#33 Fingering and Fashion: The Middle School Edition

Ever wonder what your teenage fashion choices revealed about your desperate need to fit in? David Walton takes us on a hilarious journey through the social currency of Z Cavariccis—those ridiculously baggy pants with multiple belt loops that somehow signaled coolness in the 90s—and draws parallels to watching his own children navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence today.With raw honesty and self-deprecating humor, David explores the delicate balance between supporting kids through identity development while protecting their still-baking brains. "You don't open the oven, pull out the cake and stick a THC pipe into it," he advises, making a compelling case for waiting until our brains are fully formed (around age 25) before making permanent, life-altering decisions. This tension between biological development and legal adulthood creates a fascinating framework for discussing everything from teenage experimentation to gender identity.The episode takes unexpected turns through personal confessions, parenting philosophies, and culminates in a crowd-sourced collection of phrases guaranteed to make people want to punch you in the face. From corporate speak like "let's circle back" to the condescending "I love that for you," David examines the language that shapes our interactions while frequently catching himself in the act of using these very phrases. This self-awareness creates an intimate connection with listeners, as if we're all building this plane together as we fly it. Whether you're a parent, a former teenager (aren't we all?), or someone navigating your own identity journey, you'll find both laughter and wisdom in this unfiltered exploration of human development.Subscribe now and join David on his journey from comedy novice to polished performer as he brings his unique perspective to stages across the country. Share your own teenage fashion disasters or annoying phrases in the comments!https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16