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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
ComedyComedy

Episodes

S4 Ep9: Alone Being a Body Positive and Anti-Diet Comedian with Lauren Hope Krass
Available on 29-04-2024
S4 Ep9: Alone Being a Body Positive and Anti-Diet Comedian with Lauren Hope Krass
This week we are joined by Lauren Hope Krass! Comedian Lauren Hope Krass got her start in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. There, she performed improv and stand-up regularly at Theatre 99 and all over the city. What's especially unique about Lauren is her ability to put a body positive spin on jokes while remaining cuttingly hilarious for any audience. Now one of New York's hottest comics on the scene, she performs nationwide for Comedy Festivals, Colleges, Cruise Lines and Clubs. Lauren is now the co-host and producer of Betches Media's "Diet Starts Tomorrow" podcast and is also regularly featured in their sketch video content such as "Plus Size Clothes Be Like" which has now hit over 50 million views across TikTok, IG and YouTube. Whoa! Follow her journey at @laurenhopekrass on IG. In this episode, we discuss growing up in South Carolina, being bullied from grades 7-12, performing in pageants, calling out fake friends, performing comedy at colleges, having a viral video, and so much more. You don’t want to miss out on our discussion about Lauren’s mission for fat liberation and the community she’s built through posting plus-size content. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: Little Miss SunshineDumplinSurvival of the ThickestHeavy WeightsThe Breakaway - Jennifer WeinerAmong The Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story  Follow Lauren Hope Krass: @laurenhopekrassFollow 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 Ep6: Alone Winning Writing Contests with Rachel Beanland
08-04-2024
S4 Ep6: Alone Winning Writing Contests with Rachel Beanland
This week we are joined by Rachel Beanland! Rachel Beanland is the author of two novels, The House Is On Fire (Simon & Schuster, 2023) and Florence Adler Swims Forever (Simon & Schuster, 2020). Beanland’s debut novel, Florence Adler Swims Forever was featured as one of the best books of 2020 by USA Today, named a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and was recognized with the 2020 National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction. The House Is On Fire was selected as one of the best books of 2023 by NPR and The New Yorker. Make sure to check them out!In this episode, we discuss moving every two years as a child, parenting, the impact of social media, the backstory of her two novels, keeping track of ideas for upcoming books, writers workshops, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about how the passing of Rachel’s father impacted her writing career. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond FearFollow Rachel Beanland: @rachelbeanland 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 Ep3: Alone Being an Ecstatic Dance DJ with Katya Stepanov
18-03-2024
S4 Ep3: Alone Being an Ecstatic Dance DJ with Katya Stepanov
This week we are joined by Katya Stepanov! Katya Stepanov is a Belarusian-Jewish-American artist, speaker, impact entrepreneur, DJ and holistic business coach devoted to creating and facilitating immersive experiences. Katya is a co-founder of Inheritance Project, a human impact company offering leadership and conflict resolution programs to build bridges and guide authentic culture change. She produces Resonance, a monthly micro-festival in Brooklyn weaving together breath-work, movement, dance, food and art. Katya is also a co-founder of Rebis, an immersive experience collective, and co-creator of Those Before Us, an audio- immersive dance experience which brings to life marginalized history in public spaces through interactive performance. She is the creator and writer of Inheritance, an immersive play and VR experience exploring Russian-Jewish immigrant identity and culture, for which she received the COJECO Blueprint Fellowship. When she's not facilitating or creating, Katya jumps behind the decks as DJ SPASIBA, spinning sonic alchemy for dancers everywhere.Learn more about Inheritance Project's upcoming Bridge Builders Conflict Resolution & Leadership Training March 28 - May 16.Attend the next Resonance Gathering on March 24th.In this episode, we discuss being a Jewish refugee from Belarus, learning English from Disney movies, having big emotions, starting a consulting company, performing in immersive theater, becoming a DJ, the conscious dance scene, and so much more! You don’t want to miss our discussion about Katya and Carly’s high school experience together! Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: Inheritance Project - Bridge BuildersThe Lost Apothecary - Sarah PennerThe Institute - Stephen KingFollow Katya Stepanov: @katyastepanovFollow 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.
S3 Ep52: Alone Being Generation X with Carolyn Castiglia
26-02-2024
S3 Ep52: Alone Being Generation X with Carolyn Castiglia
This week we are joined by Carolyn Castiglia! Carolyn is a multi-disciplinary artist who employs stand-up, storytelling, music, and more to wow audiences with her powerfully funny and endearing performances.Carolyn has appeared on numerous television and streaming networks including Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Lifetime, HLN, fyi, WE tv, Food Network, NickMom, Seeso and more. She performs regularly all over New York at renowned venues including Joe’s Pub, Symphony Space, Ars Nova, The Bell House, Union Hall, Littlefield, Caveat, UCB, Caroline’s, Gotham, The Stand, Stand Up New York, and New York Comedy Club.Make sure to check out her Solo Show, “Chuck”!You can find out more about Carolyn at  http://www.comediancarolyn.comIn this episode we discuss growing up in Oswego, New York, the dogs in our lives, the college admission journey, mother daughter relationships, the beauty in being alone, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about being a leader vs a boss. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations from this episode:Good GirlsSex, Drugs, and Coco Puffs Follow Carolyn Castiglia: @comediancarolynFollow 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.
S3 Ep49: Alone Growing Up Rich with Lucas Zelnick
05-02-2024
S3 Ep49: Alone Growing Up Rich with Lucas Zelnick
This week we are joined by Lucas Zelnick! Lucas Zelnick is a stand-up comedian born, raised, and based in New York City who challenges his cushy upbringing through punch-heavy material. Lucas has appeared in SF Sketchfest and the New York Comedy Festival. He’s been featured in the New York Times, appeared as a guest on Amazon Prime Video’s Sports Talk, and is a tour opener for Ashley Gavin. In 2022, Lucas began headlining comedy clubs nationally, including the Helium and Zanies in Chicago, where he sold out eight shows.  Lucas’ stand-up clips have also exploded online recently and he has received over 100M views and 400K+ followers on Instagram and TikTok combined. In this episode we discuss growing up in New York City, the emotional effects of social media, hecklers, having a female fan base, being a competitive skier, going clubbing at 14 years old, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about when Lucas realized he had different opportunities than other people. GIve this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: SaltburnPrep - Curtis SittenfeldThe Holdovers Follow Lucas Zelnick: @lucaszelnickFollow 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.
S3 Ep48: Alone Being the Musical Theatre Kid with Kayla Kleinman
29-01-2024
S3 Ep48: Alone Being the Musical Theatre Kid with Kayla Kleinman
This week we are joined by Kayla Kleinman! Kayla Kleinman is a multi-passionate social media strategist and content creator based in NYC. On Instagram and TikTok she shares thoughts on life in your 30s, book recommendations, and a realistic approach to wellness. In addition to creating content, she works full-time in social media marketing at Bookshop.org and previously taught yoga and fitness classes in NYC. More likely than not you can find her curled up with a fabulous book or walking around Manhattan listening to a podcast while sipping an iced soy vanilla latte. In this episode, we discuss growing up in Westchester, going into New York City to see theater, performing as a kid, transitioning from theater to fitness and wellness to marketing, reconnecting with old classmates on social media, doing activities solo, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Rent (the musical) and our mixed reviews about the movie! Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: The Last Five Years - cast recordingAll of This is To Say - Kayla’s newsletter The Thursday Murder Club (Series)The Artist’s WayFollow Kayla Kleinman: @kaylakleinmanFollow 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.
S3 Ep47: Alone Being a Phish Fan with Max Higgins
22-01-2024
S3 Ep47: Alone Being a Phish Fan with Max Higgins
This week we are joined by Max Higgins! Max (they/he) is a stand up comedian who performs all over Vermont and travels regularly to do standup in New York and around the Northeast. Max runs a monthly show called Comedy Wolf at Radio Bean in Burlington, Vermont.Max wrote, produced, and hosted Talk Show with Max Higgins that ran at the Vermont Comedy Club in October 2023. Max was voted Seven Daysies Best Standup Comic 2023 and was runner up in Vermont’s Funniest Comedian Competition 2022 and 2023. You’ve definitely seen Max on your Instagram or TikTok feed! Make sure to check him out!In this episode we discuss growing up in Boston, moving to and living in Burlington, Vermont, playing sports but liking the arts, coming out as transgender, living in a hyper-progressive environment, the power of clothing, performing stand up comedy, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Max feeling comfortable in his body and improving his posture since transitioning. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: Pageboy - Elliot PageThe Stand - Stephen KingPhishFollow Max Higgins: @max_headgearFollow 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.
S3 Ep46: Alone Cohosting a Law and Order SVU Podcast with Kara Klenk
15-01-2024
S3 Ep46: Alone Cohosting a Law and Order SVU Podcast with Kara Klenk
This week we are joined by Kara Klenk! Kara is a stand up comic, writer, and actor who  was named by Time Out New York as one of the Top 10 Funniest Women in NYC.Kara has appeared on Netflix, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Oxygen, Hulu and more. She has written for Netflix, Nickelodeon, MTV, TVLand, and Comedy Central and most recently for RuPaul’s Drag Race on VH1 and Wipeout on TBS. Her debut album, Undefeated was released in 2019 and went to #1 (briefly) on the comedy charts. She co-hosts a popular podcast called That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast on the Exactly Right Network. She also produces and hosts a weekly stand up show called Better Half Comedy in Los Angeles. Make sure to check her out!In this episode, we discuss growing up in Connecticut, hosting the “That’s Messed Up” Podcast, being the oldest of 6 siblings, being a mom, having big sister energy, being a summer camp junkie, being one of the only Jewish people in town, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about how Kara and her co-host Liza Treyger ended up podcasting together! Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: MurdervilleWet Hot American SummerFollow Kara Klenk: @karaklenkFollow 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.
S3 Ep45: Alone Being a Personal Development Coach with Hillary Spiritos
08-01-2024
S3 Ep45: Alone Being a Personal Development Coach with Hillary Spiritos
This week we are joined by Hillary Spiritos! Hillary Spiritos C.L.C. is a pathfinding coach who wants you to have a big, bold life; to help you learn to trust yourself, discover all that you are capable of, and realize that you have the tools to run your own life. She has worked in university advising for years, worked in the private corporate sector, and has solo backpacked across the world and lived abroad. She has led workshops and seminars on various topics including leadership development, interviewing skills, rejection, failure, resilience, how to maximize your study abroad experience, and all you need to know about moving abroad. She has a BA from Duke University and a MA from NYU. Imagining, creating, and setting out on one’s authentic life path is no small feat. If you're feeling lost, stuck, overwhelmed, or simply afraid of your next step, talking things through with someone who has lived it and will be objective could very well clear your path. You can DM her on Instagram at bat.outta_hell or email her at hillary@batouttahell.net.In this episode, we discuss growing up in New York City, moving to London alone, having a “screw it let’s do it” attitude, googling how to make friends in new places, being eccentric as a kid, being the face of your own business, being your own best friend, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about how Hillary started her pathfinding coach business “bat.outta_hell!” Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode:Avenue QInvisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for MenFollow bat.outta_hell: @bat.outta_hellFollow 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.
S3 Ep43: Alone Talking about "Dead Mom Stuff" with Eve Ellenbogen
18-12-2023
S3 Ep43: Alone Talking about "Dead Mom Stuff" with Eve Ellenbogen
This week we are joined by Eve Ellenbogen! Standup comedian and loudmouth New York Jew, Eve Ellenbogen seems to be an open book. In her decade of doing standup, she has spoken to strangers with ease about her sex life, her insecurities, and a host of other topics often considered “taboo.”In her 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Show, Dead Mom Stuff, Eve finally aimed her comedic lens at her past, exploring the effects of her mother’s death on herself and her family, and seeking to understand exactly what it is that leads us to keep our grief a secret. Make sure to check her out!In this episode, we discuss growing up in Westchester, New York, performing standup comedy for over ten years, traveling and working all over the world, being broke, wanting to feel seen, going solo on an Australian tour at 18 years old, loving cafes, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Eve working on and performing her solo show about her mom passing away. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations from this episode: Why You Should Vacation While Grieving - Psychology TodayLife as a House Don’t Think Twice Follow Eve Ellenbogen: @eveelbowFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.