February 17, 1974 - The Eisenhower Symposium #9 presents Dr. Isaac Asimov speaking at the 1973 Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium, held at Johns Hopkins University, Boston. Asimov’s speech is titled “Utopian Change," which deals with the many changes directly affect daily life yet may be forced upon the individual before he can evaluate their benefit or plan for their incorporation in his daily routine.
March 6, 1974 - A local writer reflects on the importance of mentorship and community, as well as approaching writing as a craft at the Twin Cities Writer's Workshop conference.
March 13, 1974 - Arthur Schlesinger, historian and author, speaks at the University of Missouri. Schlesinger’s address is on topic from his book "The Imperial Presidency."
April 1, 1974 - The Guthrie Theater holds the world premiere of "The Portable Pioneer and Prairie Show", inspired by the world renowned singing family that gave the town of 8,000 its name. Ron McGraw of the McLeod County Historical Society and Richard Lennox of the Ambassadors, a civic group, comment on the benefits and publicity associated with the show. The last performing member of the family singers, Beth Hutchinson Forney, now 88 years old, talks about the act and hardships of life on the road. Audience members respond to the performance.
April 2, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman looks at a game course at Macalester College. Students under the guidance of Professor Raymond Mikkelson, used a five-week interim period to study games and invent their own. Course included mainstream games Monopoly and Clue, as well as war theme games, such as Gettysburg.
April 4, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews Michael Novak, a philosopher and author, about his book "Choosing Our King: Powerful Symbols in Presidential Politics."
April 16, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman has a conversation with author Robert Pirsig about his book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” Pirsig shares how he started the book while also writing computer manuals, and finished it while spending time in a camper on the North Shore.
April 19, 1974 - A speech given by Eugene McCarthy, who was a long-term DFL Congress Representative from Minnesota, as well as a poet and author. McCarthy is speaking here on the vice presidency, how to reform the Presidency, and the 25th Amendment of the Constitution.
April 26, 1974 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Minnesota Sierra Club's Bob Wagner and Bill Cunningham about the New Earth Revival, an exposition on environmental preservation and reducing consumerism. Wagner and Cunningham provide details on activities at event and the general philosophy behind efforts to lessen consumption.
June 14, 1974 - On this program of Perspectives, MPR’s Connie Goldman profiles Studs Terkel, radio show host and author, on his speech at the Minnesota Press Club.