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

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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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

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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! 

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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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Shelley Gruenberg! Shelley Gruenberg is an Atlanta Based standup comedian and sex symbol! You may have seen her on dish nation, or roast battling as Atlanta’s champion around the county. See her live at Laughing Skull Lounge!

This week, we discuss growing up in Myrtle Beach, navigating school with autism, the importance of fashion and self-expression, aspirations in film and college life, and the transition to the Atlanta comedy scene. We explore personal expression, empathy, and the importance of advocacy for all individuals on the spectrum.  You don’t want to miss our discussion about Shelley’s Hello Kitty outfit and her love of a top hat. GIve this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

How To Build A Girl

Comedy at The Edge

Mighty Ducks 

Follow Shelley Gruenberg: @notshelleyjo

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Jane L Rosen. Jane L. Rosen is the author of six novels, Nine Women, One Dress, Eliza Starts a Rumor, A Shoe Story, On Fire Island, Seven Summer Weekends and Songs of Summer. She has a monthly column in the Fire Island and Great South Bay News called Cake Or Pie? where she whimsically interviews her fellow authors. She is also a screenwriter and New York Times, Tablet and Huffington Post contributor.

In this engaging conversation, we discuss family dynamics, the nostalgia of growing up on Long Island, the unique community of Fire Island, and the role of music in storytelling. Jane shares her journey from screenwriting to novel writing, highlighting the creative process and the personal connections that inspire her work. She discusses her experiences as a writer, the nature of script ownership, and the development of her Fire Island trilogy. She shares insights into raising her children in New York City, fostering their creativity, and navigating the challenges of personal loss. The discussion also touches on the impact of her success as an author, and her upcoming projects, including her latest book, 'Songs of Summer.' Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

Fire Island

The Summer I Turned Pretty 

Follow Jane L Rosen: @janelrosen

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Sophie Stava! Sophie has loved to read as long as she can remember. Her passion for reading led her to study English Literature at University of California Santa Barbara, where received her B.A. She spent a number of years as (among other things) an event planner, executive recruiter, and ghostwriter before pursuing her own writing. She currently resides in Southern California with her family. When she isn't writing, you'll find her reading, acting as personal assistant to her children, and traveling. Count My Lies is her debut novel.

This week, Sophie Stava shares her journey from California to Virginia and back, her love for literature, and how her upbringing influenced her writing career. We discuss the evolution of reading culture, exploring how social media has changed the way people discover books. Sophie also delves into her cultural identity, discussing her Jewish heritage and the balance between cultural and religious practices in her family. We also explore the transition from ghostwriting rom coms to writing thrillers and the challenges faced in the publishing industry. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the excitement of achieving recognition, including being selected for the GMA book club and having Lindsay Lohan star in the adaptation of Count My Lies. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Mean Girls

Misery

Follow Sophie Stava: @sophiejstava

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 Patrick Holbert! Patrick Holbert is a former TV producer-turned-standup comedian who has appeared on Sirius XM, TruTV, The Travel Channel, and was the host of the internationally syndicated TV show “The Movie Loft” for two years. The New York Times called him the “charming M.C.” of the children’s variety show he helmed for multiple tours.

An accomplished director, camera operator, and video editor, Patrick has produced several comedy specials and docmentaries for nationally touring headlining comedians in the last few years. His own special, Qualification, is out on Amazon and Apple TV.

Patrick resides in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters (one human, one canine). When he’s not on stage, you can catch him online co-hosting his podcast “We Hired a Sitter For This.”

In this conversation, Patrick Holbert shares his experiences with social awkwardness, parenting, and the role of alcohol in shaping his social identity. The discussion explores the complexities of navigating social situations, the journey from shyness to becoming a more outgoing person, and the impact of societal expectations on personal authenticity. Patrick reflects on his childhood experiences, the influence of alcohol on his social interactions, and the normalization of drinking culture in New York City. Patrick shares his journey from being a sober high school student to navigating the complexities of drinking in college, the consequences that followed, and ultimately his decision to get sober. He discusses the role of therapy and support groups in his recovery, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and how it has positively impacted his relationships and career in comedy. Patrick emphasizes the importance of community and support in the recovery process, as well as the ongoing struggle with ego and the desire for validation. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From this Episode: 

Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian

Baby J

Dazed and Confused 

Follow Patrick Holbert: @itspatrickholbert

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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