Obscure with Michael Ian Black
Episodes
S3 Episode 4 - The Woman With Too Many Names
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights, and the mystery deepens as Lockwood, stranded by storm, finds himself a little sleeping pod. Inside, eviden...
S3 Episode 3 - Christmas Complaints
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded at Christmas, and Michael's not a fan. He doesn't like anything about it, save the Christmas goose. Not the ritualized gift giving or the hau...
S3 Episode 2 - A Heap of Dead Rabbits
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights.In this episode, Lockwood is making himself a real bother at Wuthering Heights. We've got, NEW CHARACTERS! F...
S3 Episode 1 - ...And Just Like That
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're off and funning! It's a brand new season of Obscure. New book, new author, no Samantha! Michael Ian Black mansplains literature. "Episode 0...
Introducing Season 3
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's back: new book, new location, new ways to mansplain literature. Obscure Season 3 releases 1/11/21. Don't miss the new book announcement! Sub...
S2 Episode 57 - Time to Die
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black finishes Mary Shelley's Frankenstein!It's been a long - perhaps too long - tale spanning continents, but it now ends. What will come...
S2 Episode 56 - The Penultimate Episode
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. And we're almost there! The boat is surrounded by ice, Frankenstein is near death, mutiny is at h...
S2 Episode 55 - Waiting at the Spoooooky Bus Stop
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Death approaches. But whose? When? What? The spirits of the dead are speaking to Victor Frankenstein, and Walton is speaking to Margaret, and Michael ...
S2 Episode 54 - I Have the Power!
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael bought himself a mighty sword and spent the last few days unleashing total destruction. Plus he complains more about his dogs. And of course, ...
S2 Episode 53 - The Frankenstein Ultimatum
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Suddenly this book turns into something of an action/thriller, which is great! Victor is not HELLBENT on hunting down on the cursed Big Buddy. Mi...
S2 Episode 52 - A Great and Sudden Change
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Poor Elizabeth is dead, and Victor must decide his course of action. Will it be vengeance? Or will it be more emo shoe scuffing and whining? Michael I...
S2 Episode 51 - Death and a Maiden
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At long last, poor Elizabeth meets her end. Michael continues to whine about everything and read's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.https://www.patreon.com...
S2 Episode 50 - From Sultry Savannah
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's the first truly Georgian episode of Obscure and things are not going well. The air is thick, the Haunted Mansion is in chaos, and Michael's copy ...
S2 Episode 49 - Don't Be A Dick, Vic
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As the Jill Schwartz Memorial Library gets packed away, Victor contemplates his future married life with his sister/cousin and vows to protect her at ...
S2 Episode 48 - What Do I Love
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So much bloviating you won't believe it! So much grasping at thematic straws! So much gnashing of teeth! Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's F...
S2 Episode 47 - Life Review
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black continues reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein once again contemplates all his sordid choices and throws another...
S2 Episode 46 - Unsettled
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Victor languishes in gaol after being charged with the murder of Henry Clerval, and Michael languishes in the wilds of Connecticut feeling unsettled a...
S2 Episode 45 - In It for the Long Haul
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ruminating on trucks and the trucking life as Victah Frankenstein finds himself imprisoned for a SHOCKING crime. Michael Ian Black reads Mary She...
S2 Episode 44 - Karate Massacre Graduate Ending
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael always liked Buck Henry, who he briefly mentions in this episode. He just seemed like a dry, funny guy who didn't take himself too seriously, ...
S2 Episode 43 - Our Father
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This whole season is about creation...its possibilities and limits. There's no more appropriate Frankensteinian holiday than Father's Day. Obviously m...
S2 Episode 42 - Something From Nothing
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In which Michael, your humble host, ruminates on ex nihilo creation and also the band Kiss. And he get annoyed all over again at the book. Michae...
S2 Episode 41 - An Unidentified Episode
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael gets way off track here. And as always, Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblackSee Privacy...
S2 Episode 40 - Contact Dermatitis, Ennui, and Doubt
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Things kick off with an explosion and end with a bang. Actually, Michael doesn't remember how they end, but they definitely start with an explosion. T...
S2 Episode 39 - A Gorgeous Day (and Host)
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
S2 Episode 38 - My Annoying Cat
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 prom...
S2 Episode 37 - News from the Jill Schwartz Memorial Library
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
S2 Episode 36 - WTF?
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2 Episode 35 - Wobbling on Pillars
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's personal crisis continues, and the Big Buddy finally gets to the point. For those who enjoy sweeping, inaccurate generalizations, this is th...
S2 Episode 34 - Big Shoes
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2 Episode 33 - My Mistaken Spanish Invasion
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 32 - A Gamble!
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.Mich...
S2 Episode 31 - Beat 'Em and Boost 'Em
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 bo...
S2 Episode 30 - How Bizarre (Bazaar)!
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mohamatam...
S2 Episode 29 - Complaining About My F'ing Brain
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 tru...
S2 Episode 28 - A Stranger Knocks
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In which Michael complains more about the book but then something VERY EXCITING happens - bah buh BAAAAAAH - and then he complain some more. ...
S2 Episode 27 - Happy (but not the song by Pharrell Williams)
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 26 - Is A Chicken Nugget Still Chicken?
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
S2 Episode 25 - The Big Buddy Blues
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Our woeful monster begins to sing his lament to Victor Frankenstein. Plus, it's PIZZA NIGHT!!! Wh...
S2 Episode 24 - The Daemon Speaks!
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 23 - Pain & Gain
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.c...
S2 Episode 22 - Enthusiastic Hackery
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 21 - A Volume Closes
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2 Episode 20 - Rueful Gods
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
S2 Episode 19 - Meth Head
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 18 - This Podcast is Terrible
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 podcas...
S2 Episode Episode 17 - A Monster on the Loose
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 16 - A Nervous Fever
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Vic-tah (Vinny Barbarino) Frankenstein collapses for inexplicable reasons and it is up to dear Henry Clervil to restore him to health. Meanwhile, Big ...
S2 Episode 15 - The Big Buddy Blues
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 She...
S2 Episode 14 - Butt Stuff
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Young Victor Frankenstein is gettin' down and dirty in this episode of grotesqueries. PLUS, Michael makes obvious and probably tedious observations ab...
S2 Episode 13 - Going from Point A to Point X
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 patreo...
S2 Episode 12 - Working the Poll
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S2 Episode 11 - The Outlook is Cloudy (and Grim)
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded with Election Eve looming, Michael attempts to discern the future and compare Frankenstein's experimentation with our own. Does he take the c...
S2 Episode 10 - ORGY
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.pat...
S2 Episode 9 - In the Bubble
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Coming to you from a Hyatt Regency somewhere in Southern California, it's a quarantine episode of Frankenstein, in which Michael does his perfect Ital...
S2 Episode 08 - The Full Leno
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Somehow, after 7 episodes, Michael only now begins the actual story of Frankenstein. "Hey Shakespeare, why are you only starting Frankenstein's story ...
S2 Episode 7 - Bissy, Bicy, Bishy, Bitch
29 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael dives deep into Mr. Shelley and finds UNCANNY parallels between the husband and wife. HORROR! BEAUTY! HEADLESS LADY!!! Michael Ian Black reads...
S2 Episode 6 - Brother, Sledge
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
S2 Episode 5 - Here They Be Daemons
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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....
S2 Episode 4 - Like A Hit of Heroin
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In which Michael describes a trembling and fearful sensation! Marlow describes his intention of getting to "the land of mist and snow," and Michael so...
S2 Episode 3 - Clearing the Tree
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Friendships are lacking and Michael kicks Nature's stupid ass. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club and more! J...
S2 Episode 2 - It's Still Alive
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Ian Black continues his journey reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This month's bonus content includes camping chat, deli chat, book club an...
S2 Episode 1 - It's Alive
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our first episode of Obscure Season 2: Frankenstein is alive. Listen, love, laugh & review. This month's bonus content include's camping chat, del...
Obscure Season 2...It's Alive
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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/m...
Episode 75 - The End.
29 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Death comes for Jude, while Michael welcomes a new life. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.p...
Episode 74 - In Need of a Eulogy.
22 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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” becom...
Episode 73 - Weddings Be Funerals.
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 72 - If Misery Can Know Happiness.
08 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude and Sue reunite and declare their love for each other. Despite Michael’s prediction, Jude survives the trip and struggles back to Christminster...
Episode 71 - Kill Your Own Flame.
01 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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. See omnystudio.com/...
Episode 70 - The Obscure We See Eventually.
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Three 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 o...
Episode 69 - Sodden with Booze.
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Arabella 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 hi...
Episode 68 - Ashes to Ashes.
11 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From 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 f...
Episode 67 - Every Period Is Unsettled.
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael takes a break from reading to share his difficult week with listeners in an episode of reflection. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for pr...
Episode 66 - Nobody’s Nuthin’ to Me.
27 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Arabella's finagling her way into Jude’s life, yet again, and Jude learns about Sue and Philloston’s remarriage. Another death seems imminent. See...
Episode 65 - Wild, Wild Horses.
20 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After an inspired night at the theatre, Michael discusses how Hardy matches up to Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Sue and Phillotson walk down the aisle (agai...
Episode 64 - Forgive and Forget?.
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The 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...
Episode 63 - Our Marriage Is Not Cancelled!.
06 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As Michael celebrates his birthday, our beloved characters continue to spiral. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support t...
Episode 62 - Who Were We to Think We Could Act as Pioneers?.
30 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Despite 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 throu...
Episode 61 - Death, Death, Dammedable Death.
23 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Micheal 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...
Episode 60 - Without Faith. Without Hope. Without Direction.
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude and Sue grapple in the aftermath of their devastating tragedy, while Michael steels himself against further sorrow. This episode is sponsored ...
Taking a Breather.
09 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Michael takes a break amidst all of the suffering to indulge listeners in a calming meditative session. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for priva...
Episode 59 - Done Because We Are Too Menny.
02 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As 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 l...
Episode 58 - No Room at the Inn.
26 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After facing his failure at the Christminister honorary degree presentation, an ailing Jude hits the road where he and Sue face more rejection for the...
Episode 57 - Christminster: Returning to the Seat of His Dreams.
19 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude and family return to Christminster, Michael returns to Vegas, and everyone grapples with where they find themselves in life. Michael speaks with...
Episode 56 - Charming the Charmer.
12 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A jealous Arabella gives advice to a disgraced Phillotson. Meanwhile, Sue tends to a sick Jude who just can’t quit Christminster. This episode is ...
Episode 55 - Finding God and Losing Religion.
05 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In an episode that spans years, Jude and Sue pay a price for their nontraditional domestic arrangement. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for pri...
Episode 54 - A Smear Campaign.
28 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The outrage atJude and Sue’s happiness and their unmarried status continues to cause an uproar among their neighbors, forcing the couple to make som...
Episode 53 - They Were Happy for Two Paragraphs.
21 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude 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/lis...
Episode 52 - Are You My Mother?.
14 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude’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...
Episode 51 - Well! Quite a Piece of News!.
07 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A surprising plot development makes Sue reconsider marrying Jude. Plus, Michael’s wife Martha returns to discuss this new intrigue. See omnystudio.c...
Episode 50 - A Low-Passioned Woman.
31 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude 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 f...
Episode 49 - Two Dissatisfied Ones.
24 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Will these two ever figure it out? See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/michaelianb...
Episode 48 - A Town Divided.
17 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The town of Shaston is split over Phillotson’s controversial dismissal from school, which causes the teacher to become ill and receive a surprise vi...
Episode 47 - The Friend Zone.
10 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When Jude and Sue run away together, they have different ideas of the state of their relationship. And Michael checks in with writer Nell Scovell abou...
Episode 46 - The Last Breakfast.
03 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After receiving advice from a friend, Phillotson makes a surprising decision which leads Sue back to Jude. This episode is sponsored by Roman (www.rom...
Episode 45 - Stepping Blindly into the Quagmire.
26 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Phillotson puzzles over how he should respond to the news that Sue wants out of their marriage, and Michael talks to Mike Birbiglia about wanting out ...
Episode 44 - Coming Out of the Closet.
19 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sue and Michael both make confessions of the heart. This episode is sponsored by ButcherBox (www.butcherbox.com/OBSCURE code: OBSCURE). See omnystudio...
Episode 43 - The Steel Trap of Belief.
05 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude, Sue & Jack Jack all struggle to break free of the ties that bind them. This episode is sponsored by Roman (www.getroman.com/OBSCURE). See omnyst...
Episode 42 - Just Do It Already.
29 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A death in the family brings Sue and Jude together, once again providing Michael with another 'will they or won’t they' moment to pick apart. See om...
Episode 41 - The Piano Is Like a Heart.
22 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude & Sue finally meet for tea, and Michael is joined by special guest reader, RISK! host Kevin Allison. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for pri...
Episode 40 - No Country for Obscure Men.
15 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jude distracts himself from women by joining the church choir. And Michael distracts himself from life with episodes of Fargo. Support the show: ht...