Evolution and the future of the human race are among topics in Carl Sagan's and Ann Druyan's book, "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors: A Search for Who We Are." Included is an excerpt of the astronomer Harlow Shapley speaking at the beginning. Carl Sagan also reads an excerpt from the book at the end.

Dorothy and Henry Kraus describe how they discovered an entire European collection of church-located woodcarvings depicting a wide variety of scenes crafted by local artisans. Hundreds of years of political, religious, and social events shaped the portrayals, and they explore many of the illustrations in their book, focusing on the themes of labor, animals, and religion. They marvel at the skill and craftsmanship and observe that the works can be a rich source of primary research material for modern scholars.

Riane Eisler, anthropologist and historian, discusses the history of gender roles, religious influences, and cultural mythology.

Warren Farrell discusses his book "Beyond Masculinity." He discusses women's liberation and men's liberation. Includes clip of Caroline Bird discussing women's liberation.

A sprawling conversation with R. Buckminster Fuller including his great aunt Margaret Fuller, future communication, the nature of work, human nature, and physics.

Discussing battered women with the director of the Evanston Shelter for Battered Women, June Terpstra. Two women, Ann and Donna, talk about their experiences of abuse with their husbands.

Studs Terkel discusses the changing role of feminism, women and rights with author, Signe Hammer, also a teacher of a Women's School in New York that caters to women aged 24 through 78 that are seeking information on new ideas of identity. Signe Hammer interviewed three generations of women to explore the importance of supporting womanhood and how Mothers must have a strong sense of self in order to see their Daughters as also having value.

Andrea Medea and Kathleen Thompson discuss their book "Against Rape", rape culture in media, and attitudes towards rape in society.

Terkel presents songs that discuss the subject of domestic violence against women. Songs range from ballads in musicals, to jazz torch songs, to popular music at the time.

Elizabeth Janeway discusses her book "Man's World, Woman's Place" and the gender role women are taught since birth; reads passage from book; includes interview at 16:01 with a woman speaking against the Women's Movement during an outdoor protest.