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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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

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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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

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Katherine Center! Katherine Center is the New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels, including The Bodyguard, Hello Stranger, Things You Save in a Fire, and The Rom-Commers. Katherine writes deep, nuanced, laugh-and-cry rom-coms that brim with hope and healing. The movie adaptation of her novel Happiness for Beginners became a Netflix movie in 2023 and hit the Global Top Ten in 81 countries, and the movie of her novel The Lost Husband hit #1 on Netflix in 2020. Her May 2025 book is The Love Haters. Katherine has two almost-grown kids and lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband and their fluffy-but-fierce dog. Join her mailing list at KatherineCenter.com!

This week, Katherine Center shares her experiences as an author, her love for public speaking, and the joy of connecting with readers. She discusses her unique blend of introversion and extroversion, her humorous family dynamics, and the importance of uplifting stories in literature. Katherine emphasizes the value of rom-coms and the permission to enjoy predictable narratives, highlighting how her books resonate with readers during challenging times. She reflects on her own experiences with reading and writing, particularly during her middle school years, and how those experiences shaped her as a writer. Katherine shares insights on the anticipation that drives narratives, the challenges and joys of adapting her books into films, and the importance of thorough research in her writing process. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From this Episode:

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve

Crash Landing On You

Follow Katherine Center: @katherinecenter

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

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This week we are joined by Kate Posey! Kate Posey writes thriller romcoms for readers who hanker after true crime and true love. She lives in BC with her family. Check out her debut novel Serial Killer Games!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of reading as a coping mechanism during awkward middle school years and how it led Kate to discover her passion for writing and fan fiction. Kate shares her journey from a secretive writer to a published author, discussing the joy of writing in solitude, and the challenges of blending genres. She reflects on the importance of personal experiences in shaping her narratives, the duality of romance and thriller genres, and the expectations of readers. The discussion also touches on themes of humor, grief, love, and vulnerability, culminating in insights about navigating trust in relationships and the significance of finding solitude in everyday life. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode:

We Solve Murders

Role Models

Check out Kate Posey: Kateposey.com

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

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This week we are joined by Dotun Olubeko! Dotun Olubeko is a dynamic functional health expert, content creator, and winner of ABC’s The Bachelorette, where he got engaged to his now fiancée Charity Lawson. Blending clinical expertise with authentic storytelling, Dotun creates engaging, impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Beyond his time on The Bachelorette, Dotun has showcased his charisma and on-camera presence on Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Family Feud, and Live with Kelly and Mark. His journey continues to be widely covered by People Magazine, Variety, and US Weekly, with media outlets consistently following his career due to his Bachelor Nation prominence. Make sure to check him out!

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including the importance of name pronunciation, the principles of functional medicine, personal health journeys, cultural identity, and the challenges of navigating dual cultures. Dotun shares his experiences with health optimization, his journey with back injuries, and the impact of his Nigerian upbringing on his life in America. He reflects on his experiences as a tall individual, the pressures of academic performance, and the challenges of being a minority in the science field. Dotun also discusses his journey through reality TV, the challenges of being in a predominantly white space, and the personal growth that comes from navigating these experiences. Dotun shares insights about his time on the Bachelorette, the community he found within Bachelor Nation, and how he plans to merge his personal and professional life moving forward. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode:

Double Teamed

Americanah

Follow Dotun Olubeko: @dotunolubeko

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Lauren Connolly! Lauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories, including PS: I Hate You. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.

In this episode, Lauren Connolly shares her experiences growing up in Delaware, her love for reading, and her thoughts on book to movie adaptations. In this engaging conversation, Lauren Connolly shares her journey as a writer, discussing her experiences with writing different genres, and the impact of social media on publishing. She reflects on her personal journey with grief and how it influenced her writing, particularly in her latest book, 'PS I Hate You.' You don’t want to miss our discussion about Lauren’s experience having a Twilight teenage crisis. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode:

Serial Killer Games

The Goldfinch

Follow Lauren Connolly: @laurenconnollyromance

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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When Luigi Mangione allegedly gunned down UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the media called it a senseless crime. But online, a different story emerged—one of rage, reckoning, and a suspected killer turned folk hero. More than just a true crime podcast, LUIGI, hosted by Jesse Weber, dares to look beyond the crime and the accused to explore a cultural tipping point in America, asking you to decide - is the status quo enough, or is it time for a cultural reckoning?

Listen to Law&Crime’s LUIGI exclusively on Wondery+ and follow the show page to keep up on all the latest developments. You can join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Visit www.wondery.com/links/luigi and start your free trial now!

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 Trish Smart! Trish Smart is a nomadic stand-up comic that flies under the radar and into your watering hole. Right now she’s living in a van down by a walmart parking lot painting a toilet selfie to sell at a show near you. She is an edgy comic that pushes the envelope of what women should be allowed to say out loud.

Amidst her renditions of her quixotic lifestyle choices, Trish has smooth transitions and unexpected punch lines; she makes everyone want her to keep speaking slightly louder than everyone else. Trish will ease you into uncomfortable situations you didn’t know you wanted to be in, and give you a night you will not soon forget. Trish has performed comedy shows in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Hungary, Germany, Austria, and all over the United States and the United Kingdom. Make sure to check her out!

This week, Trish shares her experiences of living a nomadic lifestyle for eight years, including her time in Las Vegas and her adventures in Tokyo and Thailand. She discusses the challenges and joys of being a traveling comedian, the cultural shocks she faced, and her reflections on personal growth and mental health. Trish discusses the challenges and importance of safety in solo travel and the isolation that can come with a unique lifestyle, all while maintaining a sense of humor and resilience. Give this episode a listen!

*TRIGGER WARNING* This episode also touches on experiences with suicide, overdose, and substance abuse.

Recommendations From This Episode:

PS: I Hate You

The White Lotus - Season 3

Follow Trish Smart: @smart_trish

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

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Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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This week we are joined by Byron Lane! Byron Lane is an author, playwright, and screenwriter. His debut novel, A Star is Bored, is hailed by The New York Times Book Review as "wildly funny,” inspired by his time as assistant to actress Carrie Fisher. He also wrote the celebrated novel Big Gay Wedding, the series Last Will & Testicle, the acclaimed play Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad On Craigslist, and the award-winning feature film Herpes Boy, starring Octavia Spencer. He’s a former journalist and winner of two regional Emmy Awards. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his husband, New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley and their rescue dogs, Raindrop and Shirley.

In this engaging episode, Byron Lane shares his experiences growing up in New Orleans, navigating his identity as a gay man, and the challenges he faced with religion and societal expectations. He reflects on his college years and his journey into journalism, highlighting the mentors who influenced his career. The discussion touches on themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the impact of societal pressures on individual identity. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the importance of representation in literature, particularly in Byron’s latest work, 'Big Gay Wedding.' Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode:

Dicks: The Musical

Boy Erased

Follow Byron Lane: @byronlanedotcom

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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