#937 - Justin Wren

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Justin's Journey: Training with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maestro Rafael Lovato Jr.

  • Justin discusses his recent Bellator fight and his training with Rafael Lovato Jr., a top American grappler.
  • He shares insights about the training regime in Oklahoma, blending his passions for sport and nutrition.
  • The conversation highlights the evolution of Rafael Lovato Jr.'s fighting style, showcasing his well-rounded skills in Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing.
• 00:05:03

  Matt Mitrione's Struggles: Kidney Stones and Heartfelt Moments Behind the Scenes

  • The discussion recounts Matt Mitrione's experience with kidney stones during a fight week, emphasizing the toll of extreme weight cutting.
  • Justin and his co-host reminisce about Mitrione's empathy for a fellow fighter, Stefan Struve, who had to pull out of a fight due to health issues.
  • Both talk about the physical and emotional challenges fighters face, including Justin's own struggles with celiac disease and the impact on his diet.
• 00:09:26

  Rafael and the Journey to Overcome Health Challenges: Rebuilding Health After Malaria and Celiac Disease

  • The speaker discusses multiple health challenges including multiple bouts of malaria and how they affected his immune system.
  • He expresses gratitude towards Rafael for providing support and guidance in rebuilding his health.
  • Details are shared on the importance of nutrition and meal planning as he adjusts to a new, healthier lifestyle.
• 00:15:04

  Rafael's Coaching Influence: Keys to Success in MMA with Veteran Athletes

  • The speaker reflects on the importance of Rafael's coaching and mentorship in his MMA journey.
  • He highlights the difficulties of returning to fight after a five-year break and the significance of professional training environments.
  • Discussion of the historical context and dedication in the grappling community, specifically mentioning influential figures like Salo Hibero.
• 00:18:21

  Trevor Whitman Inspires with Fight for the Forgotten and Oklahoma Community Support

  • Trevor Whitman promotes a powerful training environment amidst distractions for fighters.
  • The fighter discusses balancing professional training with humanitarian efforts supporting the Pygmy community in Congo.
  • Collaboration with Water 4 organization aids in managing training schedules and spreading awareness.
• 00:23:01

  Justin Rettles Aims for Championship Glory in Bellator While Advocating for Pygmy Families

  • Justin Rettles expresses gratitude for community support after a victorious fight in front of his Congolese family.
  • He highlights the importance of using his platform to raise awareness for water crisis solutions in Congo.
  • Ambitions of obtaining a championship title in Bellator are discussed, alongside Honeybird 4's significant financial contributions.
• 00:28:36

  EcoSurvivor's Mission: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Solutions

  • EcoSurvivor launches its new website focusing on sustainability and empowerment.
  • The parent company, Jasko Products, supports EcoSurvivor in creating rugged lighting products for communities in need.
  • 50% of EcoSurvivor's profits are directed towards providing clean water solutions in the Congo, emphasizing the importance of clean water access.
• 00:35:17

  Justin's Journey: Fighting for Change and Clean Water in the Congo

  • Justin reflects on his emotional experiences with the water crisis after losing a child due to poor water access.
  • He discusses the significant impact of clean water initiatives, with over 1.5 million preventable child deaths linked to waterborne diseases.
  • Justin's partnership with Bellator helps fund water wells, reinforcing the connection between his fighting career and humanitarian efforts.
• 00:39:19

  Andrew Verbis and Pacha Soap: Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship

  • Andrew Verbis, founder of Pacha, gains inspiration from a podcast to start his soap company while working as a janitor.
  • Pacha Soap supports the Fight for the Forgotten initiative and creates job opportunities in developing nations.
  • Promoting social entrepreneurship through a 'buy one, give one' model that actually empowers local communities.
• 00:45:17

  The Dangers of Charity: Discussing 'Poverty Inc.' and Effective Aid

  • The podcast emphasizes that handouts can create dependence and harm local economies, using Haiti as a case study.
  • Documentary 'Poverty Inc.' highlights how government subsidies from U.S. aid undercut local farmers in developing countries.
  • Experts advocate for vocational training and sustainable opportunities rather than traditional charity to foster true empowerment.
• 00:49:35

  Justin Wren's Fight for Clean Water: The Voices of Little Siku and the Forgotten People of the Congo

  • Justin Wren highlights the dire water crisis in the Congo, emphasizing the connection to empowerment through sustainable opportunities.
  • The story of a little girl named Siku illustrates the harsh realities faced by children in the Congo, including the illness caused by contaminated water.
  • Wren's commitment to the community grew after personal connections with families and children like Siku, leading to the establishment of wells and farms.
• 01:00:34

  Transformational Change in Bobofi Village: Chief Leomé's Journey to Sustainable Living

  • Chief Leomé discusses the transition of his village from struggling with poor water quality to experiencing health and agricultural improvements since drilling a well.
  • The village, once marginalized, proudly grows crops and provides for their children, showcasing the benefits of land ownership and clean water.
  • Wren emphasizes that the success of these projects is a collaborative effort with the local Congolese people working to improve their own future.
• 01:13:47

  David and the Varunga Initiative: Building Self-Sufficiency in Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda

  • David discusses the Varunga Initiative’s success in making teams self-sufficient in Uganda (over 70%) and Congo (close to 50%).
  • Rwandan, Ugandan, and Congolese teams collaborate to drill wells and teach each other best practices despite regional tensions.
  • An incident involving Ugandan drillers faced mob justice highlights the risks taken to help communities, ultimately leading to reconciliation and understanding.
• 02:23:18

  Documenting Water Crisis Solutions: David's Journey to the Sundance Film Festival

  • David shares plans for a documentary aimed at showcasing the holistic impact of his initiatives, inspired by a successful Kickstarter.
  • The documentary focuses on empowering local communities through job creation, training, and construction of a soap production facility.
  • A Swahili proverb underlines the importance of community collaboration: ‘If you want to go far, go together,’ emphasizing long-term partnerships over quick fixes.
• 01:13:47

  Lee Ome and the Water Initiative Across Africa

  • Lee Ome's village in Rwanda is funded through a crowdfunding campaign launched on World Water Day, providing clean water to 4,000 people.
  • The initiative involves creating water kiosks where community members can buy clean water at minimal cost, combating disease and pollution.
  • Plans to expand water well initiatives into the Congo to support the vulnerable Pygmy communities and address deforestation issues.
• 01:56:12

  Cultural Insights from the Mabuti Pygmies: Community and Resilience

  • The Mabuti Pygmies embody a strong communal culture, where the village provides collective support during times of loss and hardship.
  • Guests like the narrator learn vital life lessons and cultural practices around the campfire, promoting a deep sense of community.
  • The Pygmies' lack of familiarity with concepts like suicide highlights their close-knit social structure and the emotional support they offer each other.
• 01:13:47

  Jailawa and the Heartbreaking Loss of Babo's Grandson

  • Jailawa, the village chief, experiences immense grief after learning about the death of his grandson, Babo, who suffered due to lack of clean water.
  • The community comes together in a raw and emotional mourning process, showcasing deep connections and shared sorrow.
  • Contrasting cultural responses to loss, the text reflects on how grieving can unite individuals in the Congo, unlike the experience in Western cultures.
• 02:23:18

  The Life Lessons from Chief Alondo's Grandson Jippy and Community Generosity

  • Jippy, the grandson of Chief Alondo, earns only a handful of peanuts for a day's labor yet demonstrates profound generosity by sharing with others.
  • The narrative illustrates a cultural tendency to prioritize communal sharing and support, highlighting contrasts with more individualistic societies.
  • The text delves into the deep-rooted understanding of life and struggle within the community, emphasizing the rich, shared human experience amidst adversity.
• 01:13:47

  Chief Alondo and the Rise of the Mabuti Pygmies' Rights

  • Chief Alondo emerges as a respected leader advocating for the Mabuti Pygmies' rights and community welfare.
  • Water accessibility initiates agricultural advancements, allowing the community to farm and sell produce in markets.
  • Little Jippy, the first Mabuti pygmy to attend school, symbolizes hope for future representation and rights within the Congolese government.
• 01:56:12

  The Dark Legacy of Colonial Exploitation in the Congo

  • Historical context reveals the brutal regime of King Leopold II in the Congo, highlighting extreme violence against the populace.
  • The legacy of exploitation continues with illegal logging and resource extraction, threatening the livelihoods and culture of indigenous tribes.
  • The conversation underscores the global impact of Congo's resources, including coltan used in electronics, linked to ongoing human rights abuses.
• 01:07:09

  Joe Rogan's Influence on Float Therapy and Personal Development

  • The discussion highlights the personal journey of using float therapy as a tool for personal development, led by Joe Rogan's influence.
  • The conversation mentions Float O'Kee Se, an Oklahoma float tank center that gained popularity due to Joe Rogan's podcast.
  • The benefits of float therapy on mental health, especially for anxiety and depression, are discussed, referencing ongoing clinical studies.
• 01:13:06

  Exploring the Mental Benefits of Float Tanks with Joe Rogan

  • The chapter explores how the absence of sensory input during float sessions enhances creativity and mental clarity.
  • Participants discuss their experiences with visualization techniques in float tanks, particularly before important events like fights.
  • The conversation reflects on the broader implications of float therapy for community and individual appreciation of life.
• 01:13:47

  Conor McGregor's Visualization Techniques for Success

  • Discusses the relationship between physical relaxation and mental clarity, comparing it to Conor McGregor's fighting strategies.
  • Highlights the importance of mental visualization in achieving athletic goals, referencing McGregor's pre-fight mindset against José Aldo.
  • Mentions Kenny Monday's influence on visualization for success in wrestling, illustrated by personal anecdotes about championship wins.
• 01:22:27

  World Water Day Campaign: Uplifting Communities in Rwanda

  • Introduces the World Water Day campaign led by waterfor.org to provide sustainable water solutions for 4,000 people in Rwanda.
  • Notes the collaborative fundraising effort reaching $35,000 towards a $50,000 goal, including a recent substantial donation.
  • Emphasizes the impact of monthly contributions for long-term clean water sustainability and community training for local repairs.