S2E8: Turning Tragedy Into Purpose with Mike Farr

In this episode of the Living Undeterred Podcast, host Jeff Johnston sits down with longtime advocate and friend Mike Farr. Mike’s journey began after the tragic loss of his son, Garrett, to suicide in 2017. Instead of being paralyzed by grief, he founded Project SAFE to raise awareness, educate communities, and provide direct support for those battling depression and suicidal thoughts.

Mike’s story is one of courage, resilience, and relentless hope—proof that even in our darkest chapters, we can build light for others.

Watch the full episode here:

Q: Mike, can you share the story that led you into mental health advocacy?

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Mike Farr: On September 22, 2017, I lost my middle child, Garrett, to suicide. He had been diagnosed with depression since age six and had recently left a treatment center. Just five weeks later, I founded Project SAFE to help other families recognize the signs of suicide and connect to resources. At Garrett’s visitation, one of his best friends confided in me that he didn’t want to live anymore. We got him help, and today he’s a teacher. That moment confirmed my mission: to make sure no family walks this road alone.

Q: How did you begin building Project SAFE?

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Mike Farr: We launched with community conversations and quickly built into a nonprofit. Our mission is simple but urgent: teach people to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, and connect loved ones to help. Too often, families only learn about resources after tragedy. We want to prevent that by normalizing conversation and training communities.

Q: What signs should parents or friends be looking for?

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Mike Farr: Depression can be masked. Garrett’s last sign was being unusually cheerful—that can sometimes mean a person has already made their decision. The best thing you can do is ask direct questions: Are you thinking about harming yourself? Do you have a plan? Those conversations are hard, but they save lives.

Q: How do you see the role of schools and sports in youth mental health?

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Mike Farr: After Garrett died, Prairie High School brought in licensed mental health counselors. That was progress, but we need more. Sports can be a powerful outlet, but they also create intense pressure and identity struggles. That’s why I started the Strike Out the Stigma baseball and softball event. It combines athletics with open dialogue, bringing thousands of kids, parents, and community members together to talk openly about mental health.

Q: Technology is everywhere now—how do you see it fitting into prevention?

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Mike Farr: Telehealth and peer-support programs are game-changers. Kids need safe, accessible resources at their fingertips. Peer initiatives like the Green Bandana Project show students where they can find support on campus. Technology should connect people to help faster, not replace human connection.

Q: Why do you think kids are struggling more today, even with more resources than ever before?

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Mike Farr: In many ways, kids have lost imagination. Technology entertains constantly, and the pressures of academics and year-round sports weigh heavily. Add in social media comparison and unrealistic expectations—it’s a storm. We need to slow down, create open communication at home, and show kids that their value isn’t tied to achievement.

‍Q: You’ve mentioned that grief is different from guilt. Can you explain?

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Mike Farr: Guilt destroys you, but grief is rooted in love. I’ll always grieve Garrett, but I won’t let guilt rob me of life with my family. I believe God gave me 17 years with Garrett, and through his story, we’ve saved lives. That perspective helps me carry on.

Q: What gives you hope to keep doing this work, even when the statistics feel discouraging?

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Mike Farr: Our tagline says it best: Together we’re saving lives, one life at a time. You never know who that life will be. Every conversation, every event, every shared story—it matters. If just one person chooses to stay because of something we did, then it’s worth it.

Closing Thoughts

Jeff and Mike’s conversation is a reminder that behind every statistic is a face, a story, and a family. While suicide, addiction, and mental health struggles remain daunting challenges, voices like Mike’s show us that healing is possible when we connect, share, and support one another.

The work continues—one conversation, one student, one family at a time.

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