Studs, author-journalist Mike Royko and Cathy Zmuda discuss and read from Mike's 1973 collection, "Slats Grobnik and Some Other Friends". First half are Slats Grobnik tales; the second half features a variety of columns by Royko. Musical excerpts include the songs "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt", "Ma, He Wants to Marry Me", "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)", "Sweet and Low", "America The Beautiful". "Go 'Way From My Window" (performers uncredited).

Dorothy Parker’s thoughts as a critic and writer on the state of American literature.

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.

When Cliff Norton performed his first live gig, he tried out his comedy on the band. Norton credits having good performances because of being given good material, funny material. Norton further explained that being an entertainer, one always has to be writing in order to maintain their creative edge.

Cole Porter biographer Robert Kimball talks with Studs about his book "Cole" and his subject's life and work as they listen to classic performances of some of his most beloved songs. They marvel at how Porter perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times in his lyrics, his lyrical influences, his unique method of outside-in composing lyrics and music simultaneously, Bobby Short's masterful interpretations, controversies over some of his works, and how well his material holds up.

Writer Calvin Trillin talks about his book “Third Helpings” and different regional foods and the ethnicities that influence them. Both Studs Terkel and Calvin Trillin read excerpts from Trillin’s book, and a soundbite from the former Commissioner of Immigration, Leonel Castillo, is played.

Storyteller, humorist, and radio personality Jean Shepherd joins Studs for a wide-ranging discussion of his career up that point.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Storyteller, humorist, and radio personality Jean Shepherd joins Studs for a wide-ranging discussion of his career up that point.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Reflections on the career of actor, drama teacher, WFMT announcer, and former member of The Compass Players.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Discussing the book "Not Exactly What I Had in Mind" (published by Atlantic Monthly Press) with the author, journalist and humorist Roy Blount.