What REALLY Happened To Ren.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

If you want to support Ren with his medical treatment you can here: www.gofundme.com/f/ren-get-better-from-lyme-disease-and-autoimmunity

[@LoriCrabtree31]

Very cool of you to do this interview and to aid in his journey! Your respect has been earned.

[@cmikesmith664]

I just donated. 💷

[@cmikesmith664]

Surprisingly, these illnesses seem too often misdiagnosed.

[@kiwatts]

Thank you for posting this section of the interview. I am working on updating something written about Ren today and specifically this time period. You saved me from having to hunt for it. Are transcripts made of the interviews you do? If so where are they? Written sources are preferred and considered more reliable over video by the site the article is on. It is all about being able to check for accuracy

[@martinbyrnenl]

I just donated. Thank you Justin for your music and more recently for your content and views. Ren for the first time ever I believe I will listen to more of your music than I do the Gallagher's! I share your music with everyone I meet. I believe you are a generational talent.

[@lindseywarren44]

It is sooooo difficult to learn to be your own advocate for your healthcare! Of course we Google symptoms!! Good grief! It's a learning process and can be heartbreaking if the doctors aren't listening in an open minded way. I have been through something similar. I am now 58 years old. I pray (I pray) that Ren finds a way to live a long, happy, prosperous and healthy life full of everything he dreams of. He is such a gift to this troubled world! My God. I want to be watching him when I am 90... Love and Bless xoxo

[@ponderthis6102]

Much love to you Ren.

[@Laurasings87]

I was finally able to listen to this whole interview, oh my gosh, Ren near identical Lyme story . You are my hero musically and as a Lyme survivor .

[@courtneygilley5672]

He's my fucking absolute favorite rapper ever!!! I'm dying to just have a small conversation with him before I die💯💪🤘❗❗❗

[@lauren_WI]

❤

[@lillyeve7709]

I love ren and his music he is so handsome I just want to hug him and hold his hand and fight this illness with him just to let him know he's not alone

[@maggiemay6625]

here's how special this kids arms reach my mam is 75 she loves him i'm 56 i love him my daughter is 34 she loves him my grandson is 19 he loves him now that is spirit i can only put him on part with shakespear thanks for this interview you did a sterling job❤️

[@LetsGoEers2]

Wow, that is beautiful! This isn’t the first time that I’ve seen different generations inside families, but not 4 odd them! At 20 years age difference! So amazing!! Congratulations to your entire family!

[@Beachdreamz1]

I’m 65 and love him ❤

[@AfterBurner369]

​@@Beachdreamz1 I'm 63 and love Ren too.

[@sbalsamo410]

As someone with both auto inflammatory and intractable pain, I look at young people like Ren and want to continue the fight for people with invisible illness in the US. Whether it be physical or mental illness, there are many of us out there without a voice. He tells the story of many, except we’re not brilliant lyricists with badass guitar skills.

[@amandagrace3588]

I feel like we need to form a coalition

[@mai-leiwong7240]

I appreciate you stopped talking to really let Ren get it all out! Realizing that's what he needed to do was very caring of you. I respect that!

[@S1RLANC3]

He was also considerate enough to only start talking the one time so he didn't get too emotional where it was gonna make it harder to complete the interview.

[@odedfried-gaon2880]

incredible, amazing person, Ren, so fluent and fluid, so sharp and deep, having searched for a cure to his pain and suffering. i wish him well, i hope he continues to inspire and educate the world about the treatment and views on mental illness! #OdedFriedGaon #OdedMusic #OdedInformation

[@alimac1469]

Ren is doing way more than "making waves", he is creating a worldwide tsunami that is rolling through and affecting so many on so many levels. ❤

[@clouserlara8935]

He’s brilliant, independent, creative, unstoppable soul shaker & looks dapper in pink . Ren deserves the moon all health 🤌✨🖤🌙🥰

[@kristineteall368]

Honestly, as someone who suffers from autoimmune disease… several actually. It typically takes 7 years to diagnosis, and if you are marginalized, even longer. We’ve all been there, having a doctor rely solely on a CBC and telling you there’s nothing wrong. I challenged a doctor, was called mentally ill for doing so, and let go from his practice with a scathing letter defiling my character, all because I refused to accept the little bit of diagnostics he’d done. I get the journey he’s been on, as do many others in the same boat, and it shouldn’t be that way. It just shouldn’t.

[@rachelcarter5282]

I’m right there with you. It’s a horrible life on the sidelines.

[@oliverbird6914]

Yep...well said both of you. . We've been written off as collateral. The whole system in medicine needs a massive overhaul. Decades behind the cutting edge

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

Typical response from most Dr's. I completely understand. I have 7 autoimmune diseases and now suffer with cancer which is also typical from having specific types of autoimmune diseases. When I heard his song I cried for days because finally I met someone who understood that was releasing music which was huge. Good luck with your illnesses and make sure to get checkups for cancer often.

[@SuziQ.]

My doctor wouldn’t test for Lyme, despite my having been bitten by ticks. I already have a number of autoimmune diseases, and feel like sh*t more often than not.

[@zachhenderson7982]

​@@SuziQ. seems ridiculous that they wouldn't test. Not sure of your country, insurance, etc. But if you're paying, (or they're getting paid) is crazy that they wouldn't check. (Insert quotes from money game 1 or 2 and crucify your culture) so sad how humanity treats each other sometimes. I hope you're doing better

[@MissMeKate]

Fantastic that you gave him such a big platform to address all the rumours and get the truth out there. Excellent interview in so many ways. Thank you both!

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

I agree he has really good skills as everyone else just talks about the artist who is sitting right in front of them . They don’t really allow them to answer as they are always over talking others .

[@ryanzeigler9763]

@@charisselinnell-morton4137 I appreciate your sentiment but Ren already had a bigger "platform" here on KZbin =)

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

@@ryanzeigler9763 I don’t understand your comment. I was saying I enjoy the interview as he is letting Ren speak . I have noticed some people who interview others don’t listen and they just talk. I was just saying that it was an insightful and thoughtful conversation.

[@16blondes]

Thank you so much Ren & Justin 🙏🏽❤️

[@MissMeKate]

It's not all about subscriber count folks. In the UK Justin is very well known and connected. (Not saying he's a megastar but he has been around the block.) With UK media being slow on the uptake, an interview with someone who already has a platform (that extends beyond KZbin) is a great opportunity. Justin's first reaction to Ren introduced a lot of people to him, and helped get the reaction ball rolling. Sure, he could have been interviewed by some youtuber who is known for nothing else but having loads of subs, and it might have been seen by more people, but it wouldn't have been perceived the same way beyond KZbin as it is with him being interviewed by a person so many of us know from the industry. It all helps legitimise an independent artist.

[@spruce381]

Honestly Justin, didn’t dig your Darkness stuff, but found your channel through Ren, and I now love and respect your humanity. Thank you.

[@GarnetJ]

It’s amazing hearing Ren share his story. And he is becoming a voice for the countless people suffering in silence from chronic diseases and chronic pain that have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. So thank you for sharing this excerpt so that more people can see it. I’m so proud of Ren for not giving up and for channeling his experiences so beautifully through his art. Not only through “Hi Ren” but “Sick Boi,” “Crutch,” “Patience,” “Diazepam,” “Chalk Outlines,” and many more. Ren is becoming a voice of a generation with a strong message to share. And he is building an incredible community around him. It’s incredible what he’s been able to accomplish as an independent artist!

[@BrickNewton]

What amazes me and what I love is he reaches all ages, I've seen comments of appreciation from teens to people in their 60's and 70's

[@GarnetJ]

@@BrickNewton yes! It’s remarkable that Ren has touched such a broad demographic - age groups, ethnicities, backgrounds, walks of life. He has a gift

[@boerwolf2326]

FFS. Its a Brit thing trying to be the biggest victim. Blah blah blah.

[@GlasPthalocyanine]

I'm in my 60s, and love Ren. I've always love music that tells stories about people, going back to The Kinks, Blockheads, lots of folk and country music. This is what's been missing from music for a while but the audience has always been there.

[@VeneraBerens-df8cb]

FOR ANYONE WHO CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW INCREDIBLE REN IS JUST RESEARCH HOW UTTERLY DEBILITATING LYMES DISEASE ACTUALLY IS AND YET HE GIVES US THE MOST AMAZING GIFTS OF HIS ALL ENCOMPASSING ART IS JUST BEYOND WHAT IVE SEEN ANY OTHER ARTIST DO

[@ckinahan1]

It's amazing how often Lyme disease goes misdiagnosed or totally undiagnosed. His spirit to keep forcing the issue brings me hope.

[@OfAngels444]

I've caught it twice.... it's scary as hell

[@davidreed3246]

A very sensitive and compassionate interview between a very articulate Ren opening up fully, and the usual beautiful and articulate Justin sitting back and letting Ren vent. Powerful on a few levels.

[@andrewcarpenter3148]

I think Justin has the good sense to realise that all of the things Ren talks about here are what makes Ren Ren, and with Justin being an artist who's keen to understand a fellow artist's motivations, given the wholly confessional nature of that fellow artist's work, there's almost an inevitability to his stepping back, almost. It helps, of course, that Justin is also deliciously self-aware, which is an excellent trait for a rock star.

[@shhmaya]

So unfortunate that Ren spent years finding only the worst of doctors, the ones who don't do a finger more than the minimum. His tears make me feel sorry for him, for me, for everyone struggling. If you feel "crazy", record stuff with your phone and use doctors and friends to show what's real and what's not, there are ways, keep fighting guys. Ren survived for us, let's live well

[@SamuelDeans]

We have all had them 99%of services are do shit i went to docs with aneurysm i was called a pest i went mental i want second opinion he takes 1 look 20 min later blue lighted to hospital i broke my back n sturnum didnt find that for 9 months i had assessment with mental health team yeah we can see u unwell we can support you we will be in touch with an appointment 2 years later i get a call out the blue oh our fundings up for review is there anything we can do to support u i went mad u not called me for 2 years now your fundings up for review u want to support me i said it dont work like that and hung up the drug teams want to keep addicts addicts u tell them u want off the meds and they want to replace it with another addictive drugs all the services are dog shit

[@Real_ATF]

Unfortunately that’s what happens when you move to Canada because socialist medicine is the worst yeah it’s great in the sense everyone gets free care but that’s about as great as it gets those doctors get paid the exact same as if they were doing a triple bypass or removing a splinter he should have came to America where money talks bullshit walks

[@julieyates405]

It's tragic our health service is so bad at assessing sick patients properly. Ren's experiences are not uncommon and with Lyme Disease on the increase in the UK there needs to be competent services to deal with it. Unfortunately some people get diagnosed with fibromyalgia and get sent for pain management education rather than being given the care and support they need. The saddest thing of all is the gaslighting that goes on, which causes another layer of distress and mental health problems for people who are very sick and isolated already. Ren is doing so much to bring hope and understanding while sharing his artistic brilliance. Much love ❤x

[@julieyates405]

@J When there's been injuries or a lot of ongoing pain that hasn't been treated properly, central sensitivity can kick in that gets written off as fibromyalgia too. The big problem is no one wants to manage these patients because they're often time consuming, costly and complicated. The success of 'pain management education' is highly questionable but still offered as the only service available to some. Even if a positive Lyme diagnosis is made outside the UK, it's still hard to get that recognised and treated. What's needed is more sensitive testing, comprehensive assessment and a management plan that works. As an ex nurse, I find the lack of care and competence shocking.

[@tribute1965]

Justin. I did watch the whole interview when it dropped. But re-watching this section, I'm reminded about how moved I was at how you took over and changed the subject when it was clear that Ren was becoming emotional about telling the story of his health issues. You could have milked it to get more emotional impact. But instead you did the kind thing so he could regain his composure. You are a gem mate!!!

[@duchesserickson]

I noticed a break in the video about the time the health issues were being discussed. I have a feeling it was edited out as Ren became emotional, although I don't think there's anything wrong with crying or breaking down when discussing such personal and painful topics, it just shows you're human.

[@Darragh1]

I noticed that too.

[@christopherwalker8090]

Good man for helping our guy out ❤

[@mechelle176]

That's really good to notice that too and of course, it should be not surprising that anyone or this man has integrity. I'm glad as well.

[@amberkluga8949]

I'm awe-struck listening to Ren's journey to discovering he had lyme disease. fuck, Ren's dogged tenacity in searching for an answer is amazing

[@ckinahan1]

I took care of a woman who had Lyme disease and being totally confused by it and how detrimental it is. I listened and learned and I commend him for getting all this done while sick. Takes a real soul.

[@tamarakindle73]

As someone who has suffered from autoimmune disease since 15 years old...and also suffers from profound mental illness I admire and recognize Ren's struggle to be an artist in spite of life and what it has dealt him. Being misunderstood by the medical community is heartbreaking....I am in a situation where they know what I have but not how to treat it....

[@Sue-qp6dx]

I only discovered Rens music a couple of months ago and quite frankly he's one of the best artists I've heard.....but not only that he's real.....he shares his inner self with us openly.....this makes him very special....no gimmicks no bs....just real art and raw talent.....amazing human being

[@lauren_WI]

❤

[@leighannnoonan2095]

I also found him a couple months ago (Em has been my fav) Ren is right there next to Eminem!! I saw a clip of someone showing Em sick boi and all he said was " I need him"

[@turlus0072]

When he said "this is gonna be my contribution and I'll probably die in a few years... and um, yeah". I absolutely felt that. That pause and breath resonated in me. Be strong brother and I hope you find your strength and purpose to push forward.

[@sunbetweenclouds1988]

This world needs people like Ren. And you, too. ❤

[@rael1999]

The love of music has been with me ever since my early teens and I'm 64 now. Every now and again you come across someone who makes you stop and pay a little more attention to what they're doing and Ren is one of those guys. He has a talent that comes across in so many ways both musically and lyrically and I feel he's destined to be remembered whether he becomes huge commercially or not. He's a very articulate young man and expresses himself extremely well. Amazing that he's had to go through so much with his health problems and is still producing a unique body of work. I am really chuffed for him and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours. Excellent interview Justin. I like how you just sit back and let Ren speak without constantly interrupting him. People like Jonathon Ross and Graham Norton could do with watching you.

[@SchussinBoots]

You are so right. Mid fifties here and just discovered Ren for the first time yesterday… mind blown! Not just his music but the accompanying character…. What an amazing young lad. He deserves everything good to happen after all he’s been though. Well done Justin for giving him the space to tell his story and speak uninterrupted.

[@frankmerrill2366]

@@SchussinBoots I echo your comment, the only difference being that I'm a generation older than you. An intelligent friend introduced me to Ren less than three hours ago. There are many good things to learn from this exemplary human being.

[@victsn]

For anyone who doesn't understand why we hardcore love Ren, this illuminates it perfectly. I, for one, love his heart & spirit. 💖 He shines. & that's not to mention he's impossibly musical and brilliant on every level! He shines like the truest star in the darkest skies. 💫

[@marks814]

Agreed! His Spirit Shines!

[@christinefuss9585]

❤❤❤

[@duchesserickson]

Ren has a sensitive and open spirit, plus he is humble. I think his health issues, have molded him into the person he is today. You don't see the obnoxious ego in him that you see in many celebrities today. He is down-to-earth and very human.

[@jiagforal]

Ren you are amazing! You absolutely do shine!! You inspire! Thankyou for your openess to the ones who love you! Your talent inspires us!! Really, THANK YOU❤

[@olivergilliland464]

I used to see Ren about Brighton all the time, busking and playing with The Big Push, mad to think how much shit he was going through those times. Glad he's doing good now. His track Money Game (part 2) is a banger by the way

[@gothempress]

Justin, it was incredibly kind of you to give Ren positive affirmations, especially when he started to get emotional about the bleak state of his health. You are a gift, sir.

[@Ashbash75]

I can't imagine how hard it must have been to have dealt with all those symptoms for so many years without having any answers... Just shows how strong he actually is to still be fighting and working through them rather than just giving up ... Such an incredible talent that I hope gets the publicity and promotion he deserves in future.

[@oliverbird6914]

I can .30 years. There's about a million of us if you include long COVID...no one cares

[@j.w.213]

he deserves it for so long, not because of his illness.

[@Ashbash75]

@@j.w.213 Erm I never said he didn't deserve it and certainly never said anything about his illness being related to his success? Kinda scary how you got that interpretation from what I wrote or are you getting confused with someone else's comments??

[@anthonyhowrard526]

@@j.w.213 pretty sure that His illness and what He went through made what He is and how He makes His art. Sure it would have been a lot different if not.

[@anthonyhowrard526]

@@Ashbash75 dont worry Bro. your pm was great.

[@Darragh1]

Poor kid, he's actually very talented, listened to some of his songs after part of that full interview. Wish him the best, and good health - seems like such a nice guy.

[@ChrisLawton66]

This man has been a tremendous inspiration to me since January. Thank you, Justin for sharing "Hi Ren" back then.

[@Lynds77]

Justin, I love that you let Ren speak. Most who interview him cut him off and want to hear themselves speak. Your questions were original, organic, and you listened for his answers which was amazing, you even let him pause and gave him room to continue on with another thought that we wouldn't have heard otherwise ♡ . Thanks Justin for this! Love the entire almost 2hr interview

[@thewickedpixie63]

Its so hard to see Ren so hurt by these memories and his fear of genuinely feeling he would die at that time i just wanted to put my arms around him. Its amazing to see him doing better and can only hope he goes from strength to strength .Making up for lost time and using his struggle to fuel his creativity will set fire to the world ❤xx

[@DestinyHeaven-nt8mb]

🤟you amazing star dusted soul

[@jenniferedwards9005]

U could see him start to choke up at a point but he got cut off. I think he was a bit relieved at the same time. He just shook it off like he wasn't about to get upset..smh.. he's such a beautiful human being. I do hope he gets better and gets to fulfill his dreams.. I think he'd be a wonderful actor as well.. he seems to be comfortable acting in his videos. I just can't get enough...still...lol. Hope everyone is doing well and has a great day! ❤

[@jeanwyenberg2774]

@@jenniferedwards9005 I think Justin was wise to step in because Ren was faltering. As others said, it was a kind thing to do.

[@Bakeman3000]

It's saddening to hear the struggles one has to go through to stop suffering from illness... It's also absolutely insane and ridiculous in this day and age that people still have to go through that. Luckily Ren was strong and kept at it, others aren't as lucky as him. Docs think, oh sorry mate, we already spent so much money on you, we don't want to run another test. It's absolutely insane and the wrong way of doing things for someone in that profession of making people better.... I hope Ren's stories keep getting circulated and help bring awareness to the problems in the medical industry. And to just bring hope to those that suffer... there is always a way, it might be hard to find, but it's there. You can't give up.

[@tinadunbar4577]

Jesus Ren, its like a mirror of my life listening to you trying everything, searching everywhere. A pain specialist, after I'd asked about something I googled, said Stop looking for a cause or a cure and accept you've been unlucky. ! It broke me. ❤

[@molls0922]

I’m so sorry someone you hoped would help you, hurt you. Stay strong ❤‍🩹

[@SidBonkers51]

Same, but the morphine patches help :(

[@MagnusTHEWILL]

REN probably saved my life by sharing this, because I've been suffering from the exact same shit and it's been a TRUE HELL. - THANK YOU SO MUCH REN! And for everyone who wonders who he is and if he's worth checking out; He's a true artist! Got a big spectrum of diversity in his songs, so don't judge one by the other... I really feel he treats his music as art and my favorites are very deep, authentic ARTistery!

[@patriciacloix71]

🙏

[@HouseholdDog]

Found him Through Justin. I really am a crotchety "they don't make em like they used to" kind of guy, but was blown away by him. He's a genius.

[@hypnoticleslie]

I have Lyme. I’ve been gaslit and have had my symptoms used against me - even to justify keeping my children from me, which is evil to the core. Thanks to Ren, I have a voice.

[@jenafir]

I have also had my symptoms used against me by family and in family court. You are right, it is absolutely evil.

[@kristoferwolcott8529]

I cam relate to your experience too.

[@TheSeanLiddle]

That moment where he confronts he may have died a couple of years from his album release, you can see the pain 🥺 there’s not many of us confront our own mortality like that so young

[@crankypantsmcduff]

Rens music speaks to me. I have some chronic pain issues that impacted me mentally and listening to Ren has made me look at myself differently. Ren touches your soul.

[@wilrossi1]

Ren is an incredible artist and person. I have struggled with Lyme for 15 year, every penny goes to trying everything. I appreciate that he’s helping to educate others about this horrible disease.

[@Lozza2993]

I know exactly the frustration he felt. My doctors have been doing the same to me for 8 years so far. I'm not giving up.

[@Earth_Systems]

Dividing your activities between ‘content’ and ‘art’. Love that. Great conversation. 👍🏼

[@bridgetdeptford3901]

Thank you Justin for allowing Ren to talk. I think he was glad to get stuff off his chest.

[@kayla123ism]

People think when you have a diagnosis like this you’ve either known your whole life or you found out really easily while most of us are told for years we’re making it up ( even worse when your a woman unfortunately) and it’s just mental illness once you work on that you’ll feel better physically too all those cliches. It’s so hard to find a doctor who’s willing to do the work to figure out what’s wrong

[@jaeljade3609]

I love Ren so much. I've never heard any other artist who gets so much of the pain in life. My life has been very similar except I don't have his talent. I can't wait to hear more from this major talent.

[@jodypowell7052]

Such a crazy and difficult journey. I'm so glad Ren is getting better. I believe he would've been great without his pain, but I appreciate the fact that he's not shy about using it. It's something that breaks a lot people. Now those people have a voice. I was one of those people. I've fought my own demons, I'm in a great place now, but I could've easily been someone who succumbed to them.

[@iamalphalim]

My heart goes out to him He’s such a courageous young man and persistent And generous too for sharing his pain and learning with us

[@HelenGallacher]

It took me over 30 years for the nhs to finally diagnose my autoimmune disease that can be diagnosed with one simple blood test. It’s the most infuriating thing to keep going back and keep going back trying to convince yourself you aren’t a hypochondriac but on my 4th bout of pneumonia to nearly take my life in my 20s one doctor finally took the time to listen to say to me right start at birth and what’s happened to you since. The relief of knowing even when it turns out to be something so shitty to deal with is so worth the push. I love hearing stories like this out there to encourage people to listen to your body you know when it’s not right and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

[@KatieKnaus-rb3fq]

If it wasn’t for Ren and falling in love with his music and his story, I would have never asked my dr to test me for Lyme after 20 yrs trying to figure out what’s wrong with me, being told I’m fine, perfectly healthy in fact. I have had Lyme for 20-30 years and I found out about a month ago. Thank you Ren, I truly and literally owe you my life. I am still not being treated. Lots of testing and different doctor visits just to be started on a treatment. Nonetheless, I’m so grateful to finally know and grateful for Ren and his amazingly endless talent. ❤❤❤

[@Rohinthas]

Honestly, the road to his diagnosis is an absolute nightmare, an indictment of the healthcare system, and this should be required viewing for any aspiring doctor... Lyme's isnt even that rare... So glad he found some answers in the end, you can hear the struggle so clearly in some of his music!

[@AzazelsWings]

Thanks a heap for sharing this again, Justin. ❤ Ren is loved and cherished by so many.

[@katstephenson8493]

This hits home for me..I was tested for everything including Lyme's disease..I'd been out climbing in Scotland and it was thought I'd been bitten by the bugs... 12 years later I was diagnosed with severe CFS..I thought I was losing my mind like,Ren has described is what I've done..crazy.

[@jetmoo]

Do you get derealisation? I hope you don't mind me asking

[@jacks9624]

Thanks Justin, more clarity is much needed in the world.

[@EarleyDaysYet]

Thank you for this. Ren is phenomenal, and so many people relate to his mental health struggles and frustrations with “the system” being thoroughly dismissive of their situations. Much love to Ren, and thanks again for putting him in blast for people who haven’t heard of him yet.

[@OslerWannabe]

Man, this is sad. I practiced medicine for 45 years, and after 1980, one of my great fears was that we would start to see Lyme disease on the west coast, and we did. Now, I assume that he truly has tertiary Lyme disease, and has not received a diagnosis of Lyme disease from a chiropractor or reflexologist. But if he had a stem cell transplant, he has the real thing. The organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi is a spirochete, as is Treponema pallidum, the organism which causes syphilis. Both diseases have 3 stages, separated in time by asymptomatic phases. The tertiary stage of each can involve any organ system, often the brain, causing various psychiatric and neurologic effects. Psychosis is common. It is devilishly hard to diagnose, especially in the secondary and tertiary stages, and the tertiary stage is sometimes impossible to treat, since it seems to assume an autoimmune quality. The disease is a bitch, The Great Masquerader, and the primal fear of every frontline physician. Stories like Ren's are not uncommon, and it's easy to assign guilt to the doctor who missed the diagnosis. God knows, there are some incompetent and stupid doctors out there, but most tragedies like Ren's are the result of good doctors getting outwitted by the Demon Bug. The thing I really hate to see is patients like this giving up and pursuing "alternative ' modes of treatment. There are only two kinds of treatments: (1) those that work, and (2) those that don't. If a treatment is "alternative" for any reason, it will get evaluated, sooner or later. If it doesn 't work, it stays "alternative." If it DOES work, it is immediately sucked into the armamentarium of mainstream medicine. An example of an alternative modality which has become allopathic is acupuncture for pain. It often works significantly better than placebo. It is now mainstream for pain. Not for heart disease or cancer. An example of an alternative modality which was thoroughly evaluated and failed is homeopathy. The NIH looked at it long and hard, doing multiple double blind placebo controlled crossover trials, and homeopathy is NEVER effective for ANYTHING. Of course, this being America, and the 21st century, i.e. the era of alternative truth, some people will believe it works. They are the placebo responders. I tell you, that "placebo" is powerful medicine. For 40% of patients. I genuinely hope Ren is still under the care of a good immunologist. These days, with genetic and monoclonal antibody modalities available, miracles are not beond possible.

[@roxannem2208]

Ren, THANK YOU so much for speaking the truth of Lyme disease. You make so many feel validated in their suffering. For so long, the Lyme community has felt lonely and marginalized. You bring Lyme sufferers HOPE! 💚

[@kimzwolinski9919]

Great job Justin 😊 The whole interview was awesome.

[@johnlux6905]

Ren's a solid bloke. Been through the effing wood chipper this one. He'll untangle these knots. Hardware (soul) is good. Brain just scared and running some malware.

[@KristinPedemonti]

Ren, Thank you for persevering. I'm so sorry so many medical systems so deeply let you down. I am so grateful you finally learned what was going on in your body. So glad you are healing and able to share your music, you are a gift. Justin, thank you for this interview.

[@inmacampos2516]

I feel you Ren, my young daughter with same symptoms and thousands been treated by doctors the same way. It all down to toxicity, bacterias, parasites… and emotional trauma. Need to learn how to heal yourself as no one helps. Good luck in Canada… hope you get what you deserve… and those lost years .. x

[@derkdigler1712]

The full interview is a must watch even if it is nearly 2 hours

[@Silkytoaster]

The full video is so good I didn’t even see the time fly by - its like HI Ren - everyone went - 9 min music vid ??!! I will give it a glance then before I knew it I had watched it 3 times in a row bawling my eyes out .

[@nellkellino-miller7673]

Especially*

[@dominiquepintojurkat8990]

Where Is the full interview

[@countryroad9827]

​@Silkytoaster where's the full video

[@ladyjulia4038]

This made me really grateful for my health. Thankyou to both of you

[@cmikesmith664]

I’ve become a Ren fan thanks to Justin Hawkins Rides Again.

[@entertherealmofchaos]

Same... I'm very thankful for the introduction

[@jonricho2451]

Also how I found Ren, top lad 😊

[@AzazelsWings]

Bless you all ! Share his music if you could, it would help getting his amazing music out there ❤

[@leebellis8494]

What an amazingly talented down to earth guy ..Incredible Love Peace & Power to him

[@Annellen53]

Thanks for sharing Ren's go fund me page Justin, you are a lovely human being. Loved this interview.

[@TheRandyDowning]

Much respect that you knew when to just listen, and let him speak his truth. You're a good man.

[@brucefindlay]

What a fantastic interview. Justin you really brought the best out of Ren. You're relaxed style allowing Ren to express and explain the horrific journey he has been on was heartwarming. Ren is an incredible talent and an amazing human being who is now hopefully on the mend...hopefully!! Good on you for getting Ren's trust with your patience and empathy. Thank you... Music is the food of love...❤🎶👍

[@davidspriggs5024]

Good interview. I haven’t heard REN talk about his dark period before this. I knew he had been seriously sick, but had no idea what it was like. I discovered REN years ago through the Big Push busking on KZbin. I liked his collaborations a lot. Such talent. Thanks Justin

[@mikeywhyte6353]

I just hope this young lad is around for a very long life. A big man hug from me young man. I'll definitely come and watch you live.

[@gd1406]

Much Love to Ren!! Thank you Justin! God bless you both!

[@Catt62]

After recently discovering Ren thanks to you Justin, im absolutely in awe, his lyrics strike a chord in me and his story resonates so much, i was misdiagnosed and ignored for years until finally i collapsed with kidney failure leading to a diagnosis and many months of chemo, so many times ive nearly given up but now I'm a huge fan of Ren and he's helping me to fight on.❤

[@liziwood6370]

I so identify with Ren's health struggles. I have MAS (Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome - three or more AI conditions or piggybacked AI) which began with severe Crohn's disease 15 years ago. It took me over 4 years, a major abdominal surgery & the loss of my career to get a correct initial diagnosis from a Gastroenterologist. It is brutal on your sense of reality & your mental health to be told repeatedly the physical issues you're suffering with have no specific origin or diagnosis. When you are feeling so unwell having to also try & be your own advocate & diagnostician in the face of a mainstream medical system trying to dismiss your valid concerns is an immense emotional & physical battle. When you finally find the answers from an appropriate medical specialist who is able to do the correct tests, combined with the symptoms you're experiencing it is such profound relief. Am stoked for Ren that he found the expert with the answers he was seeking & was able to start his path to wellness because he is indeed an artist who has & will continue to contribute significantly with his music. There is some truth in the notion that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - onwards & upwards Ren!

[@coleeg69]

And now REN is in his prime and is the freaking goat of music this whole year and more to come! Ren changed the game and have to create a complete new category of genre to put him in. Ren is truly a pure fucking talent and happy he shares this talent with the world. Again, Ren is the 🐐!!! What music should be.

[@Silkytoaster]

This interview is awesome - I watched the full one and it was well worth a watch for anyone who admires Ren and is curious about his story and journey.

[@dylansmith1844]

I am struggling with Lyme myself. Heart goes out to ren. Thanks for speaking for those of us society pushes aside

[@curbyi76]

What a lovely young man I'm sure Justin if needed is gonna be at the end of the phone. Thank you for your honesty

[@darrylflynn1400]

I’ve only really discovered Ren a couple of months thanks to you Justin since then it’s been an ride I never expected I would take it’s been emotional and uplifting to hear everything so far all the best and I hope all the goals set out are achieved

[@michellepower6765]

This broke my heart , so glad you found out what it was , you are a strong, amazing individual with so much talent and I’m completely blown away by your music x

[@howlandfamilyadventures5995]

As someone with stage 4 endometriosis, adenomyosis, and several autoimmune diseases I relate to Ren so much. I just recently found his music and it sucked me in. I wish I could look inside his brain, the kid is BRILLIANT! We love him.

[@FooDogDat]

How wonderful to hear directly from Ren. (Hi Ren!). Coming from the world of M.E. everything about his medical journey is familiar to me and all my 'PwME' friends. Both in 'Hi Ren' with the lyrics - " You think that those doctors are really there to guide you? Been through this a million times Your civilian mind is so perfect at always being lied to Okay, take another pill boy Drown yourself in the sound of white noise Follow this 10 step program, rejoice! All your problems will be gone! Fucking dumb boy" and the opening of 'Sick Boi' that speaks volumes about the abuse, neglect, indifference, and incompetence of the medical system, the sadism of 'BioPsycoSocial' 'Functional Medicines' discredited unscientific cult ('All In Your Head - making yourself sick'), taken advantage of by 'medical professionals' snake oil business models, or 'fee for service' providers not working on a patient's health but making quota or maximizing billable charges (hello US medical industry!), having suffered iatrogenic physical and psychological harm, all too familiar to many of us. Untreated or persistent infections by themselves lead to psychological manifestations, for Ren it sounds like neuroborreliosis, which is recognized to lead to the symptoms and 'breakdown' he describes. Add to that the iatrogenic harm, trauma and lasting PTSD of medical abuse and it's no wonder many of us don't survive our 'healthcare.'

[@RocketTrolley]

Just wanted to drop in and say this resonates strongly with me... especially the fee for service model

[@mikenew1969]

Resonating also as I have had M.E 30 years. Doctors gave me prescriptions for depression and anxiety and eventually diagnosed me. The journey of recovery had little to do with the medical system where I live in the UK. Recovery came through personal determination and battling. Ren articulates the struggle so well!

[@rachelcox682]

This had me in tears for the trials of this genius young man, whose work just blows my over 50yo mind in its brilliance. My elderly mum had Lyme’s and it took her 15 months of begging GPs for a Lyme blood test which after so many refusals they relented and gave her and of course she was positive. It’s an awful and debilitating disease. It makes me so mad that medical professionals are so reluctant to test for it and would rather accuse people of hypochondria than actually investigate. It damaged mums heart and nerve tissues permanently and much of that damage could have been avoided by earlier action. I cannot applaud young Ren enough for his tenacity and courage. I hope he shares more of his creativity with the world, he deserves every success.

[@gloworm4658]

Am in no way minimizing Lyme disease. On the contrary, having fibromyalgia, I completely understand. Couldn't get out of bed for months following a hysterectomy and didn't know why. I actually begged my doctor to keep testing me though after my diagnosis because of the stigma of fibromyalgia. Diseases that can't be cured, aren't "experienced" by the general public and have "flare ups" that can't be seen visually - you're just begging for friends and family to look at you and treat you like you're a useless bag of bones. My mom had HSP as an autoimmune, which also affected the skin, so anyone and everyone could "see" when she was sick. Lyme disease is silent but it leaves you screaming.

[@davidkohli6117]

Justin rules, thanks for showing us this talented kid named Ren

[@Stoobers]

He's such a bright and honest lad, it's refreshing to have someone like Ren making it big in a world full of cookie cutter so called stars.

[@mlee2952]

Great interview again Justin! Such a refreshing experience to have someone let a guest share his story without a need to interject and lead the interview . Your both amazing talents ❤

[@Ph4n_t0m]

Hi Justin! Good of you to highlight this snippet to help get the story straight. Also, FYI you linked this snippet in your description when you meant to point to the longer interview. I hope you can fix this ❤

[@ninavieira7781]

I literally just met this artist and I'm completely fascinated! The honesty of his music and incredibly artistic melodies touched me deeply.

[@SannaAndrew]

I have only just been introduced to Ren, here in Oz.....I am speechless, what an incredible, and difficult, journey, so powerful. I can only imagine the many that have gone through the same journey but never found the cause/solution/resolution...and just been binned, to our homelessness populations or institutions. Ren, you give hope, to the hopeless....and a humanity that I just can't put words to

[@Sleepee_Goblin]

His full story is now published on Ren makes music for those curious, every chapter made me cry because it's so relatable

[@michellemurphy9326]

Wonderful to hear this story.. fair play for being so persistent and resilient in that journey discovering lime disease. Such a epic human 🙌

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

Wonderful interview. I have been noticing many online interviewers talk but don’t listen to the artist . I am so happy to see Ren talk as he is a genuine and talented man who is humble and has such a gift .Great content and always looking forward to seeing what Ren does next!

[@ghr8184]

It's so brutal hearing Ren talk about "I thought I'd be dead by thirty," in such a matter-of-fact way. This is heartbreaking stuff. Ren, we're better for having heard you; please hang on and make your wonderful art, but most of all, take care of yourself. It's also really nice to hear a kinder story of record labels being understanding and letting him have the tracks.

[@richarddeboer8934]

We need guys like you ❤ stay onboard no matter what hits you Bounce back trust youre inner Strenght & Wisdom

[@bellabear1974]

I remember back then when Ren got the diagnosis buying an album from him to help raise money as a girl I worked with knew Ren. Such a talented young man and absolutely love following his journey and as someone who is on their own healing journey from chronic illness I am so inspired.

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Wow. What a journey. Glad Ren was strong enough to endure.

[@justmyopinion3450]

Ok, I'm officially in love with this young man, as the grandson I wish had. I am so glad you outsmarted the allopaths. I know someone that manages chronic Lyme with triphala. It keeps it at bay. Just my 2 pence. I have only liked a very few rap pieces. Most just don't float my boat. But your work transcends. So I'm going to find out where to support you, Ren. Blessings on you, man.

[@sachemsiouxx]

On his youtube page there s a gofundme link for his treatment if you need.

[@duchesserickson]

You're not the only one who had fallen head over heels in love with Ren!

[@takerhapsody]

@@duchesserickson another one here and I’m 55 and a grandma . Love everything he does

[@jencritchfield2091]

It took 2.5 yrs for me to get a chronic late stage Lyme disease. 3 cancers, stroke, heart attack, Ms, all kinds of different diagnosis within a short time. God bless you Ren. Lyme is a bioweapon made by man

[@bagginssupercat]

You can tell the folk who have totally had to face down death. Ren is able to talk about so much 1st hand and does so, SO well.