JRE #937 – Justin Wren

by

3/24/2017






Joe Rogan Podcast #937 – Justin Wren: Topics and Summary

Joe Rogan Podcast #937 – Justin Wren: Topics and Summary

This podcast dives into the life of American MMA fighter, Justin Wren, as he navigates his comeback fight, details his training regimen, and shares his profound dedication to helping the Pygmy people of the Democratic Republic of Congo through his organization, Fight for the Forgotten. The conversation touches on themes of resilience, purpose-driven living, and the fight for social justice.

  1. Justin Wren’s MMA Comeback

    1. Wren details his training at a new camp, working with Rafael Lovato Jr., a world-class grappler.
    2. He discusses the benefits of training alongside Lovato Jr., specifically highlighting the pressure-style grappling that he’s learned.
    3. Wren emphasizes the significance of his comeback after a five-year hiatus, highlighting the improvement in his performance and physical conditioning.
    4. The conversation explores the role of proper nutrition, diet changes, and a warrior lifestyle in Wren’s return to fighting.

  2. Celiac Disease and Health Challenges

    1. Wren discloses his celiac diagnosis and the impact it has had on his diet and training.
    2. He attributes the development of his celiac to a combination of factors, including opioid addiction, time spent in the Congo, and exposure to malaria and other diseases.
    3. Wren highlights the importance of consistency and discipline in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in the context of his fighting career.
    4. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating celiac as a heavyweight fighter, as well as the importance of having a strong support team, including a nutritionist and a meal prep service.

  3. Fight for the Forgotten: Wren’s Advocacy for the Pygmy People

    1. Wren’s passionate advocacy for the Pygmy people in the Congo takes center stage, detailing his long-term involvement with the organization Water for.
    2. The discussion explores the challenges faced by the Pygmy people, including lack of clean water, sanitation, and educational opportunities.
    3. Wren explains how his MMA career serves as a platform to amplify the voices of the Pygmy people and raise awareness for their plight.
    4. He details the organization’s efforts to empower the Pygmy people through sustainable solutions, including well drilling, soap production, and community development initiatives.

  4. The Power of Empowerment

    1. Wren critiques the traditional model of charity, arguing that empowering local communities with skills and resources is more effective than simply providing handouts.
    2. He shares real-life examples of how well-intentioned charity efforts can inadvertently harm local economies and create dependency.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding cultural nuances and collaborating with local communities to create sustainable solutions.
    4. Wren emphasizes the transformative power of providing opportunity, illustrating how access to clean water and education can empower the Pygmy people and lead to greater self-reliance.

  5. The Impact of Clean Water

    1. The podcast emphasizes the life-changing impact of clean water for the Pygmy people, showcasing the dramatic reduction in waterborne diseases and improved health outcomes.
    2. Wren details the devastating consequences of waterborne illnesses, particularly among children, and how access to clean water can save lives and improve overall well-being.
    3. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable water solutions, including well drilling and water towers, to ensure long-term access to clean water.
    4. Wren shares inspiring stories of how access to clean water has empowered communities, enabling them to farm, send children to school, and improve their quality of life.

  6. Balancing MMA and Advocacy

    1. Wren discusses the challenges of balancing his MMA career with his advocacy work, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to prioritize training.
    2. He shares how Bellator has been incredibly supportive of his efforts, allowing him to share his story and promote Fight for the Forgotten.
    3. Wren details the strategies he employs to manage his time effectively, including a dedicated team that helps him with scheduling and logistics.
    4. The conversation emphasizes how success in MMA provides a platform to amplify his advocacy work, allowing him to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact.

  7. The Importance of Community

    1. Wren discusses the strong sense of community among the Pygmy people and how it contrasts with the more isolated and individualistic nature of modern society.
    2. He shares insights into the Pygmy people’s cultural practices, including their communal mourning rituals, sharing of resources, and deep interconnectedness.
    3. The conversation explores the potential benefits of fostering a stronger sense of community in modern society, recognizing the importance of connection and mutual support.
    4. Wren argues that the Pygmy people, despite their challenging circumstances, demonstrate a profound appreciation for life and a strong sense of purpose.

  8. The Power of Visualization

    1. Wren describes his experience with float tanks and the powerful effects of visualization, particularly in relation to his MMA training.
    2. He shares how he used visualization in the float tank to mentally rehearse his last fight, leading to a successful outcome.
    3. The conversation explores the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of visualization for athletic performance and personal development.
    4. Wren encourages listeners to consider incorporating visualization techniques into their own lives to improve focus, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

  9. EcoSurvivor: A Sustainable Business Model

    1. Wren introduces EcoSurvivor, a company that donates 50 percent of its profits to Water for, his organization.
    2. He explains how EcoSurvivor’s sustainable business model empowers the Pygmy people through job creation and economic development.
    3. The discussion highlights the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of environmentally responsible business practices.
    4. Wren encourages listeners to support EcoSurvivor through their website, highlighting the positive impact of purchasing their products on the lives of the Pygmy people.

Memorable Quotes

  • “My conditioning was on point. I wasn’t rushing. I’d put in the time, the effort and everything else and got my cardio good.”
  • “It’s not about a program or a fight camp and you getting ready then. It’s about, hey, let’s just live this in day in and day out, eat the right food, real food, put real nutrition in your body, real strength, kinda like the on it stuff, you know, the kettle bells, everything else.”
  • “I truly believe, man. Like, we have we’ve found something really special at Waterford. And there’s other organizations that I’m sure are doing it in different spaces, but I feel like us we are doing it in a way that we put the tools in the hands of the people that need it the most, the people in the community.”
  • “The answer to poverty isn’t charity, it’s opportunity. Opportunity is always better than charity.”
  • “You took me out of town around you. I felt a piece of shit. No. I don’t want anyone to feel that way at all. I don’t really mean that. I’m not kidding. But I mean, in a way, you’re so selfless in that regard.”


 

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