The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogan Experience #1374 - Justin Wren
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 2:19
Habit tracking, morning routines, and starting the day proactive
Joe notices Justin’s organized notebook and asks about his daily habits. Justin describes a structured morning routine centered on breathing/meditation, hydration, and exercise to avoid starting the day reactively.
- 2:19 – 4:10
Fundraising inspiration: a supporter walks across America for Fight for the Forgotten
Justin tells the story of Jeremy, a drummer who walked 3,100 miles to raise awareness for the pygmies and Fight for the Forgotten. The conversation branches into Jeremy’s Tourette’s, mentorship, and the extreme conditions of cross-country trekking.
- 4:10 – 13:32
Justin’s health crisis begins: schistosomiasis and months of unresolved symptoms
Joe steers the discussion back to Justin’s health and the parasite situation. Justin explains schistosomiasis exposure from African rivers and describes a long chain of infections and debilitating symptoms that have derailed training.
- 13:32 – 16:58
Brain scans, PTSD markers, and the stellate ganglion block conversation
Justin describes intensive testing including brain imaging and what doctors claim they can see (PTSD patterns and other functional issues). Joe connects it to Dakota Meyer’s experience with the stellate ganglion block as a fast-acting PTSD intervention.
- 16:58 – 21:10
Rallying around Raiden: bullying footage, bystander culture, and giving support
Justin introduces Raiden’s case—an autistic, diabetic 12-year-old bullied on camera—and explains why it struck him personally. Joe and Justin discuss diffusion of responsibility, why people film violence, and how community support can change outcomes.
- 21:10 – 25:13
Martial arts, confidence, and the downside of modern MMA trash talk
Joe argues martial arts can reduce bullying by building confidence and community, while Justin highlights character development as prevention. Joe then critiques MMA’s trash-talking trend—entertaining but culturally corrosive—and they pivot to fighter reputation and doping accusations.
- 25:13 – 29:20
Congo travel realities and why Justin might have “unknown” exposures
Justin explains the multi-day, multi-flight route into remote Congo rainforest areas and how deforestation has changed access. The logistics, corruption, and dangerous roads underscore how difficult (and medically risky) this work can be.
- 29:20 – 35:51
Drug toxicity and compounding damage: mefloquine, Cipro, and severe malaria episodes
Justin details how treatment drugs may have created lasting neurological and musculoskeletal problems. He describes extreme malaria complications (including blackwater fever) and connects antibiotic side effects to tendon/ligament issues and multiple tears.
- 35:51 – 52:34
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: why it’s helping and the recovery stories that convinced him
Justin credits hyperbaric oxygen therapy with immediate improvements in sleep, mood, and cognitive function and explains the proposed mechanism (pressurized oxygen reaching cells/mitochondria). He shares dramatic recovery stories—Caleb Freeman and Eden Carlson—to illustrate the potential.
- 52:34 – 1:00:44
Fight for the Forgotten wins: Poirier/Khabib/Dana donations and scaling wells + land
Justin explains how a UFC title-fight storyline turned into major funding for wells and infrastructure. The donations expand their capacity from one water project to multiple wells and new land acquisition for displaced communities.
- 1:00:44 – 1:08:49
U.S. expansion: suicide risk, bullying statistics, and the 'Heroes in Waiting' curriculum
Justin connects bullying to mental health outcomes and youth suicide risk, sharing CDC-based framing for who is most at risk. He describes their 12-week program designed for schools and martial arts communities to build character and proactive kindness.
- 1:08:49 – 1:56:57
Gifts, tools, and fundraising mechanics: planners, knives, competitions, and how to help
Justin brings several gifts tied to supporters of Fight for the Forgotten, including training planners and custom knives whose sales donate proceeds. The episode closes with concrete ways to support: the academy fundraising competition, monthly giving club, and direct support for Raiden.
