Alone At Lunch

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: [email protected]

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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: [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 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: [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 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]

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: 
[email protected]

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