The poet, playwright, and essayist - in town for a visit to the School of The Art Institute - talks with Studs about his connections to Janis Joplin, nature poetry, and scientist Francis Crick. His collection, Scratching the Beat Surface, is discussed.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Bly speaks about how poetry is used as a form of communication in the Soviet Union. Timpanelli shares her appreciation for the art of storytelling. Both were in town for an appearance at The Jung Institute.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs and Levertov compare and contrast her early work with her later efforts, before an appearance at the School at the Art Institute. Includes clips from a 1969 interview.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The long-time media critic talks with Studs about his novel, An Affair of Strangers.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The poet and UIC professor speaks about his upbringing in Mississippi and how he came to be a part of a new wave of Chicago poets.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

One of Studs's favorite poets, Thomas McGrath, talks about some of his favorites (Hart Crane, Pablo Neruda) and his early life in North Dakota.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Jack Conroy remembers having a literary interest at the age of eight. He reflects on life back in the 1930s, when writers were writing against the system. In later years, he says, writers didn't seem to know what to rebel against.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs discusses the life and work of Irish playwright, critic, and political activist George Bernard Shaw with historian and biographer Stanley Weintraub. The focus of the interview is Weintraub's book, Journey to Heartbreak: The Crucible Years of Bernard Shaw 1914-1918.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The author of The Waterbury Tales, talks about how she was inspired to use the format of The Canterbury Tales to tell the story of the Watergate scandal. Includes recordings of Dorothy Parker and examples of people reading with Middle English pronunciations.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing Irish author Ulick O'Connor and discussing Brendan, his biography of poet and playwright Brendan Behan.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations