Comedian and WTF podcast host Marc Maron opens up about how anxiety shaped his life — including his decision not to have children — in the new Jolt documentary Anxiety Club.
In the film, Maron, 61, joins comedians Tiffany Jenkins, Baron Vaughn, Aparna Nancherla, Mark Normand, Eva Victor, and Joe List to explore anxiety through stand-up, sketches, interviews, and therapy sessions.
“Most of what you’re reacting to is something your brain is making up,” Maron says in the trailer. He later adds, “My anxiety stopped me from having children.”
Anxiety Club uses humor to tackle serious mental health struggles. Normand opens the film with a rooftop comedy set, joking, “If this goes horribly, I can just jump right off.” List follows with dark jokes about intrusive thoughts.
“Comedy has always destigmatized things by saying, ‘This is okay to talk about,’” a commentator explains.
In another segment, Jenkins acts out a skit between her “anxiety” and her “brain,” highlighting how common anxiety is — yet how difficult it is to manage. Nancherla describes anxiety as a warning about danger that isn’t real, while Vaughn likens it to a constant “turbine” in his head.
Jenkins opens up in therapy about her intense fears, including harm coming to her kids. Footage shows them playing at a trampoline park as she speaks.
Directed by Wendy Lobel and produced by Carolin Ehrenburg, Jonathan Gray, and Scott Sinkler, Anxiety Club blends honesty and humor to address a condition that affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide.
In a more serious moment, List reflects, “There’s a lot of pain there — fear and anger. I think it’s a desire for peace, for myself and those I love.”
Related topics:
