This interview contains two parts. The first focuses on writer and John Henry Faulk biographer, Michael Burton, in which Burton discusses John Henry Faulk’s life as an American storyteller as well as his book entitled “John Henry Faulk: The Making of a Liberated Mind.” Burton makes mention of how the Hollywood Blacklist affected Faulk’s career.

Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and an 18th-century British soldier song have been removed for copyright restrictions.

Using the backdrop of James Baldwin's "Nobody Knows My Name" and Baldwin's feelings that Blacks were ashamed of where they came from, Terkel interviews Professor and Chairman of the Political Science Department of Roosevelt University on his book coauthored with Stokely Carmichael entitled" Black Power: Politics of Liberation in America". Hamilton states that Blacks were taught to hate themselves and leave school believing that. Institutional racism and the deliberate oppression it creates, holds blacks back. Blacks are left out of crucial decision making processes that concern them.

Dr. Samuel Epstein, author and Director of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, at the University of Illinois Medical School, talks about his book, "Hazardous Waste in America." Dr. Epstein explains the four types of hazardous waste, (nuclear, petroleum, mining, and fossil fuels) and describes how they can better be disposed of including burning, recycling/renewing, and interim storage. He also describes a case study of Hoffman-Taff in Verona, Missouri.

Robert Caro, journalist, discusses his book, "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York." Caro talks about Robert Moses and the power he had over New York for 44 years. He talks about parks, bridges, highways, and housing that Moses built as he challenged mayors, governors, and the working class. 

Dick Simpson's book, "Chicago's Future: An Agenda for Change," is discussed with the author, John Bailey and Robert Tucker, all employees of Chicago universities. The group discusses housing and transportation issues that many working class citizens face. The group discusses possible ways to fix the issues including government help and re-zoning.

Michael Rosenberg Meeropol discusses his book, ""We Are Your Sons: The Legacy of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg," and talks about his life growing up in the shadow of the execution of his parents. He recalls his memories leading up to their arrest and trial and the legal battle for him and his brother, Robert, to be adopted. He also talks about growing up ashamed of his last name, but eventually coming to terms with his identity and starting the fight for his parents' exoneration.

Dave Dellinger, activist, discusses his book, "More Power Than We Know: The People's Movement Toward Democracy." Dillinger describes his thoughts and past experiences with non-violent protesting. He recalls his experiences with the police during Vietnam War protests and the Trialrial of the Chicago . He also discusses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other well-known protesters.

Elizabeth Drew discussing her book, "Washington Journal: The Events of 1973-1974," about the uncertain times during the Watergate scandal. She describes the Saturday Night Massacre and the military alert that were attempts to cover-up Watergate, along with how people working inside the White House felt during these events.