Justin Wren was an up-and-coming MMA fighter, competing for the UFC and even appearing as a cast member of SpikeTV’s The Ultimate Fighter. But it was a fluke series of twists and turns, paired with a mystical vision, that sent him in an entirely new direction… living in a hut in the Congo with the Pygmy peoples in Africa. Justin likes to say, "when I stopped fighting people and started fighting FOR people, everything changed” … little did he know he’d still have the biggest battle to fight ahead… and it would be one he’d almost lose.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:02] Jamie introduces Justin Wren. 

[01:49] Justin talks about the horrific accident that doctor’s said would leave him with a 30% chance of ever fighting again. 

[03:42] Justin describes how he grew famous in the fighting world and the beginning of his battle with oxycontin.

[07:50] Justin talks about his year of volunteering at a childrens’ hospital at the age of 23. 

[11:06] Justin recounts his “sober vision” that resulted in a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and finding his forgotten people.

[16:45] Justin speaks about how the people of the Congo taught him gratitude. 

[18:14] Justin describes the story behind what motivated him to build a hospital in the area that is open to all. 

[20:49] Justin explains what “hut living” is like. 

[26:00] Justin talks about PTSD he has from his time in Africa and how abstinence did not cure him from his drug addiction. 

[31:36] Justin begins to describe his attempt to take his life in Mexico. 

[35:18] Justin shares his life-changing moment of gratitude after his unsuccessful suicide attempt. 

[39:10] Justin talks about the service that his gratitude has fueled and discusses the progress on the hospital he is helping to build. 

[43:34] Justin answers Jamie’s question about the key to gratitude and happiness by describing how to start small and then to grow it from there. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[17:45] Justin shares the greatest teaching moment of his life—gratitude for the little things. 

[23:19] Justin explains the significance of providing opportunity instead of just charity (“giving a hand up rather than a hand out”

[38:00] Justin talks about staying connected to “the source” which he defines as an ever-flowing river of love.  

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Justin Wren for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Justin on Instagram @thebigpygmy and check out FightForTheForgotten.com.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali.

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Justin’s Bio: 

Beyond his impressive MMA career, Justin Wren has dedicated his life to making a positive impact. Inspired by a life-changing trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Justin founded "Fight for the Forgotten" to focus on providing clean water, education, and empowerment to Pygmy communities in Africa. He advocates for indigenous rights and is a powerful voice for marginalized communities.

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