C.D.B. Bryan discusses his book "Friendly Fire" and the Vietnam War. Bryan discusses the true story of Michael Mullen who was killed by friendly fire in Vietnam and his family.

Discussing the book, "Eighty Years at Hull House," and interviewing the co-author, Mary Lynn McCree Bryan. Mary Lynn McCree Bryan discusses the Hull House and its founders in Chicago, Illinois. Includes two clips of Florence Scala speaking: one about nature and about a tree that was taken down at Hull House and one about Jane Addams. Includes a clip of Jessie Binford discussing Jane Addams.

Discussing the book "Starving in the shadow of plenty" with the author Loretta Schwartz-Nobel.

Discussing the book "Twentieth century journey: 1930-1940" with the author William Shirer.

Part 1 of this program begins with Studs Terkel reading an excerpt from the book "Giants of Jazz" , which describes Dizzy Gillespie's early life. Gillespie discusses the following: the state of jazz; his fellow musicians; jazz contributors; jazz fundamentals; and his tours abroad. Gillespie's "Groovin' High" is played towards the end of this part of the program.

Discussing the book "With enough shovels: Reagan, Bush and nuclear war " with the journalist-author Robert Scheer.

Discussing the book "An ethnic at large" with the author Jerre Mangione.

Discussing the book "Deadly deceits: my twenty five years in the C.I.A" with the author Ralph McGehee.

Discussing the book, "A long time passing: Vietnam and the Haunted Generation," with the author Myra MacPherson.

Jones discusses the play "Othello" where he plays the lead character Othello.