Dennis Brutus reads several of his poems from the book "Letters to Martha and Other Poems From a South African Prison" (Letters number 1, 9, 17 - "In prison"). Dennis Brutus discusses the 1972 Summer Olympics and being imprisoned for being an activist against Apartheid and the unreasonable laws that went along with Apartheid. Interview begins with excerpt of interview with Chief Albert John Luthuli (excerpt from 1895817-6-1).

Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 6: Three Strikes. Bob Stinson discusses working at General Motors and how the sit-down strike began. Justin McCarthy discusses his job conditions at Ford Assembly Plant prior to the unions implementation. Mike Widman remembers heading up union negotiations and the strike at the Ford Plant in 1940-41. Dr. Lewis Andreas talks about being at the 1937 Memorial Day massacre and providing medical care during the Depression.

Presenting "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression" High Life, Sixteen Ton: Chapter 7. Sally Rand talks about the creation of her signature fan dance and predictions for future depressions. Doc Graham discusses his upbringing, Chicago mobs, and Count Victor Lustig. Tony Soma talks about prohibition before and after the 1929 crash. Jerome Zerbe talks about inventing paparazzi photography, spending two weeks working in a coal mine, and the New Deal. Buddy Blankenship recalls working 16 hour days in West Virginia coal mines. Mary Owsley remembers life as a coal miner's wife.

Presenting "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression" The Farmer is the Man: Chapter 8. Harry Terrell remembers the Farm Holiday Movement. Oscar Heline explains deficit financing and farmer's actions in response to farm foreclosures. Frank and Rome Hentges recall the threatening of a judge in Le Mars, IA by farmers protesting foreclosures. Orin Kelley was mistakenly arrested in connection with the judge assault and discusses his time in jail. Emil Loriks gives his perspective of the Farmer's Holiday Association. Ruth Loriks talks about grasshopper swarms.

Terkel interview author Geoffrey Wolff about his latest book. Entitled "Black Sun," it is a biography of Harry Crosby.

Dennis Brutus discusses and reads his poetry. He discusses life in South Africa. Dennis Brutus reads poems from his books of poetry "Sirens, Knuckles and Boots", "A Simple Lust", and "Letters to Martha and Other Poems from a South African Prison". Includes music in the beginning. Includes a clip of Albert Lutuli speaking.

Discussing the book "Weeping in the playtime of others" with the author Ken Wooden.

Terkel interviews Jonathan Wordsworth about his great-great uncle William Wordsworth.

Writer Calvin Trillin talks about his book “Third Helpings” and different regional foods and the ethnicities that influence them. Both Studs Terkel and Calvin Trillin read excerpts from Trillin’s book, and a soundbite from the former Commissioner of Immigration, Leonel Castillo, is played.

Writer Calvin Trillin discusses his book “Killings” and the murder cases included in the book. Trillin also reads a poem written by one of the victims.