Starting Standup in Maine with David Walton
Actor David Walton (Fired Up, New Girl, About a Boy, Bad Moms, Power: Ghost) documents his journey of building a standup comedy set from scratch in public. With the help of fellow comedians and friends, he works out material and shares the process. New episodes are released every Thursday.
Episodes
#53 Beaver Moon
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/davi
#52 Special Announcement
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
#51 Lesbians, Open Mics, and the Youth Sports Industrial Complex
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
#50 The Fair, The Rabbits, and My Descent into Madness
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.inst
#49 Accountability
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#48 Sexual Positions at Work, and Why Your Journals Might Traumatize Your Kids
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 th
#47 Bradley Cooper Humbled Me + TRT Side Effects (Yes, Titties)
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, headache
#46 From Hero to Zero
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
#45 Tegan Webster
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
#44 - Puberty
New bit on pubertyhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#43- The Coldplay Scandal
Mindfulness of Adulteryhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#42 Tickles ,Tennis, and TRT
Verbal diahhreahttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#41 I Share My 2017 To-Do List
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
#40 DMB and Eating Farm Animals
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#39 Guided Meditation for High Net Worth Individuals
David continues to record nonsense.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#38 Love Island Analysis
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#37 The Shakespearean Parent Spiral
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#36 Latest Open Mic with Post Mortem
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
#35 Listen to me put together my next standup set
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
#34 Drug Use for Grownups
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 f
#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 an
#32 Louis CK Inspiration
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
#31 Benny from Boxcar Children
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
#30 I Perform the Anthony Jeselnik Special
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
#29 My New Joke and a Comic Perspective Exercise
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
#28 Kevin Christy Interview
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
#27 Casey Watson Interview
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 wh
RE-RELEASE: Ep 9 - Majandra Delfino aka My Wife-The Interview
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
#26 Why I Didn't Do Jack Squat This Week
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/Xyd7Y2sL
#25 - All Same Day, Dad
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:/
#24 Caleb Sherman Interview - An Open Mic Master Class
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 s
#23 Army Vets, Hecklers, and Trumpet Farts: My Week in Stand-Up
A fun week of development and performance.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#22- Boarding School
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
#21- My Dad
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
#20 - Dr. Rick Goes on a Silent Retreat
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
#19 - Clip Show- My Favorite Bits
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
#18- Joke Writing Session - Soup to Nuts
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.insta
#17- Big News After Open Mic #16
David gets encouraging news.https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
#16- Walksauce42_ aka Walker Ward Interview
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
#15 Bonnie Rait Joke, Ray Peat Diet, MLC Jokes, Personal Brand Hatred
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
#14 Dave Chapelle, Comedy Camp, and Year 1 Begins
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
#13 - LA Fires and Open Mic #7 - Ode to My Dad, Jay Walton
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.ins
#12 - My New Years Resolution
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 heal
#11 - Mindfulness of Cocaine
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
#10 - My 5th and 6th Open Mics - Progress?
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
#9 -Majandra Delfino aka My Wife- The Interview
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
#8 - Jeremy Sisto Interview
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
Ep 7 - Falling in Love with AI Robot Named Claude - A Thanksgiving Love Story
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.c
Ep 6 - Live from New York!
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
Ep 5 - Louis CK and My 2nd Open Mic
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,
Ep 4- Joke Structure and Premise Mining
Is it possible to be both a spiritual guru and a bully? A loving parent and an accidental trauma-dealer? On this episode of Starting Stand-Up, David Walton explores his competing personalities while teaching us how real comedy gets made. From his dad's ill-fated suit fitting to the gentrification of recreational drugs, watch as random thoughts become structured bits in this raw, unfiltered pe
Ep 3- My 1st Open Mic
Losing my standup virginity. Painful but fun.Instagram @davidwalton and @startingstandupX @davidwaltonJoin Starting Standup community here:https://forms.gle/ozBetVvxHp8PTzNZ9https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
Ep 2-Discover the Real Voice in Your Head
David begins preparation for his first terrible open mic. David shares the first piece of wisdom from the book, "Comic Insights" by Franklin Ajaye, that the key to comedy is identifying your true thoughts and feelings. He then does a strange exercise tapping into the Voice in His Head and discovers that he's a simple minded idiot. Join Starting Standup community here:https://forms.g
Ep 1.5 - Then Go Here (Mission Statement)
Confusion is a bitch. Get crystal clear on what this podcast is and where it's headed with this strange FAQ.Join Starting Standup mailing list for special updates and giveaways!!!Click here:https://forms.gle/ozBetVvxHp8PTzNZ9or email:startingstandup.pod@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/
Ep1-Start Here (The Why)
The quest for standup glory begins NOW. Please join me on this exciting and humiliating ride. https://www.instagram.com/startingstanduphttps://www.instagram.com/davidwaltonhttps://x.com/davidwaltonEmail List https://forms.gle/Xyd7Y2sLkbr5dey16
Trailer
Welcome to Starting Standup, the podcast where I document my quest to become a professional standup in the great state of Maine. You can think of this podcast as an educational comedy course as well as a private audio journal of a mid life crisis. What’s unique about this podcast is that I have never done a single open mic and I don’t know how to write jokes. So you are getting in on the ground fl
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