Terry Gross

Sweeney was elected in October 1995 and has been credited with revitalizing the labor movement. He's known for championing the cause of the poorest and least powerful members of the workforce. Last week John Sweeney spoke before the Democratic Convention. His new book is "America Needs a Raise: Fighting for Economic Security and Social Justice."

Journalist Peter Godwin. His new memoir is "Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa," about growing up in Rhodesia in 1964 as the British colony is collapsing. Godwin was formerly a foreign correspondent for the London Sunday Times. He now makes television documentaries for the BBC.

Breedlove plays with the Jamaican group, The Skatalites. They're credited with creating the music known as ska, a precursor to reggae, which is often mistaken for reggae. The group got their start in the 1960s. Breedlove is an American musician who worked with Lionel Hampton, and began playing with The Skatalites about seven years ago. The Skatalites have a new album, "Greetings from Skamania."