402: Actress Jenn Harris on Intimacy and Aging into Confidence
The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the PsychShow Notes
Guest: Jenn Harris, Award-Winning Director, Writer, Actor, and Producer Host: Dr. Robert Duff Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Robert Duff welcomes the incredibly talented Jenn Harris to the show. Jenn Harris is an award-winning director, writer, actor, and producer known for her diverse and impactful work in film and theater. Jenn discusses her latest short film, "She's Clean," which delves into the nuances of intimacy and sexual autonomy in middle age. The conversation explores Jenn's creative journey, the inspiration behind her work, and her thoughts on intimacy, confidence, and aging. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to Jenn Harris: An overview of Jenn's career and achievements, including her work in the Oscar-winning film "American Fiction" and her latest short film "She's Clean." Jenn's Creative Journey: How Jenn transitioned from wanting to be a doctor to finding her passion in the entertainment industry, and her experiences in theater and film. The Concept of "She's Clean": Jenn explains the inspiration behind her short film and its unique setting in a bathroom, exploring themes of intimacy and sexual freedom. Intimacy and Confidence: A deep dive into how Jenn views intimacy in various relationships, the role of confidence in her work and personal life, and how she has aged into confidence over the years. Filmmaking Challenges: Jenn shares the visual and technical challenges she faced while making "She's Clean" and how she approached these creatively. The Role of Intimacy Coordinators: Jenn discusses the importance of having intimacy coordinators on set and how they help create a safe and comfortable environment for actors. Personal Insights:
Jenn reflects on her own experiences with intimacy, relationships, and personal growth, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. Episode Highlights: Jenn's perspective on the comedic and serious elements of intimacy in filmmaking. The significance of choosing a bathroom as the primary setting for "She's Clean." Insights into Jenn's collaborative process with her team, including the role of her editor and intimacy coordinator. The impact of societal expectations on personal choices and relationships, particularly in the context of non-monogamy and traditional norms. Jenn's advice on navigating creative projects and maintaining authenticity in one's work. Quotes: "Intimacy is something that's always been comfortable for me, and I think it's a huge part of human behavior that we should observe and understand." "There isn't room for doubt. It will not serve the day. It will not serve the script. It will not serve the scene." "It's really nice when people don't take advantage of my openness in a way." Resources Mentioned: Film: "She's Clean" - Available for streaming on Vimeo. Social Media: Follow Jenn Harris on Instagram @RealJenHarris and @ShesCleanTheFilm. Sponsor: Today's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Reflect on your progress and set achievable goals with the help of a licensed therapist. Visit betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month. Connect with Dr. Duff: Website: www.duffthepsych.com Instagram: @duffthepsych
More from The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
We talk a lot about parenting. But we don't talk nearly enough about being a daughter. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allison Alford — communication scholar, professor at Baylor University, and author of Good Daughtering — to unpack the hidden emotional labor adult daughters carry inside their families. We explore the invisible work, the guilt, the pressure to be "enough," and how daughters can set boundaries without walking away from the people they love. This isn't about cutting family off. It's about understanding your role, recalibrating it, and finding pride instead of burnout. If you've ever felt like you're doing a lot… but it's never quite enough — this one will hit. What We Cover What "daughtering" actually means (and why it's invisible)
Dating and relationships have never been simple — but in today's world of apps, algorithms, and endless options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, evolutionary biologist, sex researcher, and author of the upcoming book The Intimate Animal. We talk about what our biology can (and can't) tell us about love and desire, how technology is reshaping intimacy, and why breakups can hit so hard. We also get personal — sharing stories about grief, recovery, non-monogamy, and navigating love in the real world. Dr. Garcia brings a refreshingly nuanced perspective, blending science, lived experience, and a deep respect for the complexities of modern relationships. Topics Covered The biological basis of pair bonding and why love is a survival strategy
In this episode, I'm honored to welcome Dr. Tracy Hicks, a dual-certified family and mental health nurse practitioner with over two decades of clinical experience—and a deeply personal connection to serious mental illness. Dr. Hicks is both the daughter of a parent and the mother of a child with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Her perspective blends professional expertise with lived experience in a way that is both deeply compassionate and refreshingly practical. We talk about what schizophrenia really is (and isn't), the impact of stigma on individuals and families, and the importance of person-centered, empathetic care. Dr. Hicks shares her personal journey—raising a daughter with serious mental illness while navigating barriers in the healthcare system—and offers guidance for both providers and caregivers who want to better support those living with schizophrenia. This is a powerful and deeply human conversation for anyone touched by serious mental illness. Topics We Cover What schizophrenia is and how it's commonly misunderstood
In this episode, I share the absolute honest truth about my life at the moment. I also talk about my focus for this year, the phrases I can't get out of my head, and the things I'm grateful for from the last year. Let's do this. Got a question for the show? Email [email protected] or head over the http://duffthepsych.com/contact. Watch the video at http://youtube.com/duffthepsych Follow me on Instagram at http://instagram.com/duffthepsych and Facebook at http://facebook.com/duffthepsych More writings and additional podcast content over at https://robertduff.substack.com/
In this deeply informative episode, I'm joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Melissa Mose, LMFT, who brings 30 years of clinical experience to the table and a unique approach to treating OCD by integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with traditional methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Melissa shares how a personal experience—her daughter's sudden-onset OCD—propelled her into the world of OCD treatment and changed the direction of her career. We talk through how OCD manifests, why traditional ERP can be both life-changing and difficult for people, and how IFS can offer a more compassionate, effective way to approach healing by helping clients access their internal "Self." We also discuss Melissa's new book for clinicians, her training work, and the upcoming OCD SoCal Conference happening online on November 15–16, 2025. 🧠 What We Discuss in This Episode: Melissa's unexpected path from literature and mythology to psychotherapy