Obscure with Michael Ian Black artwork

Obscure with Michael Ian Black

194 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.6K ratings

It's a book club, but funny!

Comedian Michael Ian Black is tackling a great work of literature: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Join Michael's weekly book club as he reads aloud from a classic and asks people like Jen Kirkman, Mike Birbiglia, Michael Showalter, and even his teenage kids to weigh in with their perspectives. 

Season 1: Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure. The book is bleak, but Michael does a lot of accent work.

Season 2: Frankenstein. It's alive, and it's just a big buddy. Also, more accent work.

Support this show and access bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack


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Episodes

S2 Episode 39 - A Gorgeous Day (and Host)

August 10, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

As Vic and Hank meander along the Rhine, Michael moves the entire Obscure set-up outside to better consider nature, and he looks great doing it.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 38 - My Annoying Cat

August 03, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

Michael's cat is annoying the heck out of him. He's a junky and it's the worst. Also, Victah Frankenstein is figuring out what to do to honor his promise to the Big Buddy. How will he make the She Buddy? New volumes, new journeys, same old annoying cat. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Follow the journey at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-...

S2 Episode 37 - News from the Jill Schwartz Memorial Library

July 27, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

Michael promised a Frankenstein update, and that update is HERE! We pause between Volume 2 and 3 for a story.  More updates and bonus content is at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 36 - WTF?

July 20, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

In which your humble host fires up his beef with Marc Maron for no good reason whatsoever. True pettiness on his end. And as always, Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Want more petty b.s.? Visit https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 35 - Wobbling on Pillars

July 13, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

Michael's personal crisis continues, and the Big Buddy finally gets to the point. For those who enjoy sweeping, inaccurate generalizations, this is the episode for you!  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More inaccuracies at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 34 - Big Shoes

July 06, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More topsy-turviness in Michael's world and Big Buddy's. Neither of them have very good plans to deal with the chaos in their worlds. Only one of them plans to burn down Geneva, however.  One good plan? Sign up for more content at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 33 - My Mistaken Spanish Invasion

June 29, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Big Buddy is hellbent on revenge and plans to take on the entire g-d world. Use your head, Big Buddy. This isn't going to end well, as Michael learned the hard way.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Don't forget to share your reviews! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 32 - A Gamble!

June 22, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Big Buddy and Michael both contemplate taking gambles: Michael with his poker stash, his with his VERY LIFE!!! An exciting tale from both of them. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support what you love! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 31 - Beat 'Em and Boost 'Em

June 15, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

What does Michael do? Read and comments as he goes. What is he about? Respect for women. We knock Mary Shelley down when things are lousy, we gotta boost her up when things are good. The Big Buddy examines pleasure and pain.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More pleasure (less pain) at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 30 - How Bizarre (Bazaar)!

June 08, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The story takes a wild detour this week with a tale of jail breaks, exile, slavery, and Mohamatams. More wild tales + bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 29 - Complaining About My F'ing Brain

June 01, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Lots of complaining about jigsaw puzzles and this f'ing book. But also, some SCINTILLATING questions about the nature of our existence. We are all truly blots on this Earth.   Get more Obscure at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 28 - A Stranger Knocks

May 25, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

In which Michael complains more about the book but then something VERY EXCITING happens - bah buh BAAAAAAH - and then he complain some more.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. We want to hear all your complaints (and praise). Send us those reviews! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 27 - Happy (but not the song by Pharrell Williams)

May 18, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

Michael's in a good mood, as our Big Buddy holes up in his hovel stalking a family like a weird-o. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. You know what else helps his mood? Those stars and reviews! Please keep 'em coming. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 26 - Is A Chicken Nugget Still Chicken?

May 11, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and he covers a lot of ground in this episode, though the Big Buddy travels not very far at all. Plus, he memorialize a different kind of giant.  https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 25 - The Big Buddy Blues

May 04, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Our woeful monster begins to sing his lament to Victor Frankenstein. Plus, it's PIZZA NIGHT!!! What is your MPA?  Tell us as you in your review! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 24 - The Daemon Speaks!

April 27, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Just as Michael begins to despair that the story will ever go anywhere, Vic-tah Frankenstein finds himself face to face in the snowy Alps with the Big Buddy. So much tension you want to scream, "Get a room!" And then they DO! Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support what you love! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 23 - Pain & Gain

April 20, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

Michael comes to you in some duress during this episode. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 22 - Enthusiastic Hackery

April 13, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Victah Frankenstein is getting a little emo. Lots of shoegazing and moping around and the beginnings of a plan of action. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. There's more action at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 21 - A Volume Closes

April 06, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Fates hang in the balance! Poor Justine finds out whether or not she will die. Victor Frankenstein examines his conscience and finds it infested with worms. At long last, Prometheus begins to get his due. WARNING: NO NUDITY!  Want more Obscure? Get book club access, bonus episodes and more at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com...

S2 Episode 20 - Rueful Gods

March 30, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

Justine Moritz is being tried for the murder of poor William. Plus: it's Insurrection Week here on Obscure as Michael contemplates what happens when gods regret their own creations.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support the good mad scientists! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 19 - Meth Head

March 22, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MB

Little William is dead! Could the Big Buddy be to blame? How is Jesse Pinkman involved? You'll never BELIEVE who is to be tried for murder. Things are getting HOT in the Swiss Alps. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 18 - This Podcast is Terrible

March 16, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and he's not pulling any punches. William is dead, and he doesn't care. "This is a terrible podcast," he says. Don't agree? Show him your love! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode Episode 17 - A Monster on the Loose

March 09, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

There's a monster on the loose in Ingolstadt, and nobody seems to give a crap! Instead, we are treated to gossip and idle walks in the woods. What the hell is going on???  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Want even more Obscure? There's more plenty more Michael at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 16 - A Nervous Fever

March 02, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB

Vic-tah (Vinny Barbarino) Frankenstein collapses for inexplicable reasons and it is up to dear Henry Clervil to restore him to health. Meanwhile, Big Buddy is roaming around somewhere doing God knows what. It's madness, MADNESS!!!  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. If you like it, support it! https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. ...

S2 Episode 15 - The Big Buddy Blues

February 26, 2021 19:27 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

Our woeful monster begins to sing his lament to Victor Frankenstein. Plus, it's PIZZA NIGHT!!! What is your MPA?  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 15 - Big Buddy

February 23, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

It's alive!!! The culmination of all of Frankenstein's work and toil basically ends with him taking a nap. What the hell?  If you like what you hear, please support us! Patreon.com/michaelianblack Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S2 Episode 14 - Butt Stuff

February 16, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

Young Victor Frankenstein is gettin' down and dirty in this episode of grotesqueries. PLUS, Michael makes obvious and probably tedious observations about Christianity!  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Want even more Obscure! There's bonus content available at patreon.com/michaelianblack. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-se...

S2 Episode 13 - Going from Point A to Point X

February 09, 2021 12:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at patreon.com/michaelianblack. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 12 - Working the Poll

February 02, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

A blast from the past Election Day episode! Michael gets busy working that poll, and Victor Frankenstein gets busy figuring out the nature of creation. One of them deserves a tip.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at patreon.com/michaelianblack. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy...

S2 Episode 11 - The Outlook is Cloudy (and Grim)

January 26, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Recorded with Election Eve looming, Michael attempts to discern the future and compare Frankenstein's experimentation with our own. Does he take the comparisons too far? Of course. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes book club, deli chat, Michael's letters and more! Support us at patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my...

S2 Episode 10 - ORGY

January 19, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

Maybe you thought there wouldn't be an orgy this season. WRONG!  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack if you love book clubs and bonus content! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 9 - In the Bubble

January 12, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

Coming to you from a Hyatt Regency somewhere in Southern California, it's a quarantine episode of Frankenstein, in which Michael does his perfect Italian accent SEVERAL TIMES!!!  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping & deli chat, book club and more! Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my...

S2 Episode 08 - The Full Leno

January 05, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Somehow, after 7 episodes, Michael only now begins the actual story of Frankenstein. "Hey Shakespeare, why are you only starting Frankenstein's story now?" And we meet an angel from heaven.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes book club, deli chat, Michael's letters and more! Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...

S2 Episode 7 - Bissy, Bicy, Bishy, Bitch

December 29, 2020 12:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MB

Michael dives deep into Mr. Shelley and finds UNCANNY parallels between the husband and wife. HORROR! BEAUTY! HEADLESS LADY!!! Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes book club, deli chat, Michael's letters and more! Get it all at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 6 - Brother, Sledge

December 22, 2020 12:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Walton believes he has finally found a brother in Frankenstein who, like soup, begins to warm his wandering heart. And brandy. Soup and brandy. And a bathtub stirred with a boomerang. Because here on Obscure, we remain unafraid to mix our metaphors.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.  This month's bonus content includes book club, letters from Michael + extra audio! Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

S2 Episode 5 - Here They Be Daemons

December 15, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Walton, at long last, meets Frankenstein! And Frankenstein begins to tell his sordid tale. (He doesn'tknow yet if it's actually "sordid" but screw it.) This month's bonus content includes book club, letters from Michael, extra audio + more! Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.  Support us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 4 - Like A Hit of Heroin

December 08, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

In which Michael describes a trembling and fearful sensation! Marlow describes his intention of getting to "the land of mist and snow," and Michael solves a literary mystery.  Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-in...

S2 Episode 3 - Clearing the Tree

December 01, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

Friendships are lacking and Michael kicks Nature's stupid ass. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at patreon.com/michaelianblack. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 2 - It's Still Alive

November 24, 2020 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Michael Ian Black continues his journey reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S2 Episode 1 - It's Alive

November 17, 2020 12:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MB

Our first episode of Obscure Season 2: Frankenstein is alive. Listen, love, laugh & review. This month's bonus content include's camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! Join us at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obscure Season 2...It's Alive

November 13, 2020 14:00 - 2 minutes - 2.25 MB

Michael is back and better than ever! Well, he's back! Join more of the fun at patreon.com/michaelianblack Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 75 - The End

November 29, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

Death comes for Jude, while Michael welcomes a new life.

Episode 75 - The End.

November 29, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

Death comes for Jude, while Michael welcomes a new life. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 74 - In Need of a Eulogy

November 22, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

While Michael plans a eulogy, Jude hangs to life, and Arabella plans her next move. Mrs. Edlin visits to inform Jude that Sue has “properly” become a wife to her new husband, causing Jude to rail against the time in which they exist.

Episode 74 - In Need of a Eulogy.

November 22, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

While Michael plans a eulogy, Jude hangs to life, and Arabella plans her next move. Mrs. Edlin visits to inform Jude that Sue has “properly” become a wife to her new husband, causing Jude to rail against the time in which they exist. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

Episode 73 - Weddings Be Funerals

November 15, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

Ghosts continue to haunt Jude, and Michael can relate. Meanwhile, Sue continues to doubt both herself and her choices and finally decides who to share a bed with.

Episode 73 - Weddings Be Funerals.

November 15, 2019 05:00 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MB

Ghosts continue to haunt Jude, and Michael can relate. Meanwhile, Sue continues to doubt both herself and her choices and finally decides who to share a bed with. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 72 - If Misery Can Know Happiness

November 08, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Jude and Sue reunite and declare their love for each other. Despite Michael’s prediction, Jude survives the trip and struggles back to Christminster. Later, Michael's wife Martha joins him to talk about regrets. 

Episode 72 - If Misery Can Know Happiness.

November 08, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Jude and Sue reunite and declare their love for each other. Despite Michael’s prediction, Jude survives the trip and struggles back to Christminster. Later, Michael's wife Martha joins him to talk about regrets.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Episode 71 - Kill Your Own Flame

November 01, 2019 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

After Arabella rejects Jude’s dying wish, he travels to Marygreen and comes face-to-face with Sue for what may be the last time.