from how films are made Italy. Reisz also talks about the freedom of a director when making a film. With regards to viewership, according to Reisz, films are in 2nd place behind TV.

Marlene and Ed Sadlowski talk about their blue collar Chicago backgrounds, hopes for improving labor workers conditions, and Ed's underdog 2 to 1 victory to become the Director of the largest steel union's district.

Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian documentary photographer and photojournalist, converses with Studs about his book "Workers: An Archaeology of the Industrial Age". Mr. Salgado shares stories with Studs of the people he has photographed, and the things he has learned about the perseverance of human nature. Several songs are interspersed;

Discussing death on the job with Dan Berman and Bob Fowler.

Mr. Paulei talks with Studs about the air traffic controllers strike in 1980 and subsequent firing of over 1000 air traffic controllers. They discuss what a normal shift as an air traffic controller consists of, and the unions reasons for the strike in 1980.

While on a trip to England, Terkel interviews housewife Ann Davis. This is an interview done in two parts.

Studs Terkel speaks with writer William Serrin about the United Auto Workers, various strikes in history, and Serrin’s book “The Company and the Union.” Audio clips of auto workers are played where the interviewees discuss strikes and working conditions. Serrin reads an excerpt from his book. The song “Gonna Roll the Union On” is played.

Jeanne Stellman discusses her book, "Work Is Dangerous to Your Health: A Handbook of Health Hazards in the Workplace and What You Can Do About Them," and workplace safety issues in a variety of industries. Topics of discussion include the importance of prioritizing health in the workplace and consulting workers on workplace safety issues, and industry responses to occupational hazards.