Discussing his book "New & Selected Poems, 1940-1986" (published by University of Chicago Press) with poet Karl Jay Shapiro.

Author and poet Gloria Wade-Gayles discusses and reads from her book “Pushed Back to Strength: A Black Woman’s Journey Home,” a collection of essays about race, faith, and family. She discusses how the title of the book was inspired by a phrase her grandmother used to say in which she acknowledges how segregation was pushing her back to her family, to community; pushing her back to strength, stories, ritual, and safety. Studs plays “God Bless the Child” - Billie Holiday (1956), "Wade In The Water" - Brother John Sellers (1960), and "Medley of Spiritual" - Belleville A Cappella Choir.

Author, humorist, and poet Calvin Trillin discusses and reads from his book “Enough’s Enough (and Other Rules of Life),” a collection of humorous essays about everyday topics, from social to political. Studs and Trillin discuss why we get cold fronts from Canada, not Greenland; and how to spot a moderate out in public. Studs plays "Out of My Road, Mr. Toad" - Bud Freeman (1970).