Fatherhood as Social Activism: An Interview With Journeyman Founder Jason Frishman, Psy.D.

Podcast Therapists image with three therapists and their logo for their episode about fatherhood as social activism.

Fatherhood. What does it mean to you?

Inter-generationally and culturally, we’ve passed down gender roles but things are changing and we find ourselves on a massive turning point. As a society, we’re redefining what it means to be a man, a father.

Today, we’re talking to Jason Frishman, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping boys, men, and families. He created the Journeyman Foundation, a coaching group for fathers, to help men improve their connections with their families and give them the tools and strategies for the adventure of parenthood.

“Men need a community in a much broader and deeper way than we’ve ever really acknowledged.“ 
– Jason Frishman

More about Jason Frishman, Psy.D.

Jason has been working for over 20 years to support individuals, groups, families, organizations and businesses. Whether as a psychotherapist, workshop facilitator, speaker, or narrative consultant, His message rings consistently clear: Our lives are adventurous and we can author our own adventure stories!

A series of meaningful coincidences and choices led Jason to meet his wife and finally move to Vermont, two lifelong dreams! In Vermont, he worked at the state’s largest hospital, opened a local food company, mastered the art of bulk soup production, studied a Brazilian martial art, began teaching traditional food preservation classes, had two beautiful sons, began to use storytelling for change and joined a cooperative psychotherapy practice in downtown Burlington.

Jason is excited to bring over two decades of work in offices, institutions, kitchens,
farmer’s markets, woodlots and boardrooms to wild new venues. His offerings include individual and group online coaching programs for good dads, workshops and trainings.

More about Virginia Family Therapy

Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Contact us here.

In this episode we cover:

  • How the stories we grew up with shaped our view on fatherhood and masculinity;
  • Redefining what it means to be a father;
  • Why it’s harder for men/fathers to find a community in which they can discuss these topics;
  • The similarities and differences between motherhood and fatherhood from a cultural point of view;
  • The importance of the small things for you and your family;
  • How and why this all falls under social activism.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode


Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.