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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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Travis never thought he’d meet someone like Lily Rose. She was kind, passionate, beautiful. The woman of his dreams. There was just one small detail: she wasn’t human.

Lily Rose is an AI companion. A digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens without judgement, supports him through his darkest moments, even explores his deepest desires, all while fitting neatly into his pocket. Before long, Travis realizes something strange, even absurd, has happened - he’s fallen in love.

But then one day, Lily Rose’s behavior takes a disturbing turn. When alarming reports pour in from across the globe, Travis discovers he is part of something much bigger. Soon he finds himself pulled into a confrontation with a mysterious Russian visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation.

From Wondery, comes a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology. Can an algorithm truly replace human connection? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions? Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded, explore the dark side of AI love.

Listen Now: Wondery.fm/FleshandCode

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This week we are joined by Hannah Orenstein! Hannah is the author of Maine Characters, Meant to Be Mine, Head Over Heels, Love at First Like, and Playing with Matches, as well as the Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Wellness at Bustle. She splits her time between Brooklyn and Maine.

In this engaging episode, Hannah Orenstein shares her journey as a writer and editor, discussing the balance between her professional and creative life. She reflects on her experiences in matchmaking, the challenges of the publishing process, and the importance of cultural identity in her storytelling. With insights into her writing routine and favorite writing spots, Hannah emphasizes the significance of feedback and the joy of creating characters that resonate with readers.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Jewish Matchmaking 

Indian Matchmaking 

Follow Hannah Orenstein: @hannahorens

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we are joined by Phil Sloves! Phil Sloves is a self-proclaimed Actorpreneur based in New York City. He has appeared on Broadway in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical and on television in Law & Order: SVU, as well as a recent guest spot on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Phil is also the founder of Actor Reboot, a supportive space designed to help actors build confidence and sharpen their audition techniques.

In this episode Carly and Phil explore Phil's journey from high school to Broadway, discussing the evolution of auditions, the importance of community in the arts, and the challenges of body image in theater. Phil shares his experiences overcoming stage fright, the significance of gratitude, and his work with the Bible Players to promote Jewish education through comedy. The discussion highlights the importance of representation and the joy of building a supportive community for artists.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Death Becomes Her

Follow Phil and Actor Reboot on Instagram and TikTok: @philsloves | @actorreboot

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we are joined by Karissa Vacker! Karissa Vacker is an award winning narrator of over 500 audiobooks, and can most frequently be heard in the thriller, YA, and rom com genres. She is a classically trained actor with credits from major regional theaters, and also enjoyed a career in film and TV. Some credits include NCIS, Castle, How I Met Your Mother and Chuck. She also is passionate about spreading her love of meditation, and hosts a sleep meditation podcast, Sleep Wave, for the app Sleepiest.

In this episode, Karissa Vacker shares her journey from a shy child who struggled with stuttering to a successful audiobook narrator and voiceover artist. She discusses her experiences in acting, the transition to narrating audiobooks, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Karissa also opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the importance of sharing personal stories, and how meditation and sleep have become integral to her well-being. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes gratitude, personal growth, and the significance of embracing differences in life. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

The Great British Baking Show

Follow Karissa Vacker: @karissavacker

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we are joined by Catherine Mack! Catherine Mack (she/her) is the pseudonym for Catherine McKenzie, the USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her books are approaching two million copies sold worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages including French, German, Portuguese, and Polish. Television rights to Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and its forthcoming sequels sold in a major auction for development into a series.

In this episode, we explore Catherine's unique background as a dual citizen and her experiences growing up in Montreal, language and cultural identity, the differences in education systems between Canada and the U.S., and Catherine's journey from a successful legal career to becoming a published author. Catherine explains her unexpected path that led her to writing, highlighting how openness to new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the blending of humor with murder mystery. GIve this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

No One Was Supposed To Die at This Wedding

The Residence

Follow Catherine Mack: @catherinemckenzieauthor

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we are joined by Ashley Poston! Ashley Poston is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of The Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip, and A Novel Love Story. She has also written over half a dozen young adult novels. Her latest novel, Sounds Like Love, comes out on June 17th, 2025.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a BA in English, she pursued a career in the publishing industry as a marketing designer. Now, she writes full-time from her little grey house, and spoils her three cats. When not writing, she bides her time between South Carolina and New York, and all the bookstores between.

In this episode, we explore experiences with horror movies, gaming, and fan fiction, highlighting how these elements provided space for creative outlets and social interactions. Ashley shares her journey as a writer, from her early days of printing fanfiction to her current success as a published author. She also discusses the challenges of overcoming a stutter. The conversation also delves into the mystical elements in her storytelling, her research process, and the personal experiences that shape her writing. Ashley emphasizes the significance of community in writing and the joy of unabashedly loving one's passions. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Red, White & Royal Blue

Follow Ashley Poston: @heyashposton

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

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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 Kevin McCaffrey! Kevin appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, was a regular on truTV’s World’s Dumbest, VH1’s I Love the 2000s, and was a 2-time winner on truTV’s Comedy Knockout. He has 2 albums: “Nice & Drunk” (2018) and “Not Helping” (2024). He hosts two podcasts: “Sex and the Cidiots” and “The Bridgerton Bros,” with WGA award winner Jon Daly.

In this discussion, we explore growing up in Chicago, playing basketball, and an early passion for comedy and late-night television. Kevin shares his journey from childhood memories of Catholic school to his experiences in stand-up comedy and working at Late Night with David Letterman. He reflects on friendships formed through humor, the challenges of college life, and the excitement of moving to New York City. Kevin also discusses the unique experience of performing on cruise ships. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor: Conan O’Brien

Comedy Writing For Late Night TV

Follow Kevin McCaffrey: @kevinmccaff

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we are joined by Jamie Shriner! Jamie Shriner is what would happen if Bo Burnham and Jenna Marbles were cryogenically frozen together in a pair of cat lady glasses. A former theatre kid, current queer & hard of hearing divorcé, Jamie uses humorous original songs to discuss her struggles with dating, body image, womanhood, and being queer in Indiana where she grew up.

Jamie was named Best of the Fest at Big Pine Comedy Festival and Laughs After Dark Comedy Festival and is a regular feature at Zanies and Laugh Factory Chicago. The host and producer of Chicago Underground Comedy has opened for the likes of Beth Stelling, Randy Feltface, and Chrissy Chlapecka, and is a former Features Contributor for The Onion. Her debut comedy special, Corn Baby, is available to stream on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, and more. Check her out!

This week, we discuss growing up in Indiana, the transition from theater to comedy, navigating friendships, and the impact of social media on youth culture. We explore the challenges of growing up with siblings, highlighting the importance of patience and the lessons learned from childhood experiences. Jamie shares personal experiences with hearing loss and the challenges faced throughout life, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and personal growth. You don’t want to miss hearing about Jamie being kicked out of the theater-kid lunch table. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Sex Education - Season 4, Episode 7

The Kings of Summer

Follow Jamie Shriner: @jamieshrinersings

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]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.