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