For 31 years, Sergeant Mike McGrew saw the darkest side of humanity—crime scenes, violence, addiction, suicide, and unimaginable loss. But when trauma, grief, and hopelessness nearly crushed him, God met him in the middle of the pain and completely transformed his life.
In this deeply moving episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough Podcast, Mike shares how he survived devastating personal tragedy, including losing both of his sons, battling stage 4 cancer, and years of emotional trauma as a police officer. He opens up about alcoholism, faith, healing, supernatural experiences, and how God led him to create a life-changing ministry helping first responders heal from trauma.
If you’ve ever struggled with grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, or feeling completely overwhelmed by life… this conversation will encourage you, strengthen your faith, and remind you that God is not done with your story.
Chapters
[00:00] Podcast Preview
[01:28] Topic and Guest Introduction
[04:20] Meet Sergeant Mike McGrew
[05:20] The Hidden Trauma of First Responders
[07:10] His Son’s Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything
[09:05] Why Trauma Destroys So Many People
[11:22] Alcohol, Isolation & Emotional Shutdown
[13:22] The Chris Tomlin Concert That Changed His Life
[16:09] How Faith Transformed His Police Work
[17:40] Losing His Son to Suicide
[18:55] The Supernatural Signs After His Son’s Death
[21:40] Why Men Struggle to Ask for Help
[24:20] Turning Pain Into Purpose
[26:25] Why First Responders Avoid Therapy
[27:24] Creating 911 At Ease International
[30:34] Using Music to Help Heal Trauma
[32:15] Finding Purpose Through Pain
[34:24] Losing His Second Son to Addiction
[35:45] The Calls That Changed His Perspective
[37:50] Battling Stage 4 Cancer With Faith
[39:30] Miracles, Deliverance & Spiritual Warfare
[44:37] Conclusion
Resources mentioned:
Guest’s bio:
Sergeant Mike McGrew is a highly decorated 31-year veteran of the Santa Barbara Police Department, where he served as a major crimes homicide detective, hostage negotiator, and president of the Police Officers Association. A third-generation first responder, Mike dedicated his life to serving and protecting others while facing the harsh realities of violence, trauma, and loss on a daily basis.
Behind the badge, Mike endured profound personal battles, including failed marriages, his son’s cancer diagnosis and tragic loss, another son’s battle with addiction, and his own ongoing fight with stage 4 cancer. After years of silently carrying emotional trauma, Mike experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his pain into purpose.
Today, Mike is the co-founder and executive director of 911 At Ease International, a nonprofit organization providing free and confidential counseling services to first responders and their families. He is also the author of A Higher Call to Duty, where he shares his remarkable journey of faith, healing, resilience, and breakthrough.
Call to action:
Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!
To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com
To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.
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