Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian documentary photographer and photojournalist, converses with Studs about his book "Workers: An Archaeology of the Industrial Age". Mr. Salgado shares stories with Studs of the people he has photographed, and the things he has learned about the perseverance of human nature. Several songs are interspersed;

Herblock and Studs talk about his newest book "Straight Herblock." They talk about some of his most acclaimed drawings and the social/political questions they pose.

Photographer David Scherman talks with Studs Terkel about the stories that photos can tell, famous photographers, and the book “The Best of Life,” which Scherman edited. A recording of the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” by the Weavers is played.

David D. Duncan discusses his book "Goodbye, Picasso" and talks about the artwork of Pablo Picasso and his friendship with him. The program opens with Gertrude Stein reading from her poem "If I told him". Excerpts from the dedication of "The Picasso" statue in Daley Plaza. Studs speaks with residents of Chicago and gets their thoughts on the sculpture.

Aileen and Eugene Smith discuss their photographic essay book, "'Minamata', Words and Photographs," documenting the mercury poisoning of residents and their legal battles with the polluting company Chisso.

Arnold Wesker, English playwright and writer in several genres discusses scenes from the play "Roots". Mr Wesker further discusses his plays and the current cast traveling around England performing several of his plays. The interview tape ends and Studs recalls the remainder of the interview alone as a postscript.