Topics
60 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 627 ratings"Topics" features long-time friends and creative comedic collaborators Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter as they tackle some of mankind's most difficult questions: What is the nature of love? Is time travel possible? Does God exist? And so many more. "Topics" is a thoughtful, intense conversation about what makes humankind... kind of human. Featuring original music by Dan Deacon!
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Episodes
Introducing Obscure - Michael's new podcast
June 11, 2018 04:00 - 3 minutes - 3 MBMichael Ian Black is back on Earwolf with a new podcast. Obscure tackles a great work of literature. Join Michael as he reads Thomas Hardy’s classic Jude the Obscure and comments as he goes. Here's a preview, and you can hear Episode 1 right now in your podcast app. Hear Episode 1 of Obscure in Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/obscure-with-michael-ian-black/id1388660385?mt=2
56 Santa
December 24, 2014 08:03 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn Episode 8 of Season 4, Michael and Michael show their Christmas spirit by giving listeners the gift of talking all about Santa. Their conversation covers everything from Santa’s elves to his North Pole home to the historical roots of Santa.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
55 Unknown
December 17, 2014 08:29 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBIn Episode 7 of Season 4, Michael and Michael delve into the mysterious topic of the Unknown. Their conversation covers everything from the ol’ tree falling in the woods saying to the future to the Umami theory. “Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
54 The Nolan Film, Interstellar
December 10, 2014 08:36 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBIn Episode 6 of Season 4, Michael and Michael stick their beaks into the topic of the Nolan film, Interstellar. Their conversation covers everything from man’s place in the universe to the dream qualities of Nolan’s work to Hemingway’s influence on Nolan. “Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
53 Architecture
December 03, 2014 08:06 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBIn Episode 5 of Season 4, Michael and Michael drill deep into the topic of Architecture as social commentary. Their conversation covers everything from the ancient Egyptian pyramids to thatched roofs to the story of the 3 little pigs.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
52 Snow
November 26, 2014 08:05 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBIn Episode 4 of Season 4, Michael and Michael take a deep spoonful of today's topic of snowfall aka snow. Their conversation covers everything from the meaning of lake-effect snow to no two snowflakes being the same to Robert Frost.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is brought to you by Cards Against Humanity.
51 Empires
November 19, 2014 08:02 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MBIn Episode 3 of Season 4, Michael and Michael get their creative juices flowing as they delve into the real hardy broth of a topic, the allure of Empire. From Egypt to the Romans and beyond, their conversation covers everything from the corruption that stems from power to solving the world’s conundrums.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is brought to you by Cards Against Humanity .
50 Rebirth
November 12, 2014 08:02 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBIn Episode 2 of Season 4, Michael and Michael discuss Rebirth & Renewal. Their conversation covers everything from the recent changes in their life to sharing the energy of artists of the past such as Michelangelo to the music of God.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
49 Topicon
November 05, 2014 08:03 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn Episode 1 of Season 4, Michael and Michael are back in the saddle as they recap and rehash this year's Topicon. Their conversation covers everything from the long lasting friendships to all the study groups that attended from almost 30 different countries to the major announcements for next year's Topicon.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
48 Nature of Identity (w/ Nev Schulman)
June 25, 2014 07:03 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBIn Episode 20 of Season 3, Michael, Michael, and special guest Nev Schulman get to know themselves in a whole new way as they explore the topic of identity. What did Nev learn about the nature of identity from his experience with the film Catfish? What is identity? Why do we post pictures of our butt hole on social media websites? Aren’t we all afraid of being rejected? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Nev unpack the topic of identity and learn a few things about themselves along the way.“To...
47 Perspectives on Writing (w/ Susan Orlean)
June 18, 2014 07:03 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBIn Episode 19 of Season 3, authors Michael, Michael, and special guest author Susan Orlean wet their beaks with the topic of Perspectives on Writing: From Cave Drawings to Computer Code and Back. What is the difference between Non-fiction and Fiction writing? What is truth? What does the phrase Creative Non-fiction mean? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Susan get their beaks wet as they discuss a juicy topic filled with words and language.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This ...
46 The Money Question
June 11, 2014 07:50 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBIn Episode 18 of Season 3, Michael and Michael get into a very important topic that we deal with every day of our life, the Money Question. From Smith to Piketty to back again. How do we survive in the 21st century? How are Cabbage Patch Kids related to the law of supply and demand? Why does Leno need all those cars? Tune in as Michael and Michael discuss Adam Smith aka father of modern economics, the French economist Thomas Piketty, and everything in between.“Topics” features original music...
45 The Law
June 04, 2014 07:02 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn Episode 17 of Season 3, Michael and Michael delve into the topic of The Law: questions of Tort reform, the Judiciary process, Habeas corpus and beyond. Will we keep tripping over the word society? What is best for the individual versus what is best for the collective? Does God himself need law? Tune in as Michael and Michael discuss a very important topic that we all deal with in our lives.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by www.TRYAUDIOBOOKS.com
44 Madness (w/ Rich Sommer)
May 28, 2014 07:52 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBIn Episode 16 of Season 3, Michael, Michael, and fantastic actor/friend of the podcast Rich Sommer talk about the passionate topic of madness. How do we know who is the sane one and who is the insane one? Why does love drive us mad? Is Dr. Frankenstein the monster? Or is his monster the monster? Or are we the monster? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Rich discuss a topic that might drive people a little crazy.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by: Hulu...
43 The Connell Institute
May 21, 2014 07:02 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBIn Episode 15 of Season 3, Michael and Michael talk about the lessons they've learned from the incredible Connell Institute. Where did a young Michael Ian Black have his brain pumped with lifelong knowledge of several topics? How far does the legacy of the Connell Institute go? What about the great gift shop that is also located there? Tune in as Michael and Michael discuss about the dense history of the Connell Institute.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is spons...
42.5 Listener Mail #9
May 14, 2014 07:05 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBMichael and Michael return to respond to listener mail which ranges from questions on travel reimbursements for study groups to Topic Con to the first ever Topics podcast birth. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected] !
42 The Near East & The Far East
May 14, 2014 07:03 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBIn Episode 14 of Season 3, Michael and Michael organically find their way to discuss the topic of the near East & the far East. What is the story behind Pier 1 imports? Who is Bill Johnman? What are some of the many imported goods we take for granted in the West? Tune in as Michael and Michael talk about the rich history of both the near & far East.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by: Hulu Plus : Go to huluplus.com/TOPICS for a free two week trial...
Friendship (w/ Steve Agee)
May 07, 2014 07:03 - 42 minutes - 39 MBIn Episode 13 of Season 3, Michael, Michael, and special guest/friend of the podcast Steve Agee talk about the glorious and loving topic of friendship. How does everyone define friendship? Does their always need to be attraction involved? Does making a pen pal with a prisoner count as having a friendship? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Steve share what it takes to create and sustain a friendship.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.Today's episode also features original music by ...
Music (w/ Liz Phair)
April 30, 2014 07:02 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBIn Episode 12 of Season 3, Michael, Michael, and special guest singer-songwriter Liz Phair talk about the very musical topic of music. What is music? Is a breast like a kazoo? What's the difference between classical music and the Liz’s song "H.W.C."? What would have happened if Paul McCartney and John Lennon never met? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Liz get deep into the process of creating and enjoying music.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by: G...
39 True Crime
April 23, 2014 07:02 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBIn Episode 11 of Season 3, Michael and Michael talk about the very serious topic of true crime. Why does this topic generate the image of darkness? Why is it that some follow the interest of committing the perfect murder? How did Truman Capote's iconic true crime novel In Cold Blood start a trend of storytelling in the journalistic arts? Tune in as Michael and Michael dive right into this juiciest of topics.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by: Stamps...
Subconscious: LIVE (w/ David Wain)
April 16, 2014 07:02 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBIn Episode 10 of Season 3, Michael, Michael and special guest David Wain discuss the subconscious LIVE from the Brava Theater in their second ever live recording as part of the 2014 SF Sketchfest. Do we subconsciously dress ourselves a certain way? How is it that our mind lets us only see what it wants during sleight of hand? Why is it that we don’t focus on the carefully placed orange in the corner of movie frame? Tune in as Michael, Michael, and David blow each other’s minds in front of a ...
37 Pet Peeves: LIVE
April 09, 2014 07:02 - 30 minutes - 28 MBIn Episode 9 of Season 3, Michael and Michael discuss annoying habits/pet peeves LIVE from the Brava Theater in their first ever live recording as part of the 2014 SF Sketchfest. What are some little things your loved ones do that upset you the most? How many fingers point right back at us when you point these things out to your loved ones? Tune in as Michael & Michael have their relationship grow in front of a live audience.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is spo...
36.5 Listener Mail #8
April 02, 2014 07:03 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBMichael and Michael return to respond to listener mail which ranges from questions on what to do with that extra time study groups have after covering 100% of a topic to the podcast becoming a part of the Earwolf family. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected]
36 Tugboats, Trains, and Trolleys
April 02, 2014 07:02 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBIn Episode 8 of Season 3, Michael and Michael take a second crack at the topic of "Tugboats, Trains, and Trolleys." What is the key role that all 3 placed in American Industrial history? How did these 3 forever change transportation? Why is tugboats first in the order? Tune in as Michael & Michael discuss this important and often overlooked topic.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by: Naturebox. Go to www.naturebox.com/topics for 50% off your first b...
35.5 Listener Mail #7
March 26, 2014 07:03 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBMichael and Michael return to respond to listener mail which ranges from questions on study group dress codes to Paul Rudd's shenanigans on last week's episode. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected]
Senses
March 26, 2014 07:02 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBIn Episode 7 of Season 3, Michael and Michael dig deep into the very big topic of the senses. Why is smell the most controversial of the senses? How are we similar to a computer hard drive? How is it that classical painters used their mastery of light to change the way we see things? Tune in as Michael & Michael share their thoughts on sight, hearing, smell, touch, the fifth sense, and the sixth sense.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace ...
Small Stuff (w/ Paul Rudd)
March 19, 2014 07:02 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn Episode 6 of Season 3, Michael, MIchael, and special guest Paul Rudd discuss the "small stuff." Their conversation covers everything from love, Billy Joel's doo-wop stuff, and joking with friends. Tune in as Michael, Michael, and Paul do their best to celebrate the small stuff.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon.
Miracles
March 12, 2014 07:02 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBIn Episode 5 of Season 3, Michael and Michael discuss the unexplainable and supernatural topic of miracles. What is a miracle? Can a miracle be a bad thing? What are some modern miracles? Tune in as Michael & Michael have a heart-to-heart on the laughter of children & the miracle on the Hudson."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace . Use offer code BLACK for a free trial and 10%off.
Metamorphosis
March 05, 2014 08:02 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn Episode 4 of Season 3, Michael and Michael discuss the mystery of Metamorphosis. How does it happen when you can’t see it? Can our spirit truly evolve? Is it possible to be physically changed from a white light? Tune in as Michael & Michael dive into the inner & outer ways we could change as a result of Metamorphosis.“Topics” features original music by Dan Deacon. This episode is brought to you by Catch A Contractor premiering Sunday, March 9th at 10/9C on SPIKE. This episode is also spon...
Jazz
February 26, 2014 09:05 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBIn Episode 3 of Season 3, Michael and Michael discuss America's unique gift to the word aka "Jazz." What exactly is Jazz? What is the definition of a Polyrhythm? Where does Jazz come from? Tune in as Michael & Michael get deep into the rich history of the ever beating heart of the American experience."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon.
Is Life A Dream?
February 19, 2014 08:03 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIn Episode 2 of Season 3, Michael and Michael dive into a very juicy topic that will blow your mind — "What if this life is a dream?" Who's to say we can't jump out a window and fly? Are we living in the Matrix? Tune in as Michael & Michael seek the truth of our existence."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon.
The Little Things
February 12, 2014 08:04 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn Episode 1 of Season 3, Michael and Michael are back in the saddle to discuss "The Little Things." Their conversation covers everything from butter on toast, to taking a drive and listening to some classical music, to apple picking in Autumn with your family."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon.
28 Regret
December 25, 2013 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBIn the tenth and final episode of season two, Michael and Michael discuss "Regret.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
27 Dialogue and Discourse
December 18, 2013 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBIn Episode 9 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Dialogue and Discourse.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
26 The Middle East
December 11, 2013 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBIn Episode 8 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "The Middle East.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
25 Listener Mail #6
December 09, 2013 08:00 - 7 minutes - 7.19 MBMichael and Michael respond to listener mail. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected]
24 Paranormal Activity
December 04, 2013 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBIn Episode 7 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Paranormal Activity.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
23 Heat
November 27, 2013 08:00 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBIn Episode 6 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Heat.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
22 Courage
November 20, 2013 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBIn Episode 5 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Courage.""Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
21 Listener Mail #5
November 19, 2013 08:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBMichael and Michael respond to listener mail. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected]
20 Food and Wine
November 13, 2013 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIn Episode 4 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Food and Wine." Their conversation focuses exclusively on the crisp riesling wines from the local grape vineyards of Long Island."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
19 Listener Mail #4
November 12, 2013 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MBMichael and Michael respond to listener mail. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected]
18 Individual Rights vs. Rights of the Collective
November 06, 2013 08:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIn Episode 3 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Individual Rights vs. Rights of the Collective." Their conversation ranges from the Magna Carta to "The Red Badge of Courage" to the famous and tragic pistol duel between Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
17 Technology (with David Wain)
October 30, 2013 07:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBIn Episode 2 of Season 2, Michael, Michael and special guest David Wain discuss "Technology." Their conversation covers everything from the simplest of machines like the spoon to the most complicated of all machines - the human body."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
16 Science and Medicine
October 23, 2013 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBIn Episode 1 of Season 2, Michael and Michael discuss "Science and Medicine." Their conversation covers everything from the Möbius strip, to regressive analysis, to shitting on the floor."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
15 The Nature of Love
August 21, 2013 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIn the eleventh and final episode of season one of "Topics", Michael and Michael discuss "Love". What is it? What does it look like? What does it taste like? Can we live without it? How does Michael Ian Black look with his shirt off?"Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
14 Power and Propaganda
August 14, 2013 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIn Episode Ten of "Topics", the second to last episode of season one, Michael and Michael discuss "Power & Propaganda." What is it? Who is involved? Are woolly mammoths really being cloned?"Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
13 Listener Mail #3
August 12, 2013 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBMichael and Michael respond to listener mail. If you have a question or comment please send it to [email protected] "Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
12 Utopia
August 07, 2013 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBIn Episode Nine of "Topics", Michael and Michael discuss "Utopia." What is utopia? Is utopia possible? What were the Wright Brothers doing when they invented the airplane? What about North Korea?"Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.
11 Listener Mail #2
August 05, 2013 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.1 MBMichael and Michael respond to listener mail."Topics" features original music by Dan Deacon and is produced by Matthew Kahn.