Discussing the book "Seeing Voices: A Journey Into the World of the Deaf" (published by University of California Press) with the author, neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. Includes passage from the book.

The chair of General Internal Medicine at the University of Chicago, Dr. Christine K. Cassel, discusses gerontology and the problems the field currently faces, such as patient access to, and knowledge of, healthcare. Dr. Cassel is a strong advocate for giving agency back to the patient, primarily by allowing the patient to become knowledgeable of their own health in order to promote successful aging and self-sufficiency when confronted with health concerns. Studs plays “Hello In There” - John Prine (1971).

Dr. Jan Fawcett and Marcella McGuire discuss alcoholism, its connection with mental health, and current practices for treatment. Studs plays "Father's a Drunkard and Mother is Dead" - E.A. Parkhurst (1866).

Dr. Samuel Epstein, author and Director of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, at the University of Illinois Medical School, talks about his book, "Hazardous Waste in America." Dr. Epstein explains the four types of hazardous waste, (nuclear, petroleum, mining, and fossil fuels) and describes how they can better be disposed of including burning, recycling/renewing, and interim storage. He also describes a case study of Hoffman-Taff in Verona, Missouri.

Philip Hilts, an author and journalist, discusses behavior modification and it advantages and dangers. He delves into B. F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov's work and explains how behavior modification is used today. Hilts discusses cases used in prisons, schools, and workplaces. Hilts also talks about typical medications given to children who are said to experience hyperactivity.

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Dr. Williard Gaylen, a physician and professor of psychiatry at Columbia, discusses how feelings define humanity. He explains that there are no "bad" or "good" feelings, because even anxiety and guilt are strictly human emotions. Dr. Gaylen also talks about how envy is the only useless feeling. Two recordings of people talking about pride and guilt are also played.

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.

Dr. Ronald Glasser talks about his book "The Greatest Battle," which explores cancer and the environmental factors that can cause it. He talks about smoking, food additives and diet, infectious diseases, and germs.

Making people aware that toxic chemicals in our everyday lives can cause cancer has been one of Dr. Samuel Epstein’s main goals. According to his book, “The Politics of Cancer,” the government really won’t step in until there is a public outcry.