Langdon Root shares his journey from growing up in rural Indiana to a 26-year Air Force career as an F-16 fighter pilot and Special Warfare leader, followed by a transition into civilian life focused on mentorship, service, and building veterans’ projects. Drawing on combat deployments, years of leading young Airmen, and hard lessons from marriage, Langdon explains how early exposure to pornography, an emotionally absent father, and cultural confusion around masculinity shaped his beliefs and eventually forced a reckoning. He distinguishes toxic masculinity (selfish use of strength), healthy masculinity (selfless strength), and biblical masculinity (selfless strength rooted in Christ), grounding the discussion in 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 and emphasizing vigilance, courage, discipline, and love. The conversation explores why men need deep male friendships, why vulnerability is an act of courage, and how responsibility gives men direction and purpose. Langdon also addresses the misunderstood idea of submission in marriage, arguing that it only works when paired with a man’s sacrificial love, integrity, and accountability. The episode ultimately challenges men to stop chasing approval, comfort, or status, and instead pursue faith, purpose, community, and the kind of inner strength that leads to healthier relationships and a more meaningful life.

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Culture on Masculinity

06:53 Biblical Masculinity Explored

07:32 The Role of Masculinity in Family Dynamics

10:28 Positive Masculine Role Models

12:42 The Decline of Masculinity in Society

14:40 Biblical Masculinity: A Framework for Growth

18:47 Healthy vs. Toxic Masculinity

21:09 The Importance of Male Relationships

26:23 Being On Guard: Spiritual Vigilance

32:36 Standing Firm in Faith

36:22 Courage and Emotional Resilience

40:22 Expectations vs. Outcomes in Masculinity

42:49 The Journey of Masculinity

45:58 The Dynamics of Attraction

48:53 Building Masculine Skills

51:29 Understanding Love and Submission

58:06 The Role of Men and Women in Marriage

01:10:07 Lessons from the Youth Retreat

In this episode, Hillary “Hillygoat” Allen takes us inside one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in endurance sport.

In 2017, at the peak of her career and ranked #1 in the world in skyrunning, Hillary fell 150 feet off an exposed ridge during a race in Norway—an accident that should have taken her life. She broke 14 bones, lost her identity as an athlete, and was told she might never run again.

But what followed wasn’t just physical recovery—it was a complete reconstruction of self. Hillary opens up about the shame, fear, and isolation she faced, how vulnerability and community became essential to rebuilding, and how she redefined strength, success, and who she believed herself to be.

We explore the neuroscience behind resilience, the psychology of identity collapse, and the deliberate practice and mental frameworks that allowed her not only to return to running, but to rise all the way back to the world stage—ultimately qualifying for Team USA.

This episode is a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about the power of mindset, the role of vulnerability in high performance, and what it takes to build a life that can withstand being broken open.

In this essential episode of Reflecting Back, Zach breaks down barriers around a topic most men ignore—menopause. Inspired by the eye-opening South by Southwest panel, "Hotter Than Ever: The Truth About Sex in Midlife," Zach is joined by Dr. Rachel Pope, a renowned gynecologist and menopause expert, to shine a light on the vital importance of communication and awareness around women’s health. They discuss why menopause isn’t just a "women’s issue," how desire discrepancies can impact relationships, and why open conversations about sexual health are crucial. With women more empowered than ever to advocate for their well-being, it's time men step up, educate themselves, and become the supportive partners their relationships need.

Links:

Dr. Pope’s

• Insta: @drrpope @mim.menopause
• FB: @drrpope @mim.menopause
• TikTok: @thevulvadoctor

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/zachstiffler

In this episode of Reflecting Back, Zach sits down with Gavin Greenberg and Jess Pink, founders of Travel World Culture (TWC) and the speakers behind the impactful TEDx talk, "The American Dream is Making You Lonely." They discuss their bold decision to leave corporate life to create a travel business focused on building community and meaningful experiences. Gavin and Jess share how living abroad reshaped their views on personal fulfillment, community involvement, and cultural awareness. They also explore the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer practical advice on travel safety, building genuine relationships, and thoughtfully balancing privilege with empathy. This conversation will prompt you to reconsider your own ideas of success and connection.

Links:

Travel World Culture’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/travelworldculture/

Zach's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/zachstiffler

Guests: Couples Therapist - Baya Voce, Austin-Based Dating Coach - Kate Durocher, and Hot Takes Hot Dates Host - Joel Monteleone

This episode charts the full journey of modern relationships—from building unshakable self-worth to navigating long-term connection with depth and clarity. Kate Durocher shares how embracing solitude and doing the internal work laid the foundation for finding a healthy, aligned partnership. Joel Monteleone, Founder of Austin’s “Hot and Sober” and Host of “Hot Takes Hot Dates” events, highlights the power of in-person connection and why play, presence, and risk are essential antidotes to dating app fatigue.

Baya Voce delivers a masterclass in conflict and repair, breaking down her five-step framework that turns rupture into reconnection. She explains why most relationships don’t fall apart because of conflict—but because of the lack of meaningful repair. This conversation is an invitation to reimagine what love looks like when it’s rooted in accountability, emotional attunement, and the courage to stay in the mud together.

Together, we challenge outdated ideas of what dating and relationships “should” look like. We explore how to build resilience in a culture that avoids discomfort, how to spot the patterns we inherit from our caregivers, and how to step into relational maturity by taking ownership of our emotional experiences.

Links:

Baya Voce:

• https://bayavoce.com
• https://www.instagram.com/baya_voce/

Kate Durocher:

• https://coachkatedurocher.com
• https://www.instagram.com/coachkatedurocher/

Joel Monteleone:

• https://www.instagram.com/joel_monteleone/

Zach Stiffler:

• https://www.instagram.com/zachstiffler/

In this episode, Omid Scheybani—global storyteller and tech entrepreneur—shares his insights on time, purpose, and personal growth.

He reflects on the rewards and challenges of a nomadic lifestyle, the power of cultural exploration, and the importance of curiosity in fostering empathy. Drawing from experiences in living in China, visiting North Korea, and embracing his Iranian heritage, he challenges media-driven narratives and highlights the profound impact of human connection.

Omid also discusses setting ‘moonshots’ for growth, embracing discomfort, and the role of gratitude and perspective in shaping a fulfilling life.

Links:

Omid’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/omidscheybani/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/zachstiffler

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:52 Reflections on Time and Life at 34

05:33 Life in China and the Decision to Move

10:37 The Nomadic Lifestyle and Its Challenges

15:28 Curiosity and Empathy: A Global Mindset

20:18 Experiencing Iran: A Journey of Discovery

25:18 Influencing Perspectives on Iran

26:50 Adventures in North Korea

33:32 Haunting Memories from North Korea

35:44 The Reality Behind the Scripted Experience

39:03 Emotional Expression in a Controlled Society

40:46 Travel Opportunities for North Koreans

43:42 Defining Moonshots and Personal Growth

50:53 Setting Intentions and Themes for Life

55:13 Gratitude Through Painful Experiences

01:03:13 Introduction to Amid's Journey

01:03:41 Reflections on Loss and Moving Forward

In this episode of Reflecting Back, host Zach Stifler speaks with Tanji Johnson-Bridgeman, a military veteran turned fitness champion and health coach. Tanji shares her journey from a disciplined upbringing to a thriving career in bodybuilding, offering insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the value of failure in achieving success. They discuss defining identity beyond titles, transforming fear into excitement, focusing on what you can control, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Tanji’s advice on wellness and navigating life’s transitions provides practical inspiration for personal growth and fulfillment.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/officialtanjijohnson/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters:

00:00 The Concept of Reflection and Growth02:24 Growing Up in a Military Family07:24 Rebellion and Autonomy in a Controlled Environment12:23 Transitioning to Fitness and Bodybuilding19:29 Early Experiences in Bodybuilding and Learning from Failure23:40 Building Community in Competition26:35 Leadership and Vulnerability27:37 Redefining Success and Identity30:29 The Journey of Self-Discovery35:42 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success39:35 Power Signals and Mental Cues44:36 Applying Lessons in Real Life49:43 Future Ventures and Belief in Innovation

In this episode, we welcome Michelle "MACE" Curran, former F-16 fighter pilot and lead solo for the USAF Thunderbirds, who shares her journey from a small-town girl to making history in one of the world’s most elite demonstration teams. Michelle opens up about the intense pressure of flying high-stakes missions, the grit required to break barriers as a female fighter pilot, and the lessons learned in the cockpit that now fuel her motivational speaking and writing career. We dive into topics like overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and how to lead with authenticity—both in the air and on the ground. Whether you're looking to conquer personal challenges or gain insights on elite performance, this episode delivers actionable wisdom and an inspiring story of defying the odds and pursuing bold goals.

MACE’s Links:

https://macecurran.com

https://www.instagram.com/mace_curran

https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Business and Life

In this episode, Alex shares his journey by discussing strategies for managing stress, anxiety, presence, and designing a life worth living. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on our ability to be present and productive, highlighting the addictive nature of scrolling and constant distractions. He also discuss the importance of balancing consumption with creation, the value of silence, and trusting the present moment for fostering authentic thoughts and ideas.

Links

Alex King Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alexkiing/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:05 Being Present and Managing Stress

02:28 Morning Routines and Meditation

08:27 Navigating the Influence of Social Media

14:51 The Impact of Social Media on Presence and Productivity

25:35 The Power of Silence and Being Present

29:22 Balancing Consumption and Creation

38:35 Trusting the Present Moment

Jacoby Kang shares his journey from a low point in life to discovering his purpose, emphasizing the importance of being present, taking one step at a time, and exploring different paths without comparison. He discusses leaving his corporate job to focus on health, building community, and the transformative power of cold plunging at Barton Springs. Jacoby highlights the significance of visualization, sustainability, and finding joy in the moment. The conversation covers themes of authenticity, team-building, and the challenges of being a founder, offering insights into his mindset and the growth of his business.

Links

Jacoby Kang Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacobykang/

Jacoby Plunges Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jacobyplunges/

Jacoby Plunges Website: https://jacobyplunges.co/

Reflecting Back Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reflectingbackpod/

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose and Success

03:40 Embracing the Present Moment

10:01 From Low Point to Personal Transformation

14:22 Creating a Personal Resume

36:14 From Solo Plunges to Community Events

41:45 The Power of Connection: Holding Hands in the Water

45:29 Preparing the Mind and Body: Visualization and Meditation

50:50 The Physical and Mental Benefits of Cold Plunging

58:02 Sustainability and Safety in Cold Plunging

01:02:49 Measuring Success Backwards: Reflecting on Accomplishments

01:12:33 Appreciating Wins and Avoiding Burnout

01:15:32 The Importance of Celebrating Accomplishments

01:19:55 Hiring and Building a Team

01:23:43 Avoiding Mediocre Hires

01:28:03 Not Everyone is Meant to be a Founder

01:37:05 Trial Periods and Influencer Marketing

01:41:25 Acting Fast on Identified Problems

01:46:12 Building a Community and Selling Cold Plunge Units