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The Light Watkins Show

292: Plot Twist: From MMA Fighter to Humanitarian: Justin Wren’s Unexpected Path to Purpose

The Light Watkins Show

Light Watkins

Self-improvement, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture, Education

4.9960 Ratings

🗓️ 22 May 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this Plot Twist episode, former MMA fighter Justin Wren shares the incredible story of how he walked away from everything he thought he wanted—and found something far more meaningful. On the surface, Justin had it all: a winning streak, legendary coaches, and the fight of a lifetime in Tokyo with a six-figure payday. But inside, he was quietly unraveling—struggling with painkiller addiction, depression, and a deep sense that he was on the wrong path. Then came the moment that changed ever...

Transcript

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0:00.0

people think MMA fighters are rich because it's the fastest growing sport.

0:06.6

Man, if y'all knew what I got paid, you wouldn't believe I got hit in the head for that.

0:10.3

It's a fun journey, and I've got to do some cool stuff, but it's a stretching journey, man.

0:15.7

Like, it's so much easier for me to get into a cage than to get on a stage. Or it's so much easier for me to get into a cage than to get on a stage.

0:21.9

Or it's so much easier for me to literally fight a dude six foot 10 than it is to ask someone for a donation whenever they're like, why aren't you doing it?

0:33.6

I'm like, well, I do.

0:34.7

When I fight and I win, I give.

0:36.4

Or I give 10% of everything back to the charity I started and because I believe in it.

0:42.5

But it's a stretching growing thing to be like, hey, I believe in this.

0:46.2

I love them and you would lust them.

0:49.1

And this is the right thing to do.

0:55.2

This is the Light Watkins show.

0:57.3

I have long-form conversations with luminaries who've taken a leap into a life of service

1:02.5

and purpose.

1:03.7

And my hope is that by hearing their stories, you will feel more inspired to do more

1:09.1

of what feels aligned with your spirit.

1:11.6

It's kind of like what the late great Howard Thurman suggested.

1:14.7

We don't want to ask what the world needs.

1:17.3

Instead, we want to ask what makes us come alive and go do more of that.

1:22.0

Because what the world truly needs is people like us who have the courage to come alive. On paper, Justin Wren was

1:30.3

living the dream. He was a rising MMA star on a winning streak. He was training with legends.

1:36.8

And he was finally getting the fight that he dreamed of since childhood. 100,000 fans in Tokyo,

...

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