Tape 1, Side 1, through Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on November 10, 1998, Sheets discusses his family background and early life in Spokane, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon, including his education and his early political beliefs. He talks about his experiences studying political science at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, including his involvement with the college radio station, and an internship with the Rhode Island state legislature. He also talks about his opposition to the Vietnam War. He shares his experiences as a graduate student at the University of Washington school of communications, including producing a series of programs on the environment for local television stations.