JRE #337 – Justin Wren

by

3/12/2013






Joe Rogan Podcast #337 – Justin Wren

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast features Justin Wren, an American MMA fighter who has embarked on a unique mission to help the Pygmy people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The podcast explores Wren’s journey from the world of professional fighting to his commitment to humanitarian work, revealing the devastating realities of slavery, corruption, and environmental destruction in the Congo. Through Wren’s personal experiences and insights, Rogan and Wren delve into the complex dynamics of cultural differences, the importance of compassion, and the urgent need for action in addressing global injustices. The episode is both deeply inspiring and thought-provoking, shedding light on the struggles faced by the Pygmy people and the power of one individual to make a difference.

Here are some of the key topics explored in the podcast:

Justin Wren’s Personal Journey

1. From MMA Fighter to Activist: Justin Wren’s Transition—

This section delves into Justin Wren’s transformation from a professional mixed martial arts fighter to a dedicated humanitarian. It explores the factors that led to his decision to dedicate himself to helping the Pygmy people, highlighting the profound impact of his newfound purpose.

  • Wren’s initial ambition to fight against other people, pursuing personal glory and dreams in the MMA arena.
  • His shift in perspective upon learning about the plight of the Pygmy people, realizing that their suffering was far greater than anything he had encountered in his life.
  • His realization that he could fight for something greater than himself, finding purpose and passion in helping the forgotten.
  • The pivotal role of friendship and shared experiences in shaping Wren’s commitment to the cause.

The Plight of the Pygmy People

2. The Reality of Pygmy Slavery—

This section explores the horrific realities of Pygmy enslavement in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It details the systematic exploitation and abuse faced by the Pygmy people, highlighting the tragic consequences of their marginalized status.

  • The history of Pygmy enslavement by the Bantu people, a practice that has persisted for decades.
  • The harsh working conditions in the mines, where Pygmies are forced to extract valuable minerals like coltan, which power our smartphones and other electronics.
  • The brutal methods used by the slave masters, including shackles, gunpoint threats, and the practice of buying land from beneath the Pygmies, who have no means to make monetary gain.
  • The widespread ignorance about the origins of these minerals and the human cost associated with their extraction.

3. The Devastating Impact of Deforestation—

This section examines the disastrous consequences of deforestation in the Congo, emphasizing its impact on the Pygmy people and their traditional way of life. It reveals the interconnectedness of environmental destruction, exploitation, and the displacement of indigenous communities.

  • The spiritual significance of trees to the Pygmy people, who believe that their ancestors live within the trees and bury their dead within them.
  • The destruction of the rainforest by loggers and slave masters, who use Pygmies as forced labor to cut down trees for charcoal and other purposes.
  • The displacement of animals and the disruption of the Pygmy people’s ability to hunt and gather, leaving them increasingly dependent on the slave masters.
  • The hypocrisy of rainforest conservationists who buy up land to protect the trees while neglecting the Pygmies’ rights and well-being.

4. The Cultural Practices and Beliefs of the Pygmy People—

This section explores the fascinating cultural practices and beliefs of the Pygmy people, showcasing their unique traditions and resilience in the face of adversity. It provides a glimpse into a world vastly different from our own, challenging our understanding of human diversity.

  • The Pygmy people’s remarkable ability to survive in the harsh environment of the rainforest, adapting to the challenges of hunting, gathering, and constructing shelters from natural materials.
  • The significance of the bow and arrow in Pygmy culture, passed down through generations, embodying their connection to the land and their skills as hunters.
  • The unique forms of music and communication employed by the Pygmy people, including the water drum and polyphonic singing, demonstrating their artistry and cultural expression.
  • The Pygmy people’s belief in the spiritual connection between humans and nature, particularly trees and snakes, showcasing their reverence for the natural world.

5. The Congo: A Heart of Darkness—

This section focuses on the complex realities of the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the stark contrasts between its natural beauty and its human suffering. It reveals the history of colonialism, corruption, and conflict that continue to plague the nation, creating a deeply unsettling picture of a country rich in resources yet impoverished in opportunity.

  • The Congo’s immense natural wealth, possessing every element on the periodic table and fertile soil, making it a country with immense potential.
  • The history of colonization and exploitation, starting with the rubber trade and continuing with the extraction of gold, diamonds, and coltan, enriching outside powers at the expense of the Congolese people.
  • The pervasive corruption and warlordism, hindering development and perpetuating poverty, violence, and human rights violations.
  • The contrast between the beauty of the natural environment and the hardship endured by the Congolese people, highlighting the tragic consequences of greed and injustice.

Justin Wren’s Personal Struggles

6. Justin Wren’s Addiction to Pain Pills—

This section dives into Justin Wren’s struggles with addiction to pain pills, exploring the root causes of his dependence and the devastating impact on his life. It offers a raw and honest account of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the challenges of recovery.

  • The role of injury and chronic pain in initiating Wren’s addiction, highlighting the vulnerability of athletes to these substances.
  • The insidious nature of pain pill addiction, often disguised as treatment, leading to a spiral of dependence and self-destruction.
  • The combination of multiple prescriptions from different doctors, exacerbating Wren’s addiction and hindering his ability to function properly.
  • The personal and professional consequences of Wren’s addiction, leading to isolation, lost opportunities, and a sense of emptiness despite achieving success in his chosen field.

7. Justin Wren’s Road to Recovery—

This section narrates Justin Wren’s path to recovery from addiction, detailing the critical role of friendship, support, and a newfound purpose in overcoming his struggles. It underscores the power of human connection and the potential for transformation in overcoming adversity.

  • The importance of a supportive friend who relentlessly reached out to Wren, providing encouragement, accountability, and a sense of hope.
  • The transformative nature of a Christian retreat, where Wren found a community that offered unconditional love, support, and guidance, fostering a profound shift in his perspective.
  • The realization that Wren’s life had a greater purpose than personal gain, leading to a commitment to serving others and making a difference in the world.
  • The connection Wren forged with the Pygmy people, serving as a catalyst for his recovery and providing him with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.

The Fight for the Forgotten

8. The Fight for the Forgotten Project—

This section focuses on Justin Wren’s initiative to fight for the forgotten, outlining his vision for empowering the Pygmy people through education, sustainable development, and the eradication of slavery. It details the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and financial support for the project.

  • The collaborative partnership between Justin Wren and Shalom University, a Congolese institution committed to helping the Pygmy people.
  • The goals of the project, aiming to free Pygmy slaves, provide sustainable ways of life, and preserve their culture and traditions.
  • The methods employed to achieve these goals, including the establishment of schools, farms, and water wells, along with the introduction of earthbag home technology.
  • The urgent call for financial support through crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo, seeking to raise awareness and resources to fund the project.

9. The Significance of Justin Wren’s Mission—

This section examines the profound impact of Justin Wren’s mission, emphasizing its potential to create lasting change for the Pygmy people and to inspire others to take action against injustice and exploitation. It highlights the power of one individual to make a difference in the world.

  • The potential for the Fight for the Forgotten project to become a self-sustaining initiative, empowering the Pygmy people to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
  • The potential for the project to serve as a model for addressing similar issues of human rights and environmental exploitation in other parts of the world.
  • The potential for Justin Wren’s story to inspire others to overcome adversity, find purpose, and contribute to making the world a better place.
  • The message of hope and resilience that resonates through Wren’s journey, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and action.

Memorable Quotes

  • “I just heard about how much they were suffering. And I had no clue.” — Justin Wren reveals the impact of discovering the plight of the Pygmy people, highlighting his initial lack of awareness and the profound shift in his perspective.
  • “Most of its pygmy slave mine.” — Wren exposes the shocking truth about the origin of coltan, highlighting the exploitation of the Pygmy people and the human cost of our technology.
  • “They believe that the ancestors of their, yeah, their ancestors live inside the trees, become trees, and they bury their dead inside holes inside of trees.” — This quote underscores the deep spiritual connection the Pygmy people have with the forest, revealing their reverence for nature and the impact of deforestation on their beliefs.
  • “God loves you, bro. And you got problems, and that’s okay.” — A quote from Justin Wren’s support system, capturing the message of unconditional love and acceptance that helped Wren on his path to recovery, demonstrating the power of compassion in overcoming addiction.
  • “It doesn’t hinge around it does not hinge around if they become a Christian or not.” — Justin Wren clarifies the true purpose of the Fight for the Forgotten project, emphasizing that it is not about conversion but about empowering the Pygmy people to live free and self-sufficient lives.


 

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