The cartoonist discusses his comic strip collection, Kudzu, and its humorous approach to such everyday themes as wanting to leave one’s hometown, moving through life without a father, and seeking out the local preacher for guidance.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the book, Ross and Tom: Two American Tragedies, and interviewing the author John Leggett.  The dual biography tells the stories of writers Ross Lockridge and Thomas Heggen.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Actor and director Sidney Poitier offers his reflections about his autobiographical memoir, "This Life". Poitier explains how he never had ambitions to be an actor and yet he stumbled into acting when looking through the clasisfied ads. There's a story about his agent trying to settle a negotiation on Poitier's behalf. Poitier's agent told the others involved that Poitier was offered a film in Hollywood. Believing it was a cheap ploy, the agent was told to tell Poitier to go onto Hollywood, and the rest is history for Sidney Poitier.

Two central themes of Judith Rossner's book, "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" are time and loneliness. In her book, Rossner captivates her readers with Theresa Dunn's experiences of being a teacher by day and living dangerously with her sexual exploits at night. Included in the interview, both Rossner and Studs Terkel read passages from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Michael J. Arlen discusses his book Thirty Seconds, published in 1980. He goes on to discuss the advertising agencies and the work that goes into a television commercial. Rebroadcast.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Why certain people find eating certain products and/or animals taboo is a question Marvin Harris answers in his book, "Good to Eat: Riddles of Food and Culture". Hindus consider the cow the mother of life, and therefore sacred, Harris explains. Pork is a staple to the Chinese people, but to those of the Jewish faith, it's taboo, says Harris. Lastly, the rise of fast food restaurants made beef a favorite of Americans.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

A conversation about ecology, with the authors of Saving the Earth: A Citizen's Guide to Environmental Action.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The author and photographer discusses companionship, intimacy, friendship, and love among the abled and disabled, as further described in his book, Incurably Romantic.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations   

Discussing the nature and function of political action committees (PACs) with the co-chairman of Citizens Against PACs.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations