This week we are joined by Anika Fajardo, author of The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore, What If a Fish, Meet Me Halfway, and the memoir Magical Realism for Non-Believers. In this episode, Anika Fajardo shares her journey from growing up in Minnesota to exploring her Colombian roots, as well as discusses her path from teaching to becoming a librarian and eventually a published author.

This week we are joined by Kristi DeMeester, author of Dark Sisters. In this episode, Kristi shares her love for Halloween and horror, reflecting on her upbringing in a fundamentalist church and how it shaped her fascination with the spooky.

This week we are joined by Jilberto Soto, a first-generation Mexican American comedian who produces and runs two standout comedy shows and podcasts. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating life as a member of the LGBTQ community while embracing one's heritage and identity.

This week we are joined by author Caroline Palmer! In this episode, Caroline discusses her journey from a high-powered career to becoming a novelist.

This week we are joined by NYC based comedian, Kelly Taylor. Kelly reflects on her friendships, the importance of community, and the lessons learned along the way.

This week we are joined by Rachel Linden, 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. In this episode, Carly and Rachel Linden explore personal transformations, the impact of homeschooling, and the journey of becoming an author.

This week we are joined by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, a BookToker and fantasy romance author of Assistant To The Villain, Apprentice To The Villain, and Accomplice To The Villain. 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.

This week we are joined by Alice Fishbein, a Brooklyn-based comedian who's comedy show, "Leo Still Dies in the End," premiered at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025. 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.

This week we are joined by comedian Myka Fox! In this hilarious episode, Myka Fox shares 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.

This week we are joined by Samantha Downing author of Too Old For This! In this episode, Samantha Downing shares her unique approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of morning routines and how her personal experiences have impacted her work.

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:  1Q84 The Life Impossible  Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

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!

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 Variations Overcompensating Follow Meryl Wilsner: @merylwilsner Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

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:  Cribsheet Expecting Better We Were Liars Atmosphere Justin Willman: Magic Lover Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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 Mountain Better Off Dead You Deserve Each Other Follow Sarah Adler: @sarahadlerwrites Check Out Sarah’s Website: www.sarahadlerwrites.com Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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 Mama Follow Sarah Naugton: @illuminaughton Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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: @hannahorens Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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 Her Follow Phil and Actor Reboot on Instagram and TikTok: @philsloves | @actorreboot Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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 Show Follow Karissa Vacker: @karissavacker Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends!  Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com