Picture this: A lighthearted banter on a popular morning show spirals into a sincere plea for caution, reminding us all about the perils of underage drinking. It's a moment that captures the essence of responsible fun, and it's exactly what unfolded when Jenna Bush Hager and Willie Geist tackled the topic of getting 'high school drunk' on 'Today with Jenna & Friends.' But here's where it gets controversial – is the line between youthful indulgence and outright recklessness as clear-cut as they make it seem? Stick around, because this conversation dives deeper into celebrity confessions, personal reflections, and a public service announcement that might just make you rethink your next cocktail.
Jenna Bush Hager and her co-host Willie Geist dedicated a good chunk of their show to unpacking a recent interview with George Clooney, where the Hollywood icon admitted to feeling 'sick all day' after indulging in what he called 'high school drunk' behavior. For those new to the term, 'high school drunk' typically refers to that reckless, over-the-top drinking spree common among teenagers – think pounding shots without a care for the consequences, often leading to wild nights and hazy memories. Clooney, who happens to own a tequila brand, shared his story, and Geist couldn't resist a playful jab: 'Well, the man does own a tequila company. That's a good place to start. So, he probably partook some of his own medicine,' Geist quipped, adding that he doesn't see himself as 'a huge drinker.'
But Jenna wasn't having it. She pointed out that Geist's moderate approach stems from not drinking with the goal of getting drunk, a distinction that Geist readily agreed with. 'I like a drink, but I don't get 'high school drunk' as he put it,' Geist replied, and Jenna echoed, 'I don't like to get high school drunk.' While they didn't spell out exactly what they meant by the phrase, it was clear they aligned with Clooney's take on how debilitating it can be – that sick, regretful hangover that hits hard. And this is the part most people miss: As we age, our bodies handle alcohol differently. Jenna highlighted this wisely, noting, 'The older we get, the more we feel that way. Like [when you're] high school drunk, you don't feel bad the next day.' It's a simple yet profound insight – younger folks might bounce back quicker due to higher tolerance and faster metabolism, but as adults, the aftereffects can be far more punishing, turning a fun night into a full-day ordeal.
Then came the pivotal moment: Jenna shifted gears and delivered a direct public service announcement right to the camera, urging viewers to avoid underaged drinking. 'Even though you're not supposed to be getting drunk in high school, just a PSA. Don't do it. I meant college!' she declared, perhaps realizing her initial wording could be misinterpreted. Geist jumped in to reinforce the point, interjecting, 'No, it's against the law,' and specifying, 'Like senior year of college, when you're 21.' This sparked a bit of humor as Jenna joked that she really meant '24-year-old drunk,' before Geist swiftly steered the chat elsewhere to dodge the awkwardness.
Now, let's talk controversy: The hosts' stance on drinking age is straightforward – it's illegal until 21 in the U.S., and they advocate for waiting. But is that the whole story? Some might argue that the drinking age has sparked endless debate, with critics pointing out that it doesn't always prevent underage consumption and could even encourage riskier behavior in secret. Others defend it as a necessary safeguard for brain development and safety. What if we consider cultures where drinking starts earlier, or personal stories of responsible teens? Does the law truly protect, or does it just push things underground? It's a topic ripe for disagreement, and Jenna and Willie's PSA might leave you wondering: Are we too strict, or not strict enough?
'Today with Jenna & Friends' airs weekdays at 10/9c on NBC, offering a mix of celebrity chats, lifestyle tips, and these unexpected dives into real-life issues. What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Jenna's PSA, or do you think the drinking age needs a rethink? Have you ever experienced that 'high school drunk' regret? Share your opinions in the comments – let's keep the conversation going!
