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Alone At Lunch

Alone at Lunch | Morbid Network | Wondery

Whether you were the only girl on the football team, the only jock at robotics camp, or you just could never find anyone who appreciated your action figures enough, we’ve all felt like the weird kid at some point in our lives. Join comedians Carly Montag and Emily Walsh as they ask their guests about any time in life they felt like the odd one out. New episodes out every Monday! read less

Our Editor's Take

Feeling like an outsider can be a universal experience. On the Alone At Lunch podcast, listeners will hear from comics and innovators who share this feeling. Cohosts Carly Montag and Emily Walsh share their experiences They also speak to others who know what it's like to feel different. This is a great podcast for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and compelling storytelling.

Podcast voices Carly and Emily are both talented comedians. Carly, an occupational therapist by day, is a regular at comedy festivals. Emily is an award-winning headliner with HBO and various TV shows on her list of credits. Their hilarious banter makes Alone At Lunch feel like a funny chat with friends. Fellow comedian James Camacho talks about growing up as a biracial child. Comedian Dara Jemmott discusses the isolating experience of being a "failed" child actor.

Comedian Carole Montgomery reveals what it is like being a woman and to be aging in the comedy industry. Listeners also hear from content creator and comedian Tess Tregellas. She talks to the hosts about her childhood struggles and misadventures in travel. They also speak to writer and director Michael Pomeroy. Listeners discover what attending Catholic school or parties as an outsider was like. No matter the topic, these conversations are entertaining, funny, and revealing. From struggling with racial identity to being an outcast, this podcast is relatable.

Alone At Lunch is not the typical comedy podcast. It is a skillful pairing of human experiences and comedy. The cultural relevance of the conversations makes it a unique listening experience. It also offers entertaining comedy as well. New podcast episodes are available every Monday and are about an hour long.

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ComedyComedy
EducationEducation
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

S4 Ep42: Alone Kissing Girls on Shabbat with Dr. Sara Glass
Available on 16-12-2024
S4 Ep42: Alone Kissing Girls on Shabbat with Dr. Sara Glass
This week we are joined by Dr. Sara Glass! Sara Glass, PhD, LCSW is a therapist, writer, and speaker who helps members of the queer community and individuals who have survived trauma to live bold, honest, and proud lives. She lives in Manhattan, New York. Make sure to follow @drsaraglass on social platforms!This week, Sarah Glass discusses her journey of navigating multiple roles as a therapist, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate. She shares her experiences growing up in a strict Hasidic community, her struggles with identity, and the impact of her coming out on her family and children. The discussion delves into the complexities of living authentically while managing societal and familial expectations, as well as the importance of creating safe spaces for others in similar situations. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Glass discusses her experiences navigating identity within Orthodox Jewish communities, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the impact of family history on personal growth. She shares insights on feeling alone in relationships, the dynamics with her ex-partners, and the joy of newfound freedom in her life. The discussion highlights the complexities of self-discovery and the importance of community support. Make sure to give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah FeldmanUnorthodox - NetflixMy Unorthodox LifeEscape by Carolyn Jessop Follow Dr. Sara Glass: @drsaraglass Follow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep41: Alone Making The Season Bright with Ashley Herring Blake
4d ago
S4 Ep41: Alone Making The Season Bright with Ashley Herring Blake
This week we are joined by Ashley Herring Blake! Ashley Herring Blake is an award-winning author and teacher. She loves coffee, cats, melancholy songs, and happy books. She is the author of six novels for young adult and middle grade readers, as well as the Bright Falls adults romance novels and the holiday romance, Make the Season Bright. She lives on a very tiny island off the coast of Georgia with her family.In this conversation, Ashley Herring Blake shares her journey from a musical background to becoming a successful author. She discusses her daily writing routine, the tools she uses, and how her commitment to writing for queer youth. The conversation also touches on family dynamics and the importance of representation in literature. In this conversation, Ashley shares her journey of navigating faith, identity, and the complexities of being a queer woman in a conservative environment. She discusses her experiences with religious trauma, the impact of personal loss on her beliefs, and the challenges of coming out. Ashley emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, particularly for queer individuals, and her desire to write stories that reflect both struggles and joys. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Happiest SeasonEnigma VariationsFollow Ashley Herring Blake: @ashleyhblakeFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep40: Alone Being “Uprooted” with Ruth Chan
02-12-2024
S4 Ep40: Alone Being “Uprooted” with Ruth Chan
This week we are joined by Ruth Chan! Ruth Chan is an illustrator/author of comics and children’s books. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Cup of Jo, and with publishers HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Disney-Hyperion, and Abrams. Prior to illustrating full time, she spent a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. UPROOTED is her first graphic novel. She is a proud Canadian and lives and works in NYC.In this engaging conversation, Ruth discusses her experiences as a new mother, the challenges of balancing work and parenting, and the journey of creating her graphic novel 'Uprooted.' She reflects on family dynamics, cultural identity, and the importance of storytelling in understanding one's heritage. She discusses her journey moving from Canada to China, the challenges of finding a sense of belonging, and her career in education and illustration. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the impact of AI on the illustration industry. Give this episode a listen!.Recommendations From This Episode:Where the Sidewalk EndsRunning With Scissors Follow Ruth Chan: @ohtruthFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep39: Special Episode PART II: A Wild Ride with Anonymous
25-11-2024
S4 Ep39: Special Episode PART II: A Wild Ride with Anonymous
This week we bring you part II of our special episode of Alone at Lunch. Normally, we bring you discussions of feeling like the odd one out with comedians, authors, content creators, and more individuals of whom you’ve heard and can follow their careers. This episode, we decided to switch things up and present an anonymous crazy story told first hand by the person who lived it. The individual in this episode, who chose to be known as “Trip,” continues where he left off, discussing getting home tohis sick mother, going to Burning Man, having social anxiety, being passionate about helping others, and so much more. It is important that we provide several trigger warnings including discussions of suicide and illegal immigration. This podcast and podcast network do not condone or support the actions discussed in this episode. However, we believe that stories deserve to be told, especially when they ring so true to that “Alone at Lunch” feeling. We will be continuing the anonymous stories special episodes, so if you have a story to tell or know someone who does, please email us! Recommendations From This Episode:Life As A HouseTherapy - Psychology TodayVolunteering Drive-Away DollsFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep38: Alone Getting Cut From Your Softball Team with Katie Novotny
18-11-2024
S4 Ep38: Alone Getting Cut From Your Softball Team with Katie Novotny
This week we are joined by Katie Novotny! Katie Novotny is a standup comedian who has been an official artist at Limestone Comedy Festival, Vail Comedy Festival, Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago Comedy Festival, HBO’s Women in Comedy Festival, and many more. She’s currently a co-host of Good Follow, a women’s sports show on the DraftKings network where she gets to bring her love of sports and comedy to one place. She trained at Second City and iO in improv and sketch comedy, produced two award-winning web series (Guilty and Wellness Check), and her pilot scripts have landed her as a semi-finalist in Slamdance and Screencraft. She's performed at Hollywood Fringe Festival and is commercially repped by BBR. She dreams of using her arthritic knees to become an influencer for Bengay.In this conversation, Katie shares her journey through freelancing and comedy, physical injuries while performing comedy, her first paid feature, and the dynamics of adjusting her comedy set for different audiences. The conversation also touches on themes of anxiety regarding the future and reflections on relationships, both personal and professional, as well as growing up in Naperville, Chicago. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the nuances of creativity in comedy, the journey of finding acceptance within the comedy community, and the personal experience of dining alone. The discussion highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of enjoying one's own company while navigating the complexities of life and comedy.Recommendations From This Episode: Waiting For GuffmanLittle GiantsFollow Katie: @kathnovotnyFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep32: Alone with Anthony & Diane star Micky Shiloah
07-10-2024
S4 Ep32: Alone with Anthony & Diane star Micky Shiloah
This week we are joined by Micky Shiloah! Micky Shiloah is an actor and creator best known for his social media series Anthony & Diane (which has helped him grow his following to over 160K across platforms) and his musical-comedy song "I'm Gay".No stranger to the live stage, he's performed in venues ranging from Off-Broadway to Radio City Music Hall. In Los Angeles he's performed in productions including Leslye Headland's Bachelorette, the musical-comedy Don't Hug Me, We're Family, and the improv-comedy troupe The MaD JaCKRaTS (LPNSImprov).Over the last two years he has grown his social media presence with his series Anthony & Diane as well as other characters (including the favorites Gay Reg & Katherine) and skits that are loved by his followers. He incorporated his songwriting into the series with his song "Lose Your Lovin'" which is performed by faux-band The Glazed Donuts.His TV/Film credits include Westworld, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and Mistresses.In this episode, we discuss growing up in New York, being an actor from a young age, being a shy kid, loving improv, being 1 of 5 siblings, being gay, having a social media presence, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Micky’s knack for impressions and all the work he puts into putting out content. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: The House in The Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneLoomlyFollow Micky Shiloah: @mickyshiloahFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep31: Alone Doing Comedy at Burning Man with Justin Herman
30-09-2024
S4 Ep31: Alone Doing Comedy at Burning Man with Justin Herman
This week we are joined by Justin Herman! Justin Herman is a stand up comic who's performed at clubs, theaters and s**thole dive bars (why did he put that one last?) all over the world. He's performed at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the 2018 Melbourne Comedy Festival and he's been seen on Late Night with Seth Meyers, TruTV, Travel Channel, Discovery ID and SiriusXM.Justin has also directed, produced and written for networks including Netflix, Comedy Central, BET and Bravo. He’s written jokes for comedians and celebrities including Neil Patrick Harris, Paul Rudd, 50 Cent and more Real Housewives than he’d care to admit. Not to brag, but Paula Abdul once petted him on the cheek. He’s a pretty cool guy.In this episode, we discuss growing up in a divorced home, having a twin that’s different from you, being a producer of documentary and reality shows, traveling the world, being an introverted observer, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Justin and Emily’s experience performing comedy at Burning Man. Make sure to give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Child StarThe Secret Lives of Mormon WivesJustin HermanFollow Justin Herman: @justin_hermanFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep30: Alone Being the Queen of Jewish Romance with Jean Meltzer
23-09-2024
S4 Ep30: Alone Being the Queen of Jewish Romance with Jean Meltzer
This week we are joined by Jean Meltzer! Jean has the unique distinction of being the world’s only Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out. She is the author of the internationally bestselling book The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, and Kissing Kosher, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, and Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023. Her fourth book, Magical Meet Cute, published August 27th, 2024. Jean is an experienced speaker, having shared her incredible story of chronic disability and found Judaism with countless organizations across America, from Jewish philanthropic groups to Google. She is also the founder Jewish Joy, LLC and the creator of Jewish Women Talk about Romance Books and The Jewish Joy Book Club, a monthly meet-up of over two thousand women reading novels that focus only on Jewish Joy and celebrating Jewish life. In July 2024, she also launched The Jewish Joy Box, the first Jewish book box exclusively focused on joy. (www.thejewishjoybox.com)In addition, Jean continues to use her large social media platform for advocacy. In 2023, she became a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism, which works with a diverse group of artists to combat antisemitism through fundraising and education. She is also the host of the podcast, Chronically Fabulous with Jean Meltzer, produced in partnership with Zev Hurwich at Aeaea LLC, which highlights tips, tricks, and achievements of the chronically disabled.In this episode, we discuss growing up in New Jersey, writing as escapism, being business savvy, having a chronic illness, antisemitism, authenticity, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Jean’s regiment to manage her busy life while also being disabled. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations From This Episode:Magical Meet Cute Shiva BabyWhen Harry Met SallyFollow Jean Meltzer: @jeanmeltzerFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
S4 Ep24: Alone Writing Queer YA Romances with James L. Sutter
12-08-2024
S4 Ep24: Alone Writing Queer YA Romances with James L. Sutter
This week we are joined by James L. Sutter! James L. Sutter is a cocreator of the bestselling Pathfinder and Starfinder roleplaying games. He's the author of the queer young adult romance novels Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the fantasy novels Death's Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His short stories have appeared in Nightmare, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, the #1 Amazon bestseller Machine Of Death, and more. James lives in Seattle, where he's performed with bands ranging from metalcore to musical theater.In this episode, we discuss growing up around Seattle, being an extreme extrovert, intentional communities, taking creative risks, writing YA queer novels, being an early bloomer, being bisexual, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the ins and outs of tabletop role playing games. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Darkhearts The Ghost of UsTo Cheer as They Leave You BehindTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinThe Great BelieversRough Draft Bar & BooksQED - AstoriaOld Town Books - Alexandria Follow James L. Sutter: @james_l_sutterFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.