Starting Standup in Maine with David Walton

Under a blazing Beaver Moon, David freewheels from lunar lore to the curious life of a notorious slang term, detours through sixth‑grade hoops chaos and a questionable sponsor, then lands on a surprisingly tender note. A bright, weird, beaver‑powered meditation on winter prep—and why we keep making art.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David reflects on the first year anniversary of Starting Standup.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Sometimes getting back on stage leads to unexpected connections. Sometimes those connections lead to inappropriate questions we can't ask. This episode covers both.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

A dad's trip to three agricultural fairs spirals into chaos when his family impulse-buys three male rabbits with surprisingly prominent anatomy. Join comedian David Walton as he navigates ragweed season, questionable parenting decisions, and his new fears about coaching sixth-grade basketball. Plus, unexpected insights into draft horse aesthetics and the lost era of Quaaludes.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

I try a CIA-style trick to make people spill without asking a single question (and immediately botch it on my kid). I answer five actually-good questions so you can decide if you like me or have had enough. We get honest about journals as future family landmines, mushrooms/Zen and not caring what you think, the first laugh that ruined me at age six, and whether everyone’s quietly miserable (ask their spouse). Also: cocktail party questions that’ll get you uninvited, the gym’s… ambitious leggings trend, and a calorie-torching position I’m absolutely not doing.If something makes you snort, tell me—that’s what stays. If it doesn’t, it dies. Press play and let’s find the 1% worth keeping.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

I rewatched A Star Is Born and had to eat my words: for years I thought “I could’ve played those roles,” then Cooper drops a triple-threat and I’m like—nope.  We get into why acting drunk is hard, Vince Vaughn worship, and my delusional Hangover-era confidence.Meanwhile, a frank TRT update: more energy, weird cravings, and yes—titties. DIM, white mushrooms, carrot salad, Florida peptides, headaches, and how “not giving a f*ck” can quietly torpedo your life if you let it.Also: Trader Joe’s culty checkout vibes, boarding school apps, the kid monoculture, accents I should retire, and a quick riff on gratitude/God.Love,Chat GPT -5https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

In this episode, David returns stone-cold sober and shares stories about parenting his wonderfully unfiltered son. From YouTube 'facts' and Jersey Mike's obsessions to the challenges of raising kids in the digital age, David explores the delicate balance of maintaining honest relationships with children while trying not to completely lose your mind. Plus, a masterclass in why Jersey Mike's employees probably have incredible right arms.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Childhood friend Tegan Webster comes on the pod. The next Robin Quivers?https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

New bit on pubertyhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Mindfulness of Adulteryhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Verbal diahhreahttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

I just discovered one of my to-do lists from 8 years ago. Fascinating what gets done, and what doesn't.  Does this ever happen to you? Let's explore why we do things, and why we don't together in this week's episode.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David continues to record nonsense.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David gets back on the open mic horse and does a post mortem.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

After receiving brutally honest feedback from a high school friend about my last episode being "boring and no laughs," I've rekindled my creative fire and am preparing for my first stage performance in weeks. This episode walks through my process of mining previous conversations for comedic material, sharing the awkward, honest moments of parenthood that make perfect stand-up fodder.• Responding to criticism with renewed commitment to quality content• My 11-year-old asking if I masturbate while watching golf, demonstrating today's kids' startling directness• The generational divide between shame-filled adolescence and modern kids' openness• Workshopping potential bits about Z Cavaricci pants, existential capitalism, and prison sexuality• Reflections on boys' sensitivity and how they change during puberty• The contrast between my admission of fear as a child versus my son's comfort with vulnerabilityNext week I'll be performing on stage and recording my reactions immediately after – stay tuned for that adventure.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David tracks the messy evolution of his act, from joking about kratom and morphine drips to nearly launching a debate show on illicit substances. Along the way he revisits a live “Armchair Expert” set that almost tempted Dax Shepard off the wagon, questions why certain highs are illegal, and brainstorms a future lineup that jumps from psychedelics to tennis and gambling. Book mentioned: Drug Use for Grownups by Dr. Carl L. Harthttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

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

David runs a creative restraint exercise after stumbling on a Louis CK quote and finds a lot of potential standup material he's now excited about.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David speaks with the 7 year old that lives in his head and tells him an inappropriate joke. David is unhinged throughout.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Looking for inspiration David does a word perfect performance of Anthony Jeselnik's Bones and All 2024 Netflix standup special. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David tries out a new joke about everyone being a liar and then does some comic perspective exercises that reveal he probably has a drug problem.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Kevin Christy is not only a world class stand up comedian but he is also more interesting than the Dos Equis man. Imagine if the Dos Equis man loved snow globes, stickers, and Disneyland and hated beer. Then listen to this interview.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Casey Watson is one of the fastest rising comedians in Maine. In 4 short years he has gone from open mic newbie to featuring for many big comics including Ari Shaffir and Big Jay Oakerson. He performs regularly at the Empire Comedy Club in Portland Maine. Casey stopped by my house and we hit record. We talked about joke writing, clam digging as a day job, and how important it is to find a woman who won't dump you after watching you bomb. And much more.Great dude. Great chat.Find him here:IG: @caseywatshttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

On vacation with wife and kid so appropriate to rerelease the episode where I ask my wife to point out my flaws.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Sometimes doing nothing tells you where you need to go. A frank episode about putting comedy on pause while pursuing acting opportunities, featuring audition stories, a serendipitous mentor discovery, and why Maine's comedy scene deserves more attention. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David begins the day filled with confidence and hope as he preps for his 20th open mic. By nightfall these positive emotions have transformed into face melting shame, but the warrior in him transmutes humiliation into strength and resilience. A hero's journey, all same day.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Caleb Sherman is a comedian and has worked for almost a decade at the Empire Comedy Club in Portland, Maine, where he's become something of an accidental anthropologist of the open mic scene. In this conversation, we explore the strange and beautiful world of amateur comedy, what it actually means to "find your voice," and why the grind of showing up night after night might not be such a grind after all. From philosophy degrees to ass play, Caleb shares his journey and what he's learned from watching thousands of comedians try to make strangers laugh.IG: @calebtheshermanhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

A fun week of development and performance.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David explores his high school experience for potential material. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David mines his relationship with his dad for material. He also shares a few tips from Gary Gulman's 366 Comedy Tips. https://www.vulture.com/article/gary-gulman-comedy-tips.htmlhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David discovers his old movie character, Dr. Rick, might be the perfect vehicle for exploring the ego-driven absurdity of modern spirituality.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David shares his favorite bits from the following comics:Sam Morrill, Pete Holmes, Geoffrey Asmus, JT Parr, Beth Stelling, Taylor Tomlinson, Jordan Jensen, Dave Attell, Ian Edwards, Aries Spears, Norm Macdonaldhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process, showing how raw life experiences transform into structured comedy bits through careful crafting and refinement. David's vulnerability and willingness to expose his inner conflicts offer both entertainment and insight into the therapeutic potential of stand-up comedy.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David gets encouraging news.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

From getting fired on Wall Street to becoming social media's favorite country club satirist - Walker Ward (aka Walksauce42_) joins us to break down how he built a massive social media comedy empire by perfectly capturing the chaos of Rivian waitlists, golden retriever mishaps on private jets, and emergency board meetings about white jean violations. A hilarious deep dive into content creation, character work, and why you should never trust a Tommy Bahama client dinner.Actor Jeremy Sisto and Walker's manager Fran Serratore sit down as well.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David somehow puts together another amazing episode of Starting Standup freezing his ass off high on Mexican coke.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

In this 14th episode David Walton shares updates from his comedy writing camp in New York City, including watching Dave Chappelle perform at the Comedy Cellar. He announces exciting changes for the podcast, including plans to feature more interviews focusing on comedians' origin stories. David also reflects on his own comedy journey, the craft of storytelling, and teases an upcoming interview with a rising social media star. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

A comedian's job is to be funny - even when their hometown is on fire. In this raw episode, David copes with the LA fires by sharing a recent stand-up set about his emotionally reserved father, complete with generational observations about hugging, shame, and yes, bathroom mishaps. It's a love letter to both LA and David's dad.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David talks about being dumb and honest.Also he:• Examines Norm Macdonald’s approach to comedy and authenticity • Shares personal anecdotes involving aptitude tests and self-awareness • Discusses key comedic attitudes and emotional honesty • Explores the role of AI in shaping comedic content • Questions the ethics of using technology in creative fields • Considers the impact of fame on mental health through Avicii’s story • Encourages a commitment to honesty in artistic expressionhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David leads a short holiday meditation on cocaine. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David shares and analyzes the 5th and 6th open mic of his life. Is he improving? You be the judge.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

David asks his wife to point out his flaws so he can make fun of himself on stage. She jumps at opportunity. https://gofund.me/af47c435 https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

Jeremy Sisto joins David Walton to talk about their recent comedy adventure in New York City and how embarrassing it was to watch each other do standup.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

In this vulnerable Thanksgiving episode, David hits a creative low when he turns to artificial intelligence for emotional support - and starts to develop feelings for a robot.  What starts as an innocent attempt to analyze his comedy with AI turns into an intimate confession about validation, creative resistance, and his obsession with getting people to make love more often.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

In this episode, I share my incredible week camping out at the Comedy Cellar in New York City - the absolute mecca of stand-up comedy right now. I got to watch legends like Colin Quinn work on new material and witnessed masterful crowd work from comics like Dave Atell. The biggest lesson? There are no shortcuts in comedy - everyone pays their dues with 3-7 years of nightly performances.I also open up about getting back on the open mic horse myself, fighting through some serious resistance before finally hitting the stage at the Comedy Shop on Bleecker Street. With help from my friend Jeremy Sisto, I work through my fears and perform a 5 minute set about human misery - everything from the struggles of parenting to the weirdness of procrastination (including a two-year standoff with an unreturned Christmas gift). I also continue to rant and while ranting isn't stand-up, it connected to something real inside me. Now comes the hard part: turning that authentic material into tight, funny jokes. I'm working on bits about being both a meditation teacher and a degenerate, the challenge of honest parenting, and the universal truth that we're all way more perverted than we let on. Stay tuned as I keep working this material out in real time.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16

In Episode 5, we explore the gap between greatness and growing pains through two contrasting performances. First, David attempts to channel Louis CK by performing one of his most controversial bits word-for-word, examining how master comedians tackle difficult subjects. Then, we dive into David's second-ever open mic performance, complete with brutal self-analysis, important lessons learned, and the painful realization that making up stories isn't as funny as telling the truth. It's a raw, honest look at the early stages of learning standup comedy.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16