Michael 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 no

56 Santa

Dec 24th, 2014 32m 36s

In 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.“

55 Unknown

Dec 17th, 2014 29m 16s

In 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

54 The Nolan Film, Interstellar

Dec 10th, 2014 25m 11s

In 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 influenc

53 Architecture

Dec 3rd, 2014 32m 26s

In 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” f

52 Snow

Nov 26th, 2014 32m 23s

In 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” fea

51 Empires

Nov 19th, 2014 33m 56s

In 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 corrupt

50 Rebirth

Nov 12th, 2014 32m 54s

In 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” f

49 Topicon

Nov 5th, 2014 37m 8s

In 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 diffe

48 Nature of Identity (w/ Nev Schulman)

Jun 25th, 2014 36m 39s

In 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 Catfi

47 Perspectives on Writing (w/ Susan Orlean)

Jun 18th, 2014 40m 41s

In 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 F

46 The Money Question

Jun 11th, 2014 39m 4s

In 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 r

45 The Law

Jun 4th, 2014 35m 51s

In 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

44 Madness (w/ Rich Sommer)

May 28th, 2014 40m 23s

In 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. Fran

43 The Connell Institute

May 21st, 2014 42m 16s

In 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 l

42.5 Listener Mail #9

May 14th, 2014 11m 28s

Michael 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 topicspodcast

42 The Near East & The Far East

May 14th, 2014 39m 44s

In 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 g

Friendship (w/ Steve Agee)

May 7th, 2014 42m 30s

In 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

Music (w/ Liz Phair)

Apr 30th, 2014 36m 55s

In 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.

39 True Crime

Apr 23rd, 2014 35m 17s

In 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'

Subconscious: LIVE (w/ David Wain)

Apr 16th, 2014 32m 50s

In 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

37 Pet Peeves: LIVE

Apr 9th, 2014 30m 32s

In 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

36.5 Listener Mail #8

Apr 2nd, 2014 15m 6s

Michael 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

36 Tugboats, Trains, and Trolleys

Apr 2nd, 2014 36m 3s

In 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 tug

35.5 Listener Mail #7

Mar 26th, 2014 18m 17s

Michael 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] o