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.

Alfred Alvarez, poet and author, talks about his new book, "The Savage God," and how depression and suicide affects people. He talks about his past experience with his friend Sylvia Plath and the end of her life. The two men also discuss the history of suicide including the Greeks, Judas, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Alvarez also talks about famous artists who have committed suicide and why the 20th century may have caused so many suicides. Alvarez reads the opening passage and epilogue of his book.

Philip Hilts, an author and journalist, discusses behavior modification and it advantages and dangers. He delves into B. F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov's work and explains how behavior modification is used today. Hilts discusses cases used in prisons, schools, and workplaces. Hilts also talks about typical medications given to children who are said to experience hyperactivity.

Arnold A. Hutschnecker, a doctor with specialization in psychiatry, talks about his book, "The Drive For Power." He explores mental illness and its negative connotation. He explores how people who look for power tend to need mental help, but that the negative stigma around it tends to make them shy away, which leads to national aggravation and war. He also recalls his meetings with Richard Nixon from before he was president and how continued help may have changed the Vietnam War.

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Dr. Williard Gaylen, a physician and professor of psychiatry at Columbia, discusses how feelings define humanity. He explains that there are no "bad" or "good" feelings, because even anxiety and guilt are strictly human emotions. Dr. Gaylen also talks about how envy is the only useless feeling. Two recordings of people talking about pride and guilt are also played.

Dr. Erich Fromm explains how he believes the Cold War was a moment of change for humanity where it would either bring about a "renaissance of humanism or immense bloodshed and barbarism for decades to come." Using his study into humanism, Dr. Fromm warns about how the love of death can overtake the love of life as nationalism and group narcissism takes hold in different countries. He goes on to explain that humanity has to decide that they have a right to demand independence and freedom.

Dr. Ronald Glasser talks about his book "The Greatest Battle," which explores cancer and the environmental factors that can cause it. He talks about smoking, food additives and diet, infectious diseases, and germs.

Making people aware that toxic chemicals in our everyday lives can cause cancer has been one of Dr. Samuel Epstein’s main goals. According to his book, “The Politics of Cancer,” the government really won’t step in until there is a public outcry.

Naomi Glasser talks about her book "What Are You Doing: How People Are Helped Through Reality Therapy," by discussing cases where reality therapy has worked on patients with selective mutism, depression, relationship problems, and mental illnesses.