Rutherford Calhoun is the main character of Charles Richard Johnson's novel, "Middle Passage." In his quest to get away from his marriage and a bill collector, a freed slave himself, Rutherford stows away onto a ship not realizing that the cargo being carried are slaves from Africa.

Biologist, natural historian, and author David Attenborough discusses his book and upcoming television series “Life on Earth.” The book, show, and this interview focus on discussing the evolution of life.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

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".

The journalist and writer discusses Heartburn, her first novel, which, according to Terkel, is best read out loud. He and Ephron take turns readings their favorite passages and analyzing the characters. The novel was later made into a film of the same name starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs remembers the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with a rebroadcast of an interview about his memoir, A Journey For Our Times.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The non-fiction writer and novelist turned to the true crime genre to tell the story of former doctor and Army captain Jeffrey MacDonald, who was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife and two daughters. The resulting book, Fatal Vision, led to a television miniseries and several subsequent court cases and publications.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The American-Israeli novelist and journalist joins Studs to talk about justice and beauty in the mythical New York City that is the setting for his novel, Winter's Tale.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The former First Lady reflects on her childhood in Georgia and her time at the White House in her book, First Lady from Plains.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations