Episode 98

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Published on:

12th May 2025

Two White Guys Talking | Book Club | Merrick Part 4 | The Articulate Coven

In this episode of the Articulate Coven, hosts Joel and Ashley delve into the themes of Anne Rice's novel 'Merrick', exploring character dynamics, the impact of magic, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss the significance of the characters' decisions and the emotional weight of love and loss, while also engaging with their audience about upcoming topics and polls for future discussions. 

In this conversation, Joel and Ashley delve into the themes of vulnerability, power dynamics, and the complexities of vampire lore as they discuss Anne Rice's works. They explore the character of Merrick, the implications of the Talamasca's actions, and the cultural significance of the new Pope, drawing parallels between literature and real-world issues.

Vote for our next Book Club discussion (if you're a $5 or $10/month Patron): https://www.patreon.com/posts/whats-our-next-128544167

Thank you to Patron, Toby Krstevski

Book your rooms for Anne Rice’s Celebration of Life on our room block, 

Sheraton Hotel New Orleans

500 Canal Street

New Orleans, LA 70130

Articulate Coven Podcast Room Block: October 29 - November 1, 2025 (with ability to extend below pricing 2 days before or after)

Standard King: $179 + 16.75% tax + $3 city fee per room, per night

Standard 2 Double Bed $189 + 16.75% tax + $3 city fee per room, per night

Link to book: https://book.passkey.com/e/51017010

If you haven’t already, please respond to our poll on whether or not you’re attending the weekend: 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-joining-125055937

100 episode livestream Saturday May 24th at 8pm CST, 9pm EST, 7pm Mountain Time. Download this Invite to add the livestream to your calendar: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U6CLwy3OP7jLzsWazDjTeTgTXR4n9_my/view?usp=sharing

If you like Anne Rice and her vampires or witches enough to read this, then you like them enough to join our cult...I mean Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/articulatecoven/ 

If Facebook isn’t your thing, we also have a Discord: https://articulatecoven.com/discord or follow us on Threads, Bluesky, TikTok or Instagram @articulatecovenpod

This episode & all of our videos are made possible by our Patrons.

Thank you to our Fledglings: Sharlien, Gaica, Amiee DiBrango, Heather Heise, Mel Rosina, Sarah Louise, Mimi, Holly Robertson, The Shermanator, Casey Forester, Natalie Perkins, Lucia Grey, GrumpyOldBob56, Tristan Floyd and Kristi Bartels.

Thank you to our Makers: Gabbi Necklen, Angela Stephenson, Mendi Raftery, Mandy Taylor, Judith Tigner, Dani Moreira, Derek Lord, Brittany Cavness, Toby Krstevski, Dorothy Johnson, Nicole Mazza, Periwinkle000, Karyn L., OnHerPeriods, Stephanie Deal, Aly Galloway, Kevin, ComixFan, Cortney, Gertzy Zee, Tammy Issac, Dani Dunziellas.

Thank to Children of the Millenia: Madame Mère, Catherine Thurmond, Loriann O'Malia, Donny Kanone, Jennifer Morgan, Danielle Rupino, Jolee, Mandy B., Stephen Dean, Zach, Cassandra Silvia, Brat Prince Bran and Tanea.

and Our Eternal Gratitude to Queen of the Damned, Nancee Ward.

Get episodes & videos on our Patreon, a week earlier than YouTube. http://articulatecoven.com/join

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the Articulate Coven

03:23 Exploring Merrick: A Book Club Discussion

06:26 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

09:26 Diving into the Themes of Merrick

12:24 Character Dynamics and Emotional Stakes

15:24 The Complexity of Life and Death

18:37 The Role of Lestat and the Spirit World

21:28 Romantic Manipulation and Power Dynamics

26:16 Exploring Lust and Desire

28:25 The Nature of Love and Relationships

30:20 Consequences of Choices and Actions

33:26 Resurrection and Identity

36:17 Power Dynamics and Vulnerability

41:28 Transformation and New Beginnings

47:25 Existential Reflections and Mortality

51:18 The Elders' Missive and Its Implications

54:25 The Talamasca's Threat and Lestat's Defiance

56:31 The Unresolved Conflict with the Talamasca

01:00:22 Merrick's Magic and the Future of the Series

01:02:24 Reflections on the Book and Future Adaptations

01:04:25 Upcoming Discussions and Community Engagement

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Show artwork for The Articulate Coven: Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire & Immortal Universe After Show

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.