Wilfred Burchett (an Australian journalist) discusses his journalism career. He was reporting conflicts in Asia (North Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan) and their Communist supporters. He speaks briefly about his experiences in Nazi Germany and concentration camps. Towards the end of the interview he talks about his interest in learning and reporting more about the new euro-communism (prominent in Italy, Spain and France).

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

Daniel Ellsberg, political activist, discusses the creation and use of the atomic and hydrogen bombs. He discusses his family including how his son helped him leak the Pentagon Papers and has since protested with him, including being jailed. He also talks about his father who quit his job over the creation of the hydrogen bomb and how his father's choice helped him to decide to release the Pentagon Papers.

With his book, "A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam", Neil Sheehan wanted to tell what happened in Vietnam and why it happened through telling the story of Lt. Colonel John Paul Vann. Sheehan said Vann had a keen sense of reality. Vann knew if they didn't change the Saigon government into something decent that would appeal to its own people, they'd never succeed at anything other than getting American soldiers killed for nothing. Although readers will find painful experiences in the book, Sheehan explained that his book is not an anti-war book.

Studs Terkel speaks with journalists Neil and Susan Sheehan about their respective books “A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam” and “Is There No Place on Earth for Me?” Further discussion is had about journalism and Neil and Susan’s collaborations together. Audio clips of when Neil Sheehan and Susan Sheehan were previously on Terkel’s program are played.

Studs interviews Vietnam veteran and anti-war activist Ron Kovic upon the paperback release of his autobiography "Born on the Fourth of July." Kovic recounts his All-American upbringing and unblinking faith in the country and its ideals before volunteering for the Marines and Vietnam.

Discussing Thailand and interviewing journalist Louis Lomax. Includes passage from book.

Members of John F. Kennedy's administration are featured in David Halberstam's book, "The Best and the Brightest." Halberstam points out the irony of the title, as some in the administration may not have been the best or the brightest.  As a result of their bad decisions, America got tangled up in the Vietnam War.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations