Justin Wren

Date: 2021-01-27 | Duration: 2h 46m

Category: Combat Sports, Politics & Media

Episode Overview

Justin Wren returns to the Joe Rogan Experience to share deeply personal stories about his journey from MMA fighter to humanitarian and advocate for the indigenous peoples of the Congo. He recounts his early struggles with addiction, describing the intense shame and isolation that accompanied his relapses, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety. Wren opens up about the physical and mental toll of his battles, including a harrowing experience with cerebral malaria and the challenges of managing chronic injuries through regenerative medicine. His candid reflections on addiction and recovery provide a raw look at the complexities of healing both body and mind. The conversation also delves into Wren’s work with the Mbuti pygmies, an indigenous group in the Congo rainforest. He discusses the impact of illegal mining and violence on their communities and highlights efforts to provide clean water, education, and sustainable farming. Wren emphasizes the importance of giving these marginalized people a voice and the empowerment that comes from self-sufficiency. Alongside these humanitarian efforts, he touches on the broader themes of resilience, purpose, and the power of community in overcoming adversity. The episode blends stories of personal transformation with a compelling mission to uplift forgotten populations.

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

– Addiction Recovery
– Congo Basin
– MMA Training
– Pygmy Tribes
– Regenerative Medicine
– Whiskey Tasting
– Mental Health
– CTE in Fighters
– Suicide Prevention
– Meditation and Mindfulness
– Trauma and Healing
– Pharmaceuticals and Substance Abuse
– Nonprofit Fundraising
– Agricultural Development
– Wildlife and Conservation
– Visualization Techniques
– Physical Therapy
– Psychedelic Therapy
– Bullying Prevention
0:01:06 – Discussion on bourbon and whiskey tasting
0:08:00 – Details about Buffalo Trace whiskey raffle
0:10:42 – Fight for the Forgotten fundraising milestone
0:11:50 – Introduction to the people of the forest
0:13:52 – Training locals in drilling wells and farming
0:16:53 – Location and habitat of rare wildlife species
0:17:21 – Violence related to illegal gold mining
0:20:37 – Sleeping outdoors and survival experiences
0:21:02 – Meeting a young girl with tuberculosis
0:25:50 – Pharmaceutical heroin comparison and addiction
0:30:45 – Journey to get sober and face addiction
0:33:40 – Mental obsession and restlessness in addiction
0:36:07 – Feelings of shame and guilt during relapse
0:37:25 – Requesting rehab and seeking help
0:39:17 – Conditions and challenges in rehab facilities
0:44:07 – Self-discipline and accountability in recovery
0:46:08 – Emotional impact of relapse
0:48:59 – Recognizing depression during addiction
0:51:14 – Feeling trapped by addiction's stranglehold
0:54:10 – Suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles
1:00:35 – Experiencing a mental breakdown
1:01:14 – Discovery of pygmy tribes and rebel violence
1:04:28 – Beginnings of advocacy for voiceless communities
1:07:01 – Darkest night and turning point in life
1:10:15 – Shame and regret after substance use
1:14:38 – Committing fully to sobriety
1:27:59 – Symbolic water ritual for healing
1:30:10 – Self-love and meditation practices
1:34:44 – Experiencing synchronicities in recovery
1:37:15 – Living at the Olympic Training Center
1:39:13 – Stopping daily journaling and its effects
1:41:59 – Hitting rock bottom multiple times
1:44:07 – Attempted suicide and aftermath
1:47:39 – Battling cerebral malaria and parasite detox
1:50:00 – Antibiotic treatments and gut health
2:06:42 – Use of CBD tinctures for health
2:35:37 – CTE therapy with psychedelic mushrooms
2:39:27 – Appreciating fighters and their struggles

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:00:29 Uh-oh. Starting point is 00:00:35 Sure. Starting point is 00:01:06 bourbon in America. So anyways, I asked him, I was talking to Bo and say, can we do something Starting point is 00:01:37 but basically you're about to be able to do a wine, Starting point is 00:02:06 but the trees are all different trees right so those things i think they call them staves or Starting point is 00:02:41 So here's going to be sample one. Starting point is 00:02:55 Oh, he's got them. Starting point is 00:03:07 Well, this is the idea. Or this is how we wanted to say thank you is you need to pick your own thing yep here's a glass oh this is hilarious Starting point is 00:03:48 So this is sample number one. Starting point is 00:04:01 This is sample number two. Starting point is 00:04:18 And so, basically, you can choose it. Starting point is 00:04:28 Nerds like hints and tastes. Starting point is 00:04:41 Pot tasting? Starting point is 00:05:07 Tastes good. Starting point is 00:05:16 That's number one. Starting point is 00:05:27 I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. Starting point is 00:05:39 One time I did have to send a glass back, buy the glass, Starting point is 00:05:48 it can rarely happen, Starting point is 00:05:57 Number two. Starting point is 00:06:23 which pancake do you like the best Starting point is 00:07:08 the difference they're all great i think three was slightly different three was slightly different Starting point is 00:07:30 Here's three. Starting point is 00:08:00 Three is a magic number, and that one was born October 25th, 2012. Starting point is 00:08:15 Do you drink? Starting point is 00:08:23 And so, and I can enjoy it because this is what buffalo Starting point is 00:08:56 And so if you hit order or enter today, basically on there, there's a Buffalo Trace whiskey raffle. Starting point is 00:09:19 Bo's going to do it himself. Starting poin...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1602?

Justin Wren was the guest on JRE #1602. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1602?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1602 with Justin Wren, topics include Addiction Recovery, Congo Basin, MMA Training, and Pygmy Tribes.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1602?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1602 with Justin Wren is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.