Justin Wren

Date: 2019-10-31 | Duration: 2h 0m

Episode Overview

Justin Wren shares a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about his work with the Batwa pygmies in the Congo rainforest through his nonprofit, Fight for the Forgotten. He details the harsh realities faced by this marginalized community, including displacement from ancestral lands and extreme poverty. Wren recounts the physical challenges of reaching remote villages—often involving long, treacherous journeys by plane and vehicle—and the cultural significance of the tools and traditions he helps preserve. His efforts focus on providing clean water, education, and sustainable farming, aiming to restore dignity and self-sufficiency to the pygmies. The discussion also delves into Wren’s own health struggles, including battles with parasites, brain toxicity, and Lyme disease, which he approaches with cutting-edge treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He shares insights on how these experiences have shaped his perspective on resilience and healing. Additionally, Wren touches on the role of martial arts in building community and character, highlighting how his background in MMA fuels his drive to support others. Throughout the episode, vivid stories from the jungle and updates on his ongoing projects illustrate a powerful blend of humanitarian work and personal growth.

About Justin Wren

Justin Wren is a professional mixed martial artist and humanitarian known for his unique blend of athletic prowess and advocacy. A former competitor in the UFC, he has achieved notable success in the sport, including multiple championship titles. Beyond the octagon, Wren is celebrated for his philanthropic work, particularly with the Pygmy tribes in the Congo, where he has dedicated himself to improving their access to clean water and advocating for their rights. His compelling story, marked by resilience and a commitment to social justice, has made him a captivating figure in both the sports and humanitarian realms.

Key Moments

– Breathing Techniques
– Turmeric Benefits
– Professional Drumming
– Parasite Infections
– Brain Scans and Imaging
– Fight for the Forgotten
– Martial Arts Community
– Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
– Mefloquine Toxicity
– Lyme Disease
– Malaria
– Gut-Brain Connection
– Concussion Recovery
– Philanthropy in Martial Arts
– Pygmy Culture and Land Rights
– Mental Health in Youth
– Habit Tracking
– Knife Making
– Medical Supplementation
– Environmental Challenges in Congo
0:00:00 – Introduction and live start
0:00:58 – Breathing technique explanation
0:02:06 – Discussion on turmeric health benefits
0:02:43 – Mention of professional drummer Jeremy
0:04:10 – Physical health check-in
0:08:18 – Documentation of injury and recovery
0:10:37 – Parasite infections and symptoms
0:12:38 – Brain scans with radioactive tracer
0:14:50 – Dr. Daniel Amen's brain health insights
0:18:40 – Fight for the Forgotten collaboration
0:20:13 – Martial arts community camaraderie
0:23:28 – USADA testing and athlete integrity
0:25:05 – Living deep in the jungle challenges
0:27:38 – Difficult travel conditions in Congo
0:30:46 – Effects of mefloquine toxicity on brain
0:36:03 – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits
0:39:10 – Brain atrophy from injury discussed
0:44:27 – Hyperbaric therapy progress update
0:47:47 – Joe Namath's hyperbaric clinic mention
0:50:20 – Supplementation and anti-aging discussion
0:53:47 – Orphanage support for pygmy children
0:55:35 – Living conditions in the jungle
0:59:27 – Reflection on modern life ease
1:01:18 – Youth mental health concerns
1:04:15 – Fight for the Forgotten website and mission
1:07:11 – Raiden's concussion and recovery plans
1:10:05 – Jujitsu planner and habit tracking tools
1:12:52 – Custom knife gift for charity
1:15:56 – Health recovery efforts update
1:18:22 – Martial arts draft pick fundraiser
1:26:06 – Medical bills and family support
1:29:20 – Motivation behind Fight for the Forgotten
1:33:59 – Mike Tyson recording mention
1:37:55 – Jungle survival and axe use
1:40:26 – Bee climbing and honey harvesting
1:44:05 – Eating Ebola and jungle wildlife
1:49:27 – Pygmy community and land struggles
1:53:18 – Ways to support Fight for the Forgotten
1:55:49 – Recycling efforts and environmental care

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And we're live. about him at all but uh what the the notebook is yeah oh so you bought one of his notebooks yeah Starting point is 00:00:58 where i breathe in six to eight seconds and kind of count the in breath then count the hold and Starting point is 00:01:12 I don't have the new Headspace downloaded, but I have three five-minute breathing techniques Starting point is 00:01:32 I'd grab my phone. Starting point is 00:01:43 Ooh, Starting point is 00:01:57 It is so good. Starting point is 00:02:06 First of all, turmeric is amazing for you. Starting point is 00:02:17 Yes. Starting point is 00:02:30 You know him? Starting point is 00:02:43 He's a professional drummer. Starting point is 00:02:59 Jeremy has some wild stories. Starting point is 00:03:29 All those guys Starting point is 00:03:38 Well we just had our team loaded up Starting point is 00:03:53 boy anthony giordano who's a director of the ufc he's the best yeah he's awesome i've gotten to Starting point is 00:04:10 Hey how are you physically? Starting point is 00:04:24 Went up to Redding My first time up to Northern California. Starting point is 00:04:34 Yeah. Starting point is 00:04:44 Therapeutic, yeah. I mean, you're get it in a couple minutes you're smart dude yeah i Starting point is 00:05:21 he knew the walk no the walk and the drumming so he just did the Starting point is 00:05:56 that he could grab the microphone and just state one clear sentence Starting point is 00:06:31 or Sean Smith, maybe Steve Smith that started the Seattle drum school of music. They're really Starting point is 00:07:08 you for two years before I give you a job? Starting point is 00:07:16 Then he did the Paradise Fires fundraiser. Starting point is 00:07:41 Oh, yeah. Starting point is 00:07:57 That's what I heard. Starting point is 00:08:05 I guess he needed it when he got bit. Starting point is 00:08:18 So he documented everything. Starting point is 00:08:27 He looks like a guy Starting point is 00:08...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1374?

Justin Wren was the guest on JRE #1374. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1374?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1374 with Justin Wren, topics include Breathing Techniques, Turmeric Benefits, Professional Drumming, and Parasite Infections.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1374?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1374 with Justin Wren is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.