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The Mark Divine Show

MMA Fighter Turns Humanitarian | Justin Wren on Overcoming Addiction, Depression, and His Mission in Uganda and the Congo

May 7, 2024
56:27

Justin Wren is a humanitarian, author, journalist, former MMA fighter, and founder of the Fight for the Forgotten charity. After overcoming depression and addiction early in his MMA career, Justin embarked on a life-changing journey with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo Basin rainforest. Inspired by a transformative vision, he founded Fight for the Forgotten to combat the global water crisis and expand its impact to serve the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • The Essentials: Personal practices, such as meditation, gratitude, and spending quality time with loved ones, are essential for maintaining a positive mindset and cultivating self-mastery.

  • Overcoming Depression and Addiction: Purpose-driven service can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and healing, as demonstrated by Justin's journey from overcoming depression and addiction to founding Fight for the Forgotten.

  • Empowering Communities: Providing tools, knowledge, and resources to develop sustainable livelihoods is a more effective approach to creating lasting change than short-term, unsustainable aid.

  • Sustainability and Rainforests:  Rainforests play a critical role in maintaining the Earth's ecological balance, and indigenous people, such as the Mbuti Pygmies, are essential stewards of these ecosystems.

  • How to Create Lasting Change: Collaboration between nonprofits and NGOs is crucial for creating a more significant impact and addressing complex global challenges, such as the water crisis and the displacement of indigenous communities.

  • It All Starts Within: Loving oneself and cultivating self-mastery is essential for being able to serve others effectively and create meaningful change in the world.

 

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