JRE #1602 - Justin Wren

27-Jan-21

Joe Rogan Experience Podcast #1602 – Justin Wren Topics

This podcast is a captivating blend of personal struggles and inspiring triumphs. Justin Wren, a professional mixed martial artist, humanitarian aid worker, and founder of Fight for the Forgotten, shares his journey of addiction, recovery, and the profound impact of his work with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo. Topics span personal battles with addiction, the complexities of mental health, the heart-wrenching realities of poverty and injustice, and the transformative power of purpose and community.

Major Topics:

1. Whiskey Tasting and Buffalo Trace Raffle:

The podcast kicks off with a unique whiskey tasting experience, courtesy of Buffalo Trace, a bourbon distillery that is older than the United States.
Joe Rogan gets to choose his own barrel of whiskey, which will be bottled with the Joe Rogan Experience logo and Fight for the Forgotten logo.
A raffle for a Disney World experience for whiskey lovers is announced, where winners get a VIP tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a chance to taste whiskey straight from the barrel, and the opportunity to buy their own barrel.
All proceeds from the raffle benefit Fight for the Forgotten.

2. Justin Wren’s Addiction Journey:

Wren candidly discusses his struggles with addiction, particularly to oxycodone, marijuana, and cocaine, stemming from past injuries and a difficult divorce.
He highlights the mental obsession that accompanies addiction, emphasizing the power of the first use and the difficulty of breaking the cycle.
Wren shares his experience in a rigorous 90-day rehab program, where he was confronted with his flaws and pushed to confront the root causes of his addiction.
He emphasizes the importance of finding a tribe of support and the transformative power of meditation in his recovery.

3. The “Sober Vision” that Led to Fight for the Forgotten:

Wren recounts a profound “sober vision” that occurred at age 23, where he saw a group of impoverished people suffering in a forest, igniting his desire to help them.
This vision eventually led him to the Mbuti Pygmy people in the Congo Basin rainforest.
Wren describes the visceral impact of the vision, emphasizing its vividness and the overwhelming sense of responsibility it instilled in him.
He explains how his initial uncertainty about the vision transformed into a deep understanding of his purpose in life.

4. The Heart-Wrenching Realities of the Congo:

Wren shares firsthand accounts of the poverty, oppression, and violence he witnessed during his time in the Congo.
He describes the Mbuti Pygmy people living in dire conditions, lacking basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
He recounts witnessing a brutal mob killing, highlighting the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone.
Wren emphasizes the importance of providing a voice for the marginalized and working to improve their lives.

5. The Impact of Fight for the Forgotten:

Wren describes the remarkable achievements of Fight for the Forgotten, which has provided clean water to over 60,000 people in the Congo and Uganda.
He highlights the importance of building sustainable communities, including providing housing, education, and opportunities for self-sufficiency.
He expresses gratitude for the support of his board members, donors, and fellow athletes who have contributed to the organization’s success.
Wren emphasizes the potential for Fight for the Forgotten to expand its impact and reach even more people in need.

6. The Importance of Self-Love and Healing:

Wren discusses the transformative power of self-love and the need to confront past traumas and negative self-beliefs.
He describes a powerful breathwork experience in Sedona, where he visualized his heart healing and breaking free from destructive patterns.
He highlights the importance of taking time for self-care, prioritizing meditation, and setting boundaries to protect his well-being.
Wren emphasizes the interconnectedness of self-healing and helping others heal, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

7. The Challenges of Living with Chronic Illness:

Wren shares his ongoing battle with chronic illness, including parasitic infections, malaria, and dengue fever, which he contracted during his work in the Congo.
He describes the physical and mental toll these illnesses have taken, including brain fog, gut issues, and weakened immune system.
He acknowledges the role these illnesses played in contributing to his addiction relapse.
Wren expresses hope for the future, highlighting the progress he has made through preventative care and functional medicine.

8. The Future of Fight for the Forgotten and Justin Wren:

Wren discusses his plans to continue his work with Fight for the Forgotten, with a particular focus on expanding efforts in Uganda.
He expresses his desire to launch his own podcast in 2021, sharing stories of hope and resilience from a diverse range of individuals.
He remains open to the possibility of returning to fighting, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being.
Wren’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of finding purpose, confronting challenges, and embracing a life of service and compassion.

9. The Power of Community and Support:

Wren acknowledges the profound impact of community and support on his recovery and the success of Fight for the Forgotten.
He expresses gratitude for his board members, donors, and friends who have stood by him through difficult times.
He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your journey.
Wren emphasizes the power of connection and shared purpose in creating lasting positive change.

10. The Dark Side of Fame and Success:

Wren reflects on the potential pitfalls of fame and success, particularly for those struggling with addiction and mental health.
He acknowledges the pressure and expectations that can come with public recognition, which can be challenging to navigate, even with positive intentions.
He highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy perspective, even amidst external validation.
Wren emphasizes the need for authenticity and vulnerability in navigating the complexities of public life.

11. The Reality of CTE in Combat Sports:

Wren discusses the devastating impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on athletes in combat sports, particularly football and MMA.
He shares the story of his friend Brian Sykes, who tragically died from CTE-related complications.
He emphasizes the importance of promoting awareness of CTE and advocating for preventative measures and research.
Wren highlights the need for athletes to prioritize their long-term health and well-being, acknowledging the potential risks associated with their profession.

12. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness:

Wren advocates for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues, particularly within the context of combat sports.
He shares personal experiences with depression and anxiety, highlighting the impact of these issues on his life and recovery journey.
He encourages open dialogue about mental health and the importance of seeking support when needed.
Wren emphasizes the need to destigmatize mental health challenges and create a more supportive environment for athletes and individuals facing these difficulties.

13. The Ethics of Psychedelic Research and Therapy:

Wren expresses interest in the potential of psychedelic therapies for treating CTE and other mental health conditions.
He highlights the ongoing research involving psilocybin and its potential to regenerate brain tissue.
He encourages further exploration of psychedelic therapies, but emphasizes the importance of conducting rigorous scientific research and ethical considerations.
Wren advocates for responsible and compassionate approaches to psychedelic medicine and its use in therapeutic settings.

14. The “Reset” Button:

Wren discusses the concept of “resetting” as a vital part of his recovery journey, both physically and mentally.
He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from intense training and competition to allow for healing and rejuvenation.
He acknowledges that “resetting” involves confronting personal challenges, embracing discomfort, and taking ownership of one’s well-being.
Wren encourages listeners to consider how they can incorporate “reset” practices into their own lives to foster balance and promote well-being.

15. The Power of Forgiveness:

Wren discusses the power of forgiveness, both for himself and for those who have hurt him in the past.
He shares his journey of forgiving his bullies and the individuals who have contributed to his struggles.
He emphasizes the importance of releasing resentment and anger to allow for healing and growth.
Wren acknowledges the challenges of forgiveness but emphasizes its transformative potential for personal liberation and well-being.

16. The Value of Vulnerability:

Wren embraces vulnerability throughout the podcast, openly sharing his struggles and triumphs with listeners.
He encourages listeners to break down their own walls and connect with others on a deeper level.
He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in building meaningful relationships.
Wren acknowledges the courage it takes to be vulnerable but emphasizes its power to inspire, connect, and create positive change.

Memorable Quotes:

“I’ve been trying to heal from the inside out.” – Wren highlights the importance of holistic healing that goes beyond addressing physical symptoms.
“It’s almost like I have either choice sucks, but I can stay in the burning building.” – This powerful metaphor captures the desperation and hopelessness that can accompany addiction.
“Without a complete psychic change, without something happening to come in whenever you’re in that restless irritable, discontent, or that emerging remorseful in that firm resolution… you have like a pattern interrupt.” – Wren emphasizes the need for a profound shift in perspective to break free from addictive patterns.
“It felt like they put something there… there was actually, like, weight there.” – Wren describes the powerful sensory experience of his breathwork session, where he felt a physical manifestation of his heart healing.
“Heal people heal people. And, like, you can actually, you know, you have to heal yourself, but you can also help others heal like same time, and if you watch them heal, that helps you heal.” – This quote captures the interconnected nature of healing, emphasizing the power of helping others as a catalyst for personal growth.