Obscure with Michael Ian Black - podcast cover

Obscure with Michael Ian Black

Misfit Toysart19.com

It's a book club, but funny!

Comedian Michael Ian Black is tackling a great work of literature: Wuthering Heights.

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

Season 3: Wuthering Heights. It's a love story? Who knows

Season 4: American Tragedy. Also a potential title of this podcast

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


Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

S3 Episode 19 - Scalawags, One and All

Each one of these characters is worse than the last. Not a redeeming quality in any of them, and that's just the way Michael likes it! More bad behavior herein, more trouble, plus some unexpected deaths. No brioche required, but certainly encouraged. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

May 17, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 19

S3 Episode 18 - We'll Do It Live!

A special live to tape episode of Obscure, as Michael recounts his trip to the dump that is Brooklyn and associated poker tripping. Meanwhile, Catherine pours out her heart to Nelly and the heavens give their opinion as to the state of affairs at Wuthering Heights. Want more live, unedited rantings? 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 ....

May 10, 202229 minSeason 3Ep. 18

S3 Episode 17 - New Pants!

Some exciting news on the pants front, plus more child abuse! If you're into the maltreatment of the young, this is the episode for you. Plus: sneezing! Sneezing and more at http://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 .

May 03, 202239 minSeason 3Ep. 17

S3 Episode 16 - Sincerely, Michael Ian Black

Some thoughts on Louis CK winning a Grammy, and Catherine has an absolute freak out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Apr 26, 202231 minSeason 3Ep. 16

S3 Episode 15 - This Episode is NOT An Ad for Diet Coke

Ah, delicious Diet Coke, fizzy and delectable Diet Coke. Michael's been drinking a lot of it, and he know it's poison but who says poison can't be delicious? Nobody, that's who. In the world of Wuthering Heights, we're still catching up on the childhood miseries of Heathcliff. Not for nothing, but if only he'd had a cold can of Diet Coke, maybe things would've worked out a little bit better. Get a lifetime supply of Diet Coke at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https...

Apr 19, 202234 minSeason 3Ep. 15

S3 Episode 14 - Now What?

A little bit of present account taking, an audio sorbet. A check-in from a mid-priced hotel in Rochester, NY. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Apr 12, 202232 minSeason 3Ep. 14

S3 Episode 13 - Our Own Huckleberry Finn

Haven't we all known some troublemaker kid who's always finding themselves on the wrong side of adult rules? Well, that's our Heathcliff. Poor, maladjusted, orphaned Heathcliff. All he did is smash a tureen of hot apple sauce on some kid's face and all of the sudden he's locked in the garrett and beaten. For shame. Well, Cathy's not having it. And neither is Michael. AND NEITHER IS MICHAEL! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...

Apr 05, 202227 minSeason 3Ep. 13

S3 Episode 12 - Dirty Boy

Oh, what mischief comes from dirty and petulant boys. Heck Michael wrote a whole book about it. Well, trouble is afoot on the moors and elsewhere in our own times. Beware the too-clean kitchen, I say. 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 ....

Mar 29, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 12

S3 Episode 11 - The Wife Who Shall Not Be Named

Michael's boy Elijah turned 21 this week, and he celebrated him with fine Southern dining and a peachy cocktail. On the American estate of Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is, yet again, an object of abuse and scorn, just as we like him. Get yer 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 ....

Mar 22, 202233 minSeason 3Ep. 11

S3 Episode 10 - The Wife Who Shall Not Be Named

Tension continues to grow at Wuthering Heights when Hindley Earnshaw returns to mourn his father with a "half silly" wife in tow. Where did she come from? What the hell even is her name? Michael's and his own half silly wife return to their own haunted mansion, having just ventured into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a short vay-cay. Join us for book club at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Mar 15, 202231 minSeason 3Ep. 10

A Stern Motherf'er

Mrs. Dean, now with a subtler funny voice, continues to tell the tale of the Earnshaw children and their ward, Heathcliff. Plus, an update on Michael's tooth and tales of woe and carnage on the poker floor. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. Book club membership and more 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 ....

Mar 08, 202229 minSeason 3Ep. 9

S3 Episode 8 - Injury and Incident

A pot roast disaster and a sauna mishap in today's episode. PLUS, Michael continues to unspool the origin of our beloved Heathcliff, AND Chapter Four concludes with a hint of mayhem and deception yet to come! Catch all the mayhem with early episodes and 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 ....

Mar 01, 202227 minSeason 3Ep. 8

S3 Episode 7 - An Old Pot of Coffee

Lockwood perks up (coffee pun), as he begins to tease out the complicated family history of Heathcliff and his kin. Trouble brews (coffee pun)! Do you have the beans to listen (coffee pun)? Sanka (name of old coffee brand)! No puns allowed 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 ....

Feb 22, 202230 minSeason 3Ep. 7

S3 Episode 6 - A Little Hitlerian Coiffery

Michael got a Hitlerian haircut and nearly broke his finger. Over in the American town of Thrushcross Grange, Lockwood continues to chip away at the icy exterior of Heathcliff. Life at the Heights is a tangled mess. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. Get episodes early and ad free 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 ....

Feb 15, 202232 minSeason 3Ep. 6

S3 Episode 5 - A Heavy-Headed Cudgel

A plea to authors: never include dreams in your books. They're boring, overtly symbolic, never advance the plot, and take us out of the story. Somebody describing a dream in a book is equivalent to somebody describing a dream in life - boring. SPOILER ALERT: this episode continues a dream. Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. More fun stuff + access to the book club at https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Feb 08, 202233 minSeason 3Ep. 5

S3 Episode 4 - The Woman With Too Many Names

Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights, and the mystery deepens as Lockwood, stranded by storm, finds himself a little sleeping pod. Inside, evidence of a former resident. Also, Michael saw some dolphins! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Feb 01, 202235 minSeason 3Ep. 4

S3 Episode 3 - Christmas Complaints

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 hauling in of trees or the decorating of said tree or the various holiday obligations. And, as always Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 25, 202233 minSeason 3Ep. 3

S3 Episode 2 - A Heap of Dead Rabbits

Michael Ian Black reads Wuthering Heights. In this episode, Lockwood is making himself a real bother at Wuthering Heights. We've got, NEW CHARACTERS! FUNNY ACCENTS! ANNOYING DOGS! It's got everything! Plus, the phrase "corrugated forehead," which Michael rather enjoyed. Kudos to Emily Bronte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 18, 202229 minSeason 3Ep. 2

S3 Episode 1 - ...And Just Like That

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" and other great bonus content can be found 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 .

Jan 11, 202233 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Introducing Season 3

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! Subscribe and follow in your favorite podcast app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jan 04, 202253 secSeason 3Ep. 1

S2 Episode 57 - Time to Die

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 of Big Buddy? Walton? What about Mrs. Saville sitting there in Londontown reading her brother's lengthy letters? And, ultimately, what will become of each of us and our creations? To what do we owe that which we have made and what do our creations owe to us? A lot to contemplate as we finish our second book here on Obscure. If you liked this seas...

Dec 14, 202142 minSeason 2Ep. 57

S2 Episode 56 - The Penultimate Episode

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 hand, and Michael has a canker sore. More 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 .

Dec 07, 202139 minSeason 2Ep. 56

S2 Episode 55 - Waiting at the Spoooooky Bus Stop

Death approaches. But whose? When? What? The spirits of the dead are speaking to Victor Frankenstein, and Walton is speaking to Margaret, and Michael speaking to you from the Haunted Mansion, and soon all will be complete. Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More 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 ....

Nov 30, 202130 minSeason 2Ep. 55

S2 Episode 54 - I Have the Power!

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, continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More 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 .

Nov 23, 202130 minSeason 2Ep. 54

S2 Episode 53 - The Frankenstein Ultimatum

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. Michael Ian Black continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More 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 ....

Nov 16, 202133 minSeason 2Ep. 53

S2 Episode 52 - A Great and Sudden Change

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 Ian Black continues to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. More 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 ....

Nov 09, 202132 minSeason 2Ep. 52

S2 Episode 51 - Death and a Maiden

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/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Nov 02, 202131 minSeason 2Ep. 51

S2 Episode 50 - From Sultry Savannah

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 of Frankenstein has gone missing. An inauspicious start for this new chapter of life. For the first time we cannot say Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. But if you crave more Obscure, visit https://www.patreon.com/michaelianblack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Oct 26, 202117 minSeason 2Ep. 50

S2 Episode 49 - Don't Be A Dick, Vic

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 all costs. As always, Michael Ian Black reads Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. There's bonus content 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-info ....

Oct 19, 202133 minSeason 2Ep. 49

S2 Episode 48 - What Do I Love

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 Frankenstein. There's so much more 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-info .

Oct 12, 202133 minSeason 2Ep. 48
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android