This Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition podcast outlines the life and impact of Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente (1934–1972), who, later in life, played professional baseball in the U.S. and became a hero and spokesman for Puerto Rico, as well as a civil rights activist.

Professor Clarence Walker discusses the origins of the institution of slavery in North America and what would become the United States. He looks back in history at different forms of slavery beyond North America and at how they differ and are similar to the North American and U.S. institution.

Professor Karen Sawislak reviews the history of women in the workplace and women's work during the 19th century in the U.S. She looks at changes over this period and how this history is perceived and taught today.

Professor Shirley Moore details the stories of several African-American women in the West in the 1800s and early 1900s, including abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant (?-1904) and nurse and businesswoman Bridget "Biddy" Mason (1818-1891). Moore looks at the history of African Americans in the West more generally, as well.

Professor David Henkin explores Antebellum views on slavery, both in opposition to it and in favor of it. He also examines modern perceptions of slavery in history.

Professor Kevin Adams reviews the life of Abraham Lincoln, considering the contradictions of his decisions and views on race and in politics. Adams looks at how these contradictions reflected and fit into the context of Lincoln's times.

Professor Lauren Coodley reviews the life of writer and activist Upton Sinclair. She focuses on the details of his life not commonly included in his popular image as a "muckraker."

Professor Salvatore Nick reviews the life of C.L. Franklin (1915-1984), African-American Baptist preacher and civil rights activist. Nick looks particularly at the greater social context within which Franklin spoke and worked—that is, the daily experiences of the African American communities to which he spoke and which he spoke for.

Professor Caroline Cox reviews the life of activist Dorothea Dix (1802-1887), who fought for reform in the treatment of mental patients and served as Superintendent of Army Nurses during the Civil War. She focuses particularly on the difficulties in separating mythology and folklore from truth in tracing Dix's life. Cox also compares and contrasts Dix with the Grimke sisters, Sarah Grimke (1792-1873) and Angelina Grimke Weld (1805-1879), Quakers who worked for both abolition and women's rights.

Professor Clarence Walker reviews the life of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, drawing on Douglass's first autobiography.