Richard Speck, the man who murdered eight student nurses in 1966, is the topic of Jack Altman's and Dr. Marvin Ziporyn's book, "Born to Raise Hell: The Untold Story of Richard Speck -- The Man, The Crime, The Trial". Altman saw Speck's public and private image as being quite different. When asked to smile for the cameras, Speck obeyed authority and was labeled a monster by the press when in reality, he blocked out the murders and was disgusted by his actions. Dr. Ziporyn sees this murderous violence as a disease and not as a monster as the press portrayed it.

Studs Terkel speaks with translator and lawyer Sidney Shapiro about Shapiro’s life in China and what life was like there before and after the Communist Revolution. An audio clip is played of Dr. George Hatem discussing his experiences of being a doctor in China during the Long March.

Dr. Benjamin Spock and Dr. Michael B. Rothenberg discuss the 40th anniversary edition of the book “Baby and Child Care.” The two discuss the changes they've made to the book, criticism they’ve faced since releasing the book, and how they’ve rethought gender roles in childcare. Studs plays “Hush Little Baby” - The Weavers (1955).

Nancy Milio's book, "9226 Kercheval: The Storefront That Did Not Burn," is about community health services offered in a ghetto on the south side of Detroit, Michigan. As a nurse, Milio knew how important it was to offer quality health services to poor and uneducated individuals. With their real names changed, Milio talks about her experiences with Mrs. Watkins, Johhnie West and others at the center.

The archaeologist and author discusses the controversial theory that modern humans may have originated in North America, further explored in his book, American Genesis.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Dr. Eugene Mindel, child psychologist and author, discusses his book, "They Grow in Silence: The Deaf Child and His Family,". Dr. Mindel and Studs talk about deaf children and how they learn to communicate without the ability to hear or speak. Studs reads an excerpt from the book about a deaf person feeling locked into themselves. Studs and Dr. Mindel talk about the the book "In this sign" by Joanne Greenberg a novel that portrays the isolation and loneliness of the deaf couple and the struggle of their hearing daughter.

Dr. Robert Coles' book, "The Call of Service; A Witness to Idealism" came as a result of watching of his mother work tirelessly in soup kitchens, helping the less fortunate. Through his stories and experiences, Coles lets his audience know that one must put himself in others' shoes to truly help others.

Authors and journalists Howard Wolinsky and Tom Brune discuss their book “The Serpent on the Staff: The Unhealthy Politics of the American Medical Association.” They discuss the political aspects of the healthcare and medical industry in the United States, with particular emphasis placed on the business-side of the American Medical Association (AMA). This program includes an excerpt of an interview with Dr. Quentin Young discussing the AMA. Studs plays "Like a Surgeon" - "Weird Al" Yankovic (1985).

Discussing the book "Center of the Cyclone: An Autobiography of Inner Space" with the author Dr. John C. Lilly.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book "Another War, Another Peace: A Novel" with the author Dr. Ronald J. Glasser.