Obscure with Michael Ian Black
194 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.6K ratingsIt'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
Episode 71 - Kill Your Own Flame.
November 01, 2019 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBAfter Arabella rejects Jude’s dying wish, he travels to Marygreen and comes face-to-face with Sue for what may be the last time. 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 70 - The Obscure We See Eventually.
October 25, 2019 04:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBThree months after remarrying Arabella, Jude seems to be dying of a broken heart and begs Arabella to ask Sue to visit. Arabella is outraged. 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 70 - The Obscure We See Eventually
October 25, 2019 04:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBThree months after remarrying Arabella, Jude seems to be dying of a broken heart and begs Arabella to ask Sue to visit. Arabella is outraged.
Episode 69 - Sodden with Booze
October 18, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBArabella and her father keep Jude drunk for days at a party with his old drinking companions. Soon it becomes clear that this conniving pair have a hidden agenda.
Episode 69 - Sodden with Booze.
October 18, 2019 04:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBArabella and her father keep Jude drunk for days at a party with his old drinking companions. Soon it becomes clear that this conniving pair have a hidden agenda. 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 68 - Ashes to Ashes.
October 11, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBFrom the Jack-Jack Memorial Reading Throne, Michael is almost finished with the book. Jude allows Arabella to get him drunk and take him back to her father’s house where he invites her to “burn” him. 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-...
Episode 68 - Ashes to Ashes
October 11, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBFrom the Jack-Jack Memorial Reading Throne, Michael is almost finished with the book. Jude allows Arabella to get him drunk and take him back to her father’s house where he invites her to “burn” him.
Episode 67 - Every Period Is Unsettled
October 04, 2019 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBMichael takes a break from reading to share his difficult week with listeners in an episode of reflection.
Episode 67 - Every Period Is Unsettled.
October 04, 2019 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBMichael takes a break from reading to share his difficult week with listeners in an episode of reflection. 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 66 - Nobody’s Nuthin’ to Me.
September 27, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBArabella's finagling her way into Jude’s life, yet again, and Jude learns about Sue and Philloston’s remarriage. Another death seems imminent. 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 66 - Nobody’s Nuthin’ to Me
September 27, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBArabella's finagling her way into Jude’s life, yet again, and Jude learns about Sue and Philloston’s remarriage. Another death seems imminent.
Episode 65 - Wild, Wild Horses
September 20, 2019 04:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAfter an inspired night at the theatre, Michael discusses how Hardy matches up to Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Sue and Phillotson walk down the aisle (again).
Episode 65 - Wild, Wild Horses.
September 20, 2019 04:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBAfter an inspired night at the theatre, Michael discusses how Hardy matches up to Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Sue and Phillotson walk down the aisle (again). 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 64 - Forgive and Forget?
September 13, 2019 04:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThe drama continues as Sue arrives at Philloston's house in preparation to remarry him. But can she go through with it? Can he? Can Michael? And later, Michael asks friend and author Gary Shteyngart what the hell is going on in this book.
Episode 64 - Forgive and Forget?.
September 13, 2019 04:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThe drama continues as Sue arrives at Philloston's house in preparation to remarry him. But can she go through with it? Can he? Can Michael? And later, Michael asks friend and author Gary Shteyngart what the hell is going on in this book. 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 Noti...
Episode 63 - Our Marriage Is Not Cancelled!.
September 06, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBAs Michael celebrates his birthday, our beloved characters continue to spiral. 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 63 - Our Marriage Is Not Cancelled!
September 06, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBAs Michael celebrates his birthday, our beloved characters continue to spiral.
Episode 62 - Who Were We to Think We Could Act as Pioneers?
August 30, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBDespite Jude’s pleas, Sue’s grief leads her to believe she must go back to her first husband to save her soul. And Michael continues to work through his issues with Jack-Jack. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/OBSCURE code: OBSCURE)
Episode 62 - Who Were We to Think We Could Act as Pioneers?.
August 30, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBDespite Jude’s pleas, Sue’s grief leads her to believe she must go back to her first husband to save her soul. And Michael continues to work through his issues with Jack-Jack. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/OBSCURE code: OBSCURE) 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 Cali...
Episode 61 - Death, Death, Dammedable Death
August 23, 2019 04:17 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBMicheal continues to predict Jude’s fate as he dissects a dark and heated conversation between lovers Jude and Sue. And Michael talks with "God Land" writer Lyz Lenz about leaving her own marriage and faith and naming her son...Jude! This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE).
Episode 61 - Death, Death, Dammedable Death.
August 23, 2019 04:17 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBMicheal continues to predict Jude’s fate as he dissects a dark and heated conversation between lovers Jude and Sue. And Michael talks with "God Land" writer Lyz Lenz about leaving her own marriage and faith and naming her son...Jude! This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE). See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
Episode 60 - Without Faith. Without Hope. Without Direction.
August 16, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBJude and Sue grapple in the aftermath of their devastating tragedy, while Michael steels himself against further sorrow. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE) 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-n...
Episode 60 - Without Faith. Without Hope. Without Direction
August 16, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBJude and Sue grapple in the aftermath of their devastating tragedy, while Michael steels himself against further sorrow. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE)
Taking a Breather.
August 09, 2019 04:00 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBMichael takes a break amidst all of the suffering to indulge listeners in a calming meditative session. 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.
Taking a Breather
August 09, 2019 04:00 - 5 minutes - 5.46 MBMichael takes a break amidst all of the suffering to indulge listeners in a calming meditative session.
Episode 59 - Done Because We Are Too Menny.
August 02, 2019 04:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MBAs we head towards the final pages, Michael is thrown off by a surprising turn of events, which starts with Little Father Time questioning Sue about life and culminates in a startling chilling discovery that changes everything. 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 http...
Episode 59 - Done Because We Are Too Menny
August 02, 2019 04:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBAs we head towards the final pages, Michael is thrown off by a surprising turn of events, which starts with Little Father Time questioning Sue about life and culminates in a startling chilling discovery that changes everything.
Episode 58 - No Room at the Inn.
July 26, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBAfter facing his failure at the Christminister honorary degree presentation, an ailing Jude hits the road where he and Sue face more rejection for their marital status. And Michael finds common ground with Jude as he prepares to send his son off to college. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE). See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See omnystudio.com/listener f...
Episode 58 - No Room at the Inn
July 26, 2019 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBAfter facing his failure at the Christminister honorary degree presentation, an ailing Jude hits the road where he and Sue face more rejection for their marital status. And Michael finds common ground with Jude as he prepares to send his son off to college. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE).
Episode 57 - Christminster: Returning to the Seat of His Dreams
July 19, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBJude and family return to Christminster, Michael returns to Vegas, and everyone grapples with where they find themselves in life. Michael speaks with actor Joshua Malina about poker. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE).
Episode 57 - Christminster: Returning to the Seat of His Dreams.
July 19, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBJude and family return to Christminster, Michael returns to Vegas, and everyone grapples with where they find themselves in life. Michael speaks with actor Joshua Malina about poker. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE). 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 an...
Episode 56 - Charming the Charmer.
July 12, 2019 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBA jealous Arabella gives advice to a disgraced Phillotson. Meanwhile, Sue tends to a sick Jude who just can’t quit Christminster. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE). 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/pri...
Episode 56 - Charming the Charmer
July 12, 2019 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBA jealous Arabella gives advice to a disgraced Phillotson. Meanwhile, Sue tends to a sick Jude who just can’t quit Christminster. This episode is sponsored by Petronics (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE).
Episode 55 - Finding God and Losing Religion.
July 05, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBIn an episode that spans years, Jude and Sue pay a price for their nontraditional domestic arrangement. 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 55 - Finding God and Losing Religion
July 05, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBIn an episode that spans years, Jude and Sue pay a price for their nontraditional domestic arrangement.
Episode 54 - A Smear Campaign.
June 28, 2019 04:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBThe outrage atJude and Sue’s happiness and their unmarried status continues to cause an uproar among their neighbors, forcing the couple to make some tough decisions. This episode is sponsored by Petronics - Mousr (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE). 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 Califo...
Episode 54 - A Smear Campaign
June 28, 2019 04:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBThe outrage atJude and Sue’s happiness and their unmarried status continues to cause an uproar among their neighbors, forcing the couple to make some tough decisions. This episode is sponsored by Petronics - Mousr (www.petronics.io/obscure code: OBSCURE).
Episode 53 - They Were Happy for Two Paragraphs.
June 21, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBJude and Sue settle into a happy domestic life with Jude's son, but trouble follows in the form of a jealous Arabella. 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 53 - They Were Happy for Two Paragraphs
June 21, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBJude and Sue settle into a happy domestic life with Jude's son, but trouble follows in the form of a jealous Arabella.
Episode 52 - Are You My Mother?
June 14, 2019 04:44 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBJude’s son arrives, and Sue feels an instant connection. But a wise old widow warns the couple of a tragic doom to come.
Episode 52 - Are You My Mother?.
June 14, 2019 04:44 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBJude’s son arrives, and Sue feels an instant connection. But a wise old widow warns the couple of a tragic doom to come. 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 51 - Well! Quite a Piece of News!
June 07, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBA surprising plot development makes Sue reconsider marrying Jude. Plus, Michael’s wife Martha returns to discuss this new intrigue.
Episode 51 - Well! Quite a Piece of News!.
June 07, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBA surprising plot development makes Sue reconsider marrying Jude. Plus, Michael’s wife Martha returns to discuss this new intrigue. 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 50 - A Low-Passioned Woman.
May 31, 2019 04:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBJude agrees to stop asking Sue about marriage, but a knock at the door leads to more revelations and a confrontation between the two women competing for the stonemason’s heart. This episode is sponsored by Roman (www.getroman.com/OBSCURE). 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 Not...
Episode 50 - A Low-Passioned Woman
May 31, 2019 04:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBJude agrees to stop asking Sue about marriage, but a knock at the door leads to more revelations and a confrontation between the two women competing for the stonemason’s heart. This episode is sponsored by Roman (www.getroman.com/OBSCURE).
Episode 49 - Two Dissatisfied Ones
May 24, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBWill these two ever figure it out?
Episode 49 - Two Dissatisfied Ones.
May 24, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBWill these two ever figure it out? 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 48 - A Town Divided
May 17, 2019 05:19 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBThe town of Shaston is split over Phillotson’s controversial dismissal from school, which causes the teacher to become ill and receive a surprise visit.
Episode 48 - A Town Divided.
May 17, 2019 05:19 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBThe town of Shaston is split over Phillotson’s controversial dismissal from school, which causes the teacher to become ill and receive a surprise visit. 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 47 - The Friend Zone.
May 10, 2019 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43 MBWhen Jude and Sue run away together, they have different ideas of the state of their relationship. And Michael checks in with writer Nell Scovell about her thoughts on the romance and Hardy's writing. 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...