Whether you are struggling with depression, addiction, or seeking motivation, Justin’s story is a roadmap for anyone feeling lost in the dark. "I was the youngest heavyweight in the country, and I was losing the only fight that mattered." In this powerful episode Kati speaks with Justin Wren for a raw conversation on mental health, resilience, and the recovery journey. Justin pulls back the curtain on a life of extreme highs and devastating lows, from the "merciless" bullying he faced as a child in Texas to the secret OxyContin addiction that haunted his professional MMA career. We dive deep into the "living nightmare" of substance abuse, where Justin managed a massive intake of pills while fighting on the world’s biggest stage. He shares the heartbreaking moment he hit rock bottom after missing his best friend's wedding and the moment in Tulum that gave him a second chance at life. Justin also discusses his work with Fight for the Forgotten, his nonprofit dedicated to providing clean water and land rights to the Mbuti Pygmy people in Uganda and Eastern Congo. He shares the beautiful, life-altering lessons he learned about community, grief, and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) that helped him find true healing.
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In this episode:
00:00 – Meet guest Justin Wren
01:41 – The "merciless" bullying Justin faced in grade school
08:34 – Moving schools and finding mentorship through Olympic wrestling coaches
13:54 – Discovering the UFC
18:18 – Learning to "swim in the deep end" by wrestling 200 matches a year
18:49 – Finding purpose by speaking in over 100 correctional facilities
26:54 – The freak injury that led to a massive opioid addiction
33:07 – Rock bottom: "I can't believe you missed my wedding."
34:10 – The attempt to end it all in Tulum and the miracle survival
44:48 – Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) with Dr. Daniel Amen
49:32 – The cycle of "dry drunk" vs. real recovery
53:51 – Fight for the Forgotten: Deep work on land rights and sustainable water
01:04:13 – Explaining depression to a culture that has no word for "suicide."
01:17:08 – The Statue of Responsibility and giving a "hand up," not a "handout."
JUSTIN WREN
https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/
Ask Kati Anything ep. 302 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
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The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.
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