Author Ross Miller discusses his latest work, which centers around Chicago and the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire and its effects on rebuilding the metropolis and the advantages of gaining a new take on architecture and society.

Adapted by Peditto, the play, "Never Come Morning", is based on the Nelson Algren novel of the same title, a story about a man working his way out of a low-income neighborhood in Chicago. The cast discusses their familiarity with Algren’s work and how they found their way into this production. Studs and the cast of this production read through several of the scenes from the play. This program includes clips of interviews and performances of Nelson Algren that capture his storytelling abilities.

Commemorating the centennial of the Haymarket Square Riot, or Haymarket Affair, are authors and historians Bill Adelman, Paul Avrich, Carolyn Ashbaugh, and the grandson of Haymarket defendant Oscar Neebe, Bill Neebe. The interveiwees create a timeline of the events leading up to the Haymarket Riot including the German immigrants living situations, unions and strikes, police brutality and corruption. The group also lays out the events from May 1st to May 5th and then the following corrupt trials.

Studs interview with Art Shay opens and closes with a slow blues piece. Shay discusses his picture book, "Nelson Algren's Chicago." He and Studs discuss the people and events in a number of pictures from the book. Studs plays a recording of Algren reading from one of his novels. Studs quotes critic, Rick Kogan of the Tribune.

David Mamet discusses his play Glengarry Glen Ross. Includes two scenes from the play recited by both David Mamet and Studs Terkel.

Studs interviews David Lowe about his book, "Chicago Interiors." Studs begins the interview with John Carpenter’s “Skyscrapers.” Studs leaf’s through the book as they discuss various photos and Lowe describes the history of various structures from the book that includes Chicago history. They discuss the history of architecture in Chicago and highlight various famous architects. Lowe explains how the industrial revolution, foreign countries and the Chicago fire all influenced Chicago architecture.

Firefighter and writer, Dennis Smith, shares some of the encounters he's had as a firefighter and discusses his book and magazine based on these experiences.

The people living at the Martinique feel as though they are a toxic waste substance being compressed in the density living quarters, explains Jonathan Kozol. Rachel of Kozol's book, "Rachel and Her Children: Homeless Families in America" said people don't want to see them. Refering to the song, "We are the World, " Rachel also asks how come people care so much for people they can't see? "We are the world, " says Rachel. "We live here, too".

As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."