Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Arnott. Elizabeth Arnott is an award-winning writer and journalist and has written critically acclaimed historical fiction as Lizzie Pook. Her work - covering everything from true crime to Arctic exploration - has featured in publications including The Sunday Times, National Geographic, The New York Times Book Review and The Guardian. She lives with her husband and their young daughter in London, where she spends far too much time drinking iced coffee and watching serial killer shows. In this episode, we discuss Elizabeth’s journey through autoimmune illness, love for dark stories, and the fascinating worlds of true crime and genre fiction. Discover how life's unexpected turns shape her writing and perspectives. Give this episode a listen! Trigger Warning: This episode mentions the idea of the death of a child Recommendations From This Episode: Alone Being the Queen of Jewish Romance with Jean Meltzer Devil In Disguise Follow Elizabeth: @elizabetharnottwrites 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 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 Nalini Singh! Nalini Singh is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and international bestselling author of the iconic Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series of paranormal romances. She also writes atmospheric New Zealand-set thrillers, the latest of which is SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY. Two of her thrillers have been optioned for television adaptation. Check her out at www.nalinisingh.com! In this episode, Nalini Singh dives deep into weaving Fiji, New Zealand, and Indo-Fijian heritage seamlessly into her thrillers and romances, making her stories resonate worldwide. Discover how she balances multiple genres without losing her writer's voice, and learn about her approach to plot surprises, character development, and integrating her rich cultural background. This episode is perfect for authors, storytellers, or culture enthusiasts eager to craft stories that highlight diversity and depth. Recommendations From This Episode: Rachel Van Dyken - Season 5, Episode 42 Send Help Follow Nalini: @authornalinisingh 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 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 LizaBanks Campagna! LizaBanks Campagna is New York City based comedian and tour guide. Her work blends cultural commentary, internet chaos, and on-the-ground storytelling. She performs comedy regularly in New York and travels the country for shows. Check her out! In this episode, we delve into the crossover between tour guiding and stand-up comedy and the impact of childhood interests on adult passions. This episode offers a candid look into balancing different careers, embracing authenticity, and finding humor in everyday life. Recommendations From This Episode: Eden Undone Queer Eye - Season 10, Episode 5 Follow LizaBanks: @lizabanks11 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 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 Yosha Gunasekera. Yosha Gunasekera is a Sri Lankan-American attorney who represents people who have spent decades behind bars for crimes they did not commit. She teaches a course at Princeton University focused on wrongful conviction and exoneration. Yosha is a former Manhattan public defender and has written and spoken extensively on the criminal legal system. Check her out at www.yoshagunasekera.com In this episode, Yosha shares her journey from a nerdy, quirky, service-minded young person to an attorney at the Innocence Project. We discuss growing up in rural Ohio and the transition to living and working in New York City. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the inspiration behind Yosha’s debut novel, "The Midnight Taxi," and how her work as a public defender informs it. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations From This Episode: Law & Order: SVU Serial - Season 1 Follow Yosha: @yosha.gunasekera 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 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 Maria J. Morillo. Maria J. Morillo is a born and raised Venezuelan ESL teacher, translator, and author of love stories featuring Venezuelan women getting absolutely everything they’ve always wanted. When she’s not writing, you can find her leading the choir at her local church. She currently lives in Maturin, Venezuela, with her family. Her debut novel is The Ex-Perimento. In this episode, Maria J. Morillo shares her journey as a debut author, discussing the excitement and challenges of publishing her first novel. She reflects on her transition from writing in Spanish to English, the influence of fandom on her writing, and the importance of creating relatable characters. Maria also emphasizes her passion for teaching English and her desire to showcase Venezuelan culture through her work. The discussion highlights the significance of community and reader engagement in her writing journey. Recommendations From This Episode: Love Actually The Kissing Booth Follow Maria: @mariajmorilloauthor 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 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 Bennett. Ashley is a small-town paranormal and monster romance author from Baltimore, Maryland. She writes stories that are equal parts spice and swoon. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading webtoons, playing cozy video games, and taking care of her houseful of rescue animals. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from being a veterinary technician to a successful author in the monster romance genre. She discusses her experiences with community engagement, marketing strategies, and entering the traditional publishing space. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations From This Episode: Twilight Heated Rivalry Follow Ashley: @ashleybennettauthor 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 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 Virginia Kantra. New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra is a big believer in the power of stories—the ones we grow up with and the ones we tell ourselves. She has written over thirty novels about strong women, messy families, and the journey to find yourself. Her books have received numerous awards as well as starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and praise in People and USA Today. In this episode, Virginia discusses her journey as a writer and the importance of imagination in storytelling. She reflects on her childhood experiences that shaped her love for writing, the influence of her family, and the evolution of the publishing industry. Virginia also shares her thoughts on daily writing routines and the power of storytelling to connect with others. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations From This Episode: Pepper Ann Clueless Anne of a Different Island Follow Virginia: Insta: @virginiakantra ; Facebook; Substack 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 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 Ihea Inyama. Ihea is a NYC-based comedian, writer, and actor from Ewing, New Jersey. He's a house team writer for UCB's Maude Night, and is a co-creator and star of the web series i’m so happy for you!!!!!!. He has been awarded stand-up comedy residencies at Broadway and Greenwich Village Comedy clubs, co-hosts the variety comedy show Mind the Gap!, and regularly performs stand-up around NYC. In this episode we discuss Ihea’s journey to the comedy scene in New York City. He shares insights into his Nigerian heritage and how his academic background influences his comedy. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing a day job with a passion for stand-up, the nuances of cultural identity, and the importance of representation in the comedy industry. Recommendations From This Episode: Gilmore Girls Alone Standing Out in a Crowd with Dotun Olubeko Follow Ihea: @ihea_inyama 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 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 Jessica Levin. Jessica is an NYC based comedian. The daughter of a sanitation worker, with longshoreman genes, she has a blue collar mentality with white color taste. She released her first comedy special, Party Body, on YouTube in November 2025. In this engaging episode, Jessica discusses the importance of saying yes to opportunities, reflects on her childhood and family background, her transition from theater to stand-up, and the creation of her comedy special. She emphasizes the value of community in filmmaking and shares her aspirations for future projects. Recommendations From This Episode: Judy Gold Don’t Think Twice Follow Jessica: @jlevcomedy 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 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 Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Emily and Austin met and fell in love in high school. Austin went on to graduate from Harvard, while Emily graduated from Princeton. Together, they are the authors of multiple novels including The Roughest Draft and Reese's YA Bookclub Pick Heiress Takes All. They are also two-thirds of USA Today bestselling author E.B. Asher. Now married, they live in Los Angeles, where they continue to take daily inspiration from their own love story. Check them out! In this episode, Emily and Austin discuss their unique journey as a couple and co-authors. They discuss the challenges and joys of writing together, balancing their personal and professional lives, and the inspiration behind their latest book, "Seeing Other People." The couple shares insights into their creative process, the influence of their backgrounds, and how they navigate the complexities of parenthood while maintaining their collaborative spirit. Recommendations From This Episode: The Ghost of Us National Treasure Follow Emily: @wibbs_ink Follow Austin: @austins_b Follow E.B. Asher: @eb_asher 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 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 Lucy Sandwick. Lucy Sandwick is a comic and sketch writer based in NYC. She's been a semi finalist in the NY Queer Comedy Festival and Comedy Mob Festival, and her videos have garnered millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and her enemies' group chats. Follow her @lucysandwick! In this episode, Lucy shares her experiences growing up with brothers and how it influenced her career in comedy. She discusses the challenges and joys of adopting her dog, Cricket, and how it taught her valuable lessons about judgment and perseverance. Lucy also reflects on her time living in different cities, including New York and San Francisco, and how these experiences shaped her identity. The conversation touches on the importance of finding one's own path and the unexpected ways life can unfold. Recommendations From This Episode: The Dogist 30 Rock Oh, Mary! Follow Lucy: @lucysandwick 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 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 Van Dyken. Rachel Van Dyken the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching guilty-pleasure TV. Her new romantasy FALLEN GODS from Red Tower Books is out now. In this episode, Rachel discusses her diverse writing career, which spans multiple genres including fantasy, romance, and mafia stories, and explains the importance of research in her work. Rachel also opens up about the pressures of being an author, managing her own business, and the impact of stress on her health. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her Norwegian heritage and how it inspired her latest book, "Fallen Gods," dedicated to her grandfather. Rachel's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion. Recommendations From This Episode: Girls5eva The Vikings!: Crash Course World History Nathan Hill - The Nix Follow Rachel: Instagram: @rachvd TikTok: @rachvd Rachel’s Facebook Group: Rachel’s New Rockin’ Readers 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 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 Ivi Demi! Ivi is a Brooklyn comic originally from Albania. He was voted the Best House Comic at the Laugh Index Theatre in DC for 2020 and 2021. He has performed at the DC Improv, DC Comedy Loft, Gotham, Comic Strip, the Riot Comedy Festival, and the Burbank Comedy Festival, where he was selected to the Best of the Fest for 2021. You can see him producing and performing in shows for Don’t Tell Comedy across the East Coast. In this episode, Ivi shares his journey from Albania to the United States, highlighting his experiences growing up in a small town in upstate New York. Ivi discusses his unique cultural background, blending Albanian heritage with American life, and how this has influenced his comedy career. He reflects on the challenges and joys of adapting to a new culture, the importance of community support, and his path to becoming a comedian. Ivi's story is one of resilience, humor, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth. Recommendations From This Episode: Globle Into The Wild Follow Ivi: @ivi.demi Website: https://www.ividemi.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 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 Laura Griffin. Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura is a two-time RITA® Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of writing fiction. She lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel. In this episode, Laura shares her journey from journalism to fiction writing, focusing on her latest book, "Innocence Road." She discusses the importance of visiting real locations for authenticity in her storytelling. Laura also explores themes of returning to one's roots and the evolving role of DNA in solving cold cases, which often inspire her writing. Recommendations From This Episode: Innocence Road Mare of Easttown Karin Slaughter - Pretty Girls Follow Laura: @lauragriffinauthor Laura’s Website: lauragriffin.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 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 Zaib Pirani! Zaib is a stand-up comedian in New York City, who makes jokes about his life; especially about growing up in a family of previously-undocumented Indian-Muslims in Sugar Land, Texas. In this episode, Zaib shares his journey from Texas to New York, exploring his experiences with religion, community, and comedy. He discusses the challenges of fitting into traditional religious communities and how comedy helped him find a sense of belonging in New York. The conversation delves into the nuances of religious identity, the impact of cultural expectations, and the importance of finding one's own path. Recommendations From This Episode: A Nice Indian Boy The Religion Business Follow Zaib: @zaibpiranicomedy 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 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 Alex Falcone! Alex Falcone is a comedian and writer living in Los Angeles. He’s appeared in several episodes of Portlandia, performed standup on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and his videos have racked up over 300 million views online. He’s also the author of a best selling young-adult romance novel, Unwrap My Heart: or It's Time For Mummies. Despite these modest accomplishments, he’s somehow remained down to earth and approachable. In this episode, Alex, Emily, and Carly discuss the quirks of social media fame, the challenges of stand-up comedy, and the unexpected paths their careers have taken. Alex reflects on his journey from comedy clubs to TikTok stardom. You don’t want to miss Alex recounting a wild school story about a compatibility test. Recommendations From This Episode: Myth Busters The LEGO Neighborhood Book Follow Alex: @Alexfalcone 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 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 Harrow! Jamie Harrow was born and raised at the Jersey Shore. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Villanova University and lives in New Jersey with her family. Her debut novel, One on One, was published by Dutton in 2024. Fun at Parties, her second novel, is available now. In this episode, Jamie Harrow discusses the importance of embracing non-linear career paths and the valuable lessons learned from diverse experiences. She discusses her experience growing up on the Jersey Shore, being the “nerd” in a sporty family, being soft spoken in school, and her experiences with identity and motherhood. Recommendations From This Episode: Little Giants The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search For The Happiest Places In The World Follow Jamie: @jamieharrowbooks 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 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 Anika Fajardo! Anika Fajardo is an award-winning writer born in Colombia and raised in Minnesota. Her debut novel for adult readers is The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore. She is also the author of the middle-grade books What If a Fish and Meet Me Halfway, as well as 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. She discusses her path from teaching to becoming a librarian and eventually a published author. Anika delves into her writing process, the inspiration behind her memoir and novels, and the challenges of navigating cultural identity. The conversation also touches on themes of motherhood, personal growth, and the influence of family heritage on her work. Join us for an insightful discussion on creativity, identity, and the power of storytelling. Recommendations From This Episode: Evolving Vegan Reading Rainbow In Cold Blood Follow Anika: @anikawriter ; anikafajardo.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 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 Kristi DeMeester! Kristi is the author of Dark Sisters, Such a Pretty Smile, which was selected as a Georgia Author of the Year finalist, and Beneath. Her short fiction has appeared in publications such as The Dark, Black Static, multiple volumes of The Year’s Best Horror, Year’s Best Weird Fiction, and in her short fiction collection Everything That’s Underneath. She lives, writes, and makes horror-themed candles in Atlanta, Georgia. Find her online at www.kristidemeester.com. 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. She discusses her transition to public school, the impact of her parents' divorce on her faith, and her journey to self-discovery through writing. Kristi's upcoming novel, Dark Sisters, draws from her personal experiences and explores themes of purity culture and the complexities of belief. Recommendations from this episode: Alone Being in a Christian Homeschooling Cult with Natalie Naudus The Hunting Wives Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson Follow Kristi: @kristimdemeester 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 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 Jilberto Soto! Jilberto is a first-generation Mexican American comedian who produces and runs two standout comedy shows: Purple Park Comedy, which spotlights rising POC and female comics, and Mariposas Comedy, an all-queer showcase. Jilberto is also the host of I Hope This Ages Well, a podcast where he interviews fascinating seniors in NYC, and co-hosts Together We’re Straight with Liz Glazer. He has opened for Ralph Barbosa and has been featured at the New York Comedy Festival (2022-2024), Netflix Is a Joke Fest, and Limestone Comedy Festival in 2024. He was also a finalist in the NYC Queer Comedy Festival. In this episode, Jilberto shares his journey of self-discovery, cultural identity, and the challenges of moving to New York during the pandemic. The discussion touches on the importance of therapy, family support, and the impact of media representation on personal identity. Jilberto also opens up about his experiences with dyslexia, coming out to his family, and how comedy serves as a platform for cultural commentary. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating life as a member of the LGBTQ community while embracing one's heritage and identity. Recommendations From This Episode: Alone Being A Goof At Camp with Julia Lindon - Season 3, Episode 32 The Spinach King Follow Jilberto: @jilbertos 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.