Author Fred Freed discusses the history of the atom bomb, its impact on the world, and the scientists involved in its making. He also touches on Japan during World War II and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. Taylor Branch discusses his book "Parting the Waters," touching on topics including the impact of Martin Luther King Jr., the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the March on Washington. Includes excerpts from interviews with Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia Jackson, E. D. Nixon, Rosa Parks, and Myles Horton.

Some people thought the 60's were glorious years and other people thought they were destructive years. "The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage," is Todd Gitlin's autobiography where he offers his perspective of those years.

The Goodman Theatre cast of the play “Fences” discuss some of the major themes from the play, including the African-American experience and race relations, particularly in Major League Baseball.

Trinidadian historian Dr. C.L.R. James discusses his book "The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution." The book was originally published in 1938. At the end of the interview, the song "Voodoo American: Bya Bulako" by Michel LaRue is played (00:46:26-00:51:

Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. Will D. Campbell, minister, activist, and author of “Providence," discusses religion, civil rights, and American history.

Preacher Will Campbell discusses and reads from his book “Forty Acres and a Goat: A Memoir” and recounts his experience during the Civil Rights movement in the South. Studs plays “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” - Mahalia Jackson (1958).

David Hamlin, author and former Executive Director of ACLU, discusses his book "The Nazi/Skokie Conflict: A Civil Liberties Battle." Hamlin talks about Frank Collin, a jewish man turned leader of American Nazi Party leader and the court battle over the right to demonstrate in Skokie, Illinois. He also talks about the retaliation against the ALCU for defending Collin's case in court. At the end of the interview, Hamlin gives some advice on how to deal with people like Frank Collin.

Richard G. Hatcher and Alexander Poinsett discuss Gary, Indiana, their book "Black Power: Gary Style," politics, and race relations. They discuss the corruption in Gary, Indiana and Gary politics. Includes Richard G. Hatcher reading his old speech from his book "Black Power: Gary Style."