Mr Barnard discusses being a writer and biographer. He strongly discusses the theory, What is literature? and states, "If the work(writing) enriches the person reading and causes deep thought it is literature." He is working, at the time of broadcast, on the papers, notes manuscripts of Upton Sinclair preparing to . He was also writer in residence at Roosevelt University at the time of broadcast.

Jonathan Kozol, the author of "Death at an Early Age" talks about issues of educational inequality and racial justice. Paul Zimmerman, former public teacher, talks about his experience creating what becomes to be the Southern School at Uptown, Chicago.

Studs interview with Mel Lambert and five Puerto Rican boys (Harry, Carlos, Vic, Jose, and Hector) about their life in Puerto Rico and Chicago. They discuss learning English and other subjects in the jobs project. The five boys talk about gang involvement and interactions with other race and ethnic groups. They also discuss their goals, economic opportunity in Chicago, and their difficult experiences of learning English and getting an education.

Studs interview with five Puerto Rican boys: Hector, Jose, Victor, Harry and Carlos. Two other young men enter the conversation at the end: Raphael and Benjamin. Each boy describes a memory and some express a desire to return to Puerto Rico, while others wish to stay in America. The boys describe some about gang life with the Latin Kings and the violent relationship between gangs in Chicago. Studs suggests a peace conference with all gang leaders, and the boys describe their opinion of the outcome of such a meeting.

As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."

As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."

Hearing Chopin being played through the pipes of another apartment and a tale about a young girl who died and whose father froze her body in an ice house are among the stories in Stuart Dybek's book, "The Coast of Chicago." Dybek explained that although his stories may seem dream-like, he tries to come up up with stories from some place of reality.

Discussing the Redmoon Theater of Chicago with co-founders Bill Lasko, Blair Thomas and Clare Dolan. Mr. Thomas and Ms. Dolan were also puppeteers in the theater. The actors talk about making the puppets their own characters and making them larger than life. Audiences are captivated by the puppets, who offer a sense of wonder, magic and fantasy.