Episode 91

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Published on:

24th Mar 2025

15 Years from the Audacity | Book Club: Merrick Part 1 by Anne Rice | The Articulate Coven

In this episode of the Articulate Coven, hosts Joel and Ashley delve into Anne Rice's 'Merrick', exploring the nuances of the book, the characters, and the implications of the possible TV adaptations. They discuss their experiences with the audiobook, the significance of characters like David Talbot and Aaron Lightner, and the complexities of Merrick's character.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Articulate Coven

03:36 Exploring the Book: Merrick

06:32 Character Connections and Development

09:38 The Talamasca and Its Role

12:37 David Talbot's Journey

15:27 Themes of Love and Loss

18:38 The Witch of Indoor and Biblical References

27:09 The Witch of Endor and Saul's Downfall

29:04 David's Immortal Hubris

30:29 Reflections on Youth and Audacity

31:04 Merrick's Character and Alcoholism

31:51 The Concept of La Mystère

34:06 Retconning the Mayfair Witches

35:03 Merrick's Connection to David

37:11 Aaron Lightner's Importance

40:18 The Complexity of Relationships

42:34 David's Struggles with Desire

45:10 Vampirism and Spirituality

49:39 Exploring Voodoo and Religious Symbolism

53:04 Exploring Complex Relationships

55:17 The Power of Voodoo and Spirituality

56:12 The Talamasca and Secrets of the Supernatural

01:00:12 The Haunting of Claudia and the Nature of Spirits

01:03:14 New Orleans: A Love Letter in Literature

01:06:18 Moral Ambiguities and the Nature of Evil

01:10:15 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions and Themes

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About the Podcast

The Articulate Coven: Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire & Immortal Universe After Show
Unofficial Podcast & Community for Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, Mayfair Witches and Immortal Universe from AMC
The unofficial podcast and fan community for Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, Anne Rice’s Talamasca & Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe as brought to you by AMC.

Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat and his Coven of the Articulate are some of the most loved vampires in literary history. This show covers the books, the films and the ongoing tv series from AMC, Anne and Christopher Rice that gives us a peak at their world. We’ll cover the Interview with the Vampire series starring Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid and from creator and show runner, Rolin Jones. We’ll also cover the Mayfair Witches series starring Alexandra Daddaro, Jack Huston, Tongaya Charisa and from the show runner and executive producer, Esta Spalding. As well as whatever other Anne Rice created properties AMC wants to produce in the future!

Join us, if you would travel the Savage Garden as one of the Coven of the Articulate!
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About your hosts

Joel Sharpton

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FROM HIS BEGINNINGS IN SMALL-MARKET RADIO WHERE HE STARTED IN 2004, and hosted a weekday show on Retro Radio, the Peach 99.3, to his burgeoning podcast empire and production service, Pro Podcasting Services, and the 1000+ blog entries he's written in between, Joel's never had a problem getting his message across.

Now Owner/Chief Editing Officer of ProPodcastingServices.com Joel is helping podcasters, authors and more spread their messages and amplify their voices. Joel has had the opportunity to speak at several podcast conferences from coast to coast about producing, editing, and voice over work. He has also spoken at high schools and colleges with young entrepreneurs interested in these fields as well as small business lunch and learn events.

Father of four and the lucky husband of one, Joel loves discussing his kids and wife with anyone who will listen. With the family, he likes discussing Marvel Superheroes, great music and whatever the latest project is he's hatched in the studio.

An NBA fan since birth, an Apple user since 2008, blogger since 2003, and podcaster since 2012, Joel is an open book, mostly now in audio form.

Ashley Wright Ihler

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Ashley is a proud nerd, happy to be living in this timeline where she gets new Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, and Vampire Chronicles content all at the same time! This truly IS a magical place. When not snuggled under a comfy blanket with Maggie and Gomez (the goodest dogs in the world), Ashley can be found making merry with her awesome husband Brett at the Joint Theatre and Coffeehouse where she performs professionally with the Joint Venture and Improv Little Rock during weekly comedy improv shows. She also dabbles in stand up and would have a blog if she weren't such a procrastinator.