Episode 385

with Michael Ian Black, Melissa Febos, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Dirty Revival

Host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello discuss the pop songs they think really “Get to the Point" of life; actor and comedian Michael Ian Black proves the low barrier into podcasting with his show Obscure; writer Melissa Febos calculates the personal risks of writing confessional memoirs; fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad explains how her childhood ambition carried her all the way to the Olympic podium; and soul-rock group Dirty Revival perform “Pipe Dreams.”

Michael Ian Black
Comedian

Michael Ian Black puts the “pro” in prolific. The actor, comedian, screenwriter and author is one of the co-founder and stars of the legendary sketch comedy group and hit MTV series, The State. He starred in both the cult film and Netflix series “Wet Hot American Summer,” and has written not one, not two, but TWELVE books, including the bestseller A Child’s First Book of Trump. On performance breaks he writes and hosts the popular interview podcast “How to Be Amazing,” and tours the country as a stand up. If you’re going to hustle, hustle as hard as Michael Ian Black. Website • Twitter

Melissa Febos
Writer

Melissa Febos is a revelation. As the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir Whip Smart, the story of her transformation from a college student to a professional dominatrix, Febos transformed her personal experiences into poetic and powerful prose. In her essay collection Abandon Me, which The New Yorker called “mesmerizing,” Febos turned her attention to the bonds of love - and the many forms it can take. That collection was named one of the best books of 2017 by Esquire, Refinery29, LitHub, Electric Lit, and others. Website • Twitter

Ibtihaj Muhammad
Fencer

Ibtihaj Muhammad’s life and athletic career have been a series of advances and attacks against the limiting assumptions of society. Growing up in New Jersey as the only African-American Muslim at her school, Muhammad fought to be accepted into the primarily wealthy world of fencing. At the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Muhammad lunged into the international spotlight as the first Muslim-American woman to compete wearing a hijab and the very first to medal at an Olympic Games. Her book Proud: Living My American Dream details her perseverance in the face of discrimination, as she moved from a young outsider to a national hero - inspiring the first hijabi Barbie along the way! Website • Twitter

Dirty Revival
Soul-Rock Group

Dirty Revival is shaking things up as they make you boogie down. The seven-piece soul/rock band from Portland takes a democratic approach to their songwriting, with all members contributing to their unique sound - combining the soul and funk of the 60’s and 70’s, then walking right up to a more modern rock and pop sound. The lively group has shared the stage with musicians like George Clinton, performed at festivals across the country, and released a self-titled full-length album. Known for their inspired songwriting, electric live performances, and dynamic covers of classics, Dirty Revival will captivate you with their passion and performance. Listen • Twitter