Claim OwnershipObscure with Michael Ian Black
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© 2021 Michael Ian Black
Description
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
316 Episodes
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As indisputable proof arises that Clyde is, indeed, the instrument of death in the case of one Roberta Alden, Orville B. Mason isn't having more of young Master Griffiths' bunkum. Things continue to deteriorate for our young hero, whose defense is now crumbling as assuredly as Clyde once assuredly strode through the streets of Lycurgus, New York. Well, his time in Lycurgus is now done. The only question now is where our young hero now meets his end.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mallomars, a terrific confection, is the subject of some discussion early in this episode which reminds your host that Mike and Tom Eat Snacks is back, a podcast featuring Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanagh picking, eating, and rating snacks. Why promote another podcast during this podcast? Because your host is whore. Other whorish behavior in this episode: Clyde Griffiths has confirmed his identity to a sheriff's deputy and it looks as though the whole sordid tale will at last be revealed.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Your host complains of insomnia, discusses his genetic mutations, and makes this episode all about HIM instead of the terrible plight of Clyde Griffiths, who remains on the run from Johnny Law. All the good and wealthy young people of Lycurgus a-camping out there in far-flung Adirondack Mountain lakes may not be enough to protect the murderer in their midst... or will they???Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
First off, your host doesn't party. Didn't party in 1999 and doesn't party now, so the title was, we're sorry to report, a lie. Even so, some late 20th century memories are returning to this 21st century babe, which involve living back in NYC after a multiple-decade absence. One can feel mighty alone, even when surrounded by people. You know who's aware of that more than even your host? Mr. Clyde Griffiths, now on the run and unable to confess his fears to anyone, not even dear Sondra Finchley .Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Both Clyde and your host have a few bucks in our pockets. Your host, because he is a VERY FAMOUS CNN political contributor (not, strictly speaking, true) and because Clyde's gal pal Sondra Finchley slipped him eighty smackaroos, which is something like ten million dollars in today's money. (Again, not true). Are Clyde's final days of freedom upon him, or will he escape Johnny Law's long arm and retire in the gentle bosom of young Sondra Finchley?Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Your host has returned from the former honeymoon capital of the world (not Niagara Falls) feeling like he's still on the move. Decades of travel have left your handsome narrator feeling plum tuckered out. You know who else is tuckered out? Clyde Griffiths, on the run, panicked, mentally velocitized. Will Johnny Law's long arm reach him all the way in Sharon, where he waits on the west veranda for a ride to Sondra and sanctuary...Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is the name of the opera your host was trying to recall during this week's episode. And it's desire, is it not, that has driven Clyde Griffiths to his murderous fate? Desire for love, money, social status, desire for a new pair of spats and a fancy cravat. And now he's on the run for his very life. Desire has destroyed better people than ol' Clyde and it's desire that will, eventually, do him in.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Haven't we all felt hatred for The Man at some point? In Orville Mason's case, the man in question is the murderer of Roberta Alden. Is that Clyde Griffiths? It sure looks like it, and DA Mason is practically seething at the whichever rich wastrel did Ms. Alden in.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The episode begins with a delightful recounting of a water adventure, which segues PERFECTLY into the horror show unfolding over there on Big Bittern. Highs and low on another cromulent episode of Obscure.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As Book 3 unfolds, we're starting to transform from "The Wire" to "Law & Order." We've got the DA (portrayed by the late Jerry Orbach) and the coroner (portrayed by the late Foster Brooks). Yes, it's a perfectly cromulent episode of Obscure.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Having just spent two days in the car with his pets, your host spends most of the episode complaining about the adorable Ole and Squash, who are not adorable. Things are worse, however, for Bert Alden, dead at the bottom of a lake. Thankfully, Orville Mason is on the case!Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There's been a murder (maybe) in these here parts and political machinations are afoot! The coroner, upon suspecting foul play, has some ideas in that big head of his. While murder is never welcome, when it arrives, one would be a fool not to use it to one's advantage...Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Reporting this episode from the former honeymoon capital of the world (not Niagra Falls), the Poconos Mountains which is an ideal location to commit a lake drowning. A lake drowning has, in fact, occurred. Clyde, our poor benighted Clyde, has gone and done it. And now, we shall see what consequences await.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Perhaps we are at the moment of no return. Hard to say, of course, and lo we have had the rug pulled from under our feet so many times over these last almost 100 episodes. Clyde Griffiths is possessed now, a demon steadying his hand as the deadly moment has now arrived. Or has it???Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
An airport adventure begins this week's episode but your host is happy to assure you that, while his family's was waylaid in NYC attempting to return home to the Deep South. An overnight stay at JFK ensued, with a detour to Minneapolis, before heading, finally to Savannah. And yet... AND YET! Our trip was still better than Roberta Alden's elopement.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some thoughts on Waffle House and some heavy breathing kick off this week's episode. Meanwhile, all kinds of trouble await poor Robert Alden as she decamps for what she believes to be her elopement. But, of course, you and I know no such elopement is forthcoming. The only event Roberta has to look forward to is... MURDER!!!Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some comparing and contrasting on the natures and characters of our respective heroines, Bob and Sondy F from the perspective of our hero, the cad. Can a hero also be a cad? Sure. What was Han Solo if not both? Meanwhile, your host rhapsodizes on his new homeland, the sap. Can a hero also be a sap?Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A remembrance of a summer past begins today's episode as your host recalls a trip to his grandmother's apartment, a trip which involved watching the rock star Prince have more sex than was comfortable. Meanwhile, our resident Hamlet, Master Clyde Griffiths, continues to inch closer and closer to his ultimate destination. One of... MURDER!!!Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Your host begins with tales of glamor and intrigue and film festivals, but such tales are short-lived, are they not? And, truth be told, very little intrigue at hand and almost as little glamor. Meanwhile, intrigue builds in the fetid little brain of our troubled teen, Clyde Griffiths. Will such intrigue lead to... MURDER?!?Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
An honest-to-goodness "Price is Right" challenge! Plus, tales of Las Vegas decadence and Lycurgus debauchery! In addition, a comedic definition of the word "Myrtle." All this and more on today's scintillating episode of "Obscure"!!! Oh, and we read the book a little, too.Support Obscure!Read Michael's substackFollow Michael on TwitterFollow Michael on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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takes the cock a'trice. pretty straightforward.
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man, I love this podcast
i love it! i loved it when my ancient quirky high school Brit-Lit teacher had us read it and I overjoyed to hear it from ancient quirky high school Michael Ian Black.
I hope MIB finds another book and keeps doing this.
this is fantastic! keep this up!
Please start another book after this!
asswipe, self important dick head
Fan since the episode of 1. This is hands down my tried and true favorite podcast. I've had a contentious admiration of MIB since I was a wee babe... I understand him now and consider him a radio BFFL. I'm also grateful for his wife, Martha, who seems to have made him funnier.
I am dreading the end of Jude's story because I need this podcast to go on forever. Michael, please fine another obscure text to read post haste
just checking in again. I am enjoying this so very much.
This is the best one imo 😂
A lovely episode.
This is my favorite podcast. I can't wait for each episode.
Such a big fan of Obscure.
just started listening today and I am enjoying it very much,
Thank you for opening the seltzer can. I feel like Arabella is getting some heat from MIB.... maybe undue repressed "stuff" or something? There's a tone for sure.... Maybe Mr. Hardy bleeding through?
I love this podcast so much. I'm always excited to see new projects from The State alumni, especially Michael Ian Black. He is always so much "in character," even as himself, but I feel that with Obscure he's letting us peek behind the curtain a bit more - even than in his other podcasts at the genuine Michael. I love audiobooks, and Michael is an excellent reader. His interspersed commentary adds wonderfully to the experience. This is *not* a terrible idea. I am already dreading the end of "Jude the Obscure," and I hope he continues with another book.