Neil Postman, an author, educator, media theorist and cultural critic discusses his book; "The School Book: For People Who Want to Know What All the Hollering Is About,". Mr Postman and Studs talk about his definition of what school is for and it's worth, and they converse about several sections of the book. Mr. Postman reads an excerpt from his book to begin the interview.

Discussing the book "An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales" (published by Knopf) with the author, neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks.

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.

Discussing the controversy at U.C. concerning the administration's refusal to renew Mrs. Dixon's contract (she later was reinstated but refused to accept) with Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, University of Chicago psychiatrist and Dr. Marlene Dixon, University of Chicago professor.

Studs Terkel leads a panel discussion on global education and the issues immigrants face in the American educational system. Panel members include Marilyn Turkovich, Dennis Brutus, Joe Elder, Daphne Maijorca, and Liu Zongren.

Foreign language expert Howard Vincent talks with Studs Terkel about foreign languages, Herman Melville, “Moby Dick,” and other literary works.

Discussing the book "Hunger of memory: the education of Richard Rodriquez" with the author Richard Rodriquez.

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the Foxfire books and interviewing Miles Horton and Elliot Wigginton. Wigginton is one of the editors/compilers of several of the books in the series about traditional handicrafts and practical methods used in rural life.