Unearthing Emotional Scars: Director Reed Harkness Discusses 'Sam Now' and the Impacts of Discomfort and Childhood Abandonment

Tony interviews filmmaker Reed Harkness, the film Sam Now's director and co-star. From reviewer Matt Zoller Seitz, “Sam Now" is a gentle, empathetic movie that will be unbearably intense for viewers who fear abandonment. However, that might prove to be healing or enlightening if they can stick with it to the end. Constructed of home movies and family interviews spanning 24 years, director Reed Harkness' documentary tells a painful and complicated story from his own life: his stepmother Jois (pronounced "Joyce") disappeared one day in 2000 without warning or any further contact or explanation. Even though they were separated, her leaving shocked her husband Randy; their sons Sam and Jared, who were in elementary school then; and Reed, then a teenager.” https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sam-now-movie-review-2023<br />Tony and Reed explore the lifelong impacts of childhood abandonment, manifesting in Sam and Reed’s adult lives. Jois’ absence, and the subsequent revelation that it was her choice, left them wrestling with emotional wounds and damaged family dynamics. Tony explores about their Jois’ behavior, considering whether her actions might be symptomatic of extreme emotional immaturity or narcissistic tendencies. Reed shares how each family member's different reactions and coping mechanisms further complicate the dynamics and negatively impact their relationships. Reed and Tony continue to come back to the topic of what we do with our discomfort as individuals and within a family system. <br />Reid emphasized his interest in exploring these family dynamics and the importance of addressing uncomfortable issues, a theme deeply ingrained in his films. Despite the potential divisions it might have caused, Reid highlighted filmmaking's pivotal role in bridging the gap between him and Sam. The conversation concluded with a nod towards the therapeutic potential of open dialogue and the shared goal of effecting positive change through their respective fields. <br />You can find out more about Sam Now and where to watch the movie here https://samnowmovie.com/about/<br />Use coupon code CRAIG to receive $100 off The Path Back for a limited time. You can sign up directly here https://www.thepathback.org/offers/zF7ogLZZ?coupon_code=CRAIG<br />Use the following code to purchase the 2023 Sex Summit for only $35 featuring Tony's presentation: Relationship Tools You Don't Know You Need - Tips and Tools Born From 15 Years of Practice w/1500 Couples. https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com/discount/TONY23?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsex-seminar-2023<br />Or use the following code to purchase 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024 seminars for only $80: https://thedatingdivas.myshopify.com/discount/TONYBUNDLE23?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsex-seminar-2023-bundle<br />Find all the latest links to podcasts, courses, Tony's newsletter, and more at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch<br />Inside ACT for Anxiety Disorder Course is Open! Visit https://praxiscet.com/virtualcouch Insi