Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Kennedy Cole! Kennedy Cole is a speculative author with a BFA in Creative Writing and a Certificate in Publishing. Born in North Carolina, she lives by the beach with her partner and enjoys playing games, puzzling, sipping matcha, and collecting tattoos. Her creative portfolio includes an array of published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction with Oakland Arts Review, Carolina Muse, Second Story Journal, and others. There Used to Be People Here is her first novel.

In this episode, Kennedy discusses how a college short story grew into a horror-sci-fi book set in 1978...

This week we are joined by Cantor Laura Stein! Laura Stein is a cantor, licensed clinical social worker, and PhD candidate in the psychology of religion, blending spiritual care, mental health, and research on how to live a meaningful, whole life. Growing up knowing she was a lesbian gave her an outsider’s view of the world, and after experiencing abuse at her cantorial seminary, she turned from singing in pulpits to studying trauma, reclaiming one’s voice, and how personal healing and collective justice can drive change. She’s now writing a book that weaves that research with her st...

This week we are joined by Tanya Grant! Tanya Grant writes twisty thrillers packed with secrets, murder, and gossipy group dynamics. Her essays have appeared in Writer’s Digest and CrimeReads, and she’s spoken about creativity on various podcasts.

Tanya lives in Seattle with her family and a herd of cute but messy guinea pigs. When she’s not writing or conducting highly suspicious web searches (for research!), you can find her gardening in her foxglove-filled yard or dreaming up her next plot twist over a cup of cinnamon tea.

In this episode,Tanya Grant...

This week we are joined by Cole Brauer! Cole Brauer is a record-breaking American professional sailor who finished second in the grueling 2023–2024 solo race around the world. Brauer and her work have been featured in The New York Times and on Today and CNN. A University of Hawai‘i graduate, she is a sought-after speaker for companies and organizations ranging from PJT to Kaiser Permanente, known for her candid storytelling and a philosophy of unvarnished grit. When she isn’t sharing her story on land, she is back on the water as a co-skipper for an IMOCA 60 team.

In this episode...

This week we are joined by Ellen O’Clover! Ellen O’Clover is the author of If Not You, The Heartbreak Hotel, and other stories for teens and adults. Her books have been selected for Book of the Month, appeared in outlets like NPR and Rolling Stone, and been nominated for multiple states' book awards. She lives in a little green house under a giant aspen tree near Boulder, Colorado, with her rocket scientist husband and two perfect bulldogs.

In this episode, Ellen discusses her journey from copy writing to romance novels, the importance of authentic storytelling, and...

This week we are joined by Maggie Gates! Maggie Gates is an author who writes raw, relatable romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time, she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her e-reader is always within reach due to a love of small-town romances that borders on obsession. Make sure to check out her latest novel, Blue Jean Summer! 

In this episode,  Maggie shares her journey from culinary school to becoming a successful romance no...

This week we are joined by Marshall J Moore! Marshall J. Moore is the author of the Son of a Sailor cozy fantasy trilogy, the Rites of Resurrection epic fantasy trilogy, and over thirty published short stories. His story “Red Lanterns” won second place in the Baen Fantasy Adventure Award Short Story Contest. His latest novel, The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing is out 9/22/26. 

Author Marshall J. Moore joins the show to talk about Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing, a cozy horror novel he describes as "Horrible Bosses meets What We Do in the Shadows," and how he uses ch...

This week we are joined by Isabel Sterling! Isabel Sterling writes stories about queer love and resilience with a witty magical twist. She is the author of several YA and adult novels, including: These Witches Don’t Burn and With All My Haunted Heart. Connect with Isabel at www.IsabelSterling.com

Author Isabel Sterling joins the show to talk about her new sapphic ghost story, With All My Haunted Heart, and how a childhood steeped in witchy books, tarot, and Practical Magic grew into the worlds she writes today. She dives into grounding magic in real practices li...

This week we are joined by Ally Zetterberg! Ally Zetterberg is a British-Swedish writer who grew up in rural Sweden before stumbling on a modeling career that took her all over the world. She somehow ended up in the South of France, where she now lives with three children, a dog, and a cat. She has a degree in psychology and is passionate about writing characters who feel real and who bring a complicated human experience to the page.

In this episode, Ally discusses the journey that informed her creative work, from being discovered as a Swedish...

This week we are joined by Ophira Eisenberg! Ophira Eisenberg is a Standup Comedian, Writer, and Podcast Host (NPR, CBS, CNN, The Moth, HBO, Comedy Central, iHeart) who headlines theaters and comedy venues across the world, tours regularly with the Moth Mainstage, and hosts the weekly parenting-comedy podcast Parenting is a Joke (Webby Finalist for Best Host). Her new comedy special, I Used to Be Nicer produced by Lewis Black/Stark Raving Black Productions is available now. She also hosted NPR’s trivia comedy show Ask Me Another for 9 years. Her breakout memoir Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Mo...

This week we are joined by Natalie Moss! Natalie is the author of the adult psychological thriller, The Night Hunter. She is a Filipina-South African, born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and has gone on safaris since she was three years old. An Oxford graduate, Natalie has lived in seven countries, including the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and Spain, and has now settled in London. She's an avid reader of thrillers and crime fiction, and is obsessed with solving the puzzle of a good mystery.

In this episode, Natalie Moss shares the inspiration...

This week we are joined by Isabelle Spotts! Isabelle Spotts is the writer and narrator of two award-winning audio dramas, Night Faces and Middle West. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband, two children, and two black cats.​ Saint Delilah is her debut novel.

In this episode, Isabelle shares how her childhood terror of horror films evolved into a creative passion, leading her to transform those early anxieties into compelling narratives. We also explore how her upbringing in rural Wisconsin influenced her work and why her dedication to the macabre serves as a means of addressing an...

This week we are joined by Abbi Waxman. Abbi is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman, who lives in Los Angeles and lies down as much as possible. She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction. She has three daughters, a dog, four cats, a snake and a pigeon.

Deadly Does It is Abbi's eight novel, and her second mystery.

In this episode, Abbi Waxman discusses her background, from growing up in Bath and moving between the UK, New York, and California to finding her way from advertising into novel...

This week we are joined by Jillian Laine. Jillian Laine is an author and journalist. She has written multiple children’s books and has worked as an acquisitions editor, book festival director, and literary award judge. She and her husband live with their pride of cats in the Great Lakes State.

In this episode, Jillian shares how her fascination with Tudor history and powerful women inspired her writing, including her novel *Henry Tudor Must Die*. The conversation also explores her research process, representation in historical storytelling, and the way personal experiences shape creative work. Jillian also reflects on...

This week we are joined by Kerri Maher. Kerri is the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller, All You Have To Do Is Call, The Kennedy Debutante, and The Girl in White Gloves. She lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts with her daughter and dog, but was born and raised in California where Summer of Love, her latest novel, is set.

In this episode, Kerri shares how personal adversity—including hip dysplasia, sobriety, and cross-country moves—shaped her into a storyteller who explores identity, resilience, and change. She discusses her latest novel, Summer of Love, set agai...

This week we are joined by Liza Tully. Liza Tully writes the Merritt & Blunt comedy mystery series, including The Forty Year Grudge, published in June 2026. She also writes dark suspense and literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Elo and Elisabeth Panttaja Brink, with novels published in six countries, a Book of the Month Club selection, and Indie Next Pick appearances. A Brown University graduate with a PhD in American Literature from Brandeis, she has worked as a children's magazine editor, tech project manager, and halfway house counselor. She lives in Boston with her husband and their dog, Fred.

This week we are joined by Emma Mills! Emma Mills is thrilled to be making her adult mystery debut with Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet. She is also the author of six YA novels and one middle grade graphic novel (The Greenies). When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on Twitter and Instagram (@elmify) or at...

This week we are joined by Edward Schmit! Edward Schmit is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he’s always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he’s worked in the nonprofit space for over seven years. The Open Era is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world—tennis.

In this episode, we dive into a lively discussion about the joys and challenges of city l...

This week we are joined by Rachel Moore! Rachel Moore is the author of high-stakes, genre-blending novels The Library of Shadows, Us in Ruins, and her thriller debut, Safari Murder Party. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two cats she’s violently allergic to. (The cats, not the husband.) On the rare occasion she isn’t writing happy endings, you can find her collecting dictionaries, drinking entirely too much coffee, and drifting through the library stacks.

In this episode, Rachel Moore shares her journey from growing up in Indiana to becoming a full-time author in Tenn...

This week we are joined by Eve J. Chung! Eve J. Chung is a Taiwanese American lawyer and women's human rights specialist. She has worked on a range of issues, including torture, sexual violence, contemporary forms of slavery, and discriminatory legislation. Her writing is inspired by social justice movements, and the continued struggle for equality and fundamental freedoms worldwide. 

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Eve's transition from a lawyer to an author, exploring her passion for storytelling and human rights. We discuss the inspiration behind Eve's books, including her grandmother's story and her f...

This week we are joined by Catherine Kurtz! Catherine Kurtz is a painter and writer whose debut novel FEAST published in June 2026 (Hachette UK, Penguin USA). As a painter she is represented by The Redfern Gallery in London. She is a member of The Guild of Food Writers, Grand Jury Member of The International Chocolate Awards, and co-author of Sex & Drugs & Sausage Rolls. Her journalism has appeared in publications including The Spectator’s Scoff, ckbk and Celebrated Living. In her fiction she explores the female experience, her mixed-race heritage, and the power of creativity. She has an MA in Cr...

This week we are joined by Holly Brown! Holly’s comedy is what you get when the girl next door has a little bite - mixing dark humor and millennial nostalgia with an honesty that makes you laugh and squirm. Named one of WhoHaHa’s Comedians of the Year in 2022, Holly has been featured on popular podcasts The Daily Zeitgeist and The Dork Forest, and has performed at SF Sketchfest, Big Pine, the SLO Comedy Festival, and more across the country. She is the host and creator of the darkly comedic narrative podcast Everybody Knows But Me, produced with Next...

This week we are joined by Mickey Trescott! Mickey Trescott, MSc, is an author, recipe creator, and holistic nutrition professional, widely recognized for her expertise in living well with autoimmune disease. She holds an MSc in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States and is a certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Trescott has been working in private practice as a functional nutritionist for over a decade and has written three award-winning books: The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, and The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen. Check out her website and Podcast!

In this episode...

This week we are joined by Anna North! Anna North is the author of four novels, including Outlawed, an instant New York Times bestseller and Reese's Book Club pick, and Bog Queen, a national bestseller and National Book Foundation Science + Literature Selected Title. She is also a senior correspondent at Vox, and lives in Brooklyn.

In this episode, we discuss Anna’s journey as a writer and her latest book, "Bog Queen." Anna shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her experiences at the Iowa Writers Workshop. The conversation also touches on th...

This week we are joined by Krista and Becca Ritchie! Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.

In this episode, Krista and Becca Ritchie discuss their journey as twin authors, exploring how their unique dynamic influences their writing process. They share insights into their popular "Addicted" series and the challenges of w...

This week we are joined by Deanna Raybourn! New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is the author of the Veronica Speedwell Victorian mystery series, and her first contemporary thriller, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, published in September of 2022 at #9 on the New York Times bestseller list and won the 2022 Barry Award for Best Thriller. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including the Edgar, the Macavity, and the Agatha.

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This week we are joined by Moorea Coorigan! Moorea Corrigan holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in English literature from the University of Edinburgh and a master of publishing degree from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. She works at an academic press in Boulder, Colorado. When she is not writing, you can find her singing, spending time with her menagerie of pets, or attending Jane Austen conventions in full Regency regalia. Check out her debut novel Thistlemarsh! 

In this episode, Moorea shares her experiences growing up in a cluttered home and how it influenced her love for whi...

This week we are joined by Mark Greaney! Mark Greaney is an American novelist, best known for his Gray Man thriller series and as Tom Clancy’s collaborator on several Jack Ryan novels.  His extensive research has taken him to more than 35 countries, and he has trained alongside military and law enforcement in firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combat tactics.  His latest novel, The Hard Line, published February 17, 2026, is the 15th entry in the Gray Man series. 

In this episode, Mark shares his journey to becoming a successful author and the extensive research he does for his books...

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. 

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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!

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, h...

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 le...

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...

This week we are joined by Wade Rouse! Wade Rouse is a USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and #1 internationally bestselling author of 21 books, whose work has been translated into nearly 30 languages and celebrated worldwide. His novel That’s What Friends Are For, inspired by The Golden Girls, marks his first book published under his own name and has already been named one of 2026’s Most Anticipated Books, praised as both hilarious and deeply poignant. Wade previously wrote novels under the pen name Viola Shipman, chosen to honor his grandmother, an Ozarks seamstress whose sacrifices continue to inspire his fiction. He also...

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Arnott. Elizabeth Arnott is an award-winning writer and journalist and has written critically acclaimed historical fiction as Lizzie Pook. Her work - covering everything from true crime to Arctic exploration - has featured in publications including The Sunday Times, National Geographic, The New York Times Book Review and The Guardian. She lives with her husband and their young daughter in London, where she spends far too much time drinking iced coffee and watching serial killer shows.

In this episode, we discuss Elizabeth’s journey through autoimmune illness, love for dark st...

This week we are joined by Nalini Singh! Nalini Singh is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and international bestselling author of the iconic Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series of paranormal romances. She also writes atmospheric New Zealand-set thrillers, the latest of which is SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY.  Two of her thrillers have been optioned for television adaptation. Check her out at www.nalinisingh.com!

In this episode, Nalini Singh dives deep into weaving Fiji, New Zealand, and Indo-Fijian heritage seamlessly into her thrillers and romances, making her stories resonate worldwide. Discover how she b...

This week we are joined by LizaBanks Campagna! LizaBanks Campagna is New York City based comedian and tour guide. Her work blends cultural commentary, internet chaos, and on-the-ground storytelling. She performs comedy regularly in New York and travels the country for shows. Check her out!

In this episode, we delve into the crossover between tour guiding and stand-up comedy and the impact of childhood interests on adult passions. This episode offers a candid look into balancing different careers, embracing authenticity, and finding humor in everyday life.

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Eden Undone

This week we are joined by Yosha Gunasekera. Yosha Gunasekera is a Sri Lankan-American attorney who represents people who have spent decades behind bars for crimes they did not commit. She teaches a course at Princeton University focused on wrongful conviction and exoneration. Yosha is a former Manhattan public defender and has written and spoken extensively on the criminal legal system. Check her out at www.yoshagunasekera.com

In this episode, Yosha shares her journey from a nerdy, quirky, service-minded young person to an attorney at the Innocence Project. We discuss growing up in rural Ohio and...

This week we are joined by Maria J. Morillo. Maria J. Morillo is a born and raised Venezuelan ESL teacher, translator, and author of love stories featuring Venezuelan women getting absolutely everything they’ve always wanted. When she’s not writing, you can find her leading the choir at her local church. She currently lives in Maturin, Venezuela, with her family. Her debut novel is The Ex-Perimento. 

In this episode, Maria J. Morillo shares her journey as a debut author, discussing the excitement and challenges of publishing her first novel. She reflects on her transition from writing in Sp...

This week we are joined by Ashley Bennett. Ashley is a small-town paranormal and monster romance author from Baltimore, Maryland. She writes stories that are equal parts spice and swoon. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading webtoons, playing cozy video games, and taking care of her houseful of rescue animals.

In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from being a veterinary technician to a successful author in the monster romance genre. She discusses her experiences with community engagement, marketing strategies, and entering the traditional publishing space. Give this episode a listen!

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