Studs Terkel’s radio program spanned the early years of the Cold War through the turn of the Millennium and there are few major events or themes in American history and political life that he and his guests didn’t explore.

Studs Terkel had a unique knack for talking about classical music in a way that brought out the drama and thrill of performances and that illuminated connections with all the other genres of music he loved.

Armed with his microphone and recorder, Studs Terkel was a determined activist for civil rights in his city and his nation.

“There are certain characters you just don’t hit with a pie” - words of wisdom from Buster Keaton in conversation with Studs Terkel, 1960

Studs Terkel loved Chicago, and Chicago loved and continues to love Studs.

The Cold War topic features interviews with historians, scientists, philosophers, activists, artists, working people and children offering perspectives on what it meant to live in the shadow of numbing concepts such as "mutually assured destruction," the atomic bomb and the Space Race.

The role of laughter and wit in society is present throughout the archive, in particular, the notion of laughter being a way to overcome hardship and inspire social struggles.

Studs Terkel was fascinated by the evolution of dance in the 20th century.

The education topic is full of deep discussions with teachers and students as well as school administrators and people who studied the history of education or advocated for policy changes.

Terkel had a deep love of folk music (his tributes to Woody Guthrie are especially inspired) and interviews in this topic include Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, Janis Joplin, Odetta, John Prine, Buffy St. Marie,  John Jacob Niles, Jean Redpath, Pete Seeger, Doc Watson and many dozens more.