This week we are joined by stand-up comedian Zaib Pirani, who makes jokes about growing up in a family of previously-undocumented Indian-Muslims in Sugar Land, Texas. The conversation delves into the nuances of religious identity, the impact of cultural expectations, and the importance of finding one's own path.

This week we are joined by comedian and social media start Alex Falcone. 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.

This week we are joined by Jamie Harrow, author of One on One and Fun at Parties. In this episode, Jamie Harrow discusses the importance of embracing non-linear career paths and the valuable lessons learned from diverse experiences.

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.

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!

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 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