Alone At Lunch

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: [email protected]

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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: 
[email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.