Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Kelly Taylor! Kelly is an NYC based comedian. Check out Kelly on instagram @hellothisiskelly and check out her podcast I Feel Fat Today on instagram @ifeelfattoday & subscribe to the show on Youtube.In this episode, Kelly Taylor shares her experiences growing up in New Jersey, navigating college life, and the impact of family dynamics on her personal growth. The discussion touches on the challenges of adulthood, the influence of social media, and the journey into the workforce, particularly in the fashion industry. Kelly reflects on her friendships, the importance of community, and the lessons learned along the way. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Alone Writing Jersey-Shore-Set Rom-Coms with Betty Corrello - Season 4, Episode 23Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s DeadFollow Kelly: @hellothisiskellyFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodEmail us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Rachel Linden! Rachel is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie and Recipe for a Charmed Life and several other novels, including her latest The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie was turned into a Hallmark movie in 2024. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island in the Pacific Northwest where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love, all with a happy ending and a touch of magical realism.In this episode, Carly and Rachel Linden explore personal transformations, the impact of homeschooling, and the journey of becoming an author. They discuss the significance of embracing change in one's 40s, the challenges and joys of working with women in crisis, and the art of storytelling through magical realism. Rachel shares her experiences as an expat, her writing process, and the excitement of having her book adapted into a film. The conversation also touches on the importance of nurturing a love for reading in children and the joy of connecting with readers.Recommendations From This Episode: Alone Writing Romance with a Paranormal Twist with Author Ashley Poston - Season 5, Episode 16A Second Chance Scottish SummerFollow Rachel Linden: @rachellinden_writerFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Hannah Nicole Maehrer! Hannah Nicole Maehrer—or as TikTok Knows her, @hannahnicolemae—is a BookToker and fantasy romance author of Assistant To The Villain, Apprentice To The Villain, and Accomplice To The Villain. Her biggest passions in life include romance, magic, laughter, and finding ways to include them all in everything she creates.In this episode, Hannah shares her personal experiences with her parents being romantic and in love, having Disney princess loving brothers, managing ADHD, coping mechanisms for productivity, and the creative process behind writing. We explore character development in literature, the importance of relationships, and personal growth, including reflections on social media presence and the joys of everyday life.Recommendations From This Episode: Alone Being The Voice of ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City with Narrator Elizabeth Evans - Season 5, Episode 21The Unbearable Weight of Massive TalentFollow Hannah Nicole Maehrer: @hannahnicolemae Follow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Alice Fishbein! Alice Fishbein is a Brooklyn-based comedian. Her solo comedy show, "Leo Still Dies in the End," premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025. She can be seen performing comedy in NYC and her writing and viral videos can be found all over the internet.In this episode, Alice shares her experiences from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, her one-woman show about the Titanic, and her journey through comedy and creative writing. The discussion touches on the challenges of performing, the unique atmosphere of the Fringe, and the personal connections formed through shared artistic experiences. Alice reflects on her childhood obsessions, the impact of various cultural phenomena, and her aspirations for future projects. Recommendations From This Episode: TitanicTitanic: The Digital ResurrectionAlone Being a History Nerd with Author Sarah Adler - Season 5, Episode 23Alone Making Floral Estrangements with Rebecca Fishebin - Season 4, Episode 46Follow Alice Fishbein: Insta: @afishcalledalice TikTok: @afishbWebsite: www.alicefishbein.comFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Myka Fox! Myka Fox is an NYC-based writer and comedian who has written jokes for multiple Comedy Central Roasts, The MTV Movie Awards w/ Nikki Glaser, the Independent Spirit Awards, and SNL’s Weekend Update.Myka is/was one half of the cult favorite Gas Digital Podcast “Shame On” with Kerryn Feehan, and currently hosts the popular podcast "Great Hang with Myka and Tim" with her illiterate boyfriend Tim McLaughlin. Her debut standup comedy special "My Joke, My Choice," premiered in 2024 through Comedy Dynamics.In this hilarious episode, Myka Fox shares her journey from growing up in Arizona to pursuing a career in comedy and writing in New York City. She discusses her daily routines, how her life experiences have shaped her creative process, and the unique challenges faced when filming a comedy special on short notice. The discussion also touches on the challenges of friendship, the metaphorical dumpsters we find ourselves in, and the joys of solitude. Myka also reflects on her identity as a twin and the dynamics of sibling relationships. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Marc Maron: PanickedRachel Feinstein: Big GuyFollow Myka Fox: @mykafoxFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Samantha Downing! Samantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author whose books have appeared on the Sunday Times and USA Today. Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France. Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 in the US.In this episode, Samantha Downing shares her unique approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of morning routines and the creative process. She discusses her journey to publication, the influences that shaped her writing, and how her personal experiences have impacted her work. We discuss how personal struggles can shape characters in literature, particularly in the context of Samantha's latest book featuring a retired serial killer. We also explore challenges of writing crime fiction in a modern world filled with technology and surveillance, and the importance of research in creating believable narratives. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: The Thursday Murder ClubMurder She WroteLook Closer Follow Samantha Downing: @smariedowningFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Autumn and back to school vibes are just around the corner! This week we bring you a special episode that reconnects you with the hosts of the show. In this episode of Alone at Lunch, hosts Emily and Carly dive into the nostalgic feelings of back to school, discussing their love for the season and how it inspires them to set new goals. They explore the challenges of balancing creativity and motherhood, the importance of consistency in personal growth, and the impact of comparison on self-worth. The conversation highlights the significance of defining success on one's own terms and the role of self-care in achieving personal and creative aspirations. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: 1Q84The Life Impossible Follow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Carly is on vacation, and Emily talks to her husband and cohost Danny Moss. They host the Yeet the Rich podcast together, where they research uber rich companies and families, what they claim to have contributed to the world, what the reality is. Danny also works full time as a scenic carpenter, building an engineering scenery for film and tv, having worked on projects like In the Heights, Fleischman is in Trouble, She Says, and Inside Amy Schumer. On this episode we discuss what its like to start a new creative pursuit when you're solidly in your career, trying to fit in a side hustle when you're a new dad, always pursuing intellectual curiosity, and more! Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Meryl Wilsner! Meryl is a bestselling author of contemporary romances featuring queer folks who love women, including Something To Talk About, Mistakes Were Made, Cleat Cute, and My Best Friend’s Honeymoon. Whether high-heat or slow burn, their books always have a happily ever after. Some of Meryl’s favorite things include: all four seasons, Hawaiian shirts, the way giraffes run, and their wife.In this conversation, Meryl Wilsner shares their journey as a writer, discussing their experiences growing up in Michigan, navigating identity, and the challenges of coming out. They reflect on their early writing influences, including fan fiction, and how these experiences shaped their current work in queer romance. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Love and Other Disasters Enigma VariationsOvercompensatingFollow Meryl Wilsner: @merylwilsnerFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week marks the return of Alone at Lunch cohost Emily Walsh! Tune in to hear all the TMI details of Emily’s journey into motherhood. We discuss the challenges and joys of having a newborn, with Emily sharing her experiences with breastfeeding, the unpredictability of childbirth, and the isolation that can come with being a new mom. We also touch on the importance of support systems, the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum life, and the adjustments that come with parenting. You don’t want to miss this update!Recommendations From This Episode: CribsheetExpecting BetterWe Were LiarsAtmosphereJustin Willman: Magic LoverFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Sarah Adler! USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters, including Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, Happy Medium, and Finders Keepers. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and very mischievous cat. When not working, you can find her attempting to course-correct an ill-advised late afternoon nap with an equally ill-advised late afternoon coffee, as she is incapable of ever learning a lesson.In this episode, Sarah Adler shares her journey as a writer, discussing the challenges of balancing multiple projects, the rediscovery of everyday joys, and the impact of her upbringing in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She reflects on her path to self-acceptance, the importance of authenticity in writing, and how personal experiences shape her storytelling. The discussion also touches on cultural influences, dreams and aspirations, and the role of humor in her work, culminating in a heartfelt reflection on the complexities of belonging and identity. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy MountainBetter Off DeadYou Deserve Each OtherFollow Sarah Adler: @sarahadlerwritesCheck Out Sarah’s Website: www.sarahadlerwrites.comFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Sarah Naughton! Sarah is an award winning audiobook narrator and voice actor, a singer and stage actress (Roundabout, 2nd Stage), and comedian and cabaret act (54Below, ART, Club Cumming). She's currently often roaming Brooklyn with a small white dog and a toddler.In this discussion, Carly and Sarah explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood, touching on personal experiences with parenting, fertility struggles, and the importance of community support. They delve into the evolution of parenthood in modern society, the challenges of fertility treatments, and the emotional impact of miscarriage. Sarah shares her transition from theater to voice acting and audiobook narration, highlighting the unique storytelling aspects of this medium. The episode also emphasizes the significance of finding joy in small moments and the value of self-producing creative work. Recommendations From This Episode: Baby MamaFollow Sarah Naugton: @illuminaughtonFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Evans! Elizabeth Evans is a writer and award-winning voice over artist. Most recently, her spec feature DIANA DESTROYS A WEDDING was showcased on the Blacklist; Ent360 is attached to produce. She is currently developing LIFE OUT LOUD at Lionsgate which Marti Noxon is attached to showrun and produce. Elizabeth is a recent graduate of NYU's MFA program and an award-winning audiobook narrator, known as the narrator of the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling book series Throne of Glass and Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas. In this wonderful conversation, Elizabeth Evans shares her journey as an audiobook narrator and screenwriter, discussing the challenges and joys of balancing multiple creative projects. She reflects on her early experiences in community theater, her transition into audiobook narration, and the impact of her work on the popular series by Sarah J. Maas. Elizabeth also opens up about the unexpected fame that comes with being the voice behind beloved characters and the intimate connection she feels with her audience. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: A Court of Thorns and RosesEvery Time I Go On Vacation, Someone DiesNo One Was Supposed To Die At This WeddingFollow Elizabeth Evans: @elizabethevansnycFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Hannah Orenstein! Hannah is the author of Maine Characters, Meant to Be Mine, Head Over Heels, Love at First Like, and Playing with Matches, as well as the Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Wellness at Bustle. She splits her time between Brooklyn and Maine.In this engaging episode, Hannah Orenstein shares her journey as a writer and editor, discussing the balance between her professional and creative life. She reflects on her experiences in matchmaking, the challenges of the publishing process, and the importance of cultural identity in her storytelling. With insights into her writing routine and favorite writing spots, Hannah emphasizes the significance of feedback and the joy of creating characters that resonate with readers.Recommendations From This Episode: Jewish Matchmaking Indian Matchmaking Follow Hannah Orenstein: @hannahorensFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Phil Sloves! Phil Sloves is a self-proclaimed Actorpreneur based in New York City. He has appeared on Broadway in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical and on television in Law & Order: SVU, as well as a recent guest spot on The Kelly Clarkson Show.Phil is also the founder of Actor Reboot, a supportive space designed to help actors build confidence and sharpen their audition techniques.In this episode Carly and Phil explore Phil's journey from high school to Broadway, discussing the evolution of auditions, the importance of community in the arts, and the challenges of body image in theater. Phil shares his experiences overcoming stage fright, the significance of gratitude, and his work with the Bible Players to promote Jewish education through comedy. The discussion highlights the importance of representation and the joy of building a supportive community for artists.Recommendations From This Episode: Death Becomes HerFollow Phil and Actor Reboot on Instagram and TikTok: @philsloves | @actorrebootFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Karissa Vacker! Karissa Vacker is an award winning narrator of over 500 audiobooks, and can most frequently be heard in the thriller, YA, and rom com genres. She is a classically trained actor with credits from major regional theaters, and also enjoyed a career in film and TV. Some credits include NCIS, Castle, How I Met Your Mother and Chuck. She also is passionate about spreading her love of meditation, and hosts a sleep meditation podcast, Sleep Wave, for the app Sleepiest.In this episode, Karissa Vacker shares her journey from a shy child who struggled with stuttering to a successful audiobook narrator and voiceover artist. She discusses her experiences in acting, the transition to narrating audiobooks, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Karissa also opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the importance of sharing personal stories, and how meditation and sleep have become integral to her well-being. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes gratitude, personal growth, and the significance of embracing differences in life. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: The Great British Baking ShowFollow Karissa Vacker: @karissavackerFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we are joined by Catherine Mack! Catherine Mack (she/her) is the pseudonym for Catherine McKenzie, the USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her books are approaching two million copies sold worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages including French, German, Portuguese, and Polish. Television rights to Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and its forthcoming sequels sold in a major auction for development into a series.In this episode, we explore Catherine's unique background as a dual citizen and her experiences growing up in Montreal, language and cultural identity, the differences in education systems between Canada and the U.S., and Catherine's journey from a successful legal career to becoming a published author. Catherine explains her unexpected path that led her to writing, highlighting how openness to new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the blending of humor with murder mystery. GIve this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: No One Was Supposed To Die at This WeddingThe ResidenceFollow Catherine Mack: @catherinemckenzieauthorFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Ashley Poston! Ashley Poston is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of The Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip, and A Novel Love Story. She has also written over half a dozen young adult novels. Her latest novel, Sounds Like Love, comes out on June 17th, 2025.After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English, she pursued a career in the publishing industry as a marketing designer. Now, she writes full-time from her little grey house, and spoils her three cats. When not writing, she bides her time between South Carolina and New York, and all the bookstores between.In this episode, we explore experiences with horror movies, gaming, and fan fiction, highlighting how these elements provided space for creative outlets and social interactions. Ashley shares her journey as a writer, from her early days of printing fanfiction to her current success as a published author. She also discusses the challenges of overcoming a stutter. The conversation also delves into the mystical elements in her storytelling, her research process, and the personal experiences that shape her writing. Ashley emphasizes the significance of community in writing and the joy of unabashedly loving one's passions. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Red, White & Royal BlueFollow Ashley Poston: @heyashpostonFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Kevin McCaffrey! Kevin appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, was a regular on truTV’s World’s Dumbest, VH1’s I Love the 2000s, and was a 2-time winner on truTV’s Comedy Knockout. He has 2 albums: “Nice & Drunk” (2018) and “Not Helping” (2024). He hosts two podcasts: “Sex and the Cidiots” and “The Bridgerton Bros,” with WGA award winner Jon Daly.In this discussion, we explore growing up in Chicago, playing basketball, and an early passion for comedy and late-night television. Kevin shares his journey from childhood memories of Catholic school to his experiences in stand-up comedy and working at Late Night with David Letterman. He reflects on friendships formed through humor, the challenges of college life, and the excitement of moving to New York City. Kevin also discusses the unique experience of performing on cruise ships. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor: Conan O’BrienComedy Writing For Late Night TVFollow Kevin McCaffrey: @kevinmccaffFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Jamie Shriner! Jamie Shriner is what would happen if Bo Burnham and Jenna Marbles were cryogenically frozen together in a pair of cat lady glasses. A former theatre kid, current queer & hard of hearing divorcé, Jamie uses humorous original songs to discuss her struggles with dating, body image, womanhood, and being queer in Indiana where she grew up.Jamie was named Best of the Fest at Big Pine Comedy Festival and Laughs After Dark Comedy Festival and is a regular feature at Zanies and Laugh Factory Chicago. The host and producer of Chicago Underground Comedy has opened for the likes of Beth Stelling, Randy Feltface, and Chrissy Chlapecka, and is a former Features Contributor for The Onion. Her debut comedy special, Corn Baby, is available to stream on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, and more. Check her out!This week, we discuss growing up in Indiana, the transition from theater to comedy, navigating friendships, and the impact of social media on youth culture. We explore the challenges of growing up with siblings, highlighting the importance of patience and the lessons learned from childhood experiences. Jamie shares personal experiences with hearing loss and the challenges faced throughout life, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and personal growth. You don’t want to miss hearing about Jamie being kicked out of the theater-kid lunch table. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Sex Education - Season 4, Episode 7The Kings of SummerFollow Jamie Shriner: @jamieshrinersingsFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.