Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Jenn Bouchard! Jenn Bouchard is the award-winning author of the novels First Course, Considering Us, and several short stories. She is a graduate of Bates College and Tufts University. An avid cook, Jenn volunteers for good causes and is a devoted Red Sox fan. A high school social studies teacher of twenty-five years, she lives with her family in the Boston suburbs.In this episode, we  explore the evolution of education, the challenges of frequent relocations during childhood, and the impact of technology on student engagement. Jenn shares her experiences as a teacher and the dynamics of her government classes, particularly in light of recent political events. In this engaging conversation, Jenn Bouchard shares her journey from a busy teaching career to becoming a published author. She discusses the importance of building a supportive community and the challenges of navigating the publishing process. Jenn also reflects on how her personal experiences and teaching background shape her stories, and she offers insights into the balancing act of managing family life and a writing career. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about the joys of dining alone and the unexpected moments that come with being an author. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Considering UsFirst CourseIs It Cake?A People’s History of the United StatesFollow Jenn Bouchard: @jennbouchardbosFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Dr. Sara Glass! Sara Glass, PhD, LCSW is a therapist, writer, and speaker who helps members of the queer community and individuals who have survived trauma to live bold, honest, and proud lives. She lives in Manhattan, New York. Make sure to follow @drsaraglass on social platforms!This week, Sarah Glass discusses her journey of navigating multiple roles as a therapist, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate. She shares her experiences growing up in a strict Hasidic community, her struggles with identity, and the impact of her coming out on her family and children. The discussion delves into the complexities of living authentically while managing societal and familial expectations, as well as the importance of creating safe spaces for others in similar situations. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Glass discusses her experiences navigating identity within Orthodox Jewish communities, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the impact of family history on personal growth. She shares insights on feeling alone in relationships, the dynamics with her ex-partners, and the joy of newfound freedom in her life. The discussion highlights the complexities of self-discovery and the importance of community support. Make sure to give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah FeldmanUnorthodox - NetflixMy Unorthodox LifeEscape by Carolyn Jessop Follow Dr. Sara Glass: @drsaraglass Follow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Herring Blake! Ashley Herring Blake is an award-winning author and teacher. She loves coffee, cats, melancholy songs, and happy books. She is the author of six novels for young adult and middle grade readers, as well as the Bright Falls adults romance novels and the holiday romance, Make the Season Bright. She lives on a very tiny island off the coast of Georgia with her family.In this conversation, Ashley Herring Blake shares her journey from a musical background to becoming a successful author. She discusses her daily writing routine, the tools she uses, and how her commitment to writing for queer youth. The conversation also touches on family dynamics and the importance of representation in literature. In this conversation, Ashley shares her journey of navigating faith, identity, and the complexities of being a queer woman in a conservative environment. She discusses her experiences with religious trauma, the impact of personal loss on her beliefs, and the challenges of coming out. Ashley emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, particularly for queer individuals, and her desire to write stories that reflect both struggles and joys. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Happiest SeasonEnigma VariationsFollow Ashley Herring Blake: @ashleyhblakeFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Ruth Chan! Ruth Chan is an illustrator/author of comics and children’s books. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Cup of Jo, and with publishers HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Disney-Hyperion, and Abrams. Prior to illustrating full time, she spent a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. UPROOTED is her first graphic novel. She is a proud Canadian and lives and works in NYC.In this engaging conversation, Ruth discusses her experiences as a new mother, the challenges of balancing work and parenting, and the journey of creating her graphic novel 'Uprooted.' She reflects on family dynamics, cultural identity, and the importance of storytelling in understanding one's heritage. She discusses her journey moving from Canada to China, the challenges of finding a sense of belonging, and her career in education and illustration. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the impact of AI on the illustration industry. Give this episode a listen!.Recommendations From This Episode:Where the Sidewalk EndsRunning With Scissors Follow Ruth Chan: @ohtruthFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we bring you part II of our special episode of Alone at Lunch. Normally, we bring you discussions of feeling like the odd one out with comedians, authors, content creators, and more individuals of whom you’ve heard and can follow their careers. This episode, we decided to switch things up and present an anonymous crazy story told first hand by the person who lived it. The individual in this episode, who chose to be known as “Trip,” continues where he left off, discussing getting home tohis sick mother, going to Burning Man, having social anxiety, being passionate about helping others, and so much more. It is important that we provide several trigger warnings including discussions of suicide and illegal immigration. This podcast and podcast network do not condone or support the actions discussed in this episode. However, we believe that stories deserve to be told, especially when they ring so true to that “Alone at Lunch” feeling. We will be continuing the anonymous stories special episodes, so if you have a story to tell or know someone who does, please email us! Recommendations From This Episode:Life As A HouseTherapy - Psychology TodayVolunteering Drive-Away DollsFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Katie Novotny! Katie Novotny is a standup comedian who has been an official artist at Limestone Comedy Festival, Vail Comedy Festival, Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago Comedy Festival, HBO’s Women in Comedy Festival, and many more. She’s currently a co-host of Good Follow, a women’s sports show on the DraftKings network where she gets to bring her love of sports and comedy to one place. She trained at Second City and iO in improv and sketch comedy, produced two award-winning web series (Guilty and Wellness Check), and her pilot scripts have landed her as a semi-finalist in Slamdance and Screencraft. She's performed at Hollywood Fringe Festival and is commercially repped by BBR. She dreams of using her arthritic knees to become an influencer for Bengay.In this conversation, Katie shares her journey through freelancing and comedy, physical injuries while performing comedy, her first paid feature, and the dynamics of adjusting her comedy set for different audiences. The conversation also touches on themes of anxiety regarding the future and reflections on relationships, both personal and professional, as well as growing up in Naperville, Chicago. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the nuances of creativity in comedy, the journey of finding acceptance within the comedy community, and the personal experience of dining alone. The discussion highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of enjoying one's own company while navigating the complexities of life and comedy.Recommendations From This Episode: Waiting For GuffmanLittle GiantsFollow Katie: @kathnovotnyFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we bring you a special episode of Alone at Lunch. Normally, we bring you discussions of feeling like the odd one out with comedians, authors, content creators, and more individuals of whom you’ve heard and can follow their careers. This episode, we decided to switch things up and present an anonymous crazy story told first hand by the person who lived it. The individual in this episode, who chose to be known as “Trip,” talks about the true life events that brought him to The United States of America. It is important that we provide several trigger warnings including discussions of suicide and illegal immigration. This podcast and podcast network do not condone or support the actions discussed in this episode. However, we believe that stories deserve to be told, especially when they ring so true to that “Alone at Lunch” feeling. We will be continuing the anonymous stories special episodes, so if you have a story to tell or know someone who does, please email us! Recommendations From This Episode:Baby Reindeer Into The WildFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Dewey Lovett! Dewey Lovett is the author of the hilarious novel, Drinksgiving, which debuted October 15, 2024! She’s a comedian around LA and New York, and sometimes in between. As a comedian, she’s known for her combination of a sweet voice and dark humor. In 2022, Dewey published the short story collection, Scary Stories (But Not Too Scary). More of her funny writing can be found on Little Old Lady Comedy with the wackier stories on her Medium page. Check her out!In this episode, we discuss growing up in rural Western New York, watching comedy specials as a kid, journaling since 5th grade, reading with intention, the ins and outs of the publishing world, writing funny novels, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Dewey’s latest novel, Drinksgiving. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: DrinksgivingFriendsgivingBook LoversGood Will HuntingFollow Dewey Lovett: @deweylovettFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Sean Flanagan! Sean is a stand up comedian who makes crowds laugh with his wry take on coming out late in life, being a gay military spouse, and a fish out of water at home and abroad. He helped open Tokyo Comedy Bar and was a regular headliner there and at US military bases around the country. Sean is also a winner of the nationwide Best Medicine Brigade's standup competition.In this episode, we discuss growing up in southern Boston, being involved in student government and model UN, coming out later in life, traveling the world, having a husband in the Navy, getting married at the airport, getting into standup comedy, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about how and where Sean met his husband! Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: The Boyfriend - NetflixDrop Dead GorgeousBest In ShowCatch Me If You CanFollow Sean Flanagan: @seananigans24Follow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Amy Cakes! Amy Cakes (she/they) is a multi-disciplinary creative and producer who has worked primarily in fashion, hospitality, and experiential events. Amy lives in New York City with two cats, Gazpacho & Ceviche. Make sure to check her out!In this episode, we discuss growing up between California, New Mexico, and Germany, having funky parents, appreciating nature, parents divorce, being an artist, gender, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Amy’s experience living in tents and making art in New Mexico as a child. This episode is a must listen! Recommendations From This Episode:Barbie Will & HarperGlass Castle Follow Amy Cakes: @amycakesddFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Kaycee Conlee! Kaycee Conlee is a standup comedian, actor, and writer described as “refreshingly authentic, hilariously relatable, and brilliantly witty.” Kaycee has worked on “The Tonight Show” and “Ellen” and brings a dynamic stage presence and infectious energy. She has a natural charisma that draws audiences in and her unique blend of observational humor and personal storytelling are hilariously delightful. Make sure to check her out!In this episode, we discuss growing up in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida, being a jock, being in a sorority, being in a scooter gang, hiding being gay, being amazed at a Pink Concert, and so much more! You don’t want to miss our discussion about Kaycee going to Burning Man and keeping a journal to share with her wife. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: But I’m a CheerleaderThe Artist’s WayFollow Kaycee Conlee: @kayceeconleeFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodSee 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 Micky Shiloah! Micky Shiloah is an actor and creator best known for his social media series Anthony & Diane (which has helped him grow his following to over 160K across platforms) and his musical-comedy song "I'm Gay".No stranger to the live stage, he's performed in venues ranging from Off-Broadway to Radio City Music Hall. In Los Angeles he's performed in productions including Leslye Headland's Bachelorette, the musical-comedy Don't Hug Me, We're Family, and the improv-comedy troupe The MaD JaCKRaTS (LPNSImprov).Over the last two years he has grown his social media presence with his series Anthony & Diane as well as other characters (including the favorites Gay Reg & Katherine) and skits that are loved by his followers. He incorporated his songwriting into the series with his song "Lose Your Lovin'" which is performed by faux-band The Glazed Donuts.His TV/Film credits include Westworld, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and Mistresses.In this episode, we discuss growing up in New York, being an actor from a young age, being a shy kid, loving improv, being 1 of 5 siblings, being gay, having a social media presence, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Micky’s knack for impressions and all the work he puts into putting out content. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: The House in The Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneLoomlyFollow Micky Shiloah: @mickyshiloahFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodSee 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 Justin Herman! Justin Herman is a stand up comic who's performed at clubs, theaters and s**thole dive bars (why did he put that one last?) all over the world. He's performed at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the 2018 Melbourne Comedy Festival and he's been seen on Late Night with Seth Meyers, TruTV, Travel Channel, Discovery ID and SiriusXM.Justin has also directed, produced and written for networks including Netflix, Comedy Central, BET and Bravo. He’s written jokes for comedians and celebrities including Neil Patrick Harris, Paul Rudd, 50 Cent and more Real Housewives than he’d care to admit. Not to brag, but Paula Abdul once petted him on the cheek. He’s a pretty cool guy.In this episode, we discuss growing up in a divorced home, having a twin that’s different from you, being a producer of documentary and reality shows, traveling the world, being an introverted observer, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Justin and Emily’s experience performing comedy at Burning Man. Make sure to give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Child StarThe Secret Lives of Mormon WivesJustin HermanFollow Justin Herman: @justin_hermanFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Jean Meltzer! Jean has the unique distinction of being the world’s only Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out. She is the author of the internationally bestselling book The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, and Kissing Kosher, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, and Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023. Her fourth book, Magical Meet Cute, published August 27th, 2024. Jean is an experienced speaker, having shared her incredible story of chronic disability and found Judaism with countless organizations across America, from Jewish philanthropic groups to Google. She is also the founder Jewish Joy, LLC and the creator of Jewish Women Talk about Romance Books and The Jewish Joy Book Club, a monthly meet-up of over two thousand women reading novels that focus only on Jewish Joy and celebrating Jewish life. In July 2024, she also launched The Jewish Joy Box, the first Jewish book box exclusively focused on joy. (www.thejewishjoybox.com)In addition, Jean continues to use her large social media platform for advocacy. In 2023, she became a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism, which works with a diverse group of artists to combat antisemitism through fundraising and education. She is also the host of the podcast, Chronically Fabulous with Jean Meltzer, produced in partnership with Zev Hurwich at Aeaea LLC, which highlights tips, tricks, and achievements of the chronically disabled.In this episode, we discuss growing up in New Jersey, writing as escapism, being business savvy, having a chronic illness, antisemitism, authenticity, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Jean’s regiment to manage her busy life while also being disabled. Give this episode a listen! Recommendations From This Episode:Magical Meet Cute Shiva BabyWhen Harry Met SallyFollow Jean Meltzer: @jeanmeltzerFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Helen Laser! Helen is  an Audie Award Finalist and multiple Audiofile Earphones Award winner. Her  commercials have aired on TV, radio, and online/social media, including commercials for Tide, Advil, Annie's Homegrown, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP, and many more! Helen narrates for Audible Studios, Penguin Random House, Hachette, Simon and Schuster, Deyan, Podium, Tantor, Harper, Macmillan, Blackstone, Brilliance, Dreamscape and for a variety of clients in podcasts, e-learning, and more. Make sure to check her out!In this episode, we discuss voicing different characters from a young age, being silly and self conscious, performing in regional theater, having encouraging parents, being a late bloomer, union vs nonunion actors, and so much more. You don’t want to miss out on hearing Helen’s Broadway Chicken character. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: www.helenlaser.comAudible - Helen LaserThe Singer SistersBehind Every Good ManNetflix Presents: The CharactersThank You For ListeningThe Last Five Years Follow Helen Laser: @hlaserwolfFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Tagan Shepard! Tagan Shepard (she/her) is the author of eleven books of sapphic fiction, including the 2019 Goldie winner Bird on a Wire. When not writing about extraordinary women loving other extraordinary women, she can be found playing video games, renovating the fixer-upper house her wife convinced her to buy, or sitting in DC metro traffic. She lives in Northern Virginia with her very patient wife and two ridiculous cats. www.taganshepard.comIn this episode, we discuss growing up in rural Virginia, “code switching” to be friends with everyone, being a storyteller, gender expression, being a womens soccer fan, and so much more! You don’t want to miss our discussion about why Tagan wrote her first book and the importance of sapphic romance novels. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: www.boldstrokesbooks.comCleat Cute by Meryl WilsnerFace/Off Sapphic Lit Pop Up BookstoreFollow Tagan Shepard: @taganshepardFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Peng Shepherd! Peng Shepherd is the nationally bestselling, award-winning author of All This and More, The Cartographers, and The Book of M.Her novels have been acclaimed as a “Best Book of the Year” by the Washington Post, a “Best Book of the Summer” by the Today Show and NPR, and featured in the New York Times, the LA Times, and on Good Morning America, as well as a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. Her work also has been translated into more than ten languages, and optioned for TV and film. Make sure to check her out! In this episode, we discuss growing up in Phoenix, wanting to be a writer from a young age, being introverted, performing ballet, book tours, enjoying science fiction and fantasy, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about why Peng didn’t start writing until later in life. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode:The Midnight Library by Matt HaigChallengersBoswell Book CompanyFollow Peng Shepherd: @pengshepherdFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Ryan Erwin! Ryan Erwin is a comedian who travels the country performing for colleges, corporate events, cruises and comedy clubs. He has been featured on DryBar Comedy with his first special (Vertical Claps) debuting in 2019 and his second special (The Shape of Wear) was released in April 2024. Make sure to check him out!In this episode, we discuss growing up in Utah as a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, going on a mission to Uruguay, having to be the interpreter for deaf parents, being a Big Brother and Survivor superfan, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about why Ryan left the LDS Church. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: CODASound of MetalThe White LotusUnder the Banner of HeavenFollow Ryan Erwin: @ryerwinFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 Natalie Naudus! “A fave among audiobook listeners” (Buzzfeed), Natalie Naudus is one of the most beloved audiobook narrators working today. She has won an Audie award and nine Earphones awards, and maintains a robust social media following. She lives with her family on a mountain in Virginia. Gay the Pray Away is her debut novel.In this episode, we discuss growing up in Virginia as a member of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, having to “witness” to people in the neighborhood, being able to take piano lessons and go to college, being an opera singer, coming out as queer later in life, and so much more! You don’t want to miss our discussion about the importance of books to Natalie. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode:Gay The Pray AwayOne Last StopEducated by Tara WestoverThe Glass CastleFollow Natalie Naudus: @natalienaudusFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee 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 James L. Sutter! James L. Sutter is a cocreator of the bestselling Pathfinder and Starfinder roleplaying games. He's the author of the queer young adult romance novels Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the fantasy novels Death's Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His short stories have appeared in Nightmare, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, the #1 Amazon bestseller Machine Of Death, and more. James lives in Seattle, where he's performed with bands ranging from metalcore to musical theater.In this episode, we discuss growing up around Seattle, being an extreme extrovert, intentional communities, taking creative risks, writing YA queer novels, being an early bloomer, being bisexual, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about the ins and outs of tabletop role playing games. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Darkhearts The Ghost of UsTo Cheer as They Leave You BehindTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinThe Great BelieversRough Draft Bar & BooksQED - AstoriaOld Town Books - Alexandria Follow James L. Sutter: @james_l_sutterFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.