Justin Wren

Date: 2016-07-27 | Duration: 2h 29m

Category: Combat Sports, Nature & Outdoors

Episode Overview

Justin Wren opens up about his journey balancing a professional MMA career with his humanitarian work in Central Africa. He shares the challenges of returning to fighting on short notice, including dealing with malaria and limited training time before his comeback bouts. Wren reflects on the physical and mental toll of competing while managing his commitments overseas, emphasizing the pressure of fighting not just for himself but for the communities he supports. A significant portion of the conversation centers on Wren’s work with the Mbuti Pygmies in the Congo through his organization, Fight for the Forgotten. He discusses the harsh realities faced by indigenous people, including poverty, corruption, and threats from rebel groups, while highlighting the transformative impact of clean water projects and sustainable development initiatives. Wren recounts vivid stories of living among the Pygmies, the cultural differences, and the deep connections he’s formed, describing how this work has given him a renewed sense of purpose beyond the cage. Throughout the episode, Wren also touches on his personal history with bullying and trauma, explaining how those experiences fueled his drive to help others and find redemption. His candid reflections on resilience, community, and the intersection of sport and service offer a powerful look at how one man uses his platform to create meaningful change.

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

– Mixed Martial Arts
– Malaria
– Congo
– Pygmy Tribes
– Water Wells
– Bullying
– Mental Health
– Non-Governmental Organizations
– Sustainable Development
– Wildlife Conservation
– Tuberculosis
– Traditional Medicine
– Fight for the Forgotten
– Bellator MMA
– Childhood Trauma
– Rebel Groups
– Environmental Deforestation
– Olympic Training Center
– Community Empowerment
0:00:00 – Introduction and greeting with Justin Wren
0:01:28 – Fight camp shortened due to schedule change
0:03:11 – Misdiagnosis of flu, actually malaria in Congo
0:08:06 – Description of Ugandan soil and its effects
0:10:03 – Discussion about corruption and visa issues
0:13:37 – Critique of NGO quotas and budget spending
0:15:21 – Physical symptoms and dangers of malaria
0:17:26 – Recollection of childhood bullying experiences
0:25:11 – Emotional impact of personal stories shared
0:32:52 – Bullying causing suicidal thoughts
0:34:41 – Healing through helping in Congo
0:38:38 – Interactions with diverse people in Fort Worth
0:44:10 – Decision to change life after traumatic event
0:50:45 – Danger posed by Cape buffalo
0:53:46 – Rhino poaching crisis discussed
0:55:57 – Ancient beliefs about rhino horn medicinal value
1:03:33 – Justin's chance at redemption through Congo work
1:06:03 – Explanation of hiking and water bottle use
1:16:24 – How listeners can help with Justin's cause
1:23:57 – Progress in water well projects
1:26:53 – Celebrating health improvements in communities
1:29:11 – Discussion on tuberculosis root causes
1:32:32 – Bellator MMA embracing Justin's story
1:40:45 – Use of technology to connect during fights
1:46:10 – Protecting Pygmy communities from harm
1:49:15 – Living with Pygmies in Congo for years
1:52:14 – Solar pump installation for water access
1:54:33 – Physical toll from work in Congo
2:00:39 – Team strengths and water well impact
2:06:08 – Overview of Justin's humanitarian efforts
2:09:10 – Remembering fight motivation and purpose
2:12:33 – Heavyweight fighters maturing later in career
2:14:36 – Disappointment after recent fights
2:22:04 – Importance of Fight for the Forgotten organization
2:24:20 – Sharing ways to support Fight for the Forgotten
2:25:19 – Closing remarks and honoring Justin's story

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Two one and we're live Justin Wren. How are you sir? I'm great. What's going on brother? Starting point is 00:00:40 got back into fighting and only had a little bit of time to train but it was it was uh it was okay but how much time did you have before your first fight um i think actually whenever i Starting point is 00:01:28 there i found out they were moving the fight up on me three weeks um and so it cut my camp down to Starting point is 00:02:13 Jesus. Starting point is 00:02:47 103.2. Starting point is 00:02:58 is because their team Starting point is 00:03:11 whenever i got into congo they told me i had the flu in london um the doctor's there and that's Starting point is 00:03:49 don't have the flu you have malaria and i'm like but i i've been i've been in the states i just Starting point is 00:04:22 Then I went to Congo Starting point is 00:05:04 Yeah, it's nuts. Starting point is 00:05:20 Oh, my God. Starting point is 00:05:43 No, I'm pasty white and I get real sun sensitive. Starting point is 00:06:26 Yeah, it's just the medication. Starting point is 00:06:43 I'm not giving it to my six-year-old. Starting point is 00:06:50 Tanzania has malaria as well, right? Starting point is 00:07:15 and you go, I don't know, same continent. Starting point is 00:07:34 Yeah. Starting point is 00:08:06 either sandy or the clayish um or silty soil that's real red in uganda man it just wreaks Starting point is 00:08:34 But whenever your whole foot or your whole heel or all the balls of your feet are just covered in... Starting point is 00:08:57 Strange, but man, the people are, are beautiful in their hearts. Starting point is 00:09:20 without being there, I think, right? Starting point is 00:10:03 i said about the corruption. Starting point is 00:10:14 And I can't leave now. Starting point is 00:10:34 if you don't, you lose that five-year visa. And so whenever I left with my wife, literally, um, Starting point is 00:11:12 had to go for three weeks is...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #826?

Justin Wren was the guest on JRE #826. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #826?

On Joe Rogan Experience #826 with Justin Wren, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Pygmy Tribes, Water Wells, and Bullying.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #826?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #826 with Justin Wren is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.