Terkel interviews students Monk, Fred and Johnny. The three students talk about the influence they have on the younger generation. This interview is done in two parts.

Adapted by Peditto, the play, "Never Come Morning", is based on the Nelson Algren novel of the same title, a story about a man working his way out of a low-income neighborhood in Chicago. The cast discusses their familiarity with Algren’s work and how they found their way into this production. Studs and the cast of this production read through several of the scenes from the play. This program includes clips of interviews and performances of Nelson Algren that capture his storytelling abilities.

James and Ann Harper join Studs Terkel to discuss their personal stories and the work of their social center called Save the Alcoholic, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. James discusses his struggle with alcoholism and how his experiences influence the mission of Save the Alcoholic. Ann says its often hard to work with “Skid row alcoholics,” but ultimately, they both believe it’s important to help those who are alienated by society, despite their frustrations.

Commemorating the centennial of the Haymarket Square Riot, or Haymarket Affair, are authors and historians Bill Adelman, Paul Avrich, Carolyn Ashbaugh, and the grandson of Haymarket defendant Oscar Neebe, Bill Neebe. The interveiwees create a timeline of the events leading up to the Haymarket Riot including the German immigrants living situations, unions and strikes, police brutality and corruption. The group also lays out the events from May 1st to May 5th and then the following corrupt trials.

Bob Koester, record producer and owner of Delmark Records, the United State's oldest independent jazz and blues label, talks about jazz, blues, and bebop musicians.

Mike Royko, a long-time journalist in Chicago, discusses some of his most popular columns. Topics include Cook County Hospital's lack of air conditioning in surgery rooms, the future of workers, and the Civil Right's Movement. The responsiblities of journalists and the effect of newspapers are also discussed.

Mike Royko, long time journalist of Chicago, discusses his column about William O. Douglas. Royko also talks about his column about Jim Lee Osborne, who moved from the Appalachians to Chicago. Studs and other staff members read the articles by Royko and some responses he received from the public.

In part two of the six part series Joy Street, Studs focuses on the life of one particular young man. Eighteen year old Jimmy shares with Studs his daily routine, his triumphs and tragedies, and what he would hope to accomplish during his life, if he ever gets that chance.

Studs interview with Art Shay opens and closes with a slow blues piece. Shay discusses his picture book, "Nelson Algren's Chicago." He and Studs discuss the people and events in a number of pictures from the book. Studs plays a recording of Algren reading from one of his novels. Studs quotes critic, Rick Kogan of the Tribune.