Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Kelly Yang! Kelly Yang is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE TAKE, the FRONT DESK series, and many other books for children, young adults, and adults. THE TAKE is her first adult novel.

In this episode, Kelly Yang shares her extraordinary journey from managing the front desk at a motel at the age of eight to becoming an acclaimed author and advocate for youth voices. She discusses her experiences of early independence, navigating a complex educational path, and using her art to process trauma and inspire change. 

Recommendations From This Episode:

Death Becomes Her 

Below Deck

Follow Kelly: @kellyyanghk

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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This week we are joined by Jeremy Alder! Jeremy Alder is a dry, spiritually curious comedian who draws on his upbringing as a homeschooled kid in a deeply religious Texas family to craft quietly audacious, deceptively sharp comedy. His Dry Bar Comedy special has surpassed 5 million views, and he's been featured on Nateland Presents and heard regularly on SiriusXM. Headlining nationwide, Jeremy explores themes of faith, doubt, parenthood, and growing up "raised weird" with a calm, precise delivery. He has a gift for pulling audiences into unexpected conversations — and keeping them laughing the whole way through. Check him out!

In this episode, Jeremy Alder shares his unique journey from being homeschooled in Texas to navigating college life and eventually finding his passion in stand-up comedy. He reflects on the impact of his strict religious upbringing and how it shaped his perspectives on culture and personal development. Jeremy also discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing fatherhood and academics while pursuing a non-traditional path. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Educated - Tara Westover

Homestead Rescue

Follow Jeremy: @jeremy.alder

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 Fergus Craig! Fergus Craig is a multi-award winning writer, actor and comedian. Fergus has written two parody novels based on his character Detective Roger LeCarre. The second, Murder At Crime Manor, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction. His third novel, I'm Not The Only Murderer In My Retirement Home, came out in February 2026. 

In this episode, Fergus Craig shares his journey from the UK comedy scene to becoming a versatile writer, blending humor with storytelling. He discusses the transition from traditional acting to embracing digital platforms, highlighting how this shift has influenced his comedic style and career trajectory. Fergus also delves into the complexities of balancing multiple creative identities, offering personal insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and the creative process. Give this episode a listen! 

Recommendations From This Episode: 

LOL UK

SNL UK

Heartwood - Amity Gaige

Follow Fergus:@drferguscraig

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 Rosie Storey! Rosie Storey grew up on a farm in the south of England. She left her corporate career to finish her debut novel, Dandelion Is Dead. She holds a master’s in creative writing, lives in East London, and works as a writing coach.

In this episode, Rose Storey shares her journey from a corporate career in tech to becoming a published author, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She discusses her novel "Dandelion is Dead," which explores themes of love, grief, and self-discovery through the lens of complex, relatable characters. Rose also reflects on the societal pressures women face and the importance of pursuing one's passion, regardless of external validation.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

PS. I Hate You

Boy: Tales of Childhood

Follow Rosie: @rosiestorey

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 Rojo Perez! Rojo Perez is a New York-based comedian who is currently a recurring guest on Netflix’s Survival Of The Thickest. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rojo served as a writer on Netflix’s DRINK MASTERS. In a busy 2021, Rojo made his network debut on The Tonight Show w/ Jimmy Fallon, while also being featured in Comedy Central’s Tight Five. In April ‘19, Rojo formed part of HBO special titled Entre Nos: Spot On. In 2017 Rojo made his late night stand up debut on TBS "Conan". Since moving to New York City he has been a cast member on MTV's Decoded, featured on Comedy Central's Funny 'Cause It's True, Time Out New York, TruTV's Comedy Knockout and Univision's FLAMA. In 2016 he was selected as a Standup NBC finalist and has been a part of the SXSW, Moontower Comedy Festival among others. His debut album “Words” is streaming now on all platforms.

In this episode, Rojo Perez shares his journey from Puerto Rico to New York, discussing his experiences with language acquisition, cultural identity, and the world of stand-up comedy. The discussion touches on conspiracy theories, the impact of music and media, and the significance of Bad Bunny in contemporary culture. Rojo reflects on his college life, the challenges of navigating identity, and his career path in journalism and comedy, while also sharing insights into his writing for television and the balance between multiple careers. 

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Survival of the Thickest

Drink Masters

Follow Rojo: @rojoperezzz

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.